Amber and Blood - Margaret Weis [66]
He was trying to think how he could explain his doubts when he saw the Abbot’s gaze shift to the door, where one of the priests of Majere stood silently in the entrance, waiting patiently to catch the Abbot’s attention.
“Holiness,” said the priest, bowing, “forgive me for disturbing you, but two guests are here asking for Brother Rhys. One is a kender, and he seems most eager to speak to our brother.”
“Our business is finished, isn’t it, Brother?” said the Abbot, rising. “Or is there anything more I can do for you?”
“You have given me all that I required and far more, Holiness,” said Rhys earnestly. “I ask now only your blessing for the difficult road that lies ahead.”
“With all my heart, Brother,” said the Abbot. “You have Majere’s blessing and my own. Will you seek out Valthonis?” he asked, as Rhys was about to depart.
“I do not know, Holiness,” said Rhys. “I have two lives to consider—that of Valthonis and that of Mina. I fear the consequences of such a meeting would be terrible for both.”
“The choice is yours, Brother,” said the Abbot gravely, “but I remind you of the old saying, ‘If fear is your guide, you will never leave your house’.”
ightshade and Mina and Atta were welcomed into the Temple of Majere by one of the priests, who greeted them with grave courtesy. Every visitor to Majere’s temple was met with courtesy, no one was ever turned away. All the priests asked was that the guests speak in quiet tones, so as not to disturb the meditations of the faithful. The priests themselves spoke in soft, hushed voices. Any visitors who were loud or disruptive were asked politely to leave. There were rarely any problems, for such was the wondrous serenity of the temple that all who entered felt a sense of tranquility.
Even kender were welcome, which pleased Nightshade.
“Kender are welcome in so few places,” he told the priest.
“Do you require anything?” the priest asked.
“Just our friend, Rhys,” Nightshade answered. “We’re supposed to meet him here.” He cast a sidelong glance at Mina and said in meaningful tones, “If you could ask him to hurry, I’d appreciate it.”
“Brother Rhys is meeting with the his Holiness,” said the priest. “I will tell him you are here. In the meantime, can I offer you food or drink?”
“No, thank you, Brother, I just had breakfast. Well, maybe I could eat a little something,” Nightshade replied.
Mina mutely shook her head. She seemed suddenly shy, for she stood with her head ducked, stealing glimpses of her surroundings from beneath lowered eyelids. She was clean, brushed, and neatly dressed in a pretty gown with mother-of-pearl buttons up the back and long, tight-fitting sleeves. She looked the very image of the demure merchant’s daughter, though she did not act the part. Her antics at the Inn and then on the way to the temple had nearly driven poor Nightshade to distraction.
Mina had grown bored making bread and Laura had sent her out to play. Once out of the Inn, she dodged around the guards and dashed up the stairs to the tree level, forcing Nightshade and a couple of guards to chase her down. When they were back on the ground and on their way again, Mina started stepping on the kender’s heels trying to trip him, and stuck out her tongue at him when he scolded her.
Soon growing tried of teasing Nightshade, she had teased Atta, pulling on her tail and tugging at her ears, until the dog had lost her patience and snapped at her. The dog’s teeth did not so much as break the skin, but Mina had shrieked as though she were being mauled by wolves, causing everyone in the street to stop and stare. She swiped an apple from a cart, then blamed it on Nightshade, bringing retribution from an old lady who was surprisingly spry for her age and had amazingly sharp knuckles. Nightshade was still rubbing his aching head from that encounter. By the time they reached the temple, he was worn out and could hardly wait to hand Mina over to Rhys.