Mistress of the Night - Don Bassingthwaite [130]
Keph turned a sour eye on her and commented, "You sound more like a priestess every time we talk."
"I know," Feena said, wrinkling her nose.
"What will happen to the Sharrans?"
"The guard has taken them into custody," said Julith. "Those who want to repudiate the Dark Goddess will be given the chance. Those who don't will face the law of Yhaunn for any crimes they've committed. We're fortunate there were no deaths in the Stiltways. We have your family to thank for that, Keph."
"Oh, yes," Keph grunted, "the wizards of Fourstaves House-always heroes."
"The wizards aren't the only heroes of Fourstaves
House," said Feena, squeezing the young man's shoulders. She turned him loose. "I think there's something you should have." She ran over to the cloisters and reached through an arched gate to retrieve a cloth-wrapped bundle she had left there earlier, then returned to the pool. "This is yours."
She shook loose the wrappings. Keph's eyebrows rose at the sight of his rapier.
"Quick!"
"I spoke to Mifano this morning," Feena said. "He's still recovering from Velsinore's attack. He told me where to find it and also asked me to pass on his apologies… and his admiration."
"I wish people would stop saying that," Keph said with genuine shame. "I don't even want to stay in Yhaunn. I don't feel like I belong here anymore."
Feena nodded. "I know how you feel," she said. "I can't wait to get back to Arch Wood."
"Feena!" Julith cut in. "I thought we'd agreed-"
"I know," said Feena. "After Mother Dhauna and the others are laid to rest… a grand ceremony installing the new High Moonmistress." She bent down and scooped up a handful of water from the sacred pool, then pressed her wet fingers to Julith's forehead. "Julith Harkspur, you are a true priestess of Selune and by Selune's grace, I name you Moonmistress-Designate and my successor at Moonshadow Hall." She flicked the last of the water from her fingers. "The ceremony installing the new High Moonmistress will be for you. I resign."
Julith's eyes went wide. "Feena, you can't! Mifano should-"
"Mifano doesn't want the post. I spoke to him about that as well. He's too ashamed of being manipulated by Variance and of how he behaved toward me. I think you should let him keep the Waxing Crescent though He's very good at that-he suggested holding Lady Monstaed's properties in trust until the guard can determine what Variance did with the real Lady Monstaed when she took her place."
Julith simply stared, speechless.
Feena patted her cheek and said, "You'll do fine, Julith. You know everything about Moonshadow Hall. You have compassion and determination. After the way you took charge last night, the clergy are already looking to you for leadership." She smiled at the young priestess. "What do you say?"
"I… I'll do my best." She drew a deep breath and continued, "It won't be that bad, I'm sure. Six hundred years ago, Moonshadow Hall survived a High Moonmistress who couldn't talk."
Feena blinked. "Asha the Silent?"
"Yes!" said Julith. "How did you know?"
"I'll make you a copy of The Book of the New Moon. But only if you do me a favor." Putting her arms around both Julith and Keph, she turned them toward the brick-filled arch that stood in for the new moon gate onto the courtyard. Feena lifted her chin. "Open that up. The New Moon Pact has been reborn."
***
Variance sensed Rivalen Tanthul's presence as the high priest entered the archive chamber. She turned and bent her head in respect.
"Flame of Darkness," she whispered, "Singer after Twilight."
Rivalen bent his head as well, but his eyes stayed on her face.
"Vigilant sister," he said with a trace of awe. "What happened?"
Variance reached up and touched the long scar that cut across her right cheek and notched her ear.
"I was not sufficiently subtle," she said. "Shar