Mistress of the Night - Don Bassingthwaite [70]
"And Deneir's," added the High Scrivener of the Lord of All Glyphs. Feena held back a grin. Julith had said that the two priests, the most conservative members of the council of temples, would agree with each other. Another prediction fulfilled!
"And Waukeen's, as well, Moonmistress." The priest of the goddess of wealth bowed toward Feena. "Generosity is the root of success."
Feena heard Julith let out a little gasp beside her. Waukeen's priest had been among those the priestess had judged would be the most difficult to convince. That he had come around so quickly was almost a miracle! Feena bowed back to him, honoring him with a deeper bow than he had given her.
"Thank you," she replied.
The representatives of the Nessarch, the council of merchants, and the craft guilds were still communicating among themselves with whispers and skeptical glances. The merchants' representative finally looked up and cleared his throat.
"The idea seems to have merit," he said, caution plain in his tone, "but none of us can offer our full approval without consulting our members. And with the new moon only tomorrow night, we couldn't organize meetings in time to give you an answer."
"Of course," said Feena. She couldn't hold back her smile anymore and it spread across her face just as the warmth of triumph spread through her belly. "I didn't expect that you could. That's why I would like to invite you to attend-"
"Feena!"
From the window of her sitting room, Dhauna Myri-tar's voice drifted down into the courtyard, piercing and demanding. It didn't sound like the High Moonmistress was frightened or in pain, however. Feena clenched her teeth behind her smile and carried on.
"I would like to invite all of you," she said, extending her arms to encompass the group, "to attend tomorrow's New Moon Beneficence as my guests. I think you will see-"
Dhauna's second call was more strident: "Feena!"
Feena winced and glanced at Julith. The other priestess gave her a sharp nod of encouragement. Feena drew a breath. "I think you'll see how much need there is for this type of cooperation and how much good we would be able to do if we were to work togeth-"
Feena!
The call was magical, echoing inside her head as loudly as if Dhauna were standing right next to her and shouting in her ear. Feena gasped and actually staggered. Julith caught her.
"Feena, what is it?" the young priestess whispered.
"Mother Dhauna doesn't want to be ignored," Feena grunted. She stood and offered her guests a bow. "Please excuse me," she said. "It seems there's something I must see to." She laid a hand on Julith's shoulder. "Julith can tell you anything you need to know. Thank you very much for taking the time to come and speak with me."
She turned-and Mifano and Velsinore turned as well, moving to intercept her as the rest of the group converged on Julith. She shot the pair a hard glance.
"Not now," she snapped.
"Feena-!" Velsinore began angrily.
Feena glared at her. "I said not now!"
She crossed the courtyard at a swift stride. As soon as she was beyond the cloisters and inside the temple, she broke into a furious run, hastening up to the High Moonmistress's quarters before Dhauna could try calling her again.
The high priestess stood at the door, waiting for her.
"Do you ever intend to come when I call you?" the old woman asked.
"I was busy, Mother Dhauna," Feena snarled. "Did you look out your window? I was in the courtyard meeting with people. Important people!" She stormed past Dhauna and into the sitting room. It was dark. The High Moonmistress had drawn the curtains against the sun. Magic lit the desk in a puddle of light. Dhauna closed the door and waddled over to the desk.
Feena looked at her and frowned. "Where are your canes?"
"I put them aside," said Dhauna. "Selune gives me strength."
She'd used magic to bolster herself, just as she had on the night of the Full Moon Blessing. Feena's eyes narrowed.
"What's going on, Dhauna? Why did you call me?" "I've unlocked