Realms of Valor - James Lowder [120]
“Perhaps not, but that doesn't change facts,” said the patriarch. “Before allowing the gods back into the planes, their overlord made it clear their status and power would depend upon the faith of the mortals who worship them. Mystra's church is smaller than Cyric's. And that means I've allowed Our Lady's foulest enemy to outstrip her power.” “But you've always said that the Goddess of Magic is special-” “I know what I've said, but the truth is that I'm failing,” Adon replied. He turned his scar toward Corene and pointed a finger at it. “And this is the symbol of my inadequacy.” “If what you say is true, what are we doing in this forlorn place?” Corene asked. “We should be back in Arabel, converting the masses to Our Lady's cause.” Adon shook his head. “That isn't Mystra's will,” he said. “In a dream, she made her wishes clear. I must lift the curse afflicting this village-whatever it is.” The novice shook her head. “The will of the gods is difficult to comprehend.” 'True, but in this case I think I understand Our Lady's design,“ Adon said. ”We cannot hope to contend with the priests of the other churches. Chauntea gives her worshipers bountiful crops. Helm protects his followers from harm. Lliira promises her devotees a lifetime of bliss. As clerics of Mystra, we have nothing to offer except a lengthy and difficult study of the mysteries of magic.“ ”But the rewards-“ ”Are a long time in coming and difficult to grasp,“ Adon interrupted. ”No-if I've learned one thing since becoming a patriarch in this church, it's that we won't earn worshipers for Mystra by competing with other religions. Instead, we must try something different-something like what Our Lady sent me here to do.“ 'To lift a curse?” Corene asked. “That's only the beginning,” Adon said. “What's most important is what happens later.” Corene looked puzzled. “Now I'm having as much trouble understanding you as I do the gods.” The cleric smiled. “That's because I haven't told you the most important part of Mystra's plan,” he said. “After I remove the curse, we'll convert the villagers to the Church of Mysteries. I've selected you to administer the priory we'll build here-if we succeed.” Corene looked flattered for a moment, then an expression of understanding came over her face. “You mean stay behind?” she gasped. “We're over a hundred leagues from anything that could be called a city!” “Relax,” Adon said. “The assignment isn't permanent. I'll replace you in a few years-” “Years!” the novice screeched. “You can't do this!” “I've done it already,” Adon said. “There's no use arguing. This is where Our Lady needs you, and this is where you'll stay.” Corene downed her wine in one swallow. “Are you doing this because I mentioned your scar?” she demanded, wiping her mouth with the sleeve of her robe. "It has nothing to do with anything you've said during our journey, though
you've certainly given me reason enough to chastise you,“ Adon replied. ”I selected you for this task before we left Arabel. “ Corene narrowed her eyes. ”Why didn't you tell me then?“ ”Because I know how much you love the city,“ he said. ”You would've complained for the whole journey, and maybe even tried to avoid it altogether.“ ”I might have,“ she agreed. ”Throwing myself into the Starwater doesn't seem an unreasonable alternative.“ ”I'm sure there's no need to remind you of your vows,“ Adon said. ”I couldn't forget them if I wanted to-which, at the moment, I do,“ sighed Corene, though both knew she really didn't mean it. Despite her disappointment, the novice remained as radiant as ever. His heart