Treasures of Fantasy - Margaret Weis [93]
“You know I love you, Treia,” Raegar said.
“I know,” she said softly. “I love you. I adore you.”
“I want us to be happy together always. I want us to be married.”
“I spoke to Aylaen,” said Treia. “She will do what we ask. Or rather, she will do what Garn asks.”
Raegar nodded. “I understand.”
“She expects him to be alive, living and breathing.”
“The Spirit Priestesses are accustomed to such expectations. They know how to handle people. She will be disappointed at first, but speaking to him, talking to him will whet her appetite. They will give her hope . . . hope that someday there will be more.”
They were drawing near the Temple, merging with other people coming to pray. Treia lowered her voice.
“How will the Spirit Priestesses know to get this right? She must think she is talking to the man she loved. The man she’s known since they were both children together.”
“You forget the power of Aelon,” said Raegar confidently. “He will work his holy magic. You will see.”
“And these Spirit Priestesses know what ‘Garn’ must tell her to do? What he must say to her, ask of her?”
“Both the Priest-General and I have spoken to the Spirit Priestess who will be undertaking the ritual. She is venerable, experienced. She understands.”
They had reached the Shrine. The doors remained closed. People were gathered in groups, laughing and talking. They had some time yet.
“Tell me about these Spirit Priestesses. What do they do? You say they communicate directly with Aelon. How? Do they talk to the god, like Draya talked to Vindrash?”
Raegar explained. “The Spirit Priestesses of Aelon live and work apart from the warrior-priests and the Mission-Bringers,” he told her, “because the Spirit Priestesses need quiet to hear the voice of the god. The numbers of the Spirit Priestesses are relatively low. Few could meet the qualifications and, of those who do, fewer still agree to undergo the procedure that will bind them to Aelon for the remainder of their lives.
“Spirit Priestesses are required to lay bare their hearts and souls to Aelon and be obedient to his will in all things. Spirit Priestesses are not permitted to marry or take lovers,” Raegar said. “Their lives are dedicated to the god and his holy works. Spirit Priestesses are in direct communication with the god, but Aelon does not speak to them on a personal level, not as Vindrash spoke to Draya.
“Aelon communicates with his Spirit Priestesses through the gemstones embedded in the flesh of their cheeks or, with those of higher rank, on their foreheads.”
Treia found this difficult to believe.
“The embedding of the gems is known as the ‘gift of enlightment,’ ” said Raegar, “and it is a most holy ceremony, performed in secret, with only Spirit Priestesses in attendance. Not even the Priest-General knows what transpires during these ceremonies.”
“Does the crystal powder the women poured into the tattoo in Skylan’s arm allow slaves to communicate with the god?” Treia asked.
“No, no,” Raegar said. “The crystal powder allows the god to communicate his will to his slaves, let them know of his displeasure. A slap on the hand, such as a mother gives a naughty child.”
“I see. Then why didn’t you do that to Aylaen?” Treia demanded, confronting him. “Why didn’t you tattoo her? Then Aelon could have forced her to reveal the secret.”
“I have hopes that she will come to Aelon of her own accord,” said Raegar.
“You have hopes she will come to your bed,” Treia muttered.
“You wrong me, Treia,” said Raegar, drawing himself up. “Aylaen is your sister. I love her for your sake. Nothing more.”
Not precisely true, but Raegar was biding his time. Once he and Treia were married, he could do what he pleased. Aelon knew that men have needs, that it took more than one woman to satisfy these needs. Many men kept female slaves in their homes for that very reason. He did not try to explain it to Treia. She would never understand.
He turned his back and walked off by himself, letting Treia feel the