Chapter 1 Elena #4
With a nod, the senior guardian turned and led the way back into the ornate audience chamber, where the assembled Elders sat in solemn silence.
The heavy oak doors thudded shut behind me, sealing me in with the Elders and their suffocating incense. Usually, I found the scent comforting, a symbol of the Sun God's presence, but today it just felt cloying.
As I took my place upon the elevated dais, I could feel the weight of the Elders’ collective gaze upon me. I kept my expression blank.
“High Priestess Elena,” Elder Kathar greeted me, his voice smooth as silk.
“We trust you are well? These duties can be so taxing, and you have so much on your plate already.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and I had to fight the urge to fidget under his gaze.
Despite the fact that Kathar was years younger than me, under his stern gaze, it always felt like I was being assessed, judged, found wanting.
I inclined my head, trying to project an air of calm authority. “Thank you, Elder Kathar. I am well, but I wished to discuss the reports from the outer districts. The drought worsens, and I am concerned about the efficacy of the relief efforts.”
Kathar steepled his fingers, his gaze never wavering. “Ah, yes, the drought. A most unfortunate situation, but hardly cause for alarm. We have it well in hand.”
“With respect, Elder,” I said, keeping my voice measured, “the reports suggest otherwise. Food stores are dwindling, and unrest is growing amongst the people.”
Elder Theron, his face a perfect mask of calm, interjected smoothly, “The people are always prone to exaggeration, High Priestess. We have dispatched additional provisions and are working with the district headmen to ensure fair distribution.”
I frowned, a knot forming in my stomach. “Have we considered magical intervention? Nekir is looking into it, but has not made a determination yet. Perhaps a water blessing, or a spell to encourage rainfall.”
Kathar chuckled softly, the sound grating on my nerves. “My dear Elena, you mustn’t concern yourself with such matters. The administration of Solaris is a complex affair, best left to those with the experience to manage it.”
“But these are our people, Kathar!” I retorted, unable to completely suppress the steel in my voice. “Their suffering reflects on us all.”
“Of course, High Priestess,” Kathar said, his tone infuriatingly paternalistic.
“But your primary duty is to the Temple, to maintain the wards, and to serve as a beacon of light for Solaris. Trust that we, the Elders, are capable of handling the temporal affairs of the city. Do not trouble yourself about this. Leave the planning to us. Your good looks are wasted when your brow is furrowed in worry. We would hate to see you grow old before your time.”
My hands clenched in my lap, my nails digging into my palms. I had to bite back a sharp retort. Lately, it was always like this. My concerns were dismissed; my opinions minimized. I was the High Priestess, yes, but also, in their eyes, a young girl who needed guidance.
“I only wish to be assured that everything is being done to alleviate their suffering,” I managed, keeping my voice level.
“And you have our word that it is,” Kathar said, his smile still not reaching his eyes. He cleared his throat. “Now, onto more pressing matters,” he said archly, subtly reprimanding me, as if my concern for our people was a waste of time. I gritted my teeth, but kept the serene smile on my face.
Kathar looked around at the guardians. “The news we bring is most grave indeed. At long last, we have found a clue to the disappearances of our most vulnerable people.”
“Tell us, Elder Kathar.”
“These disappearances were the result of foul magic.” Seemingly relishing the experience of having everyone’s eyes on him, Kathar paused. “There was a rune found at the scene of the disappearances. It is undeniable proof that the Shadow King has returned to our lands.”
Several murmurs broke out around the room, and I felt a palpable tension settle over everyone, the very air thick with a sense of unease and foreboding.
I felt a chill run down my spine, my heart pounding in my chest.
The Shadow King—a malevolent force that had long since been banished from our lands, its very name a source of fear and dread among my people.
“But how can this be?” Aeldrin said, his brow furrowing with a mixture of confusion and trepidation. “I thought the Sun God had vanquished that malevolent force centuries ago.”
I shook my head. “Alas, the Shadow King’s power is not so easily broken, Aeldrin. Its tendrils have a way of worming their way back into the world, no matter how deeply they are buried.”
I stood up, my fingers clenching into fists at my sides. “We must act. The Temple must act. I will not allow this evil to take root in Solaris, not while I still draw breath.”
I looked at the Elders. “I suggest we work together to scour the districts where all the disappearances have been taking place, to see if there was anything we might have missed. I shall be going there myself to lead the team.”
Aeldrin’s eyes widened. “High Priestess, it is not safe—”
I smiled ruefully, cutting him off. “You forget, Aeldrin. I cannot die so easily.” I softened my voice. “I shall be safe.”
Finally, Aeldrin nodded, his expression resolute. “It will be done, my lady. We will scour every corner of Solaris, leave no stone unturned, until the truth is uncovered.”
“And the missing are found,” I added.
“As you wish, High Priestess,” Kathar said with a smile. His eyes were finally alive, but the emotion in them looked almost like…satisfaction?
Well, of course he would be satisfied I was going to save our people. Pushing aside the useless observation, I nodded at Kathar and the others as they stood.
As the Elders filed out of the chamber, I turned my attention to the balcony once more, my eyes scanning the horizon. The sun was beginning to dip below the distant mountains, casting a warm amber glow over the city.
A throat was cleared, and I jumped.
The priests still sat there, their heads bowed, waiting for me to say the ritual prayer so that they could be dismissed.
“Sun God,” I whispered, my voice barely audible, “guide us in our hour of need. Grant us the strength to vanquish our enemies, and the wisdom to protect our people.”
The chamber echoed with their response and I closed my eyes. The words never failed to comfort me, settling deep within me each time I heard them, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in my duty.
As the guardians dispersed to carry out my orders, I drifted to the balcony again, staring out at the setting sun with my mind racing with a thousand thoughts.
The specter of the Shadow King had been a distant memory for so long, and the thought of its return sent a chill of dread through me.
I shook my head, pushing away the dread and fear. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I was determined to face them head-on, for the safety and well-being of my beloved city and its people.
Even if I had to fight the Shadow King himself.