Chapter 5 Misara’s Tale
When Misara first began at the Temple, she had been content with her duties doing simple errands for the contemplatives who spent much of the day praying in silence. Whenever people from the nearby villages came bringing their sick seeking their help, Misara would see the contemplatives heal them with their hands. What magnificent faith they had, she thought as she regarded them with awe.
Misara recalled the events of the day that changed her life completely.
When the contemplatives were off studying the sacred books, she had been left by herself inside the temple. She wondered if she could pray in the manner the contemplatives did. But she did not know the right words. The formulas the contemplatives used were numerous and often complicated. So, she simply closed her eyes and focused her mind on the god, Misar. She gradually felt peace flow gently through her as she unburdened her mind. She became engaged in a serene conversation with her god.
An hour had passed when an old woman was suddenly at the door of the temple. “Help me,” the old woman said in a desperate tone. “My granddaughter is sick.” Misara looked around the empty hall. She knew the contemplatives would not be back for some time. Her heart was moved by the sight of the old woman cradling her granddaughter in her arms. The old woman was reluctant to step inside. Misara approached hurriedly and looked at the girl. “She has been in a deep sleep for three days and no one could wake her,” the old woman explained as she looked pleadingly at her. The young girl appeared to be no older than Misara when her parents died. She started praying with all her heart for the girl, unaware that she was quietly being observed. Behind the altar hidden partly by one of the pillars, the High Servant and leader of the contemplatives was watching her closely.
Misara placed her hands upon the young girl as she had seen the contemplatives do countless times. Long moments passed when to Misara’s surprise, the young girl’s eyes opened. Upon seeing this, the old woman was overjoyed. She embraced her granddaughter tightly while shouting praises to Misar. The young girl was able to stand up at once and embraced her grandmother. “Thank you,” the old woman said as she looked with teary eyes at Misara. As the old woman and her granddaughter were walking away from the temple, Misara’s gaze was still fixed on them.
Misara was speechless as she tried to comprehend what had just happened. The familiar gentle voice of the High Servant startled her from behind. “You have been given a gift my child,” he said. Misara turned to High Servant Nabat and bowed her head in reverence.
The High Servant was an old man who had known of no other home but the temple. “When we are given a gift, it is only just that we should share it with those in need,” he said. The High Servant paused as he smiled at her. “Would you like to be a contemplative?” High Servant Nabat asked.
It has been four years since the High Servant had asked her that question. Misara was now the Second High Servant of the Temple of Misar. Though other contemplatives had been in the service of the Temple longer, it was the strength of one’s faith that paved the way to greater responsibility. And in the years that followed, her faith had proven strong.
When Misara’s tale ended, her aunt was visibly inspired. Even Beret appeared amazed by the story she had just told.
“It gladdens me that the High Servant allowed you to come home,” Durem said.
“Yes. The High Servant understood that I needed to be here.” Misara replied.
It delighted Misara to have been able to share her journey of faith with them. Yet she also noticed Beret staring at her as she told her tale. A strange feeling began to invade her being. She had never felt this way before. Misara felt embarrassed and mildly jubilant at the same time.
The arrival of Kort that afternoon interrupted her thoughts. It was a welcome distraction from these unfamiliar feelings.