Chapter 15 Misara’s Faith
Beret had immediately gone to the local magistrate that same evening. He identified himself as a Knight of the Royal Order and informed the magistrate of the events that led to the death of Master Ladris.
They then proceeded to an inn located at the center of town.
All through the night, Misara lay troubled in her private chamber. Why couldn’t I heal him? She asked herself. In her prayers, she began to question the old gods. Her sadness grew all the more as she did.
She recalled her conversation with the High Servant years ago when he asked her if she desired to be a contemplative. She had just healed the old woman’s child and she wondered how this was possible.
“Please help me understand how I came to have this power?” Misara asked the High Servant.
“Yes it is a power. But it does not truly belong to us.” The High Servant said as he began to explain. “Most come here in search of miracles. Others enter the service of the Temple seeking the power to perform miracles themselves. But to be a contemplative, one must begin to grasp the nature of serving the gods.”
“And what is that, High Servant?” Misara asked.
“We are merely chosen to be their instruments,” the High Servant said in a solemn tone.
Upon hearing this, Misara slowly raised her hands and looked at them in wonder.
“To be an instrument, one must prove faithful to the Rule of Sacrifice, devoting your entire life selflessly in the service of the Temple and of all who come your way,” the High Servant added.
Misara nodded in understanding as she listened intently.
“When we heal the sick, we do so not because we wish people to see that we are blessed. Humility is what is favored in those who are chosen. We do not perform the miracles ourselves - rather, they are performed through us,” the High Servant explained.
“How will I know if miracles can be performed through me?” Misara asked.
“Believe without doubt. Be pure of intention. And act with humility. If you can do all these, the gods will perform the greatest wonders through you,” the High Servant answered.
Misara considered his words carefully. “Doubt alone is our only enemy,” the High Servant’s tone became serious. “Faith often fails when turmoil comes, when hope seems lost, when evil surrounds us.”
Misara was silent as she tried to fathom everything she had heard.
“The compassion of the old gods has been all but forgotten throughout most of the world. It is up to us now to be their instruments,” the High Servant continued.
“But what of the new gods?” asked Misara with an almost baffled look in her eyes. “Their priests perform miracles as well, do they not?”
The High Servant’s gaze fell to the floor as though a deep sadness suddenly gripped him. He slowly turned and began to walk away. Misara grew more bewildered.
“I leave you now to your prayers my child,” High Servant Nabat said.
Her question that day still remains unanswered until now. As she pondered all these, her mind was becoming weary from all these thoughts. She tried to rest but sleep proved elusive.