Chapter 3 The Priestess
In Torinth, Misara had been the first to arrive at Durem’s house. He was her cousin and the temple where she served was a mere day’s journey south of their town.
She arrived to find Durem’s mother grief- stricken. Misara had attempted to console her aunt but she hardly spoke and refused to eat. Durem on the other hand, appeared anxious and troubled. She wanted to ask him why, but she had to contain her concern. When Durem was ready he would tell her, she thought. She tried her best to hide her own sadness over her uncle’s death. Misara knew she had to appear strong for them
As tradition dictated in Torinth, the day after a person dies his remains are placed in a boat and allowed to drift away into the vastness of the sea. This had taken place days before.
“Do you think the others will come?” Durem asked Misara.
“I am certain they will all be here,” Misara said reassuringly.
Durem looked as though he had not had a full night’s sleep for days. Something was definitely wrong, she thought.
“Please get some rest cousin,” Misara said. “Whatever is worrying you now can wait until tomorrow.”
Durem appeared not to have heard Misara’s words. He was still restless.
“I need to look at father’s notes once more,” Durem said and went into the study.
Misara’s concern for her cousin grew. Around her neck was a necklace made of silver with a pendant in the shape of a lantern. She clasped the pendant while her mind wandered.
Misara had been orphaned at the age of twelve when her parents died at sea during a storm. After their unfortunate deaths, Durem’s mother and father were kind enough to take her in and raise her as their own. When she learned of the news of her uncle’s death, she had to travel home at once in spite of her duties at the temple.
When her mother was still alive, she had told Misara that she had been named after Misar, the god of light and compassion. Her mother had been devoted to the old gods all her life. When her mother and father died, she wanted to honor them by serving at the Temple. It was there where she had spent the last four years.
Misara thought about their other friends who would be arriving soon. She had fond memories with all of them. It was also her hope that they too could help lessen her cousin’s grief. Yet she wondered about Beret whom she knew had unexpectedly chosen to become a knight. Among them, Beret had been the one most attentive to her. She appreciated his company because he made her feel safe. Even when she was already serving at the temple, she prayed constantly for Beret. She very much looked forward to seeing him again.