The Earthrin Stones 2 of 3: Trials of Faith Page 5

  The prominent priest spoke, “The day you have been waiting for is here at last. Despite your completion of this tenure, it is far from the end of your journey. How did you feel about the tests today?”

  The question caught Trestan by surprise, “I was…proud and nervous. It is one thing to train for them, and yet quite another thing when the day comes and you face them.”

  The elder nodded with a grin, “All the training in schools and lessons of books can rarely offer adequate readiness for the trials of the world. That subject brings us to this next part.” The older man glanced down at his closed hand, and the concealed item still hidden within that grasp. Alunetar Gracegiver paused and looked into Trestan’s eyes once again. “But before we continue, did you have any questions regarding today’s challenges?”

  Trestan nodded, “I witnessed several responses to the philosophical questions today…some contradictory to one another. In regards to the acolytes that passed, I still noticed sometimes that one or more elders that witnessed the answers frowned. It seemed that some disagreed, yet despite the disagreeing looks from the elders, the person would pass the test. Some of the answers that the acolytes gave, well, they would have differed a bit from my own opinions.”

  The cardinal nodded in agreement, “That is because sometimes there is more than one answer, depending on the view you take of Abriana. You carry the sword of a paladin, which represents a portion of her belief that we must defend that which we love, correct?” At Trestan’s nod, the elder continued. “There are others in our order that will never raise arms against others. On your final question, the issue was raised about not using a weapon on holy days at the start of each month. Well, some believe that regardless of the day, we should never raise arms up. After all, she is the Goddess of Love and Healing, which by her very description might hint that she doesn’t exactly have much sympathy for swords and what they can do to love or health. Consider another event which you witnessed firsthand. You know that after passing the challenge of the beast, many in our order become vegetarians, but not all. I’m sure that I am only confirming what you have already seen in the seminary here: some people hold rather varied views on our faith and how to follow it.”

  “Aye,” Trestan responded, “It can be…confusing.”

  The elder shrugged, “Yet all of us who graduate here can cast miracles and preach the words of our faith. If we can do that, it means the goddess is with us. So, it would just seem that there is some flexibility in her system, and that we all play our part according to our gifts. Some tenets are unbreakable if we are to remain in her faith. Others merely lend variety. Let this forever be a lesson when dealing with others outside our faith. When you come across a soul, regardless of actions they take or what situation you find them in, be aware that you are not their judge. As missionaries we can try to guide others down the path we call ‘good’; however, each person deals with their beliefs in a strictly private manner…between themselves and their chosen deity.”

  The cardinal held out his hand. “Are you ready to accept this now, and journey into the world?”

  Trestan looked down at the cardinal’s open palm. A dull, brown ring rested there. The metal was not very shiny, nor did it look well crafted. It appeared to be carved clumsily from brown rock. One thing special about it was a series of markings and glyphs running around the outside surface of the ring. Trestan had seen them before on the hands of acolytes leaving the seminary after their Embarkings. They called it Faithful’s Companion, and there were many constructed like it.

  Trestan held out his right hand, with the fingers extended to receive the item. The cardinal took his hand, and held the ring near the end of one finger. “This you have seen before. It is called Faithful’s Companion, for this is your only tutor for the next part of your journey. It will go with you and be a link between you and the goddess. The various symbols marked here represent challenges you must pass in her eyes in order to become a full-fledged paladin. Once you have passed these trials, you may come back here and return the ring, and take your surname in the witness of the church and Abriana.”

  Trestan nodded, as he stared at the ring poised beyond his finger. The elder continued, “It is possible you have already performed some of the needed tasks represented by the symbols on the ring. As each task or challenge is passed, the symbols will disappear, and the ring becomes more lustrous. It will shine with a bright light, appearing as smooth gold, without markings. Once that comes to pass, it will be time to return here and be declared as a full paladin.”

  With those words, Cardinal Alunetar Gracegiver pushed the ring firmly onto Trestan’s finger. The ring, magical in craft, changed its size to accommodate a proper fit. Immediately it underwent another change as both men looked upon it. Some of the symbols started to fade away. The scratches which made up the markings filled from within, smoothing out that portion of the ring. The ring started to brighten from its dull pallor, slowly taking on a golden shine. The cardinal watched with inquisitive eyes as more symbols started to fade. Trestan endured a terrifying adventure four years ago, testing his resolve and willingness to defend his ideals. It seemed as if he had already done several things to fulfill Abriana’s requirements. Alunetar Gracegiver’s eyes widened as he watched more markings fill in and become smooth metal. Rough, brown edges smoothed into a golden glow. The ring took on a shiny quality, to the amazement of Trestan as well.

  Finally, the transformation stopped. The cardinal looked the squire in the eyes. “That was impressive! Never once have I ever had a student turn the ring all the way the moment it hit his finger, but you came amazingly close. I still see a few markings here and there, so it seems you have a few unfulfilled tasks yet ahead of you.”

  Trestan nodded, withdrawing his hand as the elder let it go. The young squire spoke, “I hope to please the goddess quickly. I am also surprised that it changed so much. I’m grateful of my decision those years ago to follow the path Abriana placed before me. If only Sir Wilhelm could see me now.”

  The cardinal smiled at Trestan. “Go now into the world, Squire Trestan. Find your path. May the goddess guide you safely.”

  CHAPTER 3 “Cat Brings Sorrowful Tidings”

  As the day waned, the sun put on a colorful display of light reflected across the waters of Kashmer’s bay. The town circled the harbor, and the harbor faced westward into the setting sun. Many buildings and food establishments took advantage of the view if not obstructed by other structures. Many who had the time to do so paused in silent reflection as they allowed their gaze to be lost in the sparkling lights out on the water. The sun inevitably surrendered the day to the stars and the three moons. Aburis and Nirahha ascended their path in the night sky, while the third moon, Liijay, hid over the horizon. The harbor was crowded with ships that had masts furled, manned only by those unlucky enough to miss sharing drinks at the many bars on the docks. On a hill near the city, the seminary dedicated to Abriana was wrapped in its own silence compared to the festivities of the “Embarking” earlier in the day. With night beginning to blanket the land, the activities of the working people shifted accordingly. For several citizens of Kashmer it was a time for sharing a pipe over the remnants of a feast, and yet for others it was a time to go about the streets and bars for the drinking and companionship.

  If one wanted to find entertainment in Kashmer, the various taverns suited every taste. Many sailors chose to frequent Yetrel’s Hold, a bar and gambling house settled amongst the docks. There were seafood meals and foreign dishes served there, as well as female or male ‘companionship’ for the right price. Those less fortunate with cash stayed in the common room at the Lowered Mast, which did not boast any menu except for a list of alcoholic beverages. Other places of entertainment included Ye Sword’s Sheathe, which boasted hearty meals and entertainment. Unfortunately, this establishment only offered a room for the night for members of the Sword & Sail adventurer’s guild, catering to Kashmer privateers and other adventuring sorts. There were places
like Ye Olde Staff which accommodated travelers and trading caravans in the merchant district, as well as the expensive Gold Shield with its nightly performance of minstrels. If a person had the currency, and chose to be treated lavishly, they could buy a suite at the luxurious Rose Garden. Everything there reflected lavish elegance, from delicacies to performances by the most reputable entertainers around.

  On this night, the reputable entertainment in the dining room of the Rose Garden was inconsequential to a couple who reserved one of the larger suites. The suite boasted several bedrooms and open space to accommodate a group of visitors. Ideally, a minor lord and his family or servants could share the space comfortably. Many times it was rented out by a wealthy merchant who meant to impress business associates. Aside from the amenities of space and plush furnishings, the room had many other stylish touches.

  Large, shuttered windows faced out towards the harbor full of ships. One of the shutters remained partly open; a sure sign that the occupants enjoyed watching the sun as it disappeared under the glimmering harbor waves. On a table next to the window sat a wine glass. A trace of remnant sweet liquid settled on the bottom confirmed that someone indulged beside the scenic view. A companion to the first wine glass sat half full next to a large, oversize tub in an adjoining room with a private bath. The establishment set its outrageous prices due to small perks such as that found in the bath. Instead of a servant carrying up warm water, the occupants of the room could pull a chain to signal for fresh warm water. At the pull of the chain, a servant in the room above could pour warm water down a pipe which emptied into the bath. Near the tub was a scattered pile of clothes and wet towels, further evidence of someone enjoying all the pleasures the room offered. Despite all the people that the suite could hold, the clothes and wine glasses lent evidence that only two shared the accommodations this night.

  There was not much illumination in the suite at all during this hour. The candles that did spread some light were located inside the only occupied bedroom. The candles themselves were some of the nicest that the inn could offer. They were locally made; however, the mixture of ingredients which gave life to the bouquet of fragrances was imported from far away places such as Orlaun. Between the scented candles, luxurious bath soaps, and silk sheets imported from the Republic of Lar in the northeast, a person could relax in comfortable splendor.

  Katressa Bilil rested on her belly on those smooth silk sheets. The half-elf lay mostly exposed to the eyes of her beloved. A section of the sheets drawn over her slim bottom offered some modesty. Other than that thin cover, her dexterous arms, smooth back and bare legs were exposed to receive the lotion Trestan Karok warmed between his strong hands. Like much of the rest of their setting, the lotion was also imported from another country. Many people boasted the healing effects of massage oils and lotions from Tariyka, but few outside of that country truly were able to afford the enjoyment of it.

  It was all costly but Katressa would have settled for no less. She planned this day for a very long time. In her work as a privateer for the Kashmer government, she was not paid much in coin even though she served the government by tracking and stopping the various thieves and pirates bent on harming the economy. On the other hand, she was allowed to keep many of the valuables found on the rogues she helped bring down, as well as receive rewards on any truly notable suspects. Cat was very good at her job. Her charisma, cunning, gracefulness, stealth and ability with weapons won a lot of victories.

  With victories came coins, which also led to a means to afford some of the more valuable things in the biggest merchant center of the known world. Cat had saved up a lot of money for this day. Although she wasn’t sure if she would truly have a lasting relationship with Trestan due to some of their differences, she loved him and cherished the kind of man that he was. When this day approached, she wanted the best room, the finest luxuries, the best wine…all the best comforts that she could buy for a truly romantic evening together. Although her elvish side could have also been just as happy camping in some private lagoon out in the woods, her human half found the inn to be quite relaxing. After a lot of money changed hands, the foundation had been laid for a wonderful evening together. Cat had planned out everything nicely…

  …except for the burden of the knowledge of events in Trestan’s home village. The bad news left unspoken was an irritation she could never totally ignore. All night she tried to push those thoughts behind her. She hoped to have their special time together, as it was Trestan’s first true taste of freedom with her since he had started his learning four years ago. Yet, the images and words in her head would not force themselves to be at rest. It dug like a thorn in her mind, affecting her smile and her enjoyment of the evening.

  Trestan started to rub the lotion over Cat’s feet and legs. He also lacked modesty, wearing only an oversized towel wrapped around his waist. A necklace he wore bore the coraross symbol of Abriana. Trestan was well-muscled from his early years as a blacksmith, and his more recent training to become a paladin. His firm strokes pushed the tension away from Cat’s limbs. She would have been almost content, save for the demon lurking in the back of her mind.

  “Faunlessa,” Trestan called her, using the elvish word that translated as ‘cherished lover’. As he spoke, his hands continued to massage the road-weary joints of the half-elf. “I realize we have had few quality moments together since I came here to the seminary. In fact, for most of our relationship I was housed within those walls. I want to say, although I kept focused on my studies, I have always longed to be with you and enjoy more time together. There were nights I could not concentrate on the scriptures…nights when I looked up at the night sky and thought of your raven hair, with the stars above shining like the charms on the Taef’ Adorina. My heart has always yearned for your closeness.”

  Cat relaxed and let the words sink in with the rest of her pleasure. Trestan continued speaking, “Everything about tonight was set up perfect. It seems like the best evening I could have asked to spend with you, and yet…”

  As Trestan trailed off, uncertain how to word his message, Cat stiffened at the realization that he knew something was wrong. Trestan could not miss the renewed tension in her muscles. She listened to his next words, already knowing what point he was getting at.

  “Something is wrong.” Trestan wasn’t asking. He stated it as fact. “You have been tense, even edgy, and I do not know why. I’m afraid to ask, lest I spoil the evening. Yet, I do not believe that it would go well for us to hide your feelings, Cat.”

  Her green eyes were hidden from his gaze, staring off into the pattern of the wood grain on the headboard. “You are perceptive. There is something on my mind, but I have nay wish to talk about it now. I want us to have this night in perfect splendor.”

  She felt his hands relax their movements as the muscles in his shoulders sighed. With Cat resting on her belly, staring away, and Trestan sitting behind her giving the massage, neither of them made any eye contact. Trestan tried to rub his hands along her muscles again, but he did so with less enthusiasm. The young man was distracted by his own thoughts and fears.

  His deep voice spoke again. “You know I respect you, and I hate to push the matter. How are we truly enjoying the night when our minds are clouded with worry and doubt? I know something is wrong, and yet I am asked just to accept it and simply ignore it?”

  Cat closed her eyes, “It’s nothing we can change. I wish I could just tell you not to worry about it, that you can trust me to tell you later.”

  Trestan thought about her words, particularly the phrase, ‘nothing we can change’, and it occurred to him what the problem might be. “This is about our lifespan again, isn’t it? You are once again looking into the future to see how I might age and wither before your eyes.”

  The difference in aging between their respective races had always been something hard to discuss. Trestan was a full-blooded human who was now twenty-three years old. Katressa witnessed forty-one winters. However, while her mother had b
een human, her father had been an elf. Cat actually looked around the same age as Trestan, if not younger. Due to her elven heritage, she would likely outlive Trestan by more than a hundred years.

  Cat shook her head, “Nay, that’s not it. I’d rather not discuss that subject. I know that’s something I can’t change either, but I don’t know how to face that fact. I do love you, faunlessa, don’t you doubt that!”

  Trestan stopped massaging her legs. She could feel the movement of the bed as his weight lifted off of it. Her sensitive ears listened as Trestan paced the room. He didn’t say anything; he simply paced quietly. Trestan was confused and upset, without knowing what it was that was separating him from his beloved. Indeed, that summed up how Trestan felt: separated. He felt he was being held from her deepest feelings by some intangible but unbreakable barrier between them. Cat wanted to cry. She had held in the secret for too long, and she had to let Trestan in on it. Their one night together that they had waited for so long had been good, yet marred by events beyond her control. The woman worried about how angry he would be at her for holding it in for so long.

  Cat grabbed the silk sheets and rolled over to face Trestan. She covered up her womanly attributes as she sat up on the bed so they could have an honest conversation without distractions. Trestan looked into Cat’s mesmerizing green eyes and saw hurt and pain there. He calmed himself to listen to what she had to say, taking a seat on the bed next to her.

  “First of all,” Cat had to swallow to get any more words out, “I apologize for not telling you earlier.”

  Trestan was nervous, but he valued her honesty and her attempt to put things into the open. He reached out a hand for her, and she met it halfway with her own. They sat facing each other, holding hands between them, as she continued to speak.