| DESCENT INTO CHAOS |
Torliana stood with the other new acolytes; Kindling was the proper title, as the ranking members of the temple
waited for the arrival of the new High Priest of Mount Veri. She chided herself again, he was the Keeper of the
Flame, she had been here two days, she should at least be thinking with the proper titles. She forced herself to
focus on the events she was to be a part of, despite wanting to enjoy the antics of a small purple fairy dragon that
was flitting near the right wall. Dragons were rare in Shokar and considered a bad omen when they appeared.
She, however, thought the creature was beautiful and worthy of admiration. Besides, she didn't believe in
omens--good or bad. Fate was what you made of it; not something preordained.
She had felt uneasy since coming to the temple of Hellavar, but she was determined to succeed. She knew the
task she had set herself would be difficult, particularly as an elf, whose very nature rebelled against strict order.
Yet, here she was seeking that order.
She watched as a man came riding into the courtyard, his horse held to a slow walk. His armor while emblazoned
with the fires of Hellavar seemed loose as he slowly slid from the saddle. One of the Kindling dashed forward,
bowed and took the reins of the horse and led the mount to the sables. So, this is the one everyone has whispered
about since I got here. Torliana studied him beneath veiled lash. How can this man be the one they call the Great
Bringer of Law, Hellavar's Blazing Judge? She suppressed a smile when the man seemed to stumble a bit as he
took a couple of steps. Saddle sore and yet he travels the length and breath of Shokar, a respected judge even by
Tormasus' High General and Dh'Mark's King. This cannot be the one who will be taking over leadership of the
temple.
She fought the frown she knew was on her face as Rynalia, Mistress of the Brotherhood of the Flame, the order
of monks Torliana had been accepted into, stepped forward, bowed her head to the priest, and then offered to
escort him into the temple. The priest nodded to the Mistress of the Flame, then let his gaze wander over those
assembled in the courtyard. His eyes widened as they met Torliana's and she bowed her head slightly. She had
enough discipline to recognize that despite her opinion of him, his position was still that of Keeper and she would
respect the position.
| Illustration by Matt Baugh |