1:One
From Reydala
Aknier ran ahead of the group. He pulled a lock of horse hair from his pouch, chanted a few words, and threw it up into the air. Light flashed, and his horse was prepared.
He mounted and turned to the group. “I have to warn the others at my temple. It’s best they know what has come to pass, and they may know something that would help us.” With that, he fled as fast as he could towards Sanoan.
As Aknier rode on, his mind began to wander. Had he met this exceptional and devout follower before while in service to the faith? Though Aknier thought of himself devout, he knew better than to consider himself an exception. He searched to no avail, but found himself lost in a sea of memories. It had been a very long time, he realized, since he had thought in depth about his past…
It was a warm day. Sunlight streamed through the windows of the orphanage. Little Aknier looked down into the book infront of him, then looked up into the beautiful face of his caretaker. She looked down back at him, smiling warmly.
“What did you learn, Aknier?” “Mulinel is the water goddess…um, she’s the one who watches the rivers and the oceans…and she’s really pretty!”
The young woman giggled at this last statement. “Yes, I would suppose so.”
“She really cares about people…doesn’t she? She’s like everyone’s mother!” “That is why we call her the Holy Mother. Out of Nathica’s children, she cares most for humans. We follow her example by caring for all those around us. As her clerics, it is our calling.”
Aknier looked down and traced the symbol. “Could she be…my mother?”
The caretaker’s expression changed slightly. Her eyes became sad, but she still smiled warmly. “Of course Aknier.”
Aknier looked up with a grin, “That would make you my sister! That’s why we call you Sister all the time, right?”
The caretaker laughed sweetly. “Yes it would, and that is why we have such titles. We are all her children and as such, we are family. Every single one of us. There is no one you love more than your family.”
Aknier paused for a moment. “Thank you…for being my sister, Sister Sharlana.” Sharlana could no longer help herself, and hugged little Aknier. The light in the room dimmed, as the sun was setting. Aknier whispered from his lips, “Sharlana…”
“Brother Aknier!” Aknier was brought sharply back to reality as one of the temple workers greated him at the front door. He dismounted, and fumbled for words for a moment. “Er…well met, Brother.” Then he managed to collect his wits again. “I have news from my recent trip out! I must speak with our Fathers!”
“Of course, Brother Aknier. They’ve been anticipating your return.” He motioned to the door. “Right this way…”
