Read Online Chains of a Dark Goddess by David Alastair Hayden - Free Book Online
Authors: David Alastair Hayden
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would have any motive to steal Breskaro’s body. It’s surely a ploy by our enemies.”
“What benefit is there for someone to steal a decaying body, even of one’s enemy?”
“There is little good,” said a clear but ancient voice, “and much ill that sorcery could do with a corpse, especially that of a hero so many people revered.”
They turned to face an elderly priestess dressed in sky blue robes.
“High Priestess Maedara,” said Ilsimia, bowing alongside Kedimius. “Thank you for coming.”
“The Matriarch said you needed my help.”
Maedara was the strongest medium in Issaly. Retired, she left her cloister only when it was absolutely necessary. Leaning on her staff, she reached out and touched the forehead of each with her thumb and whispered a short blessing. She lingered over Kedimius.
“You are disturbed, child.”
“Sir Varenni was my master. Practically my father.”
She nodded. “Yes, you have suffered much in his death. And you are not alone. I have met others whose lives were almost shattered by his passing.”
Kedimius raised an eyebrow. “Could one of them be responsible for—”
“Stealing his corpse? No, none of them would have done that. Come, let’s get a closer look.”
They walked down to the mausoleum, and the White Guard backed away when they saw Maedara. The closer she came to the mausoleum, the deeper she frowned, until her face was a mass of scowling wrinkles. Upon reaching the threshold she said, “Foul sorceries took place here. Of that I am certain.”
She stumbled backward and Kedimius caught her. She nearly passed out, but after a few deep breaths she recovered, though she was trembling slightly.
‘You have strength … and character,” she said to Kedimius. “I might have fallen into Shadow without you.” Maedara turned to Ilsimia. “A dark ritual took place here, but it will take time for me to analyze it. I will need assistance from the Sisterhood of Seers, and your help would be most welcome, Sister Ilsimia.”
“Of course, High Priestess Maedara. Anything I can do.”
Maedara turned to Kedimius. “Her Excellency has requested that you personally notify General Togisi.”
“He doesn’t know yet?”
“He left the city in a hurry this morning, heading for his estate. Word came last night that his daughter had died, may the Goddess bless her.”
Kedimius looked stricken. “Albiria? What happened?”
“I do not know. Tell General Togisi what you have seen and what we are doing. The White Guard may wish to send a report along with you, so check with them before leaving.”
“Why me, High Priestess? Why not one of the couriers or a member of the White Guard?”
Maedara shrugged. “I have no idea why the Matriarch selected you. I didn’t ask. Perhaps she wishes the news to come from an eyewitness.”
“Should I wait a little while to make sure nothing else happens?”
“There was evil here, child, I have no doubt of that. But we can handle it without you. Getting away from it may help you clear your mind, and your heart.”
“Ked,” said Ilsimia, “what about Sir Fortrenzi? Should we notify him? He was so close to Sir Varenni. If he must learn it, he should learn it from us.”
“It would be best,” said Maedara, “that Sir Fortrenzi not find out. I fear it would greatly upset him. He has never gotten over the death.”
“He never mentions Master Varenni,” Kedimius said, “but he sometimes screams his name in his sleep. I can hear him all the way down the hall in my room.”
Maedara nodded. “I pray he finds peace someday. It is not good for his soul.”
“If this is resolved quickly and word doesn’t slip out,” Kedimius said, “we won’t ever have to tell him about it.”
Chapter 11
Present Day
Midnight approached before Orisala fell asleep and Breskaro left her side. She had listened attentively throughout the day as he recounted his last battle, walking in the Shadowland, Nalsyrra restoring him ... memories
“What benefit is there for someone to steal a decaying body, even of one’s enemy?”
“There is little good,” said a clear but ancient voice, “and much ill that sorcery could do with a corpse, especially that of a hero so many people revered.”
They turned to face an elderly priestess dressed in sky blue robes.
“High Priestess Maedara,” said Ilsimia, bowing alongside Kedimius. “Thank you for coming.”
“The Matriarch said you needed my help.”
Maedara was the strongest medium in Issaly. Retired, she left her cloister only when it was absolutely necessary. Leaning on her staff, she reached out and touched the forehead of each with her thumb and whispered a short blessing. She lingered over Kedimius.
“You are disturbed, child.”
“Sir Varenni was my master. Practically my father.”
She nodded. “Yes, you have suffered much in his death. And you are not alone. I have met others whose lives were almost shattered by his passing.”
Kedimius raised an eyebrow. “Could one of them be responsible for—”
“Stealing his corpse? No, none of them would have done that. Come, let’s get a closer look.”
They walked down to the mausoleum, and the White Guard backed away when they saw Maedara. The closer she came to the mausoleum, the deeper she frowned, until her face was a mass of scowling wrinkles. Upon reaching the threshold she said, “Foul sorceries took place here. Of that I am certain.”
She stumbled backward and Kedimius caught her. She nearly passed out, but after a few deep breaths she recovered, though she was trembling slightly.
‘You have strength … and character,” she said to Kedimius. “I might have fallen into Shadow without you.” Maedara turned to Ilsimia. “A dark ritual took place here, but it will take time for me to analyze it. I will need assistance from the Sisterhood of Seers, and your help would be most welcome, Sister Ilsimia.”
“Of course, High Priestess Maedara. Anything I can do.”
Maedara turned to Kedimius. “Her Excellency has requested that you personally notify General Togisi.”
“He doesn’t know yet?”
“He left the city in a hurry this morning, heading for his estate. Word came last night that his daughter had died, may the Goddess bless her.”
Kedimius looked stricken. “Albiria? What happened?”
“I do not know. Tell General Togisi what you have seen and what we are doing. The White Guard may wish to send a report along with you, so check with them before leaving.”
“Why me, High Priestess? Why not one of the couriers or a member of the White Guard?”
Maedara shrugged. “I have no idea why the Matriarch selected you. I didn’t ask. Perhaps she wishes the news to come from an eyewitness.”
“Should I wait a little while to make sure nothing else happens?”
“There was evil here, child, I have no doubt of that. But we can handle it without you. Getting away from it may help you clear your mind, and your heart.”
“Ked,” said Ilsimia, “what about Sir Fortrenzi? Should we notify him? He was so close to Sir Varenni. If he must learn it, he should learn it from us.”
“It would be best,” said Maedara, “that Sir Fortrenzi not find out. I fear it would greatly upset him. He has never gotten over the death.”
“He never mentions Master Varenni,” Kedimius said, “but he sometimes screams his name in his sleep. I can hear him all the way down the hall in my room.”
Maedara nodded. “I pray he finds peace someday. It is not good for his soul.”
“If this is resolved quickly and word doesn’t slip out,” Kedimius said, “we won’t ever have to tell him about it.”
Chapter 11
Present Day
Midnight approached before Orisala fell asleep and Breskaro left her side. She had listened attentively throughout the day as he recounted his last battle, walking in the Shadowland, Nalsyrra restoring him ... memories
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