{"id":23354,"date":"2020-10-01T08:09:44","date_gmt":"2020-10-01T12:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=23354"},"modified":"2022-11-07T11:50:51","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T16:50:51","slug":"the-tale-of-the-lagano-priestess-early-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/the-tale-of-the-lagano-priestess-early-access\/","title":{"rendered":"The Tale of the Lagano Priestess (Early Access)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Tale of the Lagano Priestess
\nA Tale by Aaron Canton<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Valara Durrash had to concede that negotiations with other lagano tribes were always a bit dangerous. Lagano were a fractious species in the best of times, and treaty discussions had a way of riling up even the most disciplined negotiators. In the best case, the aggravations could be resolved with some bickering at the negotiation table or perhaps a duel between the lead diplomats from opposing sides. In the worst case, the treaty signings could degenerate into declarations of war that would lay waste to both parties.<\/p>\n

But treaty discussions also gave Valara a chance to dress in the most gorgeous vestments, so they weren\u2019t all bad.<\/p>\n

Valara hissed a merry laugh to herself as the diplomats from three nearby lagano tribes climbed into her rooms at the top of her temple. It was a magnificent structure\u2014a stepped pyramid ten stories tall, its peak perpetually wreathed in holy fire that contrasted with the moat surrounding the building and isolating its sacred grounds from the profane markets and dwellings of Kerogane.\u00a0 The private sanctum of Valara, the resident high priestess, was easily the most glorious part of the temple. Her walls were covered in precious gems ranging in color from red rubies to bronze topaz, all set in undulating and flickering patterns reminiscent of the flames handed down by Hakar, the lagano god of fire that they worshipped. The altar in the center of the room featured a huge golden statue of ten priests worshipping Hakar; a dozen artisans had spent a year making it and Valara had personally overseen them as they carved and chiseled the appropriate robes onto each of the priests. Racks of chasubles and other ritual clothing, each more ornate and fancier than the last, lined both walls. In short, the room had everything that Valara Durrash, high priestess of Hakar, needed for her holy duties.\u00a0 Of course, everything needed to shock and awe any visitors into realizing the power she must be able to wield (on behalf of her god, of course) in order to obtain such luxuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome, welcome!\u201d she hissed to the diplomats as she bade them towards a table along the north end of the room. It was large and carved entirely from a single massive block of wood, and the intricate depictions of scenes from lagano holy texts etched into its surface always made Valara feel a little more regal whenever she sat at it. \u201cI am glad you all responded to the summons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Sekro, the first diplomat. Deep blue scales lined his body\u2014seen only in sea lagano tribes, and thick webbing connected his fingers. He wore clothes that were simple yet refined\u2014a formal tunic and pants\u2014and had a ritual necklace around his neck which denoted him as an elder chieftain of his tribe.\u00a0 He carried a simple staff which he used as a walking stick. \u201cWe would not want to offend the god Hakar.\u201d<\/p>\n

The second diplomat, Marak, snorted skeptically. His scales were darker\u2014he was a marsh lagano whose tribe inhabited the swampy area on the other side of the mountains which stood between Kerogane and the sea\u2014and his clothing was a little less respectful and a little more ragged. He had a chieftain\u2019s necklace too, and additionally had tattoos on his arms indicating he had been victorious in four duels against challengers. \u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Marak went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee what?\u201d Lashka, the final diplomat, asked in a contemptuous tone. She was the biggest of all of them, a massive jungle lagano who stood more than a full head taller than Valara and whose scales were an ugly deep green that verged towards brown in places. She represented a tribe of jungle lagano who lived in the mountains themselves. Her clothes were the bare minimum required for modesty, and she had a tattoo on her forehead denoting her allegiance to Nerot, the god of war. \u201cWhat\u2019s to see? Decadence and gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara gave Lashka a polite look as the three other lagano were seated at the table. She waved a hand, flicking back the ornate robe she had put on for just this occasion in the process, and acolytes scurried from the sides of the room to pour tea and set a tray of delicious grilled fish on the table. \u201cI am confident,\u201d said Valara in a slightly pompous tone she found herself using whenever she was acting in a formal role, \u201cyou will agree that the treaty I am about to propose will contribute to the betterment of all your tribes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sekro nodded, Marak leaned back in his chair, and Lashka let out a derisive \u2018humph\u2019 sound. None of them interrupted Valara, though, and she nodded at them before moving on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need to go into the history of conflict between your three tribes,\u201d Valara went on. \u201cHow your sea lagano, Sekro, and your marsh lagano, Marak, have battled over who controls the coastlines and the mouths of the rivers flowing into Lustra. Or how the jungle lagano of the mountains have sent raiding parties into the inland marshes to seize territory and supplies. These battles have drained all three of your tribes\u2019 resources, and more importantly, left countless lagano to die in border squabbles which have only grown more intense in recent months. We are here to forge a peace that will end these battles and allow all to prosper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marak chuckled. \u201cWe can forge a peace quickly if these two surrender.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever,\u201d growled Lashka. \u201cIf you wish the bloodletting to stop, kneel to us and accept your place as our subjects.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara shook her head. \u201cNo tribe will accept a role as the inferior of another,\u201d she said. \u201cThat will not stop the bloodshed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sekro shrugged. \u201cWhy is this a concern of yours?\u201d he asked, his tone respectful but his eyes closely watching Valara. \u201cNone of us have offended against Hakar or stepped onto Kerogane soil. Why involve yourself in our affairs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may not have blasphemed against Hakar, but these pointless battles still oppose his interests,\u201d Valara said. \u201cHakar is the god of fire, and we are to be his flames\u2014but when flames burn against each other, each incinerating the fuel and air that its rivals would use, they will all reduce each other to ash. We must unite so that we can blaze together, stronger and brighter than ever, and with one purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sekro nodded as he considered the point, but the other two diplomats didn\u2019t seem interested, at least to Valara\u2019s eye. \u201cUnite?\u201d Marak asked. \u201cLike the humans do, with their treaties and their promises?\u201d He shook his head. \u201cYou can\u2019t mean that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, she does,\u201d said Lashka as a cruel glint came to her features. \u201cShe\u2019s been taken by civilization. Look at this.\u201d She gestured at the ornate surroundings. \u201cSo besotted with luxuries that she\u2019s forgotten how our people are supposed to live.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara shook her head. \u201cI don\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLagano are warriors,\u201d Lashka went on. \u201cAble to sleep on stony ground, eat a mouthful of dried rations, and then rush into battle with nothing but a sword, a shield, and zeal for blood. But you\u2019ve lost your way.\u201d She pointed her finger at Valara. \u201cYou live in golden rooms and wear ridiculous robes that would be shredded in five seconds of combat. You are weak, drowning in luxury. And you think to tell us how to make our tribes stronger?\u201d<\/p>\n

The high priestess fought to keep a scowl from her face. Yes, she knew that lagano were warriors, but there was nothing wrong with being fancy\u2014after all, wasn\u2019t it the job of the high priestess to showcase her god\u2019s power? And what was a better display of power than showing all the riches and trinkets her god\u2019s servants had obtained? \u201cThe purpose of battle is not just to kill each other,\u201d she said politely. \u201cIt is to accomplish something. What are your skirmishes designed to achieve, Marak?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marak hesitated. \u201cWhat do you think? We want territory. Having the coast means we can get fish and shellfish more easily. Having the river mouths provides us with ports we can use to sail to other lands with trade goods so we can obtain better weapons. Sekro\u2019s tribe won\u2019t let us use them, so we fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also desire ports,\u201d said Sekro. \u201cTo get the things on land we can\u2019t get underwater. We can\u2019t just surrender those\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d said Valara. She leaned back, enjoying how her gorgeous robe rippled with her scales. There were queens, she thought, who didn\u2019t dress as finely as she did. \u201cBut if a treaty could be established in which you two shared those river mouths, then you both could get what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr we could just drive off Sekro\u2019s tribe and take them.\u201d Marak crossed his arms. \u201cWithout giving anything up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara slowly shook her head. \u201cI am sure your tribe has many skilled warriors. But if you acted as you suggest, even if you won, you would still take casualties. The bulk of your warriors would be injured or killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLagano are not cowards!\u201d snapped Lashka. \u201cWe are not afraid to fight and die!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it would weaken your tribes nonetheless.\u201d Valara\u2019s voice grew stern. \u201cIsn\u2019t that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marak was forced to nod. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd isn\u2019t it important that you protect your tribe\u2019s strength, and the lives of your clan?\u201d Valara went on. \u201cIf some other enemy did attack, one where no peace was possible, wouldn\u2019t you want to have every warrior you could muster to drive that enemy off? Isn\u2019t it dangerous to deplete your strength in unnecessary border skirmishes with Sekro\u2019s tribe, in case you need that strength later?\u201d<\/p>\n

The marsh lagano didn\u2019t answer, but his expression grew troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d said Sekro after a moment. \u201cIf a mutually agreeable treaty could really be created, giving us the access to the coasts and river mouths that we needed, I would be happy to stop the bloodshed\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you would wither and die,\u201d growled Lashka. \u201cIf you just give up your territory without a fight, your warriors will lose their spirit. They will never be able to resist anyone. You will grow weak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara shook her head. \u201cThere are more types of strength than simple force of arms. Look around you.\u201d She spread her arms to indicate the room. \u201cYou know how valuable these furnishings are, how much wealth the priesthood of Hakar and the city of Kerogane have accrued. You know how many bandits, rival tribes, even foreign kingdoms would love to seize that wealth for themselves. But they don\u2019t. They are cowed by our strength\u2014strength which we do not deplete by constantly warring with our neighbors. Strength which we build upon through negotiations. Trade. Diplomacy.\u201d She locked eyes with Marak. \u201cWouldn\u2019t you like to have this kind of strength?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe do not need gold furnishings,\u201d said Marak. \u201cWe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there is a drought one year and you cannot find food in the marshes,\u201d Valara interrupted, \u201cwouldn\u2019t you rather have the gold so you could buy food from traders at foreign ports? Wouldn\u2019t you want the assurance that your tribe, your clan, your children would not go hungry? Isn\u2019t that more important than picking unnecessary fights with other lagano?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sekro nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s a fair point,\u201d he told Marak. \u201cWouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lashka growled. \u201cIt\u2019s madness. Decadence.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marak hesitated. \u201cIt\u2026 I mean, yes, I can see your point, but\u2026\u201d He took a breath. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll\u2014I\u2019ll look at the treaty. If it really doesn\u2019t hurt us, I suppose it wouldn\u2019t be a problem to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone turned to look at Lashka, who had stood up in a rage. \u201cThis is insanity,\u201d she growled. \u201cSheer insanity. It\u2019s\u2014it\u2019s a human way of thinking. Any lagano who agreed to this would only destroy himself and his tribe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will not be destroyed; we are strong\u2014\u201d began Valara.<\/p>\n

Lashka snarled and then suddenly yelled and slammed her fist down onto the heavy wooden table. It shimmered with energy as she dropped it, and Valara had just enough time to realize the other lagano must have cast a spell before Lashka hit the table with a massive smashing sound. The table shuddered and cracked where Lashka had hit it, and both Sekro and Marak jumped back. \u201cAre you mad?\u201d Sekro demanded. \u201cThis is a holy relic of Hakar! He\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJudging by his priesthood, Hakar is not as powerful as he would like us to believe.\u201d Lashka swiveled to face Valara. \u201cNor are you\u2014little surprise, since you don\u2019t worship a real god like Nerot. You are just a decadent fool who claims to lead our people but who abandons our traditions and strengths in favor of human vanity. It\u2019s obvious you care more about dressing up and looking as fancy as a human princess than you care about the true essentials to lagano life\u2014battle, combat, the strong defeating the weak and taking their rightful place above their lessers. Do you disagree?\u201d Lashka raised her hands in a challenging gesture. When nobody moved, she snorted. \u201cThat\u2019s what I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned on her heel and headed for the exit. \u201cConsider this a declaration of war, Valara. If you\u2019re really as weak as you sound, then my tribe should be able to conquer this place in a manner of weeks. But don\u2019t worry.\u201d As she left, she reached out and ripped up a fancy robe hung near the exit. \u201cThese stupid clothes will make excellent targets for my archers.\u201d<\/p>\n

And then she was gone, leaving Valara staring daggers behind her. \u201cWell,\u201d Sekro began. \u201cI suppose us two can still get on with the treaty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two will excuse me until tomorrow,\u201d said Valara. Her tone had lost its dainty politeness and was now stern; she was speaking in the voice of the herald of Hakar, the god of fire who burned all that got in his way. \u201cI have a\u2026duty\u2026that will occupy me until then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Flames burned low upon dozens of special altars in the Temple of Hakar, and each was tinted a slightly different color from the holy incense Valara had sprinkled into their midst. The two before her were red and orange, the colors of blood, rage, and violence. The next two were different shades of green and blue, the colors of plants and water\u2014the stuff of life, for which so many had fought, and killed, and died. Beyond them were two flames warped by incense into darker and lighter versions of black; they represented the domain of Cebrum, god of death, who was closely linked to Hakar in the same way that death was closely linked to blazing flames. And on and on they went, surrounding the large ritual room in a vast array of enchanting colors.<\/p>\n

Valara sat exactly in the middle of the flames, head bowed in supplication. She had changed into a robe which she normally loved to wear; it had incredibly intricate relief images which rose up from the robe and depicted famous scenes from lagano religion, and the \u2018recessed\u2019 parts of the robe were specifically dyed to blend into Valara\u2019s scales. The result was that, in the flickering firelight so often used during Hakar\u2019s worship services, the images appeared to be floating around Valara\u2019s body and literally wrapping her in the trappings of her faith. Under most circumstances she enjoyed the chance to wear the outfit, feel its intricate threadwork against her scales, and marvel at the beautiful images which seemed to hover around her as she chanted and swayed through the service. Now, though, her thoughts were elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cMistress,\u201d said one of her acolytes. Most of the lagano in the room were tending the various flames, but one of them had moved near Valara and was gently smearing her cheeks with ritual ointment. \u201cThe flames are almost ready. We can begin the Ritual of the Burning Warrior whenever you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara managed a nod. Hakar had many strict rules for his priesthood, and one was that the priests were not generally supposed to involve themselves in battles. They were to spend their time worshipping their god, conveying his messages, and seeing that he be properly honored, not going and raiding some other colony for a few baskets of rice and a handful of precious stones. Even when dealing with blasphemers, the priests were generally supposed to let the temple guard handle punishing the transgressors.<\/p>\n

But that was not to say that priests of Hakar could never get into fights. Under specific circumstances\u2014to defend their faith, or save their people, or uphold the sacred honor of their god\u2014they could do so. However, this was considered such a severe step that it was mandatory for priests to seek their god\u2019s permission before doing such a thing. The method of asking was the Ritual of the Burning Warrior, and until and unless Valara completed the ritual and obtained Hakar\u2019s sanction, she could not raise a hand against Lashka.<\/p>\n

\u201cMistress?\u201d repeated the acolyte. Her name was Ellora, Valara remembered. She was relatively new in the temple\u2019s service; this was probably the first major ritual she had participated in. \u201cDo you wish to start now? If not, we can bank the flames and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I will begin.\u201d Valara rose, then hesitated. \u201cJust please give me one moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Ellora bowed her head. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind me asking, what troubles you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara hesitated. \u201cI\u2026 Did you hear what happened earlier?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I attended the diplomat Sekro as he paid obeisance to the idol of Hakar on the third floor. He mentioned that Lashka destroyed your table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking that if I had been\u2026fiercer\u2026she might have been too intimidated to do such a thing.\u201d Valara shook her head. \u201cThat table was dedicated to Hakar. Letting it be damaged is the same as letting Lashka lay a hand on the god himself. I should not have\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was not your fault,\u201d said Ellora quickly. \u201cSurely Hakar will not hold it against you.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was true. Hakar was powerful and fearsome but not unreasonable; unlike other gods, he did not demand his followers suffer and die because of some unfortunate twist of fate. But still\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI never understood why,\u201d mused Valara as Ellora helped her raise the hood of her robe over her head, \u201conly humans and elves were supposed to wear nice things. Their leaders dress in incredible clothes and have beautiful furniture. We lagano are just as good as they are. Why should we have to live in caves or bearskin tents instead of decent homes and sit on rocks instead of real chairs? Why can\u2019t we have clothes just as brilliant and beautiful as theirs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellora said nothing; of course, as an acolyte, she wasn\u2019t supposed to make idle chatter with the high priestess. Valara glanced at her to see if she was still listening and then went on. \u201cThat\u2019s one reason I worked so hard to make Kerogane a place where lagano can live like those other species, if they want. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s anything wrong with that. But\u2026maybe I let my own desires influence me too much.\u201d She glanced down at her robe. \u201cI like wearing clothes like these. I like looking regal. Perhaps I was too focused on what I liked and not focused enough on what lagano are supposed to focus on. Looking strong. Being strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm.\u201d Ellora cleared her throat. \u201cBegging your pardon, mistress, but I think that if you were really just doing things because you liked them, you\u2019d wear those fancy robes all the time. But you don\u2019t. You only wear them when you\u2019re performing rituals where Hakar requires it. Every time I\u2019ve seen you when you weren\u2019t carrying out your duties as the high priestess you were wearing simpler clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be blasphemous to wear ritual outfits while undergoing profane tasks,\u201d said Valara at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight, and that\u2019s my point. You care about what Hakar wants, not just what you want\u2026\u201d Ellora paused and seemed to realize that she had gotten very personal. \u201c\u2026Please forgive me if I\u2019ve been too forward, mistress. I apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara waved a hand. \u201cNo need,\u201d she said as she mulled over Ellora\u2019s point. The other lagano was right; Valara loved dressing in the fancy vestments needed for the most important rituals, but she would never wear them otherwise no matter how boring she found other clothes. It would be disrespectful to Hakar, after all. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind me asking, how do you like temple life?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is everything I hoped for,\u201d said Ellora at once. \u201cAnd I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to serve such a mighty god.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, how do you like the actual things you do here? Lighting candles, leading chants, performing maintenance work, things like that?\u201d Valara glanced at the acolyte. \u201cDo you ever wish you were back home? You were\u2026 I seem to recall you were one of the warriors of your tribe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellora inclined her head. \u201cI was. But honestly, mistress, I wasn\u2019t very good at it.\u201d She gestured at her face. \u201cI am nearsighted, mistress. It runs in my family. I was no good with a bow, and even when I held a spear or a sword in close-quarters combat, I had trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why were you a warrior?\u201d Valara asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause my tribe was small and surrounded by larger ones. Every claw was needed to defend us.\u201d Ellora shuddered. \u201cAnd every time there was a skirmish, I was worried that I wouldn\u2019t come home. But then you convinced the tribes in our area to make peace with each other. I didn\u2019t have to be a warrior anymore, because we were all aligned. I was able to leave that to lagano who liked fighting. I could do something else.\u201d She paused. \u201cSo, I thought about what I wanted, and I realized that\u2014if not for you\u2014I\u2019d probably have gotten killed sooner or later in some stupid border fight. And maybe lagano like Lashka think it\u2019d be better for me to die \u2018honorably\u2019 than give up fighting in order to support a \u2018decadent\u2019 place like this, but I don\u2019t agree. I think it\u2019s good I\u2019m still alive, and I want to help others like me. So, I decided to come here and assist you in your duties.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara couldn\u2019t quite suppress a warm, pleasant feeling at that. \u201cI see. Well, I am glad you chose this path, Ellora. You have proven to be a very talented acolyte so far.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other lagano hissed in pleasure. \u201cAre you feeling better, mistress?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, thank you.\u201d Valara took a breath. \u201cI am ready for the ritual now. Please excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellora hurried back to the other lagano who were tending the flames, and Valara prostrated herself before an idol of Hakar set on the northern wall of the room. Then she began to chant and move her arms, running through the ritual she had painstakingly memorized so she could properly serve her deity. The words flowed out of her mouth, her hands and arms waved, her tail thumped\u2014<\/p>\n

And then the flames in the altars began to flicker and dance in time with Valara\u2019s motions. Her heart pounded faster as she went through the next phase of the ritual. \u201cI seek to take up spear, shield and even claw to defend you!\u201d she proclaimed. \u201cTo ensure your honor is unmarred and your reputation unsullied, that they may continue to guide our people like a blazing torch! I act neither out of bloodlust, greed, nor pride, but seek to defeat the foe! I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The flames began to whip more wildly and Valara almost missed a line. Even after all her time as a high priestess it could still be intimidating to invoke her god so directly and ask permission to go kill someone. But as she rocked back just the slightest amount, she felt her robe settling over her scales, and that of all things helped calm her. The robe of the high priestess of Hakar fit her perfectly; it was comforting, familiar, and so beautiful it could always move her heart no matter how anxious or stressed she was\u2014and it was hers. Hers by right, because she was the high priestess of Hakar, and if she was comfortable and at ease while wrapped in its intricate threads, then she was comfortable in her role as high priestess as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI request your blessing, lord Hakar, knowing that if I have erred and sought an unjust battle, I deserve to be cast into the fire and burned!\u201d cried Valara. Ellora tossed an ancient staff, gilded and embossed with precious metals, into the air, and Valara stuck her hand up. This was the point of no return; if Hakar approved and let the flames blast the staff into her grip, all was well; if not, Hakar would have the staff strike her elsewhere\u2014her head, her tail, possibly her chest hard enough to crack her ribs or burst her heart\u2014and she would be punished. \u201cLet your judgement be known!\u201d<\/p>\n

A moment\u2019s silence\u2014<\/p>\n

And then the staff flew smoothly into Valara\u2019s palm, guided by a blast of fire coming up from an altar at just the right moment. Valara gripped it and prepared the next line. \u201cI thank\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

But then the fires warped oddly, in a manner not prescribed by the ritual, and Valara could see the fear on her acolyte\u2019s faces as the flames suddenly rose up and formed a solid dome just below the ceiling of the room. Distantly, Valara noted Ellora stopping a couple other acolytes from fleeing towards the door and the moat beyond it\u2014wise, none could outrun the flames of Hakar\u2014and helping them bow to the flames, the safest gesture. Valara followed suit, then looked up.<\/p>\n

And saw the flickering image of Hakar.<\/p>\n

Valara had been graced with holy visions only a few other times in her life; Hakar did not show himself often, even to his high priestess. But he did so now, the multicolored flames warping and weaving about each other to form his body.<\/p>\n

And then Hakar spoke, his voice crackling like a mighty blaze. \u201cGo with my blessing,\u201d he intoned, his booming voice shaking the temple. \u201cAnd worry yourself no longer. I know you act not out of any selfish interest but only to defend and glorify my works, and to protect my people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hakar flicked a hand, and an ember soared from the darker of the black-tinted flames to land in the center of Valara\u2019s forehead. It didn\u2019t hurt, and Valara gasped as she felt what could only be described as a rush of power. Distantly she saw several of her acolytes staring at her and she rapidly motioned for them to get back to bowing towards Hakar. \u201cI\u2014I obey, lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

The god nodded, and then the flames suddenly died down. The lagano were alone in the ritual room. Valara sank back to the ground, feeling almost overwhelmed, and the acolytes began to chatter. \u201cThat was amazing!\u201d one said. \u201cWe actually saw Hakar!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMistress!\u201d said Ellora at once. \u201cDo you need anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Valara slowly. \u201cAnd\u2014wait, actually, yes. Please pack me some traveling clothes and find out where Lashka is staying.\u201d<\/p>\n

She took a breath, and when she next spoke, she couldn\u2019t help but bare her sharp, reptilian teeth. \u201cI think it is time she learned exactly what sort of strength is cultivated in the temple of Hakar.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Conversations with a few of Valara\u2019s regular parishioners revealed that Lashka and her delegation had been seen staying at Stone Bridge Inn. It was a rustic structure on the outskirts of Kerogane, with thick forests immediately to its east and a river, traversable by the bridge that the inn had been named for, to its west. It wasn\u2019t one of Valara\u2019s favorite inns, mostly on account of its rugged furnishings that would be more at home in a military encampment than a proper rest stop, and also the hunting trophies and archery equipment which lined the walls in lieu of paintings or any other sort of proper artwork. On the other claw, she supposed those same features were why Lashka liked it.<\/p>\n

As Valara had expected, when she crossed the bridge, she saw a couple members of Lashka\u2019s group standing guard outside the inn. Both had forehead tattoos proclaiming their allegiance to Nerot, though theirs were smaller than Lashka\u2019s, and both were also armed with swords and bucklers. \u201cHey, it\u2019s the priestess!\u201d one called inside as Valara stepped off the bridge and crossed onto the inn\u2019s property. \u201cAnd you\u2019re not going to believe what she\u2019s wearing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara had dressed in her battle garb. Her joints\u2014shoulders, elbows, and knees\u2014were protected by magically enchanted golden plates whose bright yellow was the color of glorious fire and whose complex tints seemed to ebb and flow as she moved through the light, giving the impression of a fire raging just beneath the surface of the bands. More gold bands, which similarly looked as if they were made of or at least contained a blazing fire, were wrapped around parts of her arms and legs. She also had a loincloth dyed a deep purple, the shade human royalty often wore, tied around her waist. And atop her head was a brilliant golden headdress proclaiming her status as the high priestess of Hakar. As for weapons, she held in one hand the sacred Staff of Hakar, which topped with a glowing orb that contained a fragment of Hakar\u2019s sacred flame inside its shell. In the other she held a book of spells.<\/p>\n

Lashka\u2019s two guards broke into bursts of hissing laughter as Valara approached them. \u201cGet out of here, priestess!\u201d one said. \u201cYou have no power here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we won\u2019t think twice about ripping your head off,\u201d added the other. \u201cYou\u2019re barely wearing armor and don\u2019t even have a sword. We\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara pointed her staff at the second lagano and chanted a few words. The staff glowed, the orb pulsed\u2014and then a jet of fire blasted out from the top of the staff and completely incinerated her target.<\/p>\n

To the first guard\u2019s credit, he only gaped for a moment before recovering and jumping at Valara even as he called, \u201cWe\u2019re under attack!\u201d His sword swept at the high priestess\u2019s neck, but Valara easily ducked under it\u2014the fire of Hakar pulsing in her veins, making her blood run quickly and her motions come easily\u2014and tripped him with her tail. He fell and she planted the staff on his back before chanting another spell from the book. Then the lagano screamed as more fire shot from the staff, this time a much thinner jet, and burned a hole through the guard\u2019s armor and torso. He gave a horrible cry and then fell still, and Valara took just a moment to briefly brush the ash off herself and her staff before advancing into the hotel.<\/p>\n

Arrows shot at her the moment she entered, but she was ready with a fire shield spell, and a thin wall of flame formed around her. Arrows that streaked into it immediately turned to ash and crumbled away before touching her. She gestured with her staff at the nooks the arrows had come from and two massive fireballs shot out, blasting the hiding lagano archers to bits. Then she walked further into the inn as if nothing had happened. \u201cLashka,\u201d she called. \u201cCall off your guards. You must atone for your insult to Hakar\u2026and your attempts to lead our people astray.\u201d<\/p>\n

She caught a glimpse of someone rushing down another hallway and turned just in time to see Lashka herself fleeing out a back door. That was a little more cowardly than she\u2019d expected from the warrior lagano, and she wondered if it was a trap. Either way she had to pursue. And so, she rushed after the fleeing diplomat, chasing her out the door of the hotel and into the thick woods just behind it.<\/p>\n

Lashka was fast, but Valara was strengthened by holy fire and was able to keep up with her as they traversed deeper into the woods and finally reached a clearing. Then Lashka abruptly stopped and Valara sighed to herself as ten more lagano warriors exited the foliage to stand by the diplomat\u2019s side as Valara approached. So, this had been a trap after all. Still, she knew she could win.<\/p>\n

\u201cSend your troops home,\u201d Valara instructed. \u201cI would rather not have to kill them too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Lashka\u2019s mouth opened in surprise. \u201cYou really think you can? You are weak, Valara. Shamefully so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have already killed four of your\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour wet-behind-the-ears newcomers who had barely started wielding sword and shield before coming on this mission,\u201d said Lashka. \u201cThey had no purpose besides forcing you to reveal your abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara could not help but stare at her opponent. \u201cYou sacrificed four of your tribe simply to test me?\u201d she demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter they fight and die as warriors than live a hundred years and die without ever winning honor,\u201d growled Lashka. \u201cWhen we defeat you, I will tell our tribe their deaths made it possible, and they will be remembered.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment Valara debated insisting that those four dead lagano could have done so many other things had Lashka not sacrificed them. They could have lived to serve their tribe in all kinds of ways, in industry or commerce or, yes, perhaps in battle\u2014a necessary battle to save their tribe from an implacable foe, not a pointless skirmish Lashka herself had initiated. But she ultimately didn\u2019t say those things, because she knew Lashka would never understand. \u201cI am blessed by Hakar,\u201d she said instead. \u201cYour soldiers cannot defeat me. Dismiss them and spare their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlessed by Hakar?\u201d Lashka lashed her tail against the ground. \u201cAll you have is his fire magic. Without that, what\u2019s left of you? Your fashion sense? Hardly intimidating.\u201d She raised an amulet which Valara recognized as dwarven-made; if she remembered her magical talismans right, the sigils on the amulet would attenuate any type of fire-based attack. \u201cEspecially when your magic has no effect. Now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Something moved above Valara\u2019s head and she looked up just in time to see two more lagano leaping at her out of the treetops surrounding the clearing. She flinched back, but not before one of them grabbed her staff and wrenched it away from her while the other knocked down her book. One of the new attackers then stabbed at her with a spear and she barely managed to twist away while the other grabbed her dropped relics and hurled them deep into the woods. \u201cNow kill her!\u201d Lashka yelled. \u201cKill her, and then when my reinforcements get here, we will raze this corrupted city! We will build a shrine to Nerot, offer the heads of every priestess in the Temple of Hakar, and rule these weaklings as is our right!\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara\u2019s eyes narrowed. Trying to kill her was one thing; as the high priestess of a god who had many rivals (including Nerot), that just came with the territory. But her acolytes? There was no need to kill them, and in fact it would be more of a triumph for Nerot if Lashka forced them to convert instead of killing them outright. This really wasn\u2019t about religion for the other lagano, then. It was just about slaughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cDie!\u201d screamed Lashka. One of the two ambushers rushed at the priestess and stabbed with his spear\u2014<\/p>\n

Only for Valara to vault over the weapon, twist behind the enemy lagano, pull him back so he was almost lying on her body\u2014and then bite deep into his neck.<\/p>\n

The enemy lagano screamed as Valara tore his throat out with her sharp, lizard-like teeth. Lashka gaped. But before anyone could react Valara had picked up the dead lagano\u2019s spear and charged the other ambusher. \u201cKnow Hakar\u2019s righteous flame! Burn!\u201d Valara roared as she knocked aside the other lagano\u2019s shield and stabbed him deep in the gut.<\/p>\n

Lashka took a step back. \u201cBut\u2014you hate battle, you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like being regal,\u201d Valara admitted as she withdrew the spear she\u2019d stolen. After a moment\u2019s thought she picked up the second attacker\u2019s sword in one hand while she held the spear in the other; she didn\u2019t bother with any of the dropped shields. \u201cBut I can be vicious when I need to be. After all, Hakar does not wants his servants to wade into pointless fights\u2026 But when they do fight, either to protect his people or his honor, he wants them to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lashka\u2019s bodyguards looked uneasy as Valara went on. \u201cIn order to become his high priestess, it was not only necessary to memorize his rituals, perform his services, and demonstrate my fealty. I was also required to train in battle. No lagano may attain my position without years of combat practice.\u201d She had hated that part of her training\u2014the pain, the anguished looks on the faces of other hopefuls when they suffered training accidents, the horrible way blood and flesh tasted in her mouth when she was forced to resort to biting an enemy\u2014but she had persevered and completed it nonetheless. \u201cYou have dishonored my god. You seek to lead our people astray, to waste their lives in endless combat for no actual reason. Hakar commands you to be defeated, Lashka. And I do his will.\u201d She pointed her spear at the enemy diplomat. \u201cNo matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

The diplomat screamed a command and her guards charged Valara, who let the fire within her burn even more brightly as she leapt at them. And then\u2014<\/p>\n

It was a blur.<\/p>\n

She felt herself parrying an enemy attack with her sword and then grabbing a second opponent, dragging him sideways to intercept the deadly sword swing of a third. Then she crashed into a fourth and expertly tripped him with her tail, ran him through with her spear, and withdrew it in time to block the blow from a fifth. That attacker staggered back and she whipped around, striking him in the face with her tail at the same time she murmured a spell\u2014and the tip of her tail burst into holy flame which did not hurt her but torched everything else that it touched, causing the attacker to scream as she incinerated his face. He fell, screaming and writhing as he tried to put out the flames, but her flames were holy fire which could not be quenched except by magic, and unlike Lashka he had no amulet to protect him.<\/p>\n

The sixth attacker, the biggest of all of them, jumped on her and grabbed her, but she fought wildly and clawed at his face even as she bit ferociously at an unarmored part of his wrist. He had both a height and weight advantage on her, but he clearly hadn\u2019t anticipated such a vicious flurry of attacks and he was a trifle slow in defending himself. She roared with power as one of her fingers smashed into his eye, forcing him to fall back as he cried out in agony. But he couldn\u2019t get away before she jumped on him and bit out his throat, spattering blood all over her gleaming armor and staining her loincloth.<\/p>\n

Lashka broke and ran, this time with no traps in mind, taking only one guard with her while her remaining defenders desperately tried to stop Valara before they fell to her furious assaults. When they were dead, Valara looked disdainfully at the bodies and then summoned little bursts of holy fire to incinerate their corpses; if what they had sought was a legendary death on the battlefield that lagano would sing of for years, then they would be denied that; their bodies would turn to ash and there would be no evidence that they had fought at all. She then collected her staff and book before pursuing Lashka, still letting Hakar\u2019s holy fire fuel her strength as she raced to catch the diplomat.<\/p>\n

She finally overtook Lashka when the warrior stopped to catch her breath; the diplomat had stopped halfway between the banks and seemed to reason that the water might assist in diminishing any remnants of Valara\u2019s holy fire that her amulet couldn\u2019t deflect. Her last bodyguard was with her, carrying a massive battle axe even larger than Lashka\u2019s broadsword and trying to look fierce, but Valara could see the fear in his eyes. \u201cIt is time to stop running, Lashka,\u201d she said in an almost kind voice. \u201cYou cannot defeat me\u2014not when Hakar backs me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNerot\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill not help you. I know his ways, and he does not respect weakness. He will never assist a warrior whose soldiers are so pathetic that over a dozen of them were killed by one opponent.\u201d Valara strode into the water as if she wasn\u2019t worried about its effect on her fire at all. \u201cThrow down your weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lashka sneered at her, but she couldn\u2019t hide the panic on her face. \u201cAnd what, you let me surrender and get me to join your stupid alliance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Valara shook her head. \u201cYou have caused the deaths of over a dozen lagano today, and you have disrespected Hakar. You must be punished. But you need not increase that punishment. Give up, Lashka.\u201d<\/p>\n

The diplomat hesitated, then roared and swept forwards\u2014but Valara parried Lashka\u2019s broadsword with her staff, then swept in and slammed the butt of her staff against the diplomat\u2019s chest. She recited a spell from her book before Lashka could react and the end of her staff glowed a fierce red. And then\u2014<\/p>\n

Then Lashka\u2019s scales began to glow red as well, first in patches, then in huge clumps. And Lashka screamed. \u201cIt\u2019s burning!\u201d she yelled as she flung herself down into the water, to no avail. \u201cWhat did you do to me?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHakar\u2019s holy fire,\u201d Valara answered. \u201cJust a little\u2026placed under your scales. It will burn forever, Lashka, and there is no way to extinguish it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lashka screamed in horrible pain and rage as she clawed at the reddened spots on her scales, but in vain. Even when she slashed at them with a sword the fire did not come out; it just moved to another spot on her body. \u201cMake it stop!\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara ignored her and turned to the last bodyguard, who was staring at her with terrified eyes. \u201cPlease return to your tribe and inform them of what has transpired,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 Yes, high priestess,\u201d said the guard. \u201cUm, are you demanding tribute, or\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d said Valara primly. Her bloodlust receded, and she felt tired, wanting nothing more than to be back in her rooms with her exquisite clothes and brilliant furnishings. But there was still work to do. \u201cThat\u2019s not necessary. After all, I\u2019m sure that this\u2026blasphemous attack\u2026was not truly the desire of your tribe. I think we can all agree that Lashka was acting on her own when she rejected the alliance, broke the holy table, and wasted the lives of her delegation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d said the guard quickly. \u201cYeah, uh\u2026nobody wanted that but her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara nodded. \u201cI am glad to hear it. And if that\u2019s true, then I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll send another delegate\u2014this one much more\u2026amenable\u2026to the proposed treaty. Isn\u2019t that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, of course,\u201d the guard babbled. \u201cAnything you say high priestess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo,\u201d ordered Valara, and the guard fled. Then she looked down at the writhing Lashka. After a moment she raised a hand as if to strike.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d babbled Lashka. \u201cWait, I surrender. You said your god doesn\u2019t want lagano lives to be wasted, right? Then don\u2019t waste mine. Don\u2019t kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara shook her head. \u201cIt is true that my god is not like yours. Hakar does not like lagano lives to be wasted,\u201d she said. \u201cThough he is the god of flame, he will not have you burned to death. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She gave Lashka a look, and though she had mostly recovered her regal bearing, there was just a hint of vicious bloodlust left\u2014in her flashing eyes, in the way her fingers were twitching like claws, in the tight way she gripped her staff as if ready to smite another enemy\u2014and the diplomat quailed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut,\u201d Valara went on. \u201cI promise that you shall burn nonetheless.\u201d<\/p>\n

She struck Lashka with her staff, and the flames inside the diplomat seemed to grow even hotter. Valara watched while the other lagano\u2019s thrashing increased. Then she knelt, slung the other lagano over her shoulders, and began walking out of the woods.<\/p>\n

After all, there were rituals to perform. Lashka would not enjoy them; this Valara knew well. But Hakar demanded the heretic\u2019s presence. And Valara would not fail her god.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026and so, I am glad to see this peace treaty signed,\u201d said Valara as the lagano representatives affixed their handprints to the documents she\u2019d laid before them. She was once again wearing fancy regalia, and she wriggled a little to enjoy the feeling of the luxurious robes settling perfectly over her scales. \u201cThis will lead all our people toward an era of peace and prosperity. You have my thanks\u2014and Hakar\u2019s as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Sekro nodded a little as he passed back his papers. \u201cWe are happy to see an end to these border skirmishes. Thank you in turn for your assistance, Valara.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marak also returned the papers. \u201cAgreed,\u201d he said. \u201cYou made a convincing case.\u201d He turned back to Sekro. \u201cAnd I too am glad to put the violence behind us. I look forward to working with your tribe to build connections between us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new diplomat from Lashka\u2019s tribe said nothing as she signed and slid the papers back as quickly as she could. She had not said one word of criticism to Valara since her arrival, only meekly giving Valara money to compensate the temple for Lashka\u2019s vandalism and disrespect and then rushing through a series of profuse apologies for her predecessor\u2019s actions. In fact, Valara thought the diplomat seemed to be worried that if she put a tail out of line than the wrath of Hakar would fall upon her. Valara, of course, was not quite so quick to anger\u2026 But she had decided not to tell the new diplomat that. It would be good, she figured, if her tribe had a taste of what it was like to be on the weaker side of a conflict. And, given her tribe\u2019s actions, it would also be very well deserved.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful,\u201d Valara said as she collected the papers. \u201cMessengers will deliver the good news to your tribes. Now, I understand the feast has already been laid out in the banquet hall, so I urge you to gather your parties and then enjoy. I will be down momentarily after I take care of one more duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The diplomats left, eager for the food whose tantalizing scents had been wafting up for the past few minutes. Valara watched them go and then beckoned to Ellora, who had been attending the ceremony in case any of the diplomats or Valara herself needed a runner to fetch something. \u201cCome with me,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to see our newest initiate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellora inclined her head. \u201cOf course, mistress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara led Ellora all the way down the temple, from her rooms at the top down to its base and then further down a hidden staircase into an even deeper chamber. The scent of sulfur and the trapped heat from enclosed fires filled the space, but to servants of Hakar those were no impediments and neither lagano slowed as they reached the next room. Valara opened the door and looked in. \u201cThere she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lashka, groaning in agony, kneeled with a few dozen other lagano as a low-level initiate continued with her sermon. \u201cThe flames of Hakar bring pain, but they also cleanse,\u201d the initiate was saying. \u201cLet them burn your evil from you. Let them turn you to the path of a god worthy of worship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow has she been doing?\u201d Valara asked Ellora as they walked in. Except for a handful of initiates, all the lagano in the room had scales which glowed from Hakar\u2019s fire; the lesser offenders only had flames burning a few spots of their body at a time, while the worst ones were almost entirely filled with flame and kept alive only through Hakar\u2019s power. There were chains and shackles against the walls, but they were rarely needed; the prisoners were rendered helpless by pain and could not have escaped if they tried. \u201cHas she been taking to her lessons?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReluctantly, but she\u2019s learned better than to refuse them,\u201d Ellora said. \u201cShe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou!\u201d Everyone froze as Lashka, who had apparently heard Valara\u2019s voice, turned and pointed at her. \u201cEnd this torture! I did what you wanted; yesterday I publicly denounced Nerot and became an acolyte of Hakar. You were there; you know it happened! Put out the flames!\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara had overseen Lashka\u2019s conversion personally, as she did the conversions of all captured enemies. After all, not only did Hakar prefer to turn enemies into live acolytes who could someday do some good instead of dead corpses that could never repent, but it was also a sign of Hakar\u2019s power that even his fiercest opponents would bow before him in the end.<\/p>\n

And, of course, Valara was able to wear the most amazing tiara during rituals to welcome captured enemies into the faith. She couldn\u2019t forget that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, and I\u2019m sure the acolytes here did as well, that the flames can never be put out,\u201d Valara said in a stern voice. \u201cNot even I can remove them. They will stay with you forever, unchanging in intensity\u2026unless you return to your old ways, in which case they will increase as needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPain, however, is not the only reason you are here,\u201d Valara went on. \u201cYour task is not just to suffer, but also to learn. To let the flames sear in the knowledge of how evil only leads to pain and destruction\u2026and to allow them to burn away your evil. After all, you will never fight in combat again. You are not capable of it.\u201d She jabbed one of Lashka\u2019s reddened scales and the lagano howled in pain. \u201cBut stripped of your former pleasures, with nothing to do but focus on your lessons, you will grow beyond who you are now. You will become capable of acting responsibly, not out of bloodlust or violent rage but out of duty towards your people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lashka growled at her. \u201cI can\u2019t think about duty or anything else! I hurt\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral of my acolytes were once in your position,\u201d said Valara. She nodded at the one who was leading the sermon, and that acolyte lifted her robe to reveal a few reddened scales of her own. \u201cAnd the pain does not go away, no matter how devout you become. But in time, as you grow deeper in Hakar\u2019s service, as you learn to forget about yourself and act for others, you will become able to accept it and move past it as you attend to your duties. You will finally learn to serve Hakar and other lagano properly, without needless violence. And then you will not only find peace, but also the comfort of knowing that you are indeed helping your people as you always should have.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that will take time. For now, you have lessons to learn.\u201d Valara let her gaze become a glare. \u201cSo, return to your sermon. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lashka looked like she wanted to argue, but then her red scales blazed a little and she cried out before sinking back down. \u201cFine,\u201d she said. \u201cFine, I\u2019m doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara turned and led Ellora out, then paused as they crested the hidden staircase and reached the ground floor of the temple again. \u201cBy the way,\u201d she said. \u201cI appreciated your words earlier when I was having a moment of doubt. I wanted to thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, mistress?\u201d Ellora asked. \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got you these.\u201d Valara reached into a pocket in her robe and took out a pair of glasses with gold rims. \u201cI obtained these from a merchant who came here all the way from Viscosa in Draconis. He was surprised that a lagano wanted them, but\u2026as I said, I see no reason why fine things like this should be restricted to humans and elves.\u201d She passed the glasses to her acolyte. \u201cPlease try them on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellora did so and then gasped. \u201cMistress I\u2014I can see so much better!\u201d She pointed out a window at some distant buildings across the moat. \u201cI can see the market from here now; it\u2019s not just a blur! Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Valara inclined her head. \u201cYou deserve it. And now, I believe the feast is waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026but it should wait a few minutes longer, because we have to get you changed into your blue robe. It\u2019s the one for celebrations, after all.\u201d Ellora\u2019s eyes twinkled. \u201cI know you like that one. And I can help you get into it quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valara laughed at that. She hadn\u2019t even thought about that robe, but now that Ellora mentioned it, she saw it was both appropriate and would be wonderful to wear. The way it played off her scales, the elegant feeling of the silk texture on her body\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds perfect,\u201d she said. \u201cLet us go.\u201d<\/p>\n

The high priestess of Hakar headed back up the stairs, her friend behind her and her favorite clothes ahead of her, and she sighed to herself. Sometimes it was hard work serving Hakar, and she did sometimes have her doubts. But days like this one proved that it was all worth it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Tale of the Lagano Priestess A Tale by Aaron Canton   Valara Durrash had to concede that negotiations with other lagano tribes were always a bit dangerous. Lagano were a fractious species in the best of times, and treaty discussions had a way of riling up even the most disciplined negotiators. In the best […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23355,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[145,146],"tags":[273,2230,266,2231,2232],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Aaron-Canton-Preview.png","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1UVey-64G","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23354"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23354"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23354\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23357,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23354\/revisions\/23357"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23355"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23354"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23354"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23354"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}