Chapter 8
Inside the church bedroom sat a female and long-haired cleric. She had blonde hair styled straight along with brown eyes. She wore a white hooded cape over her shoulders held together by a golden trinket, a white dress reaching up to her ankles with blue godets and gold accents, black gloves, and leather lace-up boots.
The cleric heard a knock on the door into the bedroom. "Come in," she said.
Another female cleric entered the bedroom. She wore the same clothes as the blonde, but sported blue eyes and long brown hair braided off from the back of her head.
The brown-haired cleric spoke gently. "May the Sacred Flame light your path on this fine day."
The blonde cleric replied. "And may it ever shine its warmth upon you."
The two of them giggled after saying the passages imprinted in them for life.
"How many times have we said those words, Lianna? And yet, they seem to take on a whole new meaning now," spoke the blonde.
"Each day is one day closer to my departure, Ophilia," spoke Lianna, the brown-haired cleric. "Perhaps I'm more nervous than I thought I was."
Lianna's head hung down, as the blonde Ophilia felt worried for her sister. "Lianna?" asked Ophilia.
Lianna shifted her gaze back to Ophilia. "You needn't worry about me. I was born to make the pilgrimage. My father did the same twenty years ago. As his daughter, I cannot let him down."
"You really are incredible, Lianna. I don't know how you do it," said Ophilia. "As the archbishop's only trueborn daughter, everyone always expects so much from you. And yet you never fail them. Each of your sermons is more inspiring than the last. And now, the pilgrimage...So much is placed on you alone."
Lianna replied. "Don't be silly! I'm not alone. I have you, don't I? And everyone at the cathedral...Why, you're the one who helped me think of a topic for that last sermon, Ophilia. You even stayed up nights with me to draft it!"
"A willing set of ears and a few pretty words, that's all I could offer you," said Ophilia. "I wish I could do something that would truly help you."
Lianna responded. "Oh, abandon such worries and come, my sister. Father is expecting us in the chapel."
Ophilia nodded as she followed her sister out of the bedroom towards the chapel. As she reached the chapel, she saw a large blue flame in the center, reminding her again of the origin of the realm they lived in.
In the beginning, the thirteen gods created the land. They shaped the mountains, filled the seas, gave life to mighty trees and myriad beasts...and then they created men, who would become masters of the land. Yet one god, Galdera, was too greedy to part with his creations. And so the twelve deities of good were forced into a desperate struggle with the cruel Galdera, lord of the most infernal magicks.
In the end, the conflict was brought to a close by the god Aelfric, the Flamebringer, lord of all that is holy. Aelfric called astral fire down upon Galdera, sapping his strength...then he sealed Galdera away in the afterworld.
A divine flame to chase the shadows...This is the Sacred Flame that shines down on the land of Orsterra, bringing warmth and guidance to its people.
As Ophilia and Lianna reached the chapel, the two heard a voice behind them.
"Ah, there you are, my girls."
The two turned around to see their father, Archbishop Josef.
"Your Excellency. May the Sacred Flame ever light your path," said Ophilia.
"Have you need of us here, Father?" asked Lianna.
"I wished to see you, that is all. Do carry on with your duties," said Josef.
Ophilia nodded. "As you wish, Your Excellency."
Josef commented on his daughters. "It is as if the two of you have become women grown in but the blink of an eye. How long has it been, Ophilia, since you came to us?"
Ophilia answered. "Fifteen years, Your Excellency. Or near enough so."
"Fifteen years," said Josef. "I suppose it is little wonder that you have grown so."
"I was but an orphan, Your Excellency, starving and sickly," said Ophilia. "I would not have lived to see this day if you had not taken me in. I may not have said it enough growing up, but my heart is full of gratitude for all that you have given me."
Josef replied. "No need for such words, my child. We all follow the path the Flame illuminates for us."
Lianna spoke up as well. "Come on, Phili...We're family! You, Father, and I. There's no need to be so formal about it. Why should you have to thank us for being with you? That's what family's for! And besides, Father may be a great archbishop in here, but we both know he's just an old layabout at home, isn't that right, Father?"
Josef chuckled. "An old layabout? You wound me, Lianna."
"I know your duties at the cathedral keep you busy, Father, but honestly! You're no help at all when it comes to keeping a household running!" said Lianna. "Would it kill you to cook a meal or dust the bookshelves from time to time?"
Josef responded. "Oh my...When you put it that way, I suppose I am quite useless, after all."
Ophilia spoke up as well. "So even the great and beloved archbishop falls short in the discerning eye of his daughter."
Josef nodded. "So it would seem, Ophilia. So it would seem."
Lianna chuckled at her and Ophilia's good-hearted jabs to their father.
Josef spoke again, now more serious in his tone. "Are you prepared for your journey to the Cave of Origin?"
Lianna answered, now more serious in her tone as well. "But of course, Father. I am ready."
Josef spoke again. "In the deepest recesses of that cave is where you will find the First Flame. You will take the ember to the churches across the realm, where it will serve to light the sacred fires that warm and protect all the lands. This is the Kindling, the time-honored rite held without fail once every twenty years since the days of old. Your journey will not be an easy one. As soon as you step foot into the wilderness, you will be met with lawless villains and savage beasts. Yes, many a servant of the church has made this journey throughout our history. Some...have never returned. But I know you can do this, my daughter. Everyone has put their faith in you."
Lianna nodded. "You have my word, Father. I won't let you...I won't let anyone down. I will carry out the rite, just as you did twenty years ago."
Josef nodded. "Very good, my child. Very-" Josef's talk was interrupted by sudden hard coughing that lasted for several seconds.
"Father?" spoke Lianna in a worried manner.
"Are you all right, Your Excellency?" asked Ophilia.
Josef answered. "It's nothing to worry yourselves over. Just my years announcing their advance."
"Oh, you mustn't sound so gloomy, Your Excellency!" said Ophilia. "There is still so much we would learn from you before we let you call yourself archbishop emeritus!"
Lianna nodded. "Father, you should retire for the day and let your body recuperate. We can handle things from here."
Ophilia nodded as well. "We will let the pontiff know that you are resting in your chambers, sir."
Josef sighed. "When my two girls insist, who is this old man to deny them? I will leave the preparations for today's service to you."
"We will take care of everything, Your Excellency," said Ophilia.
"I'll see Father back to his chambers," said Lianna.
"Thank you, Lianna. I will see to our duties here," said Ophilia.
Ophilia then saw Lianna escort their father back to Josef's chambers, as she then proceeded to start preparing for the next service. As she started setting up for the service, she heard a different voice to her side.
"If I might have a moment, Sister…"
Ophilia turned to regard the man approaching her. The man had medium-length sandy-colored hair and wore a blue coat with fur trim along with a brown shirt and dark pants and boots.
"Yes? Might I be of some service, my good sir?" asked Ophilia.
"Would you know where I might find His Excellency the Archbishop?" asked the man.
Ophilia responded. "May I ask who is looking for him?"
The man answered. "Ah! Pray forgive my lack of manners. My name is Mattias, a trader with the Leoniel Consortium. The archbishop has generously deigned to engage in a transaction of sorts with us."
A trader?" wondered Ophilia. "I see. It's an honor to meet you, sir. I am Sister Ophilia."
Mattias's eyes lit up. "Oh, so you are Sister Ophilia! I've heard so much about you. When the archbishop contacted me to request my services, he spoke much of his two daughters. I also heard that Sister Lianna will be the next Flamebearer. The realm is blessed to have such loyal servants. It is, as a matter of fact, to equip your sister for her forthcoming journey that the archbishop has summoned me here today."
"Is that so? We are much obliged for your support," said Ophilia.
Mattias replied. "Think nothing of it, good sister! It is the duty of the faithful to serve the church, as the church so tirelessly serves us."
"Sister Ophilia! You must come at once!"
Ophilia turned around to regard the cleric that yelled to her. The frantic, approaching cleric spoke. "Oh, Sister Ophilia, it's the archbishop. His Excellency has collapsed!"
Ophilia's eyes widened in fright. "What?! I will come at once!"
She then turned around to regard Mattias. "Please forgive me, Master Mattias, but I must check on His Excellency. Please excuse me!" She then turned to follow the cleric to Josef's quarters.
As she headed inside Josef's quarters, she saw her father lying on his bed and went to stand next to him. "Your Excellency…" spoke a worried Ophilia.
The cleric tending to Josef spoke to Ophilia. "What His Excellency needs most now is rest. Please try not to excite him."
LIanna spoke, worried as well. "Father…"
The tending cleric spoke again. "Worry not, Sister Lianna. Your father is merely resting. Are you worried?"
Lianna answered in an unsure tone. "I'm...I'm fine. I...I think I just need some air."
Lianna left the room, with Ophilia soon following after her as the latter expressed concern for her sister's health as well.
Soon, atop the plateau overlooking Flamesgrace…
Ophilia walked up the plateau as she soon saw her sister at the top of the rock formation overlooking the church they both served in.
She approached her sister from behind. "Lianna...How are you feeling?"
Lianna turned around to regard Ophilia, but quickly found herself on her knees as tears fell down her face. "What am I to do, Ophilia?! Father...My father is...Thinking about what might happen makes me feel so scared, so angry that I...I feel like my heart might just burst. But if I fall to pieces now, everyone will lose hope. I must be strong. And soon I must depart on the pilgrimage. The rite cannot be put off any longer. There are centuries of tradition we must obey. But...leaving my father behind, without even knowing if I'll ever...ever see him...again…"
Ophilia put a hand on Lianna's shoulder to comfort her sister. "Don't despair, Lianna. We are together in this. We will find a way."
Ophilia then reflected on the moment when she was introduced to her father and sister for the rest of her life up until this point…
Fifteen years ago…
My family lost in the war, I was left with nothing and no one to care for me.
"Do not despair, Ophilia. From today, we are your family," spoke Archbishop Josef within his quarters to the little blonde girl whom he adopted. He then pointed towards a little brown-haired girl opposite from Ophilia. "This is Lianna, my daughter. Your new sister."
Lianna approached Ophilia. "My name's Lianna. But you can call me Anna, if you'd like?"
Ophilia quickly hid behind Josef.
"What's the matter with her?" asked Lianna.
Josef solemnly answered. "Lianna, I'm afraid that Ophilia has gone through something very sad. So let us see to it that she is cheered once more. Together, in the light of the Sacred Flame, we will find happiness."
Lianna nodded. "Yes, Father! I'll be the best sister ever, Ophilia!"
My first days in the archbishop's home, I kept to my room and spoke to no one. It was she who brought me out of my shell. Lianna...my best friend...my sister.
"Hey, Phili? Don't you want to go outside?" asked a young Lianna to Ophilia who was residing in her bedroom.
Ophilia didn't answer Lianna. Lianna decided to show more initiative. She approached Ophilia and grabbed one of her hands. "There's someplace I just have to take you!" exclaimed Lianna.
Lianna led Ophilia out of her bedroom and then onto the plateau that overlooked Flamesgrace.
As Ophilia stood atop the plateau, she asked Lianna in wonder. "What is this place?"
Lianna answered. "It's my favorite place in the world! Maybe it could become your favorite place, too?"
Ophilia looked out onto the rest of Flamesgrace from the plateau. "It's beautiful."
Lianna responded. "Isn't it, though? That's why I love it here!"
Lianna then pulled a flower growing on the floor at the top of the plateau, and gave it to Ophilia. "This is for you, Phili. So now...won't you play with me?"
Ophilia looked at Lianna with tears in her eyes.
Lianna looked at Ophilia with concern. "Phili...are you crying?"
Ophilia wiped the tears away as she answered Lianna. "No...no, I'm not crying."
Lianna felt more relieved at her sister feeling easier than before when she isolated herself. "Good to hear it! We're going to be the best of sisters, Phili! I just know it!"
Ophilia replied, sounding uneasy but nevertheless wanting to express her interest in spending time with Lianna. "I...I'd like that, too...Lianna…"
Lianna replied, now more peppy than before. "Then it's settled! Oh, next time, I'll teach you my favorite game! And then…"
After I lost my family, I was convinced it was my fate to be miserable and alone for the rest of my days. But Lianna brought me out from under that dark cloud and gave me the strength to start living again.
Back in the present…
Ophilia stood kept her hand on Lianna's shoulder as Lianna started to stand back up. Lianna spoke, now more calm than before. "I'm sorry for running off like that...I will return to Father's side, and stay with him as long as I can."
Ophilia nodded. "Pray do that, Lianna. He will rest all the easier knowing you are with him."
Lianna nodded, before turning to leave the plateau and head back inside the church.
Ophilia remained on the plateau, overlooking the church where she, Lianna, and their father served.
Ophilia started speaking to herself while on the plateau. "The archbishop's illness weighs heavier on Lianna than anyone else. And yet she must hide that from all around her. Tomorrow she is to set out to gather the ember from the Cave of Origin. If I were to gather the ember in her place, Lianna could stay by her father's side. Of course, I cannot bear to leave him either. And if someone else were to gather the ember, that same person would have to go on the pilgrimage and complete the rite. To say nothing of straying into that cave without the church's blessing. I'd get more than just a stern lecture, that is for sure. But I must help Lianna and Father however I can. As I recall, the Cave of Origin lies within the foothills to the east of here."
Ophilia then proceeded to start heading down the plateau, unaware of the figure popping out from behind one of the lower walls right beneath the top floor of the plateau. The figure, unseen by Lianna and Ophilia earlier, maintained his gaze on the descending blonde cleric.
Earlier in the day, at the entrance to Flamesgrace…
Cyrus stood in awe as he passed through the streets of Flamesgrace, taking in the majesty and beauty of the snowfall falling over the buildings and structures of the town, especially the large cathedral that lay on the other side of the town from the path Cyrus used to enter the town.
"Ahhh...to be in the blessed town of Flamesgrace. Such a wonder to behold, especially in no part to the large blue flame that adorns the inside of the cathedral. And that's not even mentioning the intriguing and iconic presence of the First Flame, which would no doubt be an item of immense examination by myself were it not for the strong guardian protecting the sacred power from all kinds of wickedness and villainy."
Cyrus continued walking down to the town, soon raising his head to examine the large plateau near the street where he was walking. "Ah, yes, another marvel of Flamesgrace. Revered by many as the ideal location to take in the town in such a captivating manner. I must climb the rock and witness the town from there, after I've set up my accommodations."
Cyrus then turned towards the direction of Flamesgrace's inn, intent to book a room for the night before continuing onward through the Frostlands tomorrow morning. Nevertheless, he couldn't hide his giddy anticipation at the thought of trekking to the top of the plateau, much to the confusion of the townspeople who looked at Cyrus and stood in concern at Cyrus's uncontrollable laughter of joy at being within the magnificent Flamesgrace.
Later, near the top of the plateau…
After booking his room at the local inn, Cyrus finally relished in the chance to reach the top of the plateau and marvel at the tall rock formation overlooking the town. As he reached the plateau's top floor, he stood in awe and wonder again as he looked all over Flamesgrace, from the tavern to the inn to the shops and especially to the cathedral nearby. It was very incredible for Cyrus to witness. Cyrus then decided to relax himself by perking himself next to one of the lower walls right near the top of the large rock, sitting on a part of the cliff right below the top layer of the plateau while resting his body back against a wall right near the edge where Cyrus sat. As Cyrus continued his examination of Flamesgrace from where he was sitting, he heard two voices speak right above the layer where he was resting.
"What am I to do, Ophilia?! Father...My father is...Thinking about what might happen makes me feel so scared, so angry that I...I feel like my heart might just burst. But if I fall to pieces now, everyone will lose hope. I must be strong. And soon I must depart on the pilgrimage. The rite cannot be put off any longer. There are centuries of tradition we must obey. But...leaving my father behind, without even knowing if I'll ever...ever see him...again…" spoke one voice.
The other voice replied. "Don't despair, Lianna. We are together in this. We will find a way."
Cyrus perked his ears as he just remembered something important he checked recently about Flamesgrace.
That's right! It's been twenty years since the last pilgrimage with the First Flame! thought Cyrus. That must mean that whoever's talking up there must be responsible to perform this year's Kindling.
Cyrus found himself intrigued in the idea of witnessing the Kindling and the pilgrimage, and almost considered putting his search for From the Far Reaches of Hell to the side just to witness an important ceremony he would have to wait twenty more years if he put off the sight of the lighting of the churches with the First Flame this year.
As Cyrus mused over the potential change in his plans, he heard one voice talk to itself.
"The archbishop's illness weighs heavier on Lianna than anyone else. And yet she must hide that from all around her. Tomorrow she is to set out to gather the ember from the Cave of Origin. If I were to gather the ember in her place, Lianna could stay by her father's side. Of course, I cannot bear to leave him either. And if someone else were to gather the ember, that same person would have to go on the pilgrimage and complete the rite. To say nothing of straying into that cave without the church's blessing. I'd get more than just a stern lecture, that is for sure. But I must help Lianna and Father however I can. As I recall, the Cave of Origin lies within the foothills to the east of here."
Cyrus then heard descending footsteps as he soon popped out from behind the wall he was sitting next to and then caught the sight of a young blonde-haired female adult in cleric garments running down the plateau.
So that girl is going to the Cave of Origin because the archbishop is ill, and the person in charge of the Kindling is tending to him? mused Cyrus. She is not the one chosen for the journey, and yet she seeks to gather the ember even if she'll be accosted for going in unsupervised and undesignated for the role. This isn't ideal. If she's going in there by herself, I can't imagine how she'll last against the fabled Guardian of the First Flame. I could warn the cathedral, but by then it could be too late. This important rite for the entire realm must not be delayed and ignored, and I cannot sit by and let that girl face potential harm without aid. I am not one for fisticuffs, but in this case combat cannot be avoided. The Guardian does not show mercy towards any who approach the ember, and I fear for the girl's life. I must make haste and follow her!
Cyrus then started to run down the plateau as he kept his sights on the girl moving quickly through the town towards the path to the Cave of Origin.
Later, within the Cave of Origin…
As Ophilia moved through the depths of the Cave of Origin, she noticed a set of stairs leading towards a giant blue flame on a table. She recognized the large flame as the First Flame, and proceeded to move towards the flame but soon found herself stopping in her tracks as she heard the ground rumbling and a deep voice booming through the caves.
The deep voice spoke. Of thee who dost treaden in these halls, I aske. Art thou fit to lighten the flames and showen the path to all humanity? I am the Guardian of the First Flame. If thou wouldst callen thyself the Flamebearer, thou must proven thyself worthy!
Ophilia turned around as she saw a large golem made out of crystallized rock and glowing blue between its cracks. It carried a large sword in its right hand and a large shield in its left hand.
Ophilia stepped back in fright at the approaching golem, but soon found herself surprised by a dark-haired man in a dark coat standing in front of her waving his hands towards the golem. Fire erupted from one hand while lightning erupted from the other hand, resulting in Cyrus delivering a powerful magic blast with both of his hands to the golem. The golem blocked the blast with its shield, but at the cost of the shield crumbling apart from enduring the combination of fire and lightning. The golem then held his sword in two hands as it proceeded to swing its weapon straight down towards Cyrus. Cyrus jumped out of the way of the incoming swing, with Ophilia moving to the opposite side from Cyrus as she evaded the swing as well.
Cyrus then blasted fire with one hand and ice with his other hand towards the golem, knocking the golem back a bit through the power of the combined magical spells. The golem then swiped its sword in a horizontal swing towards Cyrus. Cyrus tried to duck down to the ground, but ended up slipping on one rock and then hitting another rock to the side of his head on his fall to the ground. While Cyrus was momentarily stunned, the Guardian prepared itself for another swing down on Cyrus. Ophilia saw that Cyrus was still dazed and wouldn't have enough time to dodge the golem's attack. She then quickly put her hands together to pray while bending one of her arms to hold her staff.
"Oh merciful, blessed gods! I ask for your power to help defeat the guardian, and protect the realm from the evil Galdera. I beg for aid from your strength!" shouted Ophilia.
Ophilia then noticed her staff glowing with a bright light. Recognizing this light as the power of the gods, Ophilia aimed her staff towards the Guardian and pushed her staff forward to cast the light glowing from the staff towards the golem. The abundance of light from the staff charged towards the Guardian and stabbed the Guardian in the center of its back while the Guardian was prepared to swing down on Cyrus. The Guardian fell to the side, the blue glow from the cracks between the rocks that formed the golem disappearing.
With the Guardian immobile, Ophilia sighed in relief as she then directed her sight towards the stranger starting to stand back up again after his temporary daze. Ophilia walked over to the stranger and spoke to him, while holding the staff containing some light from the gods close to the gash on the stranger's head so that the wound on the man's head can start to quickly close up and heal thanks to the gods' light.
"Thank you for helping me with the Guardian. Are you alright?" asked Ophilia.
Cyrus answered. "Truthfully, I've felt better. But, I haven't felt a surge like this coursing through my body in my entire life. I wouldn't like to fight that golem again, but I must admit my body felt wonderfully stimulated when engaging that creature in combat though I wish it didn't have to be damaged. But I suppose fighting the golem is necessary to test the strength of the wielder of the First Flame."
Ophilia nodded. "My thanks again, but may I ask for what your purpose is here?"
Cyrus nodded. "Ah, yes. I've heard your conversation at that plateau (being right below you at that time), and I wanted to protect you from the Guardian of the First Flame lest you end up hurt. And now, I offer my thanks to you saving my life from the golem."
Ophilia smiled. "Think nothing of it, good sir. I am just grateful to have someone help me defend myself, since my sister is too busy tending to my father and they wouldn't have allowed me to go after the Flame if I had told them before."
Ophilia then turned to regard the large blue flame on the table. "This is the First Flame of Aelfric. The fire he brought down from the stars. It's so beautiful. As brilliant as the stars burning in the night sky."
The two then heard a voice booming throughout the cave.
Ophilia. Thou has been judged worthy to bearen the Sacred Flame. Reachen out thine hand, and taken in it Aelfric's Lanthorn.
Ophilia noticed the lantern sitting on the table next to the flame. "This is the sacred lantern used in the Kindling. Aelfric's Lanthorn."
Ophilia grabbed the Lanthorn. "Lianna, please forgive me. I must hasten back."
Ophilia then ran towards the direction back to Flamesgrace, but stopped just as she started running to regard Cyrus. "Thank you so much for your help sir, but I must hurry back to the cathedral. May the Sacred Flame light your path, Mister...Mister…"
Cyrus finished Ophilia's sentence. "Albright. Cyrus Albright."
Ophilia nodded. "May the Sacred Flame light your path, Mister Albright." She then turned back towards the direction to Flamesgrace to bring the ember to Lianna and her father.
Soon, in Josef's quarters…
Ophilia approached Lianna, who was watching over their father still resting on his bed.
"Lianna? How is His Excellency?" asked Ophilia.
"He is sleeping still, but he seems to be resting more easily now," answered Lianna. "Where have you been, Ophilia? Everyone was worried about you."
Ophilia spoke in hesitation. "Lianna...There is something I must tell you…"
"My...my daughters…"
Ophilia and Lianna turned to see Josef's eyes slowly open, as the two then rushed to his side.
"Father!" said Lianna.
"Your Excellency!" said Ophilia.
Josef spoke again. "Forgive me, my girls...for making you worry so…Do not look at me with such sad eyes, Lianna. I will be well again before-"
Josef's talk was interrupted by persistent coughing, with Josef seconds later clearing his throat so that he can continue his talk. "I will be well again before long. But now is not the time for such worries. The rite…"
Lianna closed her eyes in pain at her father's request.
She simply cannot bear it, thought Ophilia. Dearest Lianna...Here goes!
"Your Excellency. I must speak with you," said Ophilia.
"What is it, Ophilia?" asked Josef.
Ophilia pulled out the Lanthorn and then continued to speak. "I would go on the pilgrimage and complete the Kindling in Lianna's place."
Lianna's eyes widened in shock. "That's...Aelfric's Lanthorn?! Ophilia, you-"
"Ophilia," spoke Josef. "You are aware that it is a grave sin for one to enter the Cave of Origin without the church's permission."
Ophilia nodded. "I am, Your Excellency."
Josef continued gazing at Ophilia, before speaking once more. "Lianna, leave us now. I would speak with Ophilia alone."
LIanna spoke in worry. "But Father!"
Josef responded to Lianna. "Worry not. I will not be punishing your sister. But there are matters we must discuss."
Liana nodded. "I understand, Father. Just...don't be too hard on her, okay?" Lianna then turned and headed towards the door to the quarters while maintaining a concerned look towards both Ophilia and Josef.
Josef then spoke again to Ophilia. "At least it would seem you came through your ill-advised journey in one piece. And I can assume you set out with no preparation to speak of. For all your quiet dignity...Oh, Ophilia...I only hope that this kindness of yours will not be your ruin. You journeyed to the Cave of Origin so that Lianna might stay here with me, did you not?"
Ophilia didn't answer, but Josef didn't need her answer to confirm his reasoning for Ophilia's actions since he saw his answer in Ophilia's worried look on her face.
Josef spoke again. "I will inform the pontiff that there has been a change in plans, and that you will perform the Kindling in Lianna's stead. Speak with your sister and learn what she has these many months. Your instruction will be abbreviated, but I know you are up to the task. Your kindness brings warmth and light to all around you, Ophilia, just as does the Sacred Flame. Ophilia. When I first took you in, I had a dream."
Ophilia looked inquisitively at Josef. "A dream, Your Excellency?"
Josef answered. "A dream of you, bearing the Flame into the world. Looking back now, I realize it was an omen of what was to come. Lianna is a fine daughter, my pride and joy. She has served as a daughter of the church far better than I had any right to expect. But I know that it has not come easily to her. She has given up much of her true self to be who she must be for the church. I have not yet told Lianna, but I fear that I am not much longer for this world."
Ophilia moved closer to Josef in concern. "But Your Excellency, the healers said-"
Josef interrupted her. "I trust that I know my body better than any other. Oh, Ophilia...I am so proud of you and Lianna both. Promise me that you will love one another forever."
Ophilia spoke in worry. "Your Excellency...I...Father, please! Please don't leave us!"
"Thank you, Ophilia," said Josef before closing his eyes to rest once more.
Two days later…
Ophilia spoke to Lianna outside the entrance to the cathedral. "And with that, I should be off. Do take care…"
Lianna nodded. "Take care of yourself. I think Father was looking a little better today, don't you? We nearly had to tie him to his bed, he so wished to be here, too."
Ophilia chuckled. "It's good to know he's acting more like himself again."
Lianna sighed as she hung her head down. "Ophilia...I owe you an apology."
"Whatever for, Lianna?" asked Ophilia.
"When I first heard that you would go on the pilgrimage in my stead...To tell you the truth, I was relieved," said Lianna. "The thought that I could stay here with Father instead of worrying about the Kindling. I knew you would be putting yourself in great danger...and yet, I was so happy. Can you forgive me, Ophilia?"
Ophilia answered. "Oh, please. I am the one who should apologize. I have no right to be here, and, well, here I am."
"I know that you only wanted to help me...And knowing that you will perform the rite in my stead makes me happier than anything," said Lianna.
Ophilia smiled. "Thank you, Lianna."
She then hugged her sister, before looking at her again to speak. "And so my journey begins. To Saintsbridge, Goldshore, and finally back to Flamesgrace. Light the flames in each town, perform the Kindling as our forebears have. I'll be gone for a while, but if ever you or Father need me, pray send for me at once."
Lianna nodded. "Thank you, Ophilia. Really do take care of yourself, okay?"
Ophilia nodded as well. "Let us see how Saintsbridge in the Riverlands treats me. Till we meet again, dear sister. May the Sacred Flame light your path!"
Lianna replied. "And may it ever shine its warmth upon you!"
The two sisters nodded to each other, before Ophilia proceeded to start leaving the cathedral.
Before I leave Flamesgrace, there is someone I must thank again…
Meanwhile, outside Flamesgrace's inn…
Cyrus opened the door and walked outside from the inn towards the streets of Flamesgrace. He proceeded to smell the cool air of Flamesgrace once more, before readying himself to depart towards the path leading out of the town.
You've rested long enough, thought Cyrus. Though you received quite the gash from the encounter with the Guardian, it is time to move the mind on from contemplating such troubling affairs. Let us move forward, and continue our progress on the path to Quarrycrest.
Cyrus started to move through the streets, the start to his trek out of Flamesgrace stopped by the sound of a familiar voice.
"Wait, Mr. Albright!"
Cyrus turned around and saw the blonde cleric whom he protected back at the Cave of Origin approaching him.
"I'm so glad to meet you again, Mr. Albright," spoke Ophilia. "I asked around about you, sir. They said they saw you residing at the inn. I wanted to talk to you yesterday, but the innkeeper said you were resting."
Cyrus responded. "Ah, yes. I apologize for being unavailable, but I wanted to give myself time to recuperate after our battle with the Guardian."
Ophilia nodded. "I understand, Mr. Albright. I just wanted to give my gratitude for your aid in the cave, before I go on my pilgrimage."
Cyrus nodded. "Ah, yes, the Kindling. So you have been given the task of lighting the churches across Orsterra with the ember from the First Flame. I wish the best of luck to you on your journey, but if I may...I myself am headed towards Quarrycrest. Perhaps it would be beneficial for both of us to travel together. I see no reason why we should separate ourselves if we're both headed in the same direction."
Ophilia's eyes widened in embarrassment. "Oh no, Mr. Albright! I can't ask you to join me on the pilgrimage, when you've already done so much for me."
Cyrus reassured the cleric. "Think nothing of it, Sister. Frankly, it would be more interesting in my paths to have a companion who I can divulge my findings to during my journey. You'd be doing me a favor by accompanying you. I would be glad to travel with you, Sister...um, Sister…"
Ophilia answered the scholar. "Ophilia Clement. You could just call me Ophilia. Are you sure you wish to travel with me, Mr. Albright? I don't wish to be a bother to you."
Cyrus answered once more. "I am absolutely positive, Ophilia. And please, just call me Cyrus. You're not a bother. You saved my life, and thus I already consider you a friend whom I'm glad to meet again."
Ophilia smiled in surprise at Cyrus's earnestness, along with his use of the word "friend."
Ophilia never expected to make a friend so quickly, especially in under stressful conditions. But if he was willing to join her on her journey, then Ophilia can't bring herself to decline the eccentric man. Her pilgrimage was already starting to show a promise of a grand adventure, now that she has a professor from the Royal Academy of Atlasdam by her side.
Cyrus spoke up, now pointing towards the entrance to Flamesgrace. "Now then, Ophilia. Let us make haste from this place. To continue with your Kindling, and to continue with my search for the lost tome. Onward!" Cyrus then started to walk again through the streets of Flamesgrace, with Ophilia gladly accompanying the help to her cause as they traveled together.
And so the cleric set out with the scholar on a journey never meant to be hers. She must complete the Kindling, the holy rite carried out every twenty years...to be able to return to the beloved family she wishes to protect. Where will this unexpected journey lead her? Only the gods may know...
