It took yet another four days of journeying for the companions to make their way from Clearbrook to Saintsbridge following the main roads. The going continued to be easy and the mood was jovial despite the unspoken growing tension felt by most of them at the possibility of an unexpected attack of some kind or another.

Ophilia was quieter than normal, a slight rigidity to her shoulders and the less frequent beam of her smile giving away her anxiety at the upcoming Kindling to those that knew her and they all rallied to try and keep her spirits up and her growing fear at bay.

'Well, here we are then!' Alfyn declared as they started on the impressive first bridge that crossed the river into the town.

'Hey.' Therion suddenly pointed at a figure in a long dark cloak that had materialised in front of them. 'I recognise that woman. It's the crazy lass looking for her true love!' Indeed, the dark-haired beauty that they had encountered at Bolderfall by the Ravus Manse was standing demurely on the middle of the bridge - her slightly unfocused gaze peering out distantly over the water. They had to slow the cart down to a stop as they were unable to get past her. The woman looked up at Olberic who had moved forward to politely request her to move out of the way. She grabbed at his arm.

'Oh!' She said in her deep and husky voice. 'A temptation indeed. So noble a soul. But you are not him.' There was the slightest edge of regret in her voice. Her eyes slid immediately past Cyrus and Therion, then came to a rest on Alfyn who had no idea what the hell was going on but gulped nervously at the woman's intense scrutiny as she made her way slowly towards him - hand outstretched.

'What?' the woman stumbled slightly as she reached the Apothecary. He caught her deftly before she fell. She gazed up at him, her eyes blank, her tongue just appearing out from between her dark red lips as if tasting the air. 'You have been touched by the cross!' she declared breathlessly. 'I feel the mark coursing in your blood and through your soul. So close. So very close. Blonde you are, and kind of heart and mind. Tested that will be.' The woman closed her eyes and released herself from Alfyn's bemused grip.' But you are not my love.' She said finally. She drew her cloak to herself tightly, and then without looking at anyone else she started walking down the bridge towards the town.

Everyone looked at each other in confusion.

'H'aanit!' a voice called from behind them. The huntress turned in surprise.

'Alphas!' H'aanit greeted the warrior who came running up to them.

'Did my love just pass this way?' he asked, his breath coming in gasps at his exertion.

'You mean the crazy woman?' Therion had come forward to slap the man on the back. 'I'd have thought you'd given up on that by now.'

'I will never forsake my true love.' Alphas replied stiffly. 'I will follow her to the ends of the earth if I must, although...' he swallowed sadly '..It is like she doesn't even see me. We had that one brief moment when she saw... ahh.'

'Mayhap it be for the best that thou forget thy love.' H'aanit suggested sagely.

'I could not.' Alphas declared.

'Well, yeah she went off that way along the bridge.' Alfyn patted the warrior on the back. 'If you hurry you may catch her.'

'Many thanks friends!' Alphas saluted them and took up his run again following his maid.

The cart started moving again. Suddenly Therion guffawed.

'No... no way!' he was grinning from ear to ear - waving a scruffy piece of paper in his hand.

'Was ist?' H'aanit asked curiously.

'I nicked it from that madman.. heh just listen to this...' Therion struck a dramatic pose and read in a mockingly serious voice.

'...Thou art the other half that makes me whole, The perfect piece missing from my soul, When I think of thee strength flows through me, My sword exists only to protect thee...'

'Therion! How could you?' Ophilia was red in the face. She snatched the paper from him.

Alfyn was snickering and Olberic was laughing outright.

'I know.. right?' Therion was nearly doubled over.

'Oh that's so lovely!' Ophilia had the paper held almost up to her nose - her eyes misty.

'Ahh ist a joy!' H'aanit agreed lustily. 'A veritable feast for thine heart.'

'I knew a boy who wrote poetry once...' Primrose had a distant look. 'Such wonderful words...'

'Hang on.' Alfyn's mouth was hanging open. 'You don't mean you thought that was good do you?'

Ophilia looked at him surprised. 'It was beautiful. So heartfelt. You are so mean to take it Therion.' She admonished the thief. 'It's obviously important to him. I will return it.' She said with a sigh.

'Wait.. what?' Therion looked stunned. 'That was a pile of crap - I could write better in my sleep... seriously?'

'But you don't though, do you darling?' Primrose said tartly. 'At least Alphas has the courage to commit to his feelings..'

'Come on... Prof, help us out here... it was shite right?' Therion scowled.

'I am staying well out of that debate my sneaky little friend. In my experience ladies like pretty words. You would be wise to leave it at that.' Cyrus was grinning.

The companions moved on into the town.

'I had best head straight on up to the Cathedral and let them know I have arrived.' Ophilia said with a heavy sigh. 'At least I can get an itinerary of what to expect.'

'I'm meeting with one of my Da's contacts.' Tressa added. 'They have sorted me a vendors licence for the for the Kindling - apparently your little ceremony will bring traders from all over Ophilia - these licences are like gold-dust!'

'Oh. So a lot of people are expected then?' Ophilia sounded daunted.

'Um, well yeah duh!' Tressa smiled happily.

'Wonderful.' The little Cleric muttered.

With the growing buzz of the impending Kindling - rooms in town were hard to come by. Finally the companions were able to find a place in a very upmarket Inn in a wonderfully tranquil location, although the demanded cost to have Linde admitted to the party on top of the inflated rates nearly brought Tressa to tears. They only managed to secure it when Ophilia stepped in with an imperious 'Do you know who I am?' to the snooty Innkeeper. After that things had gone rather much better.

Wary of potential problems Olberic insisted that the team stay in groups and keep their eyes open. Alfyn, Therion and Primrose made their way with Tressa to get herself sorted in the market, and Olberic, H'aanit and Cyrus accompanied Ophilia to the Cathedral.

Saintsbridge really was a lovely town. Bordered on all sides by dense woodland, with the main river and a number of subsidiaries running through it - it was picturesque - and it's church, overlooking the town was its crowning jewel. The grounds that surrounded the place of worship were vast and beautifully maintained. The delightful tinkle of trickling water and the sheer amount of spots provided to sit in peaceful reflection made for a vibrant social area which bustled with people meeting and chatting and children scampering about in play.

As they made their way up to the Cathedral, the strange woman that they had encountered on the bridge came rushing from the church, a beauteous smile on her face.

'He has been found! My love has been found!' she informed them as she hurried past.

'Oh, I expect Alphas is close by.' Ophilia murmured reaching into her pocket for the poem that Therion had stolen. 'I can hopefully return this.' As she took it out a breeze took the paper and whipped it from her hand. It landed at the feet of a pretty woman stood alone on the path, who bent to retrieve it for the Cleric. The woman's eyes scanned the poem and a rosy blush coloured her cheeks.

'Did you write this?' she breathed at Olberic, who had gone forward to retrieve the note.

'Not I,' he chuckled. 'I am afraid I have no way with words My Lady. That honour goes to the gentleman just now coming from the Church. Sir Alphas is the warrior and the scribe.'

'Indeed! The woman blushed heavier. 'I think I may like to speak with him.'

'Would you be kind enough to give him back that note then My Lady.' Olberic asked smoothly. 'Alas, he dropped it when we encountered him on the bridge earlier today - and we were looking to return it!'

'But of course!' the lady replied kindly and set off on a course to intercept the lovesick warrior.

'Oh, nicely done Olberic!' Ophilia smiled at him as he returned to them.

'Hmm?' he asked.

Since Linde was likely to cause a panic if she were taken into the Cathedral, Olberic and H'aanit stayed outside whilst Cyrus took the faltering Cleric gently by the hand and up the steps to the entrance.

'Breathe my love.' He murmured quietly as he opened the door. 'I am right here. Lean on me if you need too.'

Ophilia flashed him a small, grateful smile. 'Am I so obviously terrified?' she asked in a whisper.

'Only to one who knows you and loves you dearheart.' Cyrus reassured her squeezing her hand.

They walked together slowly up the nave towards the choir and High Altar.

'Oh. That's not good.' Ophilia said imperceptibly, her stance suddenly straightening as she got her first look at the Burning Flame of Saintsbridge.

'The Flame does seem.. a little low.' Cyrus agreed.

'Sister Ophilia.' A gentle voice called to her from the North transept of the crossing.

'Your Excellency!' Ophilia's face lit for the first time since entering the Cathedral. 'Father Bartolo! I am so glad to see you again!' Suddenly energised the little Cleric hastened towards the plump, kindly looking Bishop, her hands stretched out to him.

The Bishop gave a little laugh and encased her in a huge hug. 'I am sure we are breaking every rule of etiquette.' He told her with a jolly smile, '..but by the God's Ophilia, it is so good to see you here safe and well! Please come with me my dear...'

He took Ophilia by the arm and led her out to the High Altar and into the presence of the Flame. Cyrus followed a few steps behind them.

'Can I introduce you to my companion and my scribe?' Ophilia asked as they came to stop. 'And my friend.' She added as Cyrus joined them.

'Oh, of course. Professor Albright I believe!' the Bishop looked keenly up at the Scholar. 'I have been lucky enough to have read a number of your papers on Ancient Theology and Language, Professor. I hope that we may get a chance to discuss some relative points while you are here.' He grinned happily at the thought. 'Ophilia did write that you may be interested in viewing our small archive of works here.' He patted Ophilia's arm kindly. 'Please be assured that you are most welcome - I have set the agreement with our head archivist already so do not hesitate when you have the time!'

Cyrus bowed and looked a little startled. 'I genuinely hope we will get the chance to talk, Your Excellency, although I am sure your workload will be quite extensive with the Kindling.'

'Ah yes.' The Bishop turned his attention back to Ophilia 'Not a moment too soon dear child. Just look at our poor Flame.' He sighed heavily.

'How long has it waned like this?' Ophilia asked gently.

'This bare flicker? It has been a while now.' The Bishop regarded the high Altar with some sadness. 'How well I remember the day your father came and performed the Kindling. Such vigour and passion! How the Flame roared bright, but time has not been kind. The land is assaulted by doubt, both in the Flame and in the Church. Rumours of alternative religions and oh, such cynicism on all sides. We shall change this course though Ophilia. You bring warmth and gentle love, just what is needed in these cold times, mark my words.'

'I hope your faith in me is not misplaced, Your Excellency.' Ophilia said vehemently.

The Bishop patted Ophilia's arm. 'So let me give you the plan and then you can get some well earned rest my dear.' He smiled. 'Tomorrow you and I will be meeting for our advisement. At both of the locations you travel to we keep a half of the story of 'The Sacrifice.' which is imparted to you so you better understand the role you will undertake. My part covers the ritual itself. In Goldshore you will learn what comes after for the Flamebearer.'

'Okay.' Ophilia nodded a little warily.

'On the second day you will have time for reflection and prayer on what you have learned. You will also be able to undertake cleansing if you so wish, although it is not compulsory. On the third day the Kindling will be performed when the sun is at its zenith.' The Bishop smiled at the dazed look on Ophilia's face. 'You have a suite prepared for your use here my dear, and a room for you also Professor, if you wish it. I believe you know Eliza Woodward, of the Knights Ardante. She is in charge of your security and will meet with you shortly.'

Ophilia had started to wilt. Cyrus was quickly behind her, subtly propping her up, his hand on the small of her back.

'You must be tired child.' Bishop Bartolo frowned in concern 'Would you like to be shown to your room now?' he asked.

'Oh.. thank you but no Your Excellency. I would greatly like some fresh air and perhaps a look around your beautiful town.' Ophilia raised a smile.

'Then I shall keep you no longer. I will see you for our meeting tomorrow!' The Bishop bowed slightly to the Flamebearer and took his leave.

'Let me help you.' Cyrus said, his concern evident as he scrutinised Ophilia's pale face.

Ophilia noted how the Cathedral had filled up since they had entered, many of the faces staring down towards her in curiosity.

'Thank you Cyrus, but I have to make an effort to at least appear inspiring, or something close...' she straightened herself up and raised her chin, trying not to lean too heavily on her staff.

'You are always inspiring my love.' Cyrus said reflectively as she started her stride back down the nave, smiling gently to the onlookers who gawked at her.

They had reached near to the door and freedom when Ophilia was suddenly accosted by a handsome young man who stepped directly in front of her and grabbed at her wrist.

'We need to talk.' The man said roughly, with no preamble.

'Mr Mattias!' Ophilia exclaimed, as Cyrus moved quickly forward to deal with the situation.

'Please unhand the Flamebearer.' Cyrus said with controlled politeness.

'Alone.' Mattias had not let go of his grip on Ophilia's wrist.

'Please, Mr Mattias. I greatly require some fresh air - may we not take our conversation outside?' the strain on the girls face was very evident.

'I will take you to my lodging. I have a room in the cloister.' Mattias turned and began to physically drag Ophilia along behind him.

'Let go of her.' Cyrus's voice was still low - but the menace in his tone was palpable.

'Or what Professor?' Mattias stopped and gave the Scholar a condescending sneer.

'Peace. Please!' Ophilia begged, pulling her arm out of Mattias' grip. 'Mr Mattias. Forgive me, I am tired and I wish some air. I will happily talk with you, but Professor Albright has taken responsibility for my safety and he takes his role very seriously. Can we not please conduct our business gracefully?'

'This is family business girl.' Mattias took a deep breath, trying to control his ire. 'Since the Archbishop is incapacitated and I have accepted the role as the Intended of your Sister, your guardianship had legally fallen to me.'

'Ophilia is a woman grown, a full Cleric of the Order. She has no requirement for guardianship.' Cyrus sounded incredulous.

'None the less.' Mattias' tone was clipped. 'In her adoption, to protect her interest and her inheritance, her guardianship does extend to her twenty-fifth year or the occasion of her agreed marriage. Neither of which have yet come to pass.'

'This is about leaf?' The Cleric almost laughed. 'I have no wish for inheritance Mr Mattias. I will happily draw you up a statement making this clear.'

Mattias growled. 'It is not only about leaf you silly child. Your conduct is shaming our family. Traipsing about the continent and avoiding your duty. Taking up with a Thief, a shamed Scholar, a Whore?'

Ophilia took each verbal hit like a physical blow. A crowd was starting to gather around them.

'After this Kindling is done you will be returning to Flamesgrace with me Ophilia.' Mattias' voice had become a low rumble. 'You will attend your Sister on her wedding day and then I will personally escort you to Goldshore to finish your duty. That is the last word on it. I expect you to be ready to leave as soon as the Flame here is seen to.' With a last scornful look at Cyrus, Mattias moved off.

'I was so very wrong about him.' Eliza stepped out from behind a stone pillar and took Ophilia by the arm. 'Come on, let's get you outside.' She added, gently steering the Cleric to the door.

~0~

Tressa was completely in her element. She had found that not only did she have an absolutely perfect stall from which to sell her wares, but her location could not be better either, on the main thoroughfare that led round and up to the Cathedral. The other merchants had gotten wind of the fact that she had travelled with the Flamebearer and were all seeking out her attention too.

'I honestly think I underestimated the stock for this.' She murmured happily to Primrose. 'We are going to make a killing.'

Therion and Alfyn were sitting under a central tree, keeping an eye on the ladies and enjoying a mug of ale. Despite the crowded streets they were nicely relaxed. Alfyn had quickly discovered that there was another travelling Apothecary in town who had been there for a number of days already so there had been no call for his own skills at all.

'I could get used to this.' Alfyn said with a happy sigh, indicating the nice weather and view - and of course the beer in his hand.

'It's all just a little bit sterile for my taste.' Therion moaned, but he too seemed relaxed.

There was a sudden ruckus, as a number of guards made their way through the market, six men heavily armoured and looking high and low as they went.

'Wonder what that's about.' Alfyn mused.

'Dunno, just grateful it isn't me for a change.' Therion sighed. 'Promised her Holiness to behave myself - like a fool.'

'I do think she is about eighty percent of your conscience' Alfyn laughed.

'A pain in my arse is what she is.' Therion grumbled.

'Aww its kinda sweet Therion. You make her naughty, she makes you nice... It always ...' Alfyn stopped in the middle of his sentence. 'Look..' he pointed at an empty stall in a side part of the market. 'That fellow looks like he could use some help.' He indicated a man with a bright orange shock of hair fallen almost under the stall, in obvious pain.

'I know what's coming next...' Therion sighed. 'Well. Let's go!'

They started to make their way over to where the man had fallen. Before they reached him, another older man got there first and bent over the prone redhead.

'Are you in trouble?' the older man asked.

'Well, Whadda it look like?' the redhead asked roughly. 'Me bleedin' leg is killing me.'

'Hmm.' The older man knelt and took a look at the offending limb. 'A rather nasty infection.' He said. 'Sir, I am an Apothecary. If you can just answer a few questions...'

The two men conferred for a number of minutes. The older man suddenly stood up.

'I'm sorry.' He said stiffly. 'I won't be able to help you I'm afraid.' He walked away, straight into Therion and Alfyn.

'Hey!' Alfyn looked confused. 'Sir, did you just refuse that man help?'

The older man looked Alfyn up and down, taking in his satchel and greens. 'It is my choice whom I chose to heal.' He said quietly. 'That man is not worth saving. Good-day.'

'Now wait here...' Alfyn started, but the man had walked off without a second glance.

'Well, we'll see about that!' Alfyn went to the redhead.

'Hello Sir,' Alfyn said with his best friendly smile. 'I too am an Apothecary. May I take a look at that wound?'

'What? So you can refuse to help me too?' the man said bitterly.

'Doubt it. I'm Alfyn.' The boy took a good look at the man's leg. It had festered badly. 'Okay mate. I'm gonna give you a tonic that should help clear that up. You got somewhere to stay? Your gonna need rest.'

'Been hanging in a barn just on the outskirts of town. Can't get no place with a bed on account of the bloody Kindling circus.' The man said bitterly.

Alfyn was pounding up some medication. 'Well If you take this now, I will come look you up in the morning and we can see how it's doing?' Alfyn offered.

'Yeah, that's okay. Names Miguel. Thanks kid.'

'You're welcome.' Alfyn grinned broadly at his new patient.

~0~

Ophilia has taken a seat in a quiet part of the Cathedral garden, having begged to simply be left alone for a while to gather herself. She was within easy reach of Eliza, Cyrus, H'aanit and Olberic, who were grouped together a short way away, giving her space but sending her concerned looks whilst talking amongst themselves, obviously about her.

Ophilia was totally mortified. Her head was reeling and she could form no proper coherent thought. It was as if someone had wrapped her head in wool. She continued to breathe deeply as her father had taught her and tried to stave off the panic that was threatening to overwhelm her.

Her peace was suddenly shattered by three children who had started arguing loudly.

'Children please!' she had stood up, irritation uncommonly rising in her. 'What is all this noise about?'

'Why don't you ask him, he's the idiot!' one of the boys said pointing at another.

'Yeah,' the third one said. 'It's all his fault!'

The accused boy suddenly burst into tears. Loud sobs that shook his entire body.

'Ughh. Cry-baby!' The first boy said unkindly. 'Come on Nate, let's get away before the baby makes us wet!' The two boys ran off to another part of the garden.

Ophilia sighed, but despite her own woes, the crying child tugged at her heart.

'What's wrong sweetheart?' she asked gently kneeling in front of the boy and putting a kind hand to his shoulder. 'Why are those other's being mean?'

'They're right, it is all m...m...my fault.' The boy cried miserably.

'Come and sit with me honey, and we will see if we can sort it out.' Ophilia led the boy back to her bench and put an arm around his frail body. 'Can you tell me your name?' she asked.

'Emil.' The boy had stopped crying but was twisting his hands together unhappily. 'I bumped into Darryl and he must dropped it.' He explained 'I didn't mean to, I didn't know it would fall off and go missing. He is my friend, and I wouldn't want to hurt him. Not for anything.'

'What went missing?' Ophilia asked patiently.

'His mum's brooch.' Emil looked thoroughly miserable. 'His mum died a few weeks past and the brooch - it's important to him. He showed it to us and I guess it wasn't pinned properly back on.'

'Well where was it lost?' Ophilia smiled at the boy. 'We can go and have a good look for it if you like.

'Really?' the boy's answering smile was like a ray of sunshine. He got up and took the Cleric's hand. 'Just over here...' he pulled her to an area not far away but heavy in shrub and undergrowth.

At her movement, Cyrus came rushing over.

'Is everything alright dearheart?' he asked, his arm wrapping instinctively around her shoulders.

Ophilia quickly explained Emil's plight. Cyrus looked at her - his expression unreadable.

'I will get the others.' He said. 'The more of us looking the better our chances.'

'You don't have too..' Ophilia began but he cut her off with a soft kiss.

'Yes. Yes we do. I will be only a moment.' He sprinted back to the others.

Between the four of them and Emil, the area was searched rather thoroughly, but there was no sign of the brooch.

'There are tracks here.' H'aanit mused at one stage. 'A large animal, but I hath not seen such since we hath been here.'

'There was a big dog here earlier.' Emil spoke up. 'It's why Darryl got pushed in the first place. The dog was pretty scary and I was trying to push him away. Then we ran. It was only later we realised the brooch was missing.'

'Not a dog.' H'aanit said. 'I recognise these prints. Liken Hagen. A dire wolf. There should be none such in this land though.'

'Where do they lead?' Cyrus asked, rubbing his chin.

'Back towardeth the woods.' H'aanit pointed.

Ophilia had noted that the child whose brooch had been lost had sidled back and was watching the search effort dispassionately. She approached him.

'I am sorry to hear about your Mother.' She said softly.

'Yeah, whatever.' The boy frowned. 'What you doing?'

'Emil is looking for your brooch. He is very upset that it was lost.'

'Yeah? Well he should be - it was his fault.' Darryl's frown deepened.

'I know you're hurting.' Ophilia reached out to put a comforting hand on the boy - but he shrugged away. 'I lost my Mother too - when I was a bit younger than you. I know how it hurts Darryl.'

'Does it stop? The hurt?' the child asked almost unwillingly.

'Honestly Darryl, no. You will always grieve for a loved one, but it does get easier. And one of the biggest things that can help ease the pain is the love of a friend. Someone who will try and right a wrong to make you happy.'

'Eh, well Emil isn't even here anymore - so he ain't a friend is he?'

'What?' she looked. Emil was no longer with the group. 'Um guys?' Ophilia called. 'Where did Emil go?'

They looked at each other. The other boy that had been with them earlier came running up.

'Emil's gone into the Murkwood!' he exclaimed breathlessly. 'Said he reckons he knows where that dog went - wanted to see if it took the brooch!'

'Where? Show me!' The Cleric grabbed a hold of Nate. She turned round to speak to Darryl, but that boy was no longer there.

'Oh by the Gods!' Ophilia's face was red in anger 'Now where has that child gone.' Everyone was looking a bit confused. 'Nate. Show me where Emil went. Please' she added realising her tone was angry.

'Right. This way.' Nate took her to an opening that seemed to lead a path into the forest. 'He went in there.' Nate said.

'Wait here and DO NOT MOVE.' The Cleric marched down the path into the tree's. She was vaguely aware that H'aanit, Olberic and Cyrus were behind her, but she didn't wait for them. She was angry. Angrier than she could ever remember being.

The darkness under the tree cover was almost absolute. With a frustrated sigh Ophilia banged her staff to the ground and light shone forth from the tip. Well that was new but she barely even registered surprise.

The boy's hadn't made it far into the tree's, she found them relatively quickly. Unfortunately when it came to it - there was a huge dire wolf stood between her and them, growling at the children menacingly.

'Hey you!' she shouted at the wolf. 'Pick on someone your own size.' The wolf turned at the noise in time for Ophilia's staff to connect a resounding blow to its head. She flung her arms in the air dramatically and called on the light, beaming a huge brilliant beam directly at the animal causing it to whimper and run backwards away from them. She ran to the children and stood in front of them.

'Well come on then.' She said to the wolf.

Cyrus reached her first. He put both hands up and approached her carefully.

Ophilia saw H'aanit over Cyrus's shoulder throw her huge net over the cowed dire wolf and with Olberic's help secure it safely. Olberic also picked something up off the ground and walked it over to the children. Wordlessly he handed the brooch back to Darryl.

There was a silence. Cyrus tentatively opened his arms to the Cleric who suddenly dropped like a stone into them.

Darryl and Emil were staring at Ophilia in wide eyes wonder.

'Bloody hell Sister. You kicked the living snot outta that dog!' Darryl whooped gleefully.

'Yeah!' Emil agreed wondrously. 'Your frigging outrageous Sister!'

'I am aren't I?' Ophilia said breathlessly.