Arrival to the Festival

A few days later:

"Lady Deeala," spoke the driver of the carriage. "The banner of Tierellen shows in the distance."

Both Deeala and Jinkso looked out the window to see what they could. Even at the distance they were, both could see that the main city was very grand. "Will you look at that," Jinkso said stunned. "I didn't think it would be that big."

"Nor I," said Deeala. "Now I definitely hope we are not the only two Helm has asked. Driver, how long before we arrive at the main gates?"

"We should be there within the hour, Lady Deeala," said the driver as he got the carriage back underway.

"Our journey is almost over," said Deeala.

"Rather," replied Jinkso. "I think it is only just beginning."

Elsewhere, Semaj appeared on the main road about a half-mile from the main gates of the city. Quietly, he pulled up his hood and walked towards the main gates while leaning on his staff just a bit.

"What a sight to behold," said Eldirnon as he was peering through a looking glass.

"Let's have that," said Xworvan. Eldirnon passed the looking glass and the Dwarf took a look. "That is impressive. But I do see several weaknesses even from here. Delvatath, do you wish the looking glass?"

"No, not just yet," replied the Ranger. "I will see it up close soon enough."

Kiran spotted the spires of the castle and stopped to take in the sight. Verimon noticed this and stopped his horse as well. "Magnificent," said the Knight.

"Indeed it is," said the Paladin.

"I hope that the people's taxes did not go to pay for that castle."

"The castle? I was talking about the temple."

Kiran looked confused for a moment, then noticed that indeed the temple to Helm was visible from their vantage point. "By the gods," he said.

"I have never seen such a temple either," said Verimon. "No wonder Helm watches Tierellen so carefully. I know of no other kingdom that reveres him so."

"The more I learn of this quest," said Kiran. "The better it gets. Come, friend, we still have a few miles to go before we get there."

Verimon smiled and spurred his horse on with Kiran's towards the main gates.

Kiran and Verimon, having passed Jinkso and Deeala's carriage without knowing it, arrived at the main gates of the city. Pulling back the reigns of their horses, they slowed their pace to a slow trot. The town was bustling with what appeared to both Kiran and Verimon as a party of some kind. "It would appear," began Verimon. "That we have arrived in the middle of a festival."

Kiran smiled as a random member of the populace held out a flagon of ale to the Paladin. "We seem to be welcome here," he said to Verimon.

Verimon smiled as well and turned to face the man who offered him the drink. "Though I am deeply grateful, friend," he said to the townsman. "My code forbids it." The man smiled, nodded his acknowledgment, and moved off.

"Friendly people here," said Kiran.

"Indeed," replied Verimon.

Semaj was at the main steps of the temple of Helm. Leaning on his staff more for theatrics than for actual purpose, he approached the first priest he saw. "May I address your High Priest?" the mage asked the priest.

"On what business?" asked the priest.

"On Helm's business," said Semaj.

The priest blinked for a moment then opened the door and escorted Semaj inside. Before he could be summoned, the High Priest was in front of Semaj with a smile upon his face. "The first of Helm's Guardians has come," he said to the mage.

"You know my business with you?" asked Semaj.

"Helm said you would come today," said the High Priest. "And here you are."

"Oh," said Semaj almost disappointed. "I see."

"I could also tell because you are a stranger," confessed the High Priest with a smile. "Well, that and you fit the description of one of those that Helm said would come."

Semaj smiled. The High Priest bid him follow and turned to go. Semaj followed, still leaning on his staff heavily. The High Priest led him to a room where the acolytes were busy putting out various foods. "Please," said the High Priest. "Partake, of what we have to offer."

"My thanks," said Semaj. The High Priest turned and left as Semaj began to eat some of the food.

Verimon and Kiran arrived at the stables closest to the temple and dismounted. Kiran pulled of couple of pieces of gold from his pouch and handed them to the stable boy. "Treat these horses well," he said to the boy. The boy nodded his head vigorously and set about giving the two horses the best treatment he was able. Verimon gave Kiran his thanks and the two of them walked towards the temple.

After a short distance, two clerics with the holy symbol of Helm around their necks stopped them. "Our honored lords," spoke one of them as both bowed their heads. "Helm's blessing that you are here. Please, follow us to the temple."

Kiran gave off a short happy laugh. "By the wonder of the gods," he said to Verimon.

"I think only one god," said Verimon, equally pleased. Then he turned to the clerics. "Please, lead the way." The two clerics nodded and bowed happily, wonder-filled smiles on their faces. They turned and headed off enthusiastically. Kiran slapped Verimon on the shoulder and bid him go first. Verimon let out a chuckle and the both of them headed towards the temple.

Their walk to the temple was brisk and light. When they entered the temple they were greeted by the High Priest. "By Helm," he said. "Two together even before the journey's start. This is a good omen."

Kiran smiled. "And good friends as well," he said.

"Come," said the High Priest. "Your journey must have been long and tiring. We have prepared a repast for you."

Kiran and Verimon followed the High Priest to a room where a large feast had been laid out, awaiting them. "Are we the first to arrive?" asked Verimon.

"No, my lord, " replied the High Priest. "A mage was the first to arrive."

"Then where is he?" asked Kiran.

The High Priest looked about the room surprised. "He was in here," he said. "I guess he must have stepped out. He should be back soon. Do not worry. Please, enjoy the meal."

Kiran and Verimon just looked at one another and shrugged. After nodding their heads to the High Priest in thanks, they headed for the table to get something to eat.

Semaj silently observed from the corner of the room, invisible.

The carriage bearing Deeala and Jinkso came to a rest at the base of the steps to the temple of Helm. Other Sunites got down from their various places on the outside of the carriage, and opened the door to aid Lady Deeala out of the carriage. Jinkso stayed seated, simply watching the beautiful cleric as she moved. And even once she was out of the carriage, he was still barely able to peel his eyes off of her form. Silently, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exited the carriage to join her. Once together, they headed up the steps to the entrance of the temple as the carriage and the rest of the Sunites departed. "Are you ready for what is to come?" Jinkso asked of Deeala.

"I wish I could say I was," replied Deeala. "But I am ashamed to admit that I'm a bit nervous."

"Good," said Jinkso.

"Good?" asked Deeala.

"Yes, good," said Jinkso. "Because I'm nervous too. And I'm glad I'm not the only one."

At the top of the steps, two clerics stood waiting for them. When Jinkso and Deeala got to the top of the steps, the two clerics opened the main door and motioned them inside. Jinkso motioned for Deeala to proceed him. She did and he gladly followed. The High Priest approached, a bit winded from just returning from escorting Kiran and Verimon. "Again, two?" he said in amazement. "By Helm."

Deeala put a hand over her heart and bowed to the High Priest. "It is our deepest honor to come and do Helm's bidding," she said. Jinkso, suddenly feeling awkward, bowed as well.

The High Priest bid them follow and led them into the same room the others were already waiting in. "My Lords," said the High Priest to Verimon and Kiran. "Two more of Helm's Guardians are here." He motioned his hand out towards Deeala and Jinkso, who entered the room. Deeala gazed at Kiran and he in turn gazed at her.

"I shall take my leave now to wait for the rest to arrive," said the High Priest. "My lord, and my lady, please partake of the repast." He nodded his head to them all and departed.

"Hail, and well met," said Jinkso to Kiran to break his gaze on Deeala. "I am Jinkso, bard of the Realm."

Kiran, though obviously distracted at first, responded, "Hail, and well met. I am Sir Kiran."

Jinkso turned to the Paladin. He nodded his head and spoke, "Hail to you as well, good sir."

"Hail, friend," replied Verimon. Then he turned to consider Deeala. "Milady, it is an honor. I am Lord Verimon."

Deeala snapped out of her haze and looked at Verimon. "The honor is mine, noble Paladin," she said with a deep respectful bow. Then she considered Kiran again. "Hail, noble Knight. I am Deeala, Priestess of Sune."

Kiran gave her a deep bow before taking her hand and kissing it in a most chivalrous manner. "It is my honor to meet you, My Lady."

From where he stood, still silent and invisible, Semaj could see Jinkso's slight, though still obvious jealousy.

Eldirnon, Xworvan, and Delvatath strode side-by-side towards the main gate of the city. Each was in good spirits in the other's company. "Do you think they'll be expecting us, the Three, to arrive together like this?" asked Xworvan. "I don't think they will."

Eldirnon chuckled. "The Three," he said. "I like that."

"But do you think they'll be expecting us to arrive together?" said the Dwarf, repeating his question.

"I don't know if even Helm, himself, expected this," said Delvatath. "Regardless, it will be a sight."

They all laughed and strode through the main gate, together.

To be continued...