Chapter 2 [Althanor—High Priestess' hut
Cybelle turned from the viewing portal with a heavy heart. "It proceeds then. Once more, Celesta's visit hallmarks a quest." She knew that such progressions were necessary but always carried a price. Wasn't it enough that Dave carries his demon around with him? What if Miri falls to the darkness as well?
"We must have faith, Auntie," Deirdre admonished from her side. "I trust Papa and Miri."
The older woman glanced at her heiress, letting warmth overcome skepticism as she did so. Even as she did, she had to admit that the other's firmness reminded her of the elder Deirdre's almost stubborn stands in the face of opposition. "I do too, my Dear. Isobel's evil must be dealt with. I am thankful though you will spared this quest."
"I would go on it," the younger priestess insisted, still smarting over being told to stay behind on this latest adventure.
"We've already discussed this," Cybelle sighed impatiently. "I need you at my side during this time. If either group fails, we are the reserve force."
Deirdre stood silently fuming over those words. She knew she wasn't going to win. Reserve force…great. Seeing another set of mists forming on the other side of the room, she asked, "Aunt?"
"Relax, Deirdre," Cybelle advised, knowing who the newcomer would be. "Step forward, Heloise."
Heloise Gregoire, the newest of the full trained priestesses, stepped into the room and closed the mists behind herself. "Thank you, Cybelle. I trust all is going as the goddess has foreseen?"
"It does. David and Xena will lead their respective quests soon enough. And what of your dimension? Any news?" Cybelle informed their sister priestess.
Heloise smiled. "My granddaughter and her husband regained their sight this morning. Meantime, we rally our numbers against my sister."
"Goddess be praised," Deirdre replied. "And what of Papa's counterpart? How is he?"
"He gathers the young ones and prepares them for the inevitable storm. It gives him something to do. He's frustrated and wants blood for what Therese has done," Heloise recounted. "That concerns the second reason for my visit. I wish to cross over and ask for permission to use that training facility I saw on my last trip there."
"Of course," Cybelle agreed. "I'm sure our friends wouldn't have a problem with you doing so."
"Make sure you see Clarise while you're there," Deirdre interjected.
"I'd rather be skinned alive," Heloise noted. "She has a great deal of wisdom. I will be back soon for my meditations. Thank you both for hearing me." She bowed before them.
"You honor us. Go on your way. We will expect you later," Cybelle indicated before Heloise disappeared in another puff of mist.
"Their war's a little more serious than she's letting on," Deirdre declared.
"As the wounds to our friends would indicate. This, Deirdre, is what I meant earlier. We have crises in both dimensions. As such, we need to be ready for anything," the high priestess indicated.
Deirdre nodded. I still wish I were going with Papa or Miri though.