Chapter 11
The following morning was uneventful, as we awaited Athen's arrival I continued my studies while Katyia worked on an addition to my current attire. The clothes Athen brought me were the simple brown robes of a holy brother. Katyia on the other hand received a set of white robes with a seven colored belt around her thin waist.
As I thought about it, I decided to have her fashion me a hood and mask to hide my appearance. It wasn't entirely necessary, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to add some mystique to myself.
I sat in my chair reading a book Athen had been so kind to bring for me when a knock was heard at the door. I looked up and nodded to Lucan to answer the door. Opening it, Athen stood on the other side. Lucan peered outside, no doubt ensuring that Athen was alone before letting him in.
"Good morning to you friend," Athen greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning to you friend Athen. I hope you're ready for the day's events?" I returned the greeting.
"Of course, how could I not be? I can't wait to introduce you to Septa Melahnie." He replied.
"Then let us be off, Katyia, are you finished?" I asked looking over towards her.
"I have just finished, my love. Here you are, I hope it is to your liking." She said while handing me a hood with a mask. I don't know where she acquired the materials but she does great work.
"Great work as always." I said while donning the hood and mask.
"How do I look?" I asked.
"You look very mysterious." Athen said.
"You look amazing my love." Katyia added with a beaming smile.
"Alright, alright, let's get going. I just can't wait to get this done." I said.
"Very well, follow me." Athen said and we exited the room. We left the inn with little fanfare. Lucan and the twins followed us at a distance and would shadow us until we reached our destination.
As we walked, many people stopped to stare at Katyia. She is a very beautiful woman, and I think the only thing that kept them from approaching her was the fact she wore the robes of a septa. I on the other hand wasn't even looked at, which was fine with me.
We made our way to the snowy sept, the largest sept in white harbor. It is a magnificent sight to behold. The building was made of white stone that made it appear so bright and holy. It's roof was domed and surmounted by tall statues of the seven. I marveled at the architecture of the place. As we entered the grounds countless holy brothers and sisters went to a fro, no doubt on important tasks.
The pathway leading up to the entrance was well maintained with a cobblestone floor. More statues of the seven lined the path and it gave off a very holy air. Very few looked our way, there was always the occasional glance directed at Katyia, but otherwise we were ignored.
The interior was just as grand and opulent, I found myself gazing at nearly everything we passed. I'm sure I looked like a country fool but I didn't care. What surprised me the most however was the number of people present. The main hall was a constant sea of activity, yet it wasn't chaotic in the slightest. Everyone moved with a purpose.
Under Athens guidance we soon came upon a closed door deep in the sept. This area was far less crowded but the occasional person could be found passing by. With a quick nock a voice soon answered.
"Hello, who's there?" A soft voice asked from the other side.
"It's me grandma, I've brought the guests I told you about." Athen replied.
"Come in." Came her reply.
As we walked in what greeted us was a well decorated greeting area. There was a large desk at the far end of the room with chairs for guests. On the side was another smaller table with more comfortable looking chairs around it. And standing in the center of the room stood an only lady in the white robes of a septa.
She was a simple looking woman who appeared to be in her fifties. Grayish hair that had once been brown with brown eyes. She smiled as we entered. "Good morning Athen, and good morning to you too, friends of Athen. I hope my grandson hasn't caused you much trouble."
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, senior septa. And your grandson has been a wonderful help to us and a pleasure to know. I am Septa Katyia and this is holy brother Victor." Katyia replied with a warm smile.
"That is good to hear and it is a pleasure to meet the both of you. Come, let us take a seat." Melahnie replied while gesturing to us to take a seat around the coffee table.
After further pleasantries we're shared we got into the purpose of our visit. Katyia led the discussion. "The reason we have come to see you septa Melahnie is because of my companion here. I'll let him explain it to you."
Melahnie's eyes landed on me and she looked confused but focused nonetheless. Clearing my throat I began. "Hello, senior septa Melahnie. My name as you know is Victor, and I have been ordered to meet you by divine decree."
"Divine decree?" The woman asked looking more and more confused.
"Yes, for you see, I have been touched by the seven, specifically the mother. She in her infinite love bestowed upon me the power to heal the faithful" I said with as much passion as I could conjure.
"I don't understand, what game is this Athen?" She asked while looking towards Athen accusingly.
"It is true grandmother, I've seen his work and he is in fact blessed by the mother." Athen said.
"I do not speak empty words, I can prove the mother's love flows through me." I said and reached out my hand. Melahnie eyed my hand in confusion but made no move to take it.
"Grandmother, I've seen the miracles with my own eyes. Let him show you as well." Athen added. Melahnie looked back at her grandson then back to my outstretched hand. After a moment of hesitation she reached her hand out and laid it on mine. I placed my other hand atop hers and channeled my power.
Her information instantly became available to me and I smiled behind my mask. With a thought I put her to sleep and began my work.