Lady Illaine, the High Priestess, sat solemnly on the bench directly facing the statue. Within the temple walls, she was the sole occupant. Priest Pedras saluted the woman with the traditional Orion gesture and quietly exited, but the sounds of his footsteps and the closing of the door reverberated through Brad's sensitive ears, causing him to involuntarily scowl.
"What ails you, my erstwhile student? Aren't you overjoyed to see me?" queried the elegant and dignified woman, with her snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes, still radiating a singular charm and allure, her smile causing age-lines to etch deeply in her sunken cheeks.
Quietly studying her features, Brad once again observed the striking resemblance between her and Illuen -referred to by the populace as the King- whom every knight addressed as the Head Commander. Despite the mere five-year gap between Illaine and her brother Illuen, the arduous and brutal years had exacted their toll on the wise woman.
With an unnamed feeling of empathy, Brad could feel the weight of her suffering deeply, whenever he gazed upon her, recognizing the signs of her fatigue and the steadfast spirit that kept her going.
Brad bent in respectful deference before the wise woman. "Encountering you again, High Priestess, is a moment of grandeur for me. However, the memories that this sacred temple evokes appear to resound in my spirit."
"Are you certain they don't echo something that has been ingrained within you for eons?" queried the sagacious woman.
Brad glanced at her with inquisitive eyes.
"As much as you can glimpse me, I can discern you, Brad Silverhilt. Your essence has truly transformed. A gravity seems to have enshrouded your countenance."
"Is it a positive or negative alteration, my lady?"
"If the quandaries in your thoughts persist like a phantom, what course shall you pursue, Brad Silverhilt?"
"I shall face them head-on," Brad answered without hesitation.
The hoary woman nodded subtly and signaled the knight aspirant to take a seat by her side. Brad's body tensed, and he nodded his head in acknowledgment.
"You are well-versed in our teachings and have received extensive training for this very moment. But have you ever experienced the need?" Lady Illaine inquired, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy.
Brad replied with a question, as if intentionally avoiding a direct response. "The need for what, my lady?"
A wistful smile graced the High Priestess's lips as she spoke in a barely audible voice. "You will understand when the need arises. But let us move on to our agenda, as we have reminisced enough about the old days. So, tell me, why are we here?"
"As I reported in my letter, High Priestess, I fear that a valuable magical artifact may have fallen into the wrong hands," Brad replied, his tone tinged with embarrassment.
"The intentions of the person who wields the object are what matter most. Are you certain that this wizard possesses ill intentions?" Lady Illaine queried.
"I cannot be certain. Yet, my instincts urge me not to dismiss the matter," Brad answered.
"You and your instincts," the woman chuckled, amusement lighting up her features.
"I offer my sincerest apologies for my previous actions, my lady. I fear I had overstepped my bounds," Brad said contritely.
The woman halted the knight-in-training's attempt to explain by raising her hand. "Who has ever been able to exceed expectations without surpassing their limits?" She regarded Brad with a motherly gaze, as though he were her own kin, and continued, "You need not apologize for following your heart, Brad Silverhilt. Our souls are the only things that make us unique. We possess nothing else. It is our choice whether to defile or glorify them. Our sole purpose is to reinforce our souls and prepare for the adversities that lie ahead, both in this world and beyond. Our physical bodies are but fleeting vessels."
Brad reluctantly nodded his head. The woman let out a deep sigh.
"I understand that these spiritual truisms may be wearisome, but the hardships you have encountered are mere breadcrumbs leading you back to the most challenging inquiries. You continue to seek answers within the depths of your psyche," the woman spoke and fell silent.
"How shall I uncover that answer?" Brad asked with a hint of confusion.
"By posing the correct questions, but not to me, naturally," the woman replied with a chuckle. "My replies to your inquiries always appear to you enigmatic. Therefore, let us simplify the query. What is your desire, Brad Silverhilt?"
"As an aspirant of knighthood, I seek to be of service, my lady."
"Are you truly determined to become a knight, Brad Silverhilt?"
"Undoubtedly, my lady. I have devoted myself to this path, and I am confident in my choice. However..."
"What is the issue?"
"I yearn to participate in the task I spoke of earlier."
"Why? Why this specific task, Brad? We could offer you other tasks."
"I hold the belief that this task is of great significance, and I feel as though it is intertwined with my fate," Brad confessed, flushing with embarrassment. Asking for the High Priestess's assistance was no easy feat for him.
The woman offered a smile. "You needn't explain everything, Brad. I cannot demand a compelling reason when you do not yet know the answer yourself. However, your words suffice to proceed."
Brad regarded the woman with surprise. "So, I am to be included?"
The High Priestess nodded in affirmation.
"How about my partner?" Brad inquired. "Furthermore, our commander, Captain Stonecold, only granted us a maximum of four days off."
"Those are insignificant details, Brad. All obstacles can be overcome. What matters most is whether you are wholeheartedly committed to this venture. I have received my answer. The remainder is just bureaucratic formalities. Particularly with Stonecold's prominent nose, I am certain that we will find an excellent solution," the woman replied, her laughter resounding throughout the room—a rare occurrence.
As the door opened, Brad turned his head involuntarily. A towering wizard entered the room, wearing an azure robe embroidered with stars. Brad recognized him immediately.
"Greetings, esteemed Archmage Meracles. We have been awaiting your arrival," the high priestess welcomed the wizard, saluting him without turning around.
Brad rose from his seat and respectfully greeted the wizard, mindful that he was in the presence of the greatest wizard in the United Illuthar Kingdom.
"Share the entire tale with the venerable archmage as well, Brad Silverhilt," declared the high priestess, rising to her feet. As the other two conversed, she strolled through the temple, occasionally gazing up at the painting on the ceiling, lost in profound contemplation.