On reaching the old head priest he began to address me climbing the flight of stairs which led to his chambers and I followed him.
"Santos son of Masha am not surprised at your show of courage and willingness towards this tough mission and towards the cause of humanity for it is something l had known your father for and have seen in you since you were a kid. But this mission does not only demand courage and willingness there are other qualities lacking in you and which is also demanded in this mission."
"What are they and I will try everything
humanly possible to possess them?" I
inquired.
"Santos" he called smiling you are ready and it is visible but we both know that you are not a 'white monk' of pure blood and these are the most qualified people to embark on the holiest and most sacred missions.
"But my father is a..." He opened his mouth to protest but was cut short by the head priest.
"Son to a man who was exiled by his people for being a criminal and was adopted into this brotherhood and your father ran away even after getting married and returned many years later with you alone a result of an illegitimate affair with a stranger don't you think this disqualifies you?" He asked almost flaring up.
By then we had already entered the head priest's chambers. I was of course well aware of those fact but never expected such words from him.
"l have been selected and purified therefore | don't think so." I replied doggedly.
Just then a well built and very muscular man whose face looked somewhat familiar came out from his room to stand before us wearing nothing but a red amulet on his neck and a pair of trousers.
"Raven returned yesterday and has indicated interested to embark on this mission and I think he is more qualified than you since he is a pure breed, visibly stronger than you are and also posseses divine qualities which you should be aware of." He said pointing at the young man.
I bowed my head in thoughts and the name Raven coupled with his familiar face echoed in my head till I remembered who he was. He is the only son of the head priest who was my rival during our childhood days. He was known for his quick and hot tempered nature and was later on sent to live with a group of deep thinking white monks who lived several miles away from us. These priest are believed to have divine powers which are given to people who had lived with them for very long periods.
"He has the invisible amulet on him and it also makes him qualified can't you see it I advice you just hand it over" he persuaded
"I thought you Saidthe amıulet has heen
Worn by impure breeds like you. Maybe my explanation wasn't clear enough."
The fact that I felt insulted by the words of a man who I respected so much, that the personality of the man who I was supposed to hand over my mission to, that agreeing with them reduced my worth which l had to prove and that I perceived that the thirst for more fame was their reason for wanting to take over the mission not the love of
humanity I was urged to give them a strong negative reply.
"No I won't." I replied and turned to leave.