When they finally arrived at the Temple of Deira in the early dawn, a profound silence blanketed the place.
The faint light of stars still shone in the sky, adding a sacred atmosphere as they began to lay the fallen warriors' bodies in the temple's vast courtyard.
Statues of gods and goddesses stood tall around the square, as if the deities themselves were bearing witness and honoring the warriors who had just sacrificed themselves.
The survivors arranged their comrades' bodies in neat rows, giving them places of honor.
Zahir quickly made his way to the main hall, his steps swift yet reverent, passing through lantern-lit corridors.
When he reached the intricately carved wooden door leading to the main prayer room, he knocked firmly.
Moments later, the door opened to reveal the figure of High Priest Sahara, an elder with silver hair, clad in a gleaming white robe.
