Flanked by priests and guided by the High Priest, I made my way back through a sea of people trying to touch my clothes as they cheered my name. Ah, my adoring subjects, how kind of you to come see me in this, my moment of ascension! While normally I wouldn’t mind the attention, these people were reacting a bit too strongly for my taste. Most smiled, laughed, and cheered. That I didn’t mind, it was the crying tears of joy, or even praying in my direction as if I were a god made flesh walking among them that truly bothered me. I sincerely hoped they didn’t actually believe that, I’m too much of a sinner to be a divine being. Everyone needed their vices as well as their virtues, they’re what makes us human.

As we reached the exit, the High Priest turned to the crowd behind us. “Children of the Five, go out and tell your friends! Tell your families and neighbors! The Blessed has arrived at last! Upon this sunset shall we celebrate his arrival to our Holy City!” Cheers roared and we left the people inside the temple in a hurry. “Spread the declaration to the others.” He addressed his fellows in faith, “I will bring the Blessed and his escort to the manor.”

“Most appreciated, holiest.” Cyn bowed.

As the priests scurried about towards the other temples, we made out way along the main road heading east. People we encountered in the streets bowed to the holy man and went about their business. Children at play gave us a wide berth as we maneuvered the streets. One sight that caught my attention was when a horse dropped a load on the street and not a moment later a slave rushed out with a shovel and pail to remove the excrement. Then another slave came with a bucket of water and a brush to scrub the spot. Either this country was hygienic to an acceptable degree, or they were so egotistical that they didn’t want their streets stained with such filth.

The High Priest, who had introduced himself as Gollard, was a normal looking man with no striking features. He had short black hair like myself and held a peaceful look upon his face constantly. He had taken note of my interest in the street cleaning, and with a bright smile he answered the question that I hadn’t spoke.

“In times past, rare were the times that these hallowed streets were clean. Ten generations back, a plague tore through our country and had taken a great many lives. The Council of Five at the time decreed that it was our punishment for allowing such filth to stain the Holy City. Thus began the great public works projects that you see. The plague had passed a year later, but the damage was done. Severely weakened, our nation turned to importing vast amounts of slaves to replace those that had been lost. Now, the decree remains to this day, but is tended to by slaves too weak, too young, or too old to work. All slaves are paid for their efforts.”

So they were accidentally hygienic. I could deal with that.

“Why enslave them if ye pay them?” Cyn asked the question that had been stuck in my mind. Gollard grimaced,

“I am alone in my agreement with you among the council. Their reasoning is ‘who can truly know the mind of a beast?’”

“Hrmph. May as well start slavin’ humans then.” Cyn grumbled. An uncomfortable silence filled the air between us.

After walking east for a while, we turned north and followed a street straight up to a massive mansion. Just eyeballing it made me guesstimate that it was around three times as big as my father’s mansion. Pure white walls, three stories tall, great balconies littered around the outside, and all around the building itself was a massive garden. Guards patrolled the grounds in teams of three, and two guarded the front entrance. Slaves and humans toiled the gardens without noting the patrolling guards. One guard opened the door to the manor as we approached.

I stood in awe at the sight of what was inside the main entrance. While the sight of the size of the manor and the grounds was striking, the inside was just filled with excessive amounts of gaudy shit. Paintings, golden threaded carpets,and marble busts were all fine in my opinion. But everything else was gold and my god did it just screamed superiority complex. I briefly wondered if I should knick some necklace or rings to fleece later, a growing boy could always use the money.

“Welcome Blessed and Cyn, to the Home of the Five. Here, on the first floor is the slave quarters, servant quarters, kitchen, dining areas for the slaves and servants, and privies.” As we walked along, slaves and servants stopped what they were doing to bow deeply. “The second floor is guest quarters, regular dining area for the rest, privies, a library, and meeting rooms. The third floor is quarters for the Priests and High Priests, as well as where the Council of Five meet. It is there where we are headed.”

The place was freaking massive, it looked like it could house five hundred people comfortably! I could so get lost in this place. I wondered how big the library was. As we ascended to the second floor, we passed by it. It was absolutely massive. Gollard noticed my staring and chuckled.

“We house one of the largest libraries in all the lands. Only the Ahlgim Dominion and the Maltenst Empire house a bigger collection. Judging by your expression, I can tell you enjoy reading.”

“Yes sir!” I spoke in childlike fascination.

“Then you’ll be spending plenty of time there, I imagine. It is frequently used by members of the Opell and Zaras devotions. Now let us find your escort a room to stay in.”

As we walked through the halls I was doing my best to memorize the floor layout. In my opinion, it was always best to know your ins and outs of wherever you were. That way if shit went down you wouldn’t be caught unprepared. A spot of paranoia is healthy for everyone. It wasn’t long until we found an unoccupied guest room for Cyn to stay at. I took a peek inside and saw a very comfortable looking bed. These people truly spared no expense for comfort, damn. The room had a balcony door as well, talk about high class. I’m not greedy or anything, but if my room didn’t have a balcony, I’d see if I could trade rooms with Cyn. That would certainly throw these priests for a loop.

After inspecting her room, we headed up to the third floor. We didn’t find my room until we stopped at the very back of the floor.

“Go ahead Blessed, I’ll wait here for you.” Gollard stated with a self-assured smirk. I nodded before opening the door.

“Whoa…” I gasped

“Amazing…” Cyn’s eyes bulged as she looked inside with me.

The room was massive! I spied a doorway leading outside from my room. With single-minded swiftness, I rushed to the door and opened it. I had a balcony! A pretty darn big one too. It had an amazing view into the gardens at the rear of the mansion. Shame about the wall blocking the view to the north, but thats a small price to pay.

I returned to the inside of my room and looked around. I had my own bookcase, though it was empty. Gollard said I could take books from the library that interested me and store them here as long as I returned them when I was finished. Sweet deal. There was a writing desk with ink, quill and paper already placed atop it. I also had a walk in closet for all my clothes! I gave a wry smile when I realized that this walk-in closet was bigger than any room I had lived in in my previous life. But the best part of my new room was the bed. It looked like it could fit five people easily! I could have such wicked awesome slumber parties in that thing. Now I just had to give it the physics test…

“M’lord, no jumping on the bed, aye?” I sighed,

“Aye…” Cyn couldn’t spoil my fun forever. I would have other opportunities.

“If you’re finished, Blessed, we must proceed to the council room. There is still much to be done today.” Gollard stated with a smile. Reluctantly, I left my room. The three of us made our way to another large room with a round table made of fine wood. Five chairs sat in a circle around the table, one of which was occupied. A bald, very muscular man in ill-fitting priestly robes sat at the far side of the table. His eyes following our every move as we entered.

“Ah, Jalholm! I’m pleased to see that you made it here quickly.” Gollard turned to me, “This man is Jalholm Ranset. He is the current High Priest of the temple of Holve.” Jalholm said nothing as he stared at me. Of course I stared back, just not as intensely.

“Boy’s got some backbone.” Jalholm rumbled.

“Indeed, I feel as if great things will come from this boy. Now you two, feel free to sit, I’ll have a servant bring us a few more.” He made his way out into the hall. Taking the man’s advice, I sat next to Jalholm and Cyn sat beside me.

“You look strong!” I complimented him as a child would. Jalholm chuckled,

“Aye lad. You gotta be the strongest to attain the rank of High Priest of Holve. Our temple holds a yearly tournament where the devoted can challenge me for the title. I haven’t lost in ten years now.” He grinned, poor guy was missing a few teeth. They probably got knocked out in one of his brawls.

Shortly after Gollard had left,a short woman with curly brown hair entered the room.

“Greetings. I am Utelle Breol, High Priestess of Zaras.” She introduced herself.

“I’m Daen Faltelo.” I bowed my head respectfully.

“Cyn.”

“A pleasure.” Utelle took a seat next to Jalholm. Once seated, she reached into her robe and pulled out a book and began to read. I tried to glance at the title, but couldn’t see beyond Jal’s bulging muscles. Think I’ll call him gymrat Jal. Gollard came back a few moments later, followed by one of the lizard folk who carried two chairs.

“Greetings Utelle.” The woman nodded in response to Gollard, too engrossed in her book to look up. “I sent word to the kitchen to heat us up some tea, this’ll be a long meeting after all.” He took a seat next to Cyn. A comfortable silence fell upon the group as we waited for the rest to show up.

First to show was Jinaes Ghormall, High Priestess of Courage. A redhead with short hair, tomboyish attitude, and an athletic build. When she arrived things became quite lively as she kept pestering Jalholm for a duel. To which he responded for her to wait until the next tournament. She then began to speak to me about how she became High Priestess of Courage. Which basically amounted to her traveling the lands, fighting the Black Enchanters, defeating dens of vicious animals, and even climbing the rocky peaks to the west to see a Dragon in person.

As she spoke, I could tell she hated being the High Priestess. She really missed being able to go on adventures like before. I bet Jeral would love to meet her and hear her stories.

Last to arrive was Rolst Furhnt, High Priest of Wisdom. A tall man with straight blond hair. He too carried a book with him, but this time I could clearly read the title. He was reading about the various treaties, alliances, and wars between countries. But unlike Utelle, he spoke of how he had become High Priest by resolving a major dispute between the Ahlgim Dominion and the Deraso Monarchy to the north. His intervention prevented a war from occurring many years back and was immediately recommended for the position of High Priest.

Shortly after we were all acquainted, the meeting began in earnest.

“Cyn.” Utelle spoke, “It was written by the boy’s father and delivered by messenger pigeon that you were but one in a larger group. That group consisted of Basros of the Five, an additional five house guards, and an Enchantress by the name of Jercy Wandierre. Why is it that only you and the Blessed showed up and not the entire group?”

“Bandits.” I whispered with a hint of fear in my voice. It wouldn’t go well if they suspected the Black Enchanters more than normal.

“As m’lord says. Along the road we were ambushed at night by a large group of bandits. I m’self saw four hands o’ them, But there may have been more. Jercy told m’lord and I to flee once the battle turned sour fer us. As we fled, the earth began to shake and we heard the ground tear open. After that we were not pursued, but we dared not turn back to see what happened to our fellows.”

“Overload.” Rolst stated factually. “An Enchanter can overload their capacity for casting and cause massive destruction like such you have described. However, it is always fatal to the caster themselves.”

“I find it highly unlikely that mere bandits could best an Enchantress enough to make her need to use such a technique.” Utelle stated, staring at me. Clearly searching to see if it was a lie or not. While I could pokerface through such scrutiny, I’d have to help solidify the lie. So I began to cry. Jalholm put his massive hand upon my shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“M’lord has put up a strong front this whole time. A tough lad, but just a boy. They had killed our lookout with arrows, but thankfully the man screamed out in warning. Enchantress or no, we wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

“Hmm.” Utelle rubbed her chin in thought.

“No matter who it was, we still need to increase patrols to the south in response to this attack.” Gollard stated firmly.

“Aye.” Jalholm agreed, echoed by ‘Aye’s all around.

“I’ll organize about five groups of ten to patrol the area.” Jinaes offered. The others accepted readily.

“Be sure to tell them to recover anything of interest should they encounter resistance. Its possible that they weren’t bandits, but members of the Varistil Principality seeking to gain an upper hand against us.” Rolst suggested. “They’ve been more active than usual militarily this past year.”

“I doubt they’d declare war against us. Its far more likely they seek to attack the Ahlgim Dominion to regain the land they had lost many years ago.” Utelle theorized.

My eyes jumped back and forth between speakers as they gave their assessments and guesses. When I looked at Cyn, she herself was paying rapt attention. She had tensed when war was mentioned with the potential of our homeland being attacked. She caught sight of me staring at her and gave a slight nod. We both knew enough to keep quiet in this situation where vital information was being spoken.

It was as if they had forgotten we were here.

“Enough.” Jalholm stated. At that moment a squirrel folk slave entered the room with a tray of steaming cups of tea. The woman carefully set a cup before each of us before bowing deeply and retreating. While the others were content to let the tea sit to cool, Jalholm picked his up and took a quick sip. “We have gotten distracted from the matter at hand.” He turned to me, “Hope you like these kinds of meetings, you’ll be attending many of them when you’re older.”

I nodded respectfully.

“Jalholm is right.” Gollard spoke, “Daen here has shown that he has the golden aura. I say we start preparations right away.”

“Preparations?” I questioned curiously.

“Aye lad.” Jalholm grinned, “Hope ye like crowds. Come midday tomorrow you’ll be introduced to the whole city!”

“Uhh…”

“You don’t have to say anything.” Jinaes said with a grin. “Just smile and wave to the people. That alone will be enough to inspire them.”

“Is that all I have to do?” I questioned with a relieved tone.

“Of course, Blessed. Though We may even have you hold a glowing orb high for all to see.” Rolst nodded sagely. “That way all will know you for true.”

They then laid out plans for the address. We would all assemble and march to the top of the southern gatehouse. From there, the people would line the streets and watch as we made our speeches. While I didn’t have to make one, I knew it would be best if I did. Though, it couldn’t be too complex. Something simple to make the people happy. I just hoped that I didn’t get stage fright from this. Or that my voice cracked during my speech. Nothing worse than publicly speaking and suddenly your voice cracks hardcore. My thoughts went to my one friend who would always send me videos of the worst voice cracks.

“Blessed.” Gollard knocked me out of my thoughts.

“Ah, yes?”

“We asked if you had given any thoughts to which of the Five you would dedicate yourself to? Its customary for a Priest of the Five to choose one of the Five to devote themselves to. Though you are young and you don’t have to decide now.”

I tilted my head in thought. “Why not all Five?”

“There are a few who do so.” Utelle explained. “Those who do so are simply titled ‘of the Five’, instead of ‘Devoted of their chosen god’.”

“You called Basros ‘of the Five’.”

“Yes, he was among one of them that did.”

“Though that path is long and arduous.” Rolst stated. “Zaras and Opell devotees spend their time gaining knowledge, both political and scientific, to better the world. Holve devotees spend their time mastering their bodies and weapons. Devotees of Lenzero travel the lands facing down any threat that may come their way. And devotees of Bentillio pledge themselves to any in need and ask nothing in return.”

“Perhaps it is best for you to choose this path.” Jalholm rumbled. “The Blessed of the Five should not play favorites.”

“I agree, Utelle nodded. “He shall learn arithmetic and science from the devotees of Zaras.”

“He shall learn of law and politics from those who have sworn to Opell.” Rolst added.

“He will serve others in Bastillio’s name.” Gollard grinned.

“In both body and blade he will train alongside those sworn to Holve.” Jalholm raised his fist.

“In Lenzero’s name will his courage be tested.” Jinaes smiled.

Then they all bowed their heads to me and spoke in unison.

“We greet you, Daen of the Five.”

“Thank you!” I gave them a beaming smile. But in my mind I was cursing up a storm. It sounded like I was going to have no free time at all! How was I going to train my gift if I had no time to do so? First I’d have to learn how to activate my power though. The first time had been without me realizing I was using magic.

“You’ll do well m’lord.” Cyn grinned at me. I nodded in response.

“I’ll do my best.” If it was simple math and science, I didn’t have to worry too much. I had already gone through that shit in school long, long ago. Law and politics though, I’d definitely need to pay attention there. I wasn’t too worried about serving others and training either. Sure, they’d be exhausting but at least I could handle it. But for courage, how would I be tested for that? Would they lock me in a dark room and see if I freak out? “So when do I begin?”

“Two days.” Utelle answered. “Today you should ease into this new home of ours. Tomorrow is the Address, Celebration, and the gift giving ceremony.”

“Gift giving?” I asked.

“Oh yes,” Jinaes spoke, “Whenever a new member of the Council is elected quite a few people bring a gifts as a form of congratulations. Mostly, they are donations of coin. You are free to accept and decline at your leisure.” I certainly liked the sound of being given money for free! Granted, I didn’t really need money at this point in my life. But as the saying goes, its better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Once they were done discussing the preparations for tomorrow, Cyn and I were dismissed. We had free range of the manor and could go anywhere we wanted. I personally wanted to go to the kitchens and grab some food. But Cyn had other ideas and motioned for me to follow her. With a rumbling stomach, I obliged and we made our way back to my room. Once we were there, Cyn closed the door behind us.

“Alright Cyn, whats with the secrecy?”

“Call it a feelin’. Too many ears.” She sighed, “I need to leave on the morrow m’lord.” I nodded.

“I understand. You have to report back to my father, correct?”

“Aye.”

“Very well. Allow me to write a letter back to everyone. When I’m done, make sure nobody from here sees it.”

“Aye m’lord.”

I then sat down at my writing desk, took and piece of paper and began to write with my inked quill.

“By the way Cyn, nice improv back there in the meeting.”

“Im-proff?”

“Improv, its short for improvise. You spun a good tale about the bandits we encountered.”

“Weren’t the first time I lied m’lord. Won’t be the last neither.”

The paper I wrote on was drying the ink almost as soon as I wrote. Talk about high quality parchment. After a few minutes of scribbling down the events that led up to this moment I had finished. The only thing I omitted was my healing powers. I’d try to keep that as secret as possible. I folded the letter up and handed it to Cyn.

“Keep yourself safe out there Cyn. If the letter gets damaged, no worries. Just omit my powers when you recount the tale to my father, okay? And that I’ve got some secrets, he doesn’t need to know that. Be sure to mention that they should prepare in case of an attack by the Varistil Principality. Oh and uhh…tell Ilsha and Lakka I arrived safely.”

She smiled. “Aye m’lord, no worries.” With a bow, she left me alone in my room.

As I sighed my stomach rumbled fiercely. It was time to rough up some grub.