Charis glanced over at Rhea, still sleeping so she gently lifted her arm off her chest so she could leave the bed. She wondered if there was enough magic in her to heal her wounds. Would Rhea want them healed and if she did, how that would be explained. Charis could imagine how the Lord of the Northern Watch not to mention Priests and Priestesses of the Goddess Ure would react. Charis concluded that everything didn’t have to be fixed. Some things and some people especially were perfect how they were, because how they are made them perfect.

Charis was soon dressed and leaving her room, one last look and the door was closed behind her. With no one in the hallway she went to the Training Room following the noises coming from it. Before her Astera and Thyia were sparring with wooden poles as spears in one hand and shields in the other. Both in loin cloth and chest wrap, both items soaked in sweat. Their skin glistened in a fine sheen of sweat, the light from the lanterns in the room contrasting light and shade.

Astera stood in the guard position and Thyia followed.

“Mistress we did not see the need to wake you up. Most of the House has broken their fast at the Inn of the Knight’s Rest so are ready for the day.”

“Today I need to visit the Temple of Saph and deliver some packages to them. For now if you and Thyia could secure the loads from the pack horses Clymene and I left at the stables last night that would be helpful.”

“Yes Mistress. I think Dione is already at the Stables so she may have already started.”

“If she is can you ask her to return, she needs to once again be one of the Ladies Three. Also we need to organise a bigger bed for the Seers I would think.” finishing with a laugh.

Walking down the far end of the Training Room she stopped to observe Otonia.

“Why don’t you use your knives?”

“Hello Mistress, well they are too sharp, I would think after months of practice I would eventually chip my way through the wall!” Charis smiled as a dagger impaled the wall.

“I need you to get dressed in full armour as the Ladies Three need to present at the Temple of Saph at fourth bell.”

“Yes Mistress.”

Charis grabbed a couple of apples from the Store Room and then returned to her own. She was surprised to see the bed empty, shrugged and went to visit the Seers. They were naked of course and training, Charis refused to be drawn in, deciding on a bath before getting ready to visit the Temple.

On her way down she turned into the elder’s room to check on the triplets and found Rhea there preparing them. She looked up and greeted Charis with a smile and then returned to the triplets. The elder wasn’t there, perhaps the fussing over the children drove her to do other tasks.

---

Charis, Rhea, Dione and Otonia assembled in the elder’s room. They all broke their fast with simple foods if they hadn’t already, as Charis wanted a straight walk to the Temple, no distractions, no accidental meetings. The elder was back and decorated the triplets with bright yellow flowers as she seemed to enjoy her role as temporary grandmother. Charis could tell though the triplets weren’t really children, they held a determination to be adults, more importantly to be adult Seers. They knew as triplets they were the special of the special, prized above all in the Temple of Saph, the Temple of Seers.

Charis also glanced at Rhea’s new haircut. It was short, off the shoulders and flowed on one side, while the other was cut back low just a finger width in height on the healthy hair and then continued the same on the scattered wisps above her melted skin. It was just a haircut, but by displaying her scars on her terms it was Rhea now in control, no more covering up and apologising, she was who she was.

Charis and Rhea led out with the triplets behind them. Rhea, like the triplets didn’t cover her face. That made a lot of people uncomfortable to look at her and in a small way made their walk easier as the path cleared before Rhea, only suffering people whispering and pointing fingers at her, as the cost. Dione and Otonia followed, with their cloak and hood drawn to shadow their faces.

Word of mouth still travelled faster and as they walked closer to the Temple a crowd gathered on each side of the street. The combination of the arrest by the Lord and the open display of favour by escorting not one but also a triplet of Seers enhanced the spectacle and Charis’ reputation.

Walking towards them was six Judge Knights; she still couldn’t tell if they were Initiates or Aspirants, although they were led by a well-known to her at least Judge Magistrate. There was some trepidation, would he “take-over” or was he here to add Judge to the Gods that favoured her?

As they met he signalled his escort to fall in behind Otonia and Dione, while he walked with Charis, with Rhea diplomatically between them. He looked to Charis and at her signal the entire company walked on. The company looked even more formidable and ceremonial, Charis was satisfied, the support of two Temples and their Gods, more recognition than she could have hoped for.

They approached the Temple of Saph with a crowd following. Charis then smiled, she recognised the Temple Guards. They were the ones that escorted the Lady in White and although Charis did not know them by name she knew them by their loyalty to the Lady. It would be difficult to know how they knew she would be escorting the Seers to the Temple but then again they were Seers.

“Who approaches the Temple of Saph and requests entry?” bellowed one of the guards.

“Charis and her company to bring home daughters of the Goddess as sworn we would upon our honour!”

“Welcome and enter!” was the reply.

The Judge Knights lined up at the front of the Temple and faced the crowd while the Temple Guards escorted the company into the Temple proper.

---

On a dais sat three Seers, which Charis assumed were all Mother Superiors, they certainly displayed an air of command.

“Welcome honoured Priest of Judge.” they chanted.

“It is I who am honoured by your greeting.” answered the Magistrate.

Charis was paying attention and while the welcome and greeting looked ceremonial she felt there was a genuine respect and possibly friendship between them. It seemed to her that in these two Temples at least the Priests and Priestesses were aligned and supportive of each other. Now all Charis needed was for a Priestess of Saph to be on the Town’s Council to help repel a Lord that was after her death.

“Welcome Charis of the Ladies Three and the Ladies Three. We are truly pleased to see you deliver back to us our sisters. We also acknowledge that the misdirection and subterfuge you employed to do so was well planned and executed.”

Charis winced a little at the word execute but perhaps it was a message of support.

“We are living in dangerous times and we appreciate the honour you have displayed in our service.”

Charis bowed low as did Otonia and Dione. Before Charis realised Rhea and the triplets were silently escorted from their presence.

Behind them, equally in silence a square table and three chairs appeared. At one end a chair for the Senior Mother Superior thought Charis, while behind her the other Mother Superiors would stand in silence. Charis and Apelles were seated opposite the Mother Superiors. Otonia and Dione stood behind them. The Temple Guards were nowhere in sight and Charis didn’t even notice them leave.

“You have done excellent service and we would have you do more if you are willing. What do you say?”

“First I must confess or at least be open to you.”

The Mother Superiors did not show any change in face or manner.

“A Single Seer has sworn an oath to join my company. She carried with her a Letter that hinted she was not required at her own Temple, although I would be less than honest to suggest her Temple would have released her to join my company, more so to find another Temple to accept her as a Single Seer.” Charis finished. She spoke it all in one breath; she was so nervous.

“We are aware of this Seer, Helice is her name and confirmed with her Temple that they considered her more of a liability than an asset and they wish you all good fortune. The Temple of Saph in Hillperch holds no claim over her so she is free to do what she wants.”

Charis breathed a sigh of relief. Now for the next piece of news that may not be so well accepted.

“I also need to make one more confession, I have fallen in love with the Seer Rhea and I believe her feelings for me are the same.” The Mothers Superior did not change a single facial expression. Charis didn’t know if they were about to explode or stare her to death. There was a considered paused.

“You know a Seer loses her mysticism when she couples with a man. It was a Geas placed upon us by the Goddess herself. There is no mention of female lovers; it would really be at the discretion of the Mother Superiors of the Temple the Seer belonged to. So we will consider this and inform you when we have made our determination.”

“Please know that it was all my fault, the Seer was in a vulnerable state and it could be cruelly said that I took advantage of that, but on my honour, it was not in any way planned by either of us, it just happened. Nevertheless all punishment is for me to take, not her, as I pursued the relationship, she is very devoted to the Goddess and I do not wish my actions to prevent her from serving and fulfilling her life’s ambition.”

“We will consider this and inform you when we have made our determination.”

“Thank you, I have no further confessions.”

“Well that is good we can proceed with our urgent business!” stated the Magistrate of Judge.

“Indeed we can. The first order of business is to ensure the Lord of the Northern Watch doesn’t murder a citizen of Hillperch, now or in the future.” stated the Mother Superior.

“Well, Charis has my vote!” stated the Magistrate.

“How many and who is on the Town’s Council?” asked Charis.

“You perhaps already know at least one. The older Gate Captain is the Marshal on the Council. I am the Priest on the Council; this is cycled each year between the Temples. The Burgher is probably not as supportive of your cause as he is a bitter rival of the Innkeeper of the Knight’s Rest, which you would count as a favourable acquaintance at the very least. The Emissary seat is held by a certain Manager of the winning Town Team of Three, so his vote will depend upon how he views you to his long term goals. The Dukesman seat is vacant. The Mystikos is currently filled, although the holder is rarely to be found in Town and word will need to be sent out that she is required for a Council vote.” announced the Magistrate.

“We have sent messages to the Duke to appoint a Dukesman and also asked the Duke to contact our Emissary and the Mystikos. One or both of these items could delay the sitting of the Council. We would recommend you do not leave the protection of the town while this is the case. From reports the Lord seems very determined to see you dead.” stated the Mother Superior.

“You understand the Town’s Council is only determining if the Lord can put his case to all the Landholders in the Town or not. It would be best if the Town’s Council denied this. If not then I would assume the Lord will spill much coin across the Town to secure the votes he requires to see you expelled from the Town.” explained the Magistrate.

Charis opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again when she realised what that meant.

“Given your situation we will need to suspend any assistance you can give us, this is not by our choice, but for a concern for your life.” stated the Mother Superior.

“I will take my leave. I cannot do anymore here and leave you to the care of the Mother Superiors.” the Magistrate bowed and left.

“Can we talk alone?” asked the Mother Superior. She looked to Otonia and Dione. They didn’t need to be asked by Charis; they were loyal to her and trusted her with their lives. They bid farewell and they would be “at home”. The Mother Superior’s standing at the table also left.

“We have no intention of letting this Lord control your fate.” There was a certain amount of emotion in her statement that was not on display at any time during the meeting and Charis welcomed it after so much uncertainty and threat.

“We have an obligation to you. We must honour a shared acquaintance, one who was absolutely convinced that you are a Foretold. Yes we are aware Charis the Young.” pausing to gauge Charis’ reaction and when there was none, she continued.

”She was so convinced she only informed a very small circle of Mother Superiors. You will not know them but they will know you. We see how you influenced her to this if the example of honour and quality you exhibited today is any guide. We can assure you we have made our decision concerning Seer Rhea and you have our blessing. This is unusual as normally a Twin Seer will not trust outsiders, yet she is convinced, we could see her look linger on you as she left and you directed all the blame onto yourself. If you protect all your company as you have done with her I can see why they would be loyal to you.”

“I am honoured. Although I am not sure you can prevent this Lord that quests for my death.”

“We shall see, the Duke is the important person in this and the Seers of Saph will bring all our influence upon him in this matter.”

“Thank you and I will take my leave if permissible.” requested Charis.

“We have one more item to discuss.”

Charis heard the Mother Superior’s voice change and it sounded ever more secretive.

“Being Foretold is a tricky thing for those that know. The things we say and do and the actions we take; do they help or do they hinder you as Foretold? What is our place in your journey? It is much easier not knowing, which is why the circle of those who do is small.” She paused then and actually got out of her chair and paced a little before approaching Charis again. Charis waited and needed to stop her hands fidgeting, what was this going to be about.

“We have discussed within a limited circle, the paired Seers,” she needed to hold her hand up of course as Charis was preparing to defend them, “you have in your company. It is good that you hide them, confuse those who look into thinking there is one when there are two. You must continue to do so of course. Our Lady in White was convinced that these two, at best mediocre Seers were essential in your Quest as Foretold. We do not know why, but it is not for us to … change. As I have said being aware of a Foretold is tricky.”

“I thank you, as I did not wish to deceive I just didn’t know how to explain as the Lady insisted I add to my company the next two Seers I met. I didn’t know it would be almost immediately, so like you I am guided but still uncertain of where all of this will lead.” said Charis.

“Do you know the skill levels of Seers, Charis the Young?” she paused and then realised, “perhaps not so I will explain. On one level a Seer can share a word, share a sentence, share contact, share senses or move a parchment and to do this the Seer can be, depending upon skill, either in silence, in motion or under stress and tombs typically writes about battle, but other situations would apply. Do you see how these build upon each other? The list isn't complete and some can't be performed as there isn't enough magic to do so.” Charis nodded slowly.

“The third level is time. The fourth level is distance. So now we return to your Seers. What level do you think they achieved after twelve years of study at their Temple?” Charis just shrugged her shoulders and lifted her open palms.

“They could share a sentence on a good day after half a day of mediation across the open court yard within the Temple. A stone wall would block their link unless they were both touching it. So for us, their loss is, well, not to be too unkind, insignificant. For you, we don’t know how they benefit you so I would ask have you seen something that makes sense of this choice.”

“I am only now accepting and believing being Foretold is something, but given what you have said perhaps if Helice observed them maybe she could notice something that I do not know to look for.”

“Unfortunately for you Helice was not great Seer herself. Perhaps we can have Rhea visit often if that is permissible?”

“Yes, although I have a question.”

“Just the one, I am surprised.” They exchanged smiles.

“I can understand why a Seer needs to read and write, for messages, but why horse riding?”

“There are many theories but in essence the Goddess insists.”

“Does she send the Mother Superior’s a reminder every so often?” Charis was about to form a smile when, looking at the Mother Superior’s reaction to the question, she quickly withdrew the attempt.

“We are blessed Charis the Young, of all the Gods, the Goddess Saph still talks to her Priestesses. It is our understanding that other Priests of the other Gods aren’t as fortunate but they are very guarded of course for obvious reasons. It is the main reason you being Foretold is, for us, an absolute truth because we have asked our Goddess to confirm you Charis the Young.” Charis needed to close her mouth, she didn’t realise she had opened it.

“The venerated Lady in White didn’t so much appoint you as identify you. There has been much activity since, I can assure you. Now I think it is best we finish, after all I don't really know if I am supposed to tell you more or not?”

Charis nodded, dumbfounded, only coming to her senses somewhat when she was left alone and walking to leave the Temple. She was very sure she did not make a noise as she did so, the effort or attempt to distract from what she had been told. Charis hurried to the Leatherworker’s Shop making sure she wasn’t accosted in anyway trying to regain her concentration to notice any one following her or especially any one spying on her. Why was this happening to her?

All the goods were stored away and all the horses stabled at the Gate Stables by the time Charis returned. There was a large amount of hammering and sawing within the Twin’s room and as she was about to investigate, Astera approached her.

“We needed to make an exception. I am sorry Mistress but none of us are carpenters so we compromised and found a girl journeyman, blindfolded her and fetched her tools and materials to the room. She is being watched by Thyia as she works. She has been asked to build a set of draws across the room. Our plan is to then place multiple mattresses on this cupboard as we have said it is a stage so needs to be strong to carry the weight of a number of people at once. I and I alone will accept any punishment for this action as others did talk against it and to await your return.” said Astera and then she knelt, head bowed to receive her verdict.

“I approve, the warrior-sisters cannot stop because of my absence and the intruder has been constantly under watch. Whom of our company has the journeyman seen up close?” asked Charis as Astera stood to her feet, a breath of relief escaping as she did.

“I and Thyia only Mistress, although I don’t think she has been brave enough to take a second look at either of us as we are armed and armoured. That is why we have talked here, to prevent you from entering the room also, unless you wish to of course.”

“My face is well known and I need to been seen, so warrior-sisters can remain in the background to do what needs to be done without being recognised by everyone and anyone. So I will see this Journeywoman to test her quality.” Astera nodded and escorted Charis to the twins’ room.

Upon entry, the Journeywoman did not look up from her work. Charis motioned for Thyia to leave the room.

“Stand please and face me.” The Journeywoman slowly placed her hammer down and stood, head tilted down. She was slightly taller and slightly more muscular than Charis at first look.

“Lift your eyes girl, otherwise I will think of you as a man who can only stare at my breasts.”

She slowly raised her eyes and couldn’t disguise the shock of her face.

“You are so young!” she blurted out.

Then she realised that she could have been disrespectful.

“I didn’t mean anything, I apologise for any offence, I just wish to finish and leave, my work is always sound otherwise my master will beat me. You will be able to have seven or more people on this stage and the draws will be able to store many items. I have also added a couple of trap door storage boxes at the back as it seemed a shame to waste that space.”

“Pay her double what was asked for. When you finish your time with your Master make sure you see me again.” Charis turned to leave.

“Miss Charis, my time is finished, I need a Master work to qualify in front of a Panel of Masters to become a Master Carpenter.” she squeaked.

“Tell your Master that he has a commission to build a Stable as long as it is built by you to qualify you as a Master. Can you build a stable?”

“Yes Mistress! Most certainly! I am in your debt. Although, I will need more than luck to become the first female Master Carpenter, as all the Masters are men. I am the only child of a carpenter, my father taught me his trade from a young age and before he could apprentice me he died in an accident so his good friend in the Guild apprenticed me as I was already competent and I have been with him ever since and witnessed many made Master while I remained Journeywoman.”

“Take a breath girl, first things first, finish the stage and make the offer to your Master. Let Astera know what he decides. I will leave you to your work.” and with that Charis and Astera left and asked Thyia back in to stand guard.

“You made an excellent choice Astera, thank you.”

“You are welcome Mistress.” she smiled, as much for relief as for praise.

“We must now determine what our brigand friend kept under a rock!”