The chaos was shedding its mask tonight. Even in the priest's small bedchambers on the second floor of Hamino's Temple, she could hear the riots rampaging through Ardania. Yet a peaceful aura danced about the room, dimly lit by the fire in the hearth. She leaned close to her companion, sleeping soundly. She gently brushed his wild curls from his forehead.

The bruises that were on his face were lighter since she miraculously healed him twenty minutes ago. He'd been asleep ever since a priest offered to bring him to his room. Up close, the boy looked at peace with not a care in the world. His soft snores somehow calmed her rattled nerves. His eyelashes were so long, kissing his smooth amber skin. And he had nice full lips that slightly twitched as he dreamt.

Mageia's purple eyes widened in embarrassment of noticing such details. Just days ago, she would have scolded him if their paths crossed on the street.

Then the door opened, and she stood, hand touching the imprint of the dagger in her pocket. The priest entered carrying a tray of food and drink. She quickly went to help him and closed and locked the door.

"Thank you, my lady," he said smiling so hard, his squinted eyes turned to slits beneath long eyelashes.

"You're welcome," she said.

"How's his Highness?" he said.

"I think he's okay. He's sleeping pretty good," she said.

"Oh, that's good. If he needs it, I brought some amberia just in case."

She watched him unload the tray. A pitcher of soup steamed hot and graced her nose with the delicious smell of venison and vegetables. Another pitcher held a dark juice that made her dry mouth moisten with anticipation to be quenched. Mageia narrowed her eyes at the priest. The man's calm demeanor and gentle movements almost felt majestic. Almost spirit like.

"Lord Dorian,"

"Oh. Just Dorian, if you like?"

"I don't recall seeing you at the Dais during executions," Mageia said.

His nose scrunched for a second in disapproval. "I don't do well with watching people die like that. I've sought an amendment for a more decent method for sacrifices. Ones that do not require as much mess or pain, - something more compassionate - but some priests like the performance."

"How long have you known Gris?"

He stood straight and clasped his hands together. He gave her an assuring smile. "I have known Prince Grisonce since he was twelve, entering the Academy with a lot to say and an open mind for knowledge. I've advised him on a many of things, even his manservant Rasheem. I heard of his theory about you, at the last minute of course by Lord Hercones and immediately agreed. I taught and still do teach meditation and combat at the Academy, but my priestly duties always come first. So, I am keen to providing hospitality to anyone in need."

"Combat?" she said never hearing of a holy man yielding a sword before.

"Hand combat for clarity," he said with a spike of humor.

"Oh," she said able to see that.

He gestured to the meal on the table. "I bet you are hungry."

She did feel a stiffness in her joints and exhaustion trying to hide itself behind her desperate need to keep moving, but Gris needed rest.

"Thank you, Dorian," Mageia said stirring the soup and tasting some. She almost gasped aloud from the delicious tang of seasoning.

The priest gave a low chuckle. "No thank you, for gracing me with your presence, my Fairest."

Mageia's gut churned. Gris had just called her that a few minutes ago, and it didn't settle too well with her. Her smile demised into a frown, and she stared into her bowl.

"Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"

"I would prefer you call me Mageia, not my Fairest."

His thin eyes widened, and his mouth curved into an O. "I see. Still haven't grasped the fact of your being?"

She shook her head feeling a serene aura from this middle-aged man. "It's strange."

"I bet it is. Did you know of your anointing before the sacrifice?"

"No."

"I see," he said nodding. "Well, I will pray for you, if you don't mind."

Mageia shrugged and remembered when she used to pray religiously. "Sure..."

That is if the gods will take time to hear it, she thought.

She forced a few spoonfuls down her throat. Her belly twisted but accepted the food gratefully.

"My lady, Mageia," Dorian said stirring his soup.

"Yes?"

For a minute, the priest pressed his thin lips together and seemed to debate within himself. "I do not wish to pry, but Grisonce is my prince, and it is important for me to care about his well-being. What happened to him? Why is he not at the palace?"

Mageia frowned and stared into her soup. She nibbled on her bottom lip where a scab had formed where Eron had bit her when he rudely kissed her. The tingling sensation of pleasure still lingered, and it only added fuel to her hatred towards him.

"Eron Shadar," she said praying and hoping this priest was as good as her magical senses were telling.

His peaceful face broke up into pure shock and he shook his head. "The Commander? You must by mistaken."

"No. I tell the truth," Mageia said gripping the spoon. "He had me kidnapped from the infirmary and Gris came searching for me. He got caught by Eron's men. Then he beat Gris, trying to kill him. I stopped him... with my magic. And then we ran. Just ran."

"But how'd you get here? Within the temple with all the chaos outside?"

"Underground," she said. "We found a trap door hidden in a storage room in the basement."

"Oh that one," Dorian shook his head. "Oh, Eron. I suppose he has forgotten who he was," he said almost to himself.

"What do you mean, who he was?" she said back straightening with curiosity.

Dorian's skin of sheet white flushed pink, but something heavy sat on his eyebrows. "It's not my place to tell, really."

Mageia wondered if this priest knew Eron was Gris' brother. The terrifying Fiisen was the brother of kindhearted Grisonce Arlon. This new fact appalled her still and mentioning it to this priest may not be a good idea. Especially, when she hadn't discussed it with Gris yet.

"What is it? Please tell me," she said.

Dorian shifted in his chair. "Let's just say, I am shocked by what you say."

She fought the desire to press the priest to explain what he meant. Plus, why should she care. People change as they grow and apparently Eron had gone rogue at some point.

"Lord Dorian, you should know this, but Lord Hercones is dead," she said, and the priest's face lit up in more shock. Mageia clenched her hands on the table. "Eron was behind it. The men he sent to kidnap me, killed Hercones for no reason at all."

"Great gods," the priest said pressing a hand to his heart. Mageia watched Dorian fight to keep the serenity in his face, but grief could make mountains shatter if it was the wind.

"I'm sorry, but you've been so kind, and you deserved to know," she said.

"Thank you, my lady," he muttered staring into the fire.

A thunderous knock made the two of them jump in unison. Gris stirred awake on the bed. Mageia and Dorian hopped to their feet.

"Lord Dorian are you within?" a man barked with great authority.

Dorian ran to the door at top speed and said in a calming voice. "Um. I am. What do you want Ser Owen?"

Mageia didn't waste any time. She went to Gris slowly rising.

"I need to speak to you about an important matter."

"And what would that be?"

"Come on," she whispered helping the groggy boy off the bed. Frantically, she searched the room for somewhere to hide. Dorian turned his back and leaned against the door. He motioned to his adjoined washroom, and they went towards it as quietly as they could. But Mageia's cunning skills kicked in. The washroom would be the first place the knight would look. She diverted to the priest's double-doored closet and opened it. It was deep enough and spacious enough to hide the Prince behind the rack of clothing.

She grinned and helped to stuff him inside.

"Why won't you let me in?" the knight said continuing to fumble with the knob.

"What is the reason for your visit?"

"Open the door, now," Ser Owen said. "We've been asked to do a search of the grounds."

"For what? For whom?"

"I command you to open the door. This is mandatory and will be quick."

"Well allow me to dress at least," he said waving for Mageia and Gris to hurry.

Once Gris was concealed, Mageia went to the window and its miniature sill for greenery and knew she could hold on to the ledge long enough until the knight left. But then Dorian mouthed that he was sorry and slowly unlocked the door. Mageia gasped. Her gaze dropped to the space under the bed. Partially covered by frame curtains it appeared wide and high enough for her to slide under. And she did, just as the knight burst into the room.

"Owen? God's above, what is going on?" Dorian said.

Mageia held her breath although her drumming heart was so loud, she knew the knight would be able to hear it.

The knight was tall with a black grizzly beard. His eyes were squinted and appeared almost as slits on his round face. He entered with authority and Dorian clasped his hands together and fell calm as a cloud.

"A mass search has been ordered," he said searching the room with hard cold eyes.

"For whom?"

"Intruders."

"Intruders? Who issued this mass search?"

"It came from the Commander," he said taking a stroll about the room.

Mageia shivered. The fire-bearing Fiisen had risen from his slumber in the underway.

"What made you think this person was here in my temple? In my room whence I've been for the last few hours?"

"There's a grate that leads into one of your closet spaces in the west wing," he said facing the man with scrutinizing eyes. "The two Strange had left behind their lantern at the ladder's foot."

Mageia could've slapped herself. They were in such a rush to exit the tunnel before they were caught that they left behind a trail.

"Oh? Is it possible they left it there as a divergent?" he said with a tilt of his head.

"Possibly, but we had to make sure," the knight said. "Have you seen anyone in the pass few hours?"

"No. I've been here," Dorian said.

The knight grunted and appeared annoyed. He nodded. "I'm sorry for the intrusion. The soldier said they were dangerous."

Mageia gave a sigh of relief. That was very close. The knight turned to leave only for a soldier to come and block his way.

"Soldier, it's clear in here."

"Are you sure?" The familiar voice sent ice through Mageia's veins. Her eyes widened in horror as she stole a peek from her hiding spot.

"I just spoke to him and looked around," the knight said.

"Step aside please. I have some questions for the priest," the soldier said.

The knight obeyed with a scolding expression, revealing the blue-eyed shadowdemon.