Page 72 of The Starlight Savior

Should she say Terrus? Everyone worshiped Terrus in Brevil. He was the safest of the Gods, the one who possessed and passed down little magic.

Or Silva? There were a handful of villagers who worshipped the God who forged every living animal. Mostly cattlemen.

What of Tonirus? She was in his land; his magic merged with her bloodline. But it didn’t feel right on her tongue.

“You have no answer, do you?” the priestess said. She placed a thumb on Saige’s chin, lifting her head. “No divinity has opened your eyes yet.”

“No,” she admitted, surprised by her honesty, “I didn’t grow up in the ways of worshiping. It was suggested to stay away from such things in Brevil.”

“And yet your blood sings of the power. How?”

Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Conor and Niana stare at one another. “I would say Tonirus is guiding my path tonight.”

“He is not,” the priestess said, “but someone is. Look to the stars when you are lost, young witch. It will provide all the answers to the endless questions that poison your mind.”

Priestess Domina handed Saige the paper lantern. “Stop by my temple when your eyes have been wiped clean. I’ve longed to speak to someone like you.” And with that, she was onto the next person, lantern in hand.

Saige looked down, cheeks reddening. She had minimal interactions with the clergy. Even Priestess Norma was avoided as much as possible, her small scowls evidence of her displeasure of Saige’s lack of participation. It was clear that they were observant though. It was as if Priestess Domina had stared past her face and into her skull.

The endless questions that poison your mind.

“Priestess Domina has been with Athalos before even my father was born,” Conor said, a hand tugging at her wrist. “She is a gifted priestess, heavily connected with divinity. Some say she speaks in blessings and curses.”

“I prefer Priest Stefan, but I think he just likes me more.” Niana began to unfold the paper lantern.

“I always thought that was bullshit,” Saige admitted. Every word Priestess Norma uttered surrounding carved fate and blessed deities seemed foolish.

“I’m realizing now that you thought a lot of the world outside your caved in walls was bullshit. It isn’t,” Conor said. “Now pay attention.”

Saige looked back towards the dock where the witch and warlock stood once again. The wooden boxes were gone, their own lanterns in their hands. The glow of purple and orange light glimmered through the paper.

“Please prepare your lanterns as we bring blessings to our people, our land, and the divinity,” Priest Stefan spoke, his voice low.

Saige unfolded the lantern. How would they light it with liquor and ale numbing their magic? She hadn’t felt much of it all evening. Leaning over, she asked Conor.

Conor shook his head. “It’s dangerous to numb yourself without specific precautions. They’ve worked around that. Alcohol is brewed differently here.”

“Ah.” Saige looked down at her lantern. Even the children sparked light into their hand, placing a glowing orb into the bottom of their lanterns. Athalos lit up with different colors. Purple, green, blue, red, and white. Saige wasn’t sure if she had the power yet to light her own.

Conor reached over, their eyes locking momentarily as he flicked his wrist. An electrifying purple orb began to flower inside, tugging on her hands, begging to float above. “You’ll get it next time.”

Priestess Domina began to speak, her voice loud and clear across the beach. “At the beginning of our world, the sun and the moon met to create the very beings who forged our path, guided our people, and provided us the strength we needed to live each of our days. We live in honor of the divinity that grants this power. And when the moon is the most full, we are the strongest. And so are our prayers.”

The people around her bowed their heads. Conor nudged Saige’s arm, beckoning her to follow suit.

“We ask the divinity above to continue to guide us in providing a safe world once again. May Terrus bless the ground we walk on, the very earth we grow our food in!” Priestess Domina declared.

A handful of wielders held out their palms, green light dancing across their skin.

“May Mara bless the water we drink, the life force that flows in our body!” she continued.

More of the crowd lit up with power, palms glowing blue. Mist sprayed against their faces as orbs of water rose from the lake. Saige tried to ignore the way her body went rigid at the sight of the water-wielders in the crowd, but she reminded herself that Etrane was supposed to be a sanctuary. For anyone.

Conor held up his own hand. Lightning flowed across his forearm, flashing against the sky. Saige’s chest rumbled as the warlock stepped forward.

“May Tonirus guide us through the storms and shadows that we soon face!” Priest Stefan shouted. “May Ignesa light our future, heal our wounds!” Flames danced on Priest Stefan’s hands. Beside Saige, a fire-wielder’s magic heated her cheeks.

“May Silva bless the animals that provide us life and nutrients, the companions we take, and the figures we transform into!” Priestess Domina continued. A flurry of howls echoed around them. A flock of water birds flew into the air. “May Caelum bless our paths to the Otherworld and watch over our loved ones until we may reunite.” Saige wasn’t sure what she expected when Caelum was named. Spirits rising from the lake? Only a warm feeling blossomed over her chest.