The Asterian Dream

VI: The Grand Marshall

Greydor looked concerned. "If Fasela escaped, she'll be trying to contact the other royal houses of her people. If they learn of what is happening everything could fall apart. It is imperative that you detain her."

The magistrate bowed. "It shall be done, Marshall."

"Was she traveling alone?" Greydor asked.

"There was a draugh with her," the magistrate replied. "My soldiers threw it into the pits. It's been taken care of."

"A draugh you say," Greydor said. "And this one was fully conscious and functional?"

"Yes, it tried to put up a fight, but it was quickly taken care of."

"Thank you for your assistance," Greydor replied. "Now I have some personal matters here to attend to. Report back at dawn tomorrow about Fasela."

"It shall be done, Marshall." The magistrate bowed again and left the garden, not noticing Fasela or Conrad hidden in the shrubbery.

Greydor stood in the gardens for a little while longer, seeming to be thinking about something. As Fasela paid close attention to him, she noticed what seemed to be a single tear rolling down his face. "I wish it hadn't come to this Fasela. I really do," he said to himself. "Everything was so much simpler when we were young." For a moment, his serious expression changed, and one could almost see the sadness on his face. But he quickly readjusted himself, straightened his back, and left the garden with purpose in his step.

After he had left, Conrad and Fasela were alone in the garden. Conrad quickly got up and went to where Fasela was hidden. When he got there, he found Fasela sitting on the ground beside the path, staring at the ground, her expression blank.

Conrad knelt down beside her. "Hey, we need to get moving," he said. "Are you okay?"

Fasela jolted up in surprise as if she was completely tuned out of the outside world. "Mhm, yes, let's get going." She stood up and motioned for Conrad to follow her. "We have to leave the city. Kurnath is not safe for us."

Conrad looked concerned but nodded and followed her back over the gate and into the city streets.

They moved quickly throughout the streets, looking for anywhere safe to stop. After a long time of avoiding guards and moving through back alleyways, they approached a temple near the center of the city. The building was huge, easily the largest structure in the entire city. It stretched up so high that you could see the entire countryside from its magnificent spires. Conrad stood still for a moment in pure awe but soon followed Fasela inside the building.

Once inside, there was no one around save for some Moraks dressed in simple yet elegant robes. Conrad guessed they were the priests and caretakers of the temple. One of them approached Conrad and Fasela.

The priest turned to Fasela. "Welcome highness. We have heard of your plight, and are sorry for what has happened to the inhabitants of Astraeria. I can assure you that no matter what the rest of the city believes, you are safe here." She then turned to Conrad. "Welcome, lost one. Viviana does not turn her back on those suffering such as yourself. If you seek anything from us, ask and you shall receive."

Conrad was surprised at how welcoming they were. "Thank you, I shall ask for anything I need."

"Thank you," Fasela said to the priest. "For now, all we require is a private space to speak."

The priest nodded. "Go up the second flight of stairs in that direction." She then pointed to a row of five staircases lined against the wall. "There you will find private chambers. Use any you wish."