The Emperor's Head

12. A Dark Temple

Jun was alerted by the distinct sound of leather soles shuffling on the wooden dock. He turned around and noticed a group of three monks walking with a small priest. They looked calm and contemplative as they chatted, showing no anger, but their pace indicated a definitive purpose.

"Someone approaches from behind," Jun whispered.

"Yes, from the sound, I'd say at least four. Clergy?" Bolin asked as he pulled Jun closer to him but didn't turn around.

"Three monks and a priest," Jun whispered back.

Bolin moved Jun to his back as he turned to greet the newcomers. The movement was subtle but territorial. Jun felt protected and safe.

I am a fool. He is my Keeper but also a killer.

"Greetings. Are you the harbor priest?" Bolin queried, his hand still securing Jun tightly behind him. Jun could not give a proper greeting in his current position, but no one would chastise him in his Keeper's presence.

"Oh, yes. I am Dong, the harbor's temple priest. Who are you?" The diminutive clergyman arched a curious eyebrow. His deep brown eyes flickered towards Jun's concealed countenance before settling on Bolin's protective grasp. The priest's forehead creased above his gaunt, pointed nose, and his mouth compressed in a tense line.

"Monk Delun, Keeper to Acolyte Tu." Bolin freed his hand to reach into a sleeve pocket and retrieved the paperwork he had just stowed there. The priest's face relaxed slightly as he took the scroll and nodded as he read it.

"Ah, newly blood bound? Priest Shan performs this ritual rarely, but his binding is strong. He asks that I provide you with the proper texts on the binding, should you wish. Is one of you a scholar?" The priest smiled, lifting his flat cheeks and close-set eyes, making him almost attractive.

"Not this plain monk, but my acolyte is well-read," Bolin answered respectfully as he accepted his scroll back and returned it to his sleeve.

"Ah, of course. Well, we are working on getting our temple lights working. One of the Emperor's mages extinguished the fire, and I do not have the talent to restart it. Luckily, Monks He and Deng feel they may help. Would you have any talent with fire?"

"No, few do anymore. My core is ice, and my acolyte is still learning control. I am sorry." Bolin bowed again as the external torches flickered. "But Acolyte Hui is inside and seems to have some talent; perhaps you should assist her?"

"Oh, Shan has sent Hui? Wonderful!" Priest Dong shuffled past Bolin and Jun with his entourage in tow. The last monk stopped and bowed at Bolin.

"I am Pan. While they restart the fire, shall we obtain a meal for all of us?" The plain monk stood even in height with Bolin and addressed him without looking at Jun.

"Yes, we can assist with this much," Bolin answered. He nodded for Jun to join them. Something about this last monk relaxed his wary companion. Jun scrutinized the man further. He had a bland appearance, his brown eyes dull and evenly spaced, his nose not too large or too small sat centered above equally plain lips. His brown hair sat neatly in a top bun with no jewel clasp to make him remarkable.

Does he use magic to obscure himself? Or is he really so ordinary? Is he a friend? Surely Bolin wouldn't trust him if he wasn't.

Jun followed Bolin as Monk Pan led them to the vendor stalls at the end of the next pier. The harbor bustled with energy, but Jun also noticed dozens of men sitting on the edges of every dock.

Is it always so busy here? Why are there so many just sitting around?

"Oyun has sent word of your journey," Pan hissed while he drew closer to Bolin. The crowds made his movement natural. "Who is this woman? I was told to look for young Lord Yewan. Did he not come with you? Or was he captured? His pictures are everywhere. I feared for your safety."