Jarvit

Jarvit Ch2 p2

Overseeing the rituals of the morning gave Tiatra time to consider her conversation with the Interpreter. She watched Ciara light the tallow candles around the Hall, seeing the young girl’s lithe figure, in its long plain robe, sweeping with grace between the benches. Tiatra knew Ciara was too young and innocent to be taken to be a pretend Hearer and yet she also knew the faith needed help. The Sprightly, why could he not leave her in peace? She was best able to serve the Will by training Devotees in preparation for roles as Executioners and Interpreters. Hadn’t she done that with success for forty years and come through the cleansing having saved her Hall from being burnt down? It was too much to ask that she should be uprooted or lose the best Devotee she had had since Ariena.

         By the time of the mid day meal Tiatra was very hungry. She had avoided meeting the Interpreter, missing the mid morning break in order that she might be able to think. She had reached a decision. Now the soup that was served to her in one of the beech bowls was more than welcome. Opposite her Ariena tore apart scofa bread and offered her a huge chunk. The two had not spoken since Tiatra had taken her seat. Tiatra knew the offered bread contained both an apology and an attempt at reconciliation. She smiled her acceptance of the offering. Taking the bread she dipped it into the steaming vegetable soup and ate, licking drips of soup from her fingers. She picked up her spoon and wagged it at Ariena.

         ‘That does not mean you are totally forgiven. But we shall eat together amicably before we sit in discussion once more.’ Tiatra noticed the Interpreter smile before they both bent their heads to the soup.

         Tiatra sat over her nettle tea and allowed the refectory to empty before she spoke to Ariena once more. Toying with the shells of the hazel nuts on her plate there was a long silence before she looked up at the Interpreter. Ariena was waiting for her to speak.

         ‘I have considered all that has passed between us and my opinion has not changed-’

         ‘My teacher-’ Ariena began.

         ‘No, allow me to finish. My opinion is unchanged. Ciara is too young to take on the role that you would demand of her. There is not another Devotee in this Hall who would suit. You must search elsewhere.’ Tiatra’s voice was quiet but firm, she saw Ariena’s face fall.

         ‘You are determined my teacher, I see that. But I also must be as determined. I could go from Hall to Hall and receive the same answer as you have given. But in all those Halls there is not one Executioner as well versed in rituals due to the Worthy or so dedicated a trainer as you. A Devotee from here would be better able to cope with the demands placed upon her than any from elsewhere. The Worthy knows we have few enough Halls to select from. I could take the girl using my seniority over you to demand her. But my teacher I would not have it so between us. Will you not pass the Devotee into my keeping? I would not ask but our need is great.’

         ‘You almost beg. But as you say you do not need my agreement. Take the Devotee, ruin her. Use her. What can I do to stop you?’

         ‘Tiatra, I must do what I can to preserve the people’s faith in the Will of the Worthy. Since making my decision to come here I have felt the Will guiding me. I have come to see your suggestion as our preservation. Only give the Devotee to me freely.’

         ‘It is not the Will of the Worthy at work here; it is that of the Sprightly. And who can say if his will is toward good or bad. It can only be relied upon to be mischievous. So as it is demanded by a Will, whether it be that of the Sprightly as I think, or that of the Worthy as you believe, does not matter. I agree that the Devotee Ciara should travel to the Great House of Listening and there take up the position of Hearer.’