A Dark and Starless Night

Chapter Fourteen

Kassyka was busier than any temple Eve had ever seen. The aisles were almost packed to bursting as Alexis stood, ankle-deep, in the Pool of Stars.

The sermon – a story of the power of tolerance and the destructiveness of stigma – was delivered in Islan, and the priestess's voice carried through the temple, not faltering even for a second. Her sheer, purple-tinted gown shimmered with her every move, but the pool seemed to remain undisturbed, the floating candles in the water never wavering.

Eve had gotten there early, glad to have gotten a spot near the front. She'd spent most of the day lost in a book about old Islan symbols. It was heavy going, but had taken all her attention, meaning she had foregone a lunch. She regretted that now, watching as people milled slowly out of the glowing sandstone temple.

"Priestess," Eve called, hurrying to get closer to the woman. "I was hoping to ask you a quick question."

"Evelyn," she said, smiling gently as she rested a hand on the elbow of someone who passed, "I'm pleased you joined us for services tonight."

"It was a... lovely sermon." She meant it. "Did Queenie attend here?"

Alexis's smile grew into something more knowing. "Is that what you want to waste your quick question on?"

Eve balked, floundering for something to say. Alexis laughed.

"Join me for something to eat," she said, gesturing for Eve to follow her outside the temple. She led her to a garden dining area where a simple meal had been laid out for one. She gently caught the arm of one of the devotee's that passed and said, "Please bring an extra setting for Evelyn."

"Of course, Priestess," the woman said, smiling brightly.

"I couldn't take food out of your mouth," Eve said, feeling her face flush. Her stomach rumbled loudly.

"It might not be what you're used to, but it'll remind you of home," she said, gesturing for her to sit down. "Please, ask whatever you want."

Eve fished the talismans from her pocket, offering them to Alexis as the devotee returned with a bowl for Eve. She thanked the woman who touched her shoulder lightly before excusing herself. Alexis explained the symbol while they both ate slowly.

"Where did you get these?" she asked.

"I found them."

Alexis looked up and gave her a doubtful smile. "You found them. Did you find them while you were searching a place that didn't belong to you?" Eve opened her mouth. "Don't. This symbol," she said, placing both face up on the table, "is a relic of our homeland. An ancient relic."

"It's in Brailadine, isn't it?"

"Very astute. Do you know what it means?"

"I was hoping you could tell me."

"It doesn't mean something, exactly," she explained, keeping her eyes on both talismans as she spoke. "Rather it represents the five stars that fell to aid Eleen. And their descendants. Before each of the stars returned to their home in the heavens, they each bore a child; the first stars. After Eleen's own son, of course. They were like our people's version of the noble families of Zyrna – well-respected by most, and powerful, in both influence and magics.

"The Warriors of the Sands ensured their protection against the Star Eaters, at least until colonisation and the Schism of the Sands saw the Warriors turn into anchorites. So, those descendants of the Five Who Fell became far and few between.

"Well, we nearly all claim some form of blood tie to the Five Who Fell, or Eleen herself. But only few can say they have a direct link to them. And those that do... this is what they carve for their children." She smiled, a ghost of a smile, at the talismans. "A reminder of who's blood they carry. Of what they might one day regain, if the Prince of the Sands were to reclaim his birth right. If he ever manages to break free of the chains of his ancestors' mistakes. And of a promise. At least that's how the story goes."