City of Fire

Chapter Twenty-Four

"Ilona"

Ilona was never so happy to see a building in all her life...

The church was small and dainty, rising up out of the ground to be nestled in against the tree line. Men in brown robes tended to a small garden out front while a graveyard surrounded the rest of the church. The weathered, cracked stones showed that made up the church revealed its age and Ilona smiled.

"It's lovely," Ilona whispered to Adrian, who seemed to be just as relieved as her.

"Yes, it is." He looked around, his eyes fastening on a building a few paces behind the graveyard. Ilona followed his gaze and felt chills race up her spine when she realized what the building was.

A catacomb...

"Come, let's get settled." Erin interrupted, ushering her forward and Ilona followed after Adrian. Tidus followed them but Zane halted, staring at the building.

Then quietly...

He followed...

As they approached the front of the church one of the men dressed in a brown robe looked up and smiled at them. His face was kind and open as he straightened, dusting the dirt from his clothes before stepping out of the garden to greet them.

"Hello," he dipped his head politely and remembering what Tidus had told her earlier, Ilona did the same. Zane was the only one who didn't, but his eyes were trained on the distant building. Ilona couldn't place the look on his face but the priest didn't seem to mind Zane's actions. His eyes, a soft hazel, fixed them with an even stare before he nodded.

"I am Brother Mitchell, a proprietor of this church dedicated to the Goddess Finyara, what is it that you seek?" His tone was pleasant and warm, as if he were already welcoming them in.

"Greetings, Brother Mitchell, I'm Adrian, son of Cane." Adrian stepped forward, his bearing elegant and formal. The priest stared at him a moment, his face momentarily showing surprise.

"Such an honor, to be visited by the son of a Highborn," the priest bowed his head once more though it was far lower than the first one. Adrian tipped his head in acknowledgement before continuing.

"We need a place to stay for the night, and certain accommodations." His eyes hardened as they looked back at Zane, but Zane's eyes hadn't left the building. Ilona glanced between them, watching the priest's face. His eyes seemed to access Zane, picking him apart and Zane must have felt it for he turned his head, his silver eyes sliding over to meet the priest's gaze. It was as if he'd been struck, for the priest flinched and brought his eyes back to Adrian's.

"Very well, come this way and we shall provide you with what you need." He turned, shuffling towards the entrance and Ilona frowned, glancing up at Adrian but he was already following after the priest. Erin gave her a reassuring smile before following and Tidus rolled his eyes.

"I never liked how formal these dudes are." He grumbled and Ilona snorted.

"Maybe you should take a few lessons from them. I'm sure they'd be happy to teach you." Ilona smirked and Tidus glowered at her but they entered the small church.

An hour later, Ilona's stomach full with beech root stew, was looking around. Paintings hung on the walls and her eyes widened when she recognized her mother. She peered closer, perplexed at how similar they all looked but she noticed that the first Goddess, the Great Goddess as everyone seemed to call her, was only a figure bathed in light.