Araman

~ 11 ~

   The wide oak door did not make a sound as Kassen opened it; releasing the sweet music that was being held captive within the church walls. He had decided to visit Verxia's religious building in the hope that Sa Raliena would be there, as she had said she was visiting her departed mother that day. He had left Derio to his own devices in the town who was eager to spend his winnings in the nearest tavern.

The building was just as vast and elaborate as the village and Kassen couldn't help thinking Verxia should be spending more money on protecting it.

On the windows here, there were also pictures of Unisayan, bowing to maidens dressed in white flowing frocks, adjacent to the traditional images of holy men.

The ceilings were high and painted grandly in gold and silver. Pillars held up the wooden beams supporting the roof and a marble floored aisle led to the altar, ordained with flowers and ornaments of gold and crystal.

Kassen spotted Raliena sitting alone in the middle of the pews and walked quietly down the far side, so as not to get in the way of the men worshiping.

He slipped in beside the Araman silently, she had a large travel bag in the space between them and her eyes closed. Her expression was serene and peaceful, as if her soul was at rest. She looked as she had when sat before the sunrise that morning, high up in the tree.

The worshipping men finished walking down the aisle and ended their song at the pinnacle of the church.

"I did not think you were of religious inclination." Kassen stated.

"I am not." Raliena replied, not opening her eyes. She seemed not to be surprised that Kassen had sat down beside her.

"I see you have made use of the village blacksmith." Raliena indicated to Kassen's new armour. He had decided to spend his gold disk in the town as suggested and had been surprised at how much he could get from it, due to the respect that came with it, rather than the value of the disk itself. The blacksmith had probed him for all the details of the fight, which Kassen had been happy to let Derio tell, although he exaggerated the story. With it he had bought a new lightweight shield and a leather belt with silver studs for decoration. It was perhaps a little too decorative for the General, but he knew Sherin would approve as he needed something to wear to the ball that the King had mentioned to him at last night's dinner.

"Yes, it was a gift." Kassen answered.

"You fight well, General Kassen."

"You were watching, Sa Raliena?"

"I was passing." Raliena stood and walked towards the priest stood on the stairs of the altar, all the other holy men had left.

Raliena had a small velvet bag in her hand which she gave to the priest. Kassen assumed it was money for the church. She had left her travel bag on the stool and the General resisted the urge to open it.

He watched the priest thank Raliena then wag his finger at her; as if he was scolding a child.

Raliena replied calmly and glanced at Kassen, then at the floor. The priest turned to stare at Kassen with interest, then ushered a reluctant Raliena towards him.

Kassen slid his way along the pew and stood to greet the priest who embraced him heartily.

"General of Attashar, welcome." The priest said smiling broadly, he was not as old as he looked from afar and only had a few grey hairs showing from under his hooded white cloak.

"Thank you, sir." Kassen replied, taken aback by the embrace and unsure how to officially address the holy men of Verxia. The priest did not correct him either.