The Open Sky: Eternal Forest Saga - Book 3

Chapter 11

 It had been a long night for Ilderra, but not as unpleasant a one as it could have been. The evening was spent catching up with Priestess Oakleaf. Ilderra and Rainstorm filled her in on the details of the Open Sky movement and the betrayal of Lady Viyana. Of course, Rainstorm had done much of the talking, and it troubled her to realize just how much he'd been keeping to himself. Oakleaf, in turn, told them about her dealings in Ironhoof. She also gave a proper introduction for Kortath and his beloved, Bayne. Sitting together, hand in hand, the two centaurs shared stories of their many years trying to keep a forbidden love secret. It warmed Ilderra's heart to know they were free of that barbaric tribe, and she prayed the Lady would lead them to a life of peace together.

Of course, the night wasn't exactly relaxing. News of Viyana's betrayal spread through the town like wildfire, leading to dozens of knocks upon the door. To each visitor, Ilderra calmly explained what she could. She offered condolences as well as blessings, and assured them that the Lady was watching over Meadowgold in these troubling times. She recalled a warm smile from Oakleaf upon closing the door on yet another visitor late into the evening. "You're a great leader," the priestess had said. Coming from a former mentor she looked up to, it was a compliment that warmed her heart.

With a new morning upon them, a new agenda lay ahead. Shimmer-sehr was but a day away. The caravan to Moon-hollow was gathering in the southern fields, and she wanted to be there to see them off. With their leader gone, and Meadowgold left in the hands of a new High Priestess few really trusted, she was sure the whole city would be gathered on the rolling hills, eager to head for the elven village.

She was shocked to find the area deserted.

The orange glow of the morning sun shone down across nothing but empty grassland. She was the only soul around. She knew she wasn't too early. The planned start of the gathering was well before dawn. She was only arriving now to see them off. Had she missed them? They couldn't have left already. Assured there was no reason to stand out in the open by herself, she made her way back into town.

The sun was fully up when she set foot again on Meadowgold's dirt streets. To her continued surprise, she found the city just as crowded and bustling as ever. People packed the streets, all going about their business. Many smiled and waved as she passed. It was a far different greeting than she'd grown accustomed to since taking up her new position. Her journey through smiling faces and friendly greetings led her to the stage in the center of town. There she saw dozens of people hard at work hanging colorful streamers from the posts. Brightly dyed sheets hung from the windows. Off in the corner, a small band rehearsed.

A young man working on the stage took notice of her and set down his tools. "There she is!" he shouted joyfully. Ilderra looked up in confusion. The man waved his hands in the air, getting the attention of all around him. "Three cheers for our high priestess, who vanquished the heretic!"

"Hip hip hurray!" the crowd shouted three times.

Ilderra was simply stunned. "What is all of this?" she questioned.

"What do you mean?" the man asked as he sat on the edge of the stage. "Shimmer-sehr is tomorrow. We're getting this town ready for a proper celebration!" The gathering of working humans cheered again.

"But, the caravan," she replied. "I thought you were all going to Moon-hollow. With Lady Viyana gone I was certain you all would..."

The man's expression hardened, but not with malice towards her. "Viyana's treachery has shocked us all," he said. "Truth be told, the world's getting a little scarier each day. Never know what tomorrow's gonna bring." He smiled again. "But the Lady smiles on Meadowgold, right? We have a high priestess, and she's gonna lead us into a new era!" A few men close enough to hear him cheered in response.