Lady of the Trillium by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Author:Marion Zimmer Bradley [Bradley, Marion Zimmer]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fantasy, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780553572636
Publisher: Spectra
Published: 1994-12-31T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Mikayla looked quickly around the room assigned to her. It was small and had a very low ceiling; she could reach up and put the palms of her hands flat against it without having to straighten her arms completely. Along one wall was a bed, with some sort of fur that Mikayla did not recognize serving as a blanket. Next to the head of the bed was a stand with a pitcher of water, a washbasin, and a rough towel. The clothing chest that the Eldest Daughter had mentioned was at the foot of the bed.

Mikayla changed into a white gown like the one the other Daughters wore. There were several of them in the clothing chest, as well as a couple of gowns in other colors. She was glad to find that the high neckline hid the ribbon of the sphere she wore around her neck and that the fabric was thick enough to muffle any noise it might make.

Unlike the Archimage's Tower, these rooms did not have much in the way of heating, which was doubtless why the clothing was so heavy. But the only shoes in the chest were sandals. Mikayla put them on, remembering that both the Husband of the Goddess and the Eldest Daughter had worn sandals. Perhaps everyone here did, especially if they didn't have to leave the Temple. Mikayla considered what she had seen as she approached the Temple. From the air, it was virtually invisible. Even if one was looking straight at it, which could not be done from above, it appeared to be a natural cave. Perhaps the people living here didn't leave, but in that case, where did they get food and other necessary supplies?

Stop it, Mikayla told herself. This is no time to try to analyze every detail of their society. I'll have plenty to do trying to keep up with the things they want me to learn.

She returned to the main room. There was a single long bench at the far end of the room, in front of a fireplace. The other Daughters were sitting there waiting for her. One of them, the one sitting on the end, patted the spot next to her, and Mikayla quickly slid into place.

The Eldest Daughter stood and faced them. "Since our new Sister does not know our ways yet, we will start with the dawn chant." She fixed her eyes on Mikayla. "I shall sing a line and you will repeat it." Mikayla nodded.

"Hail to you, O Meret…"

"Hail to you, O Meret," Mikayla dutifully repeated. To her relief, all the Daughters were repeating it with her, helping to cover up any mistakes she might make. She had the uneasy feeling that the Eldest Daughter heard all her mistakes anyway, but at least she didn't feel alone and exposed, the way she had when Haramis had been teaching her.

"Lady of Eternity, Queen of Gods…"

"Lady of Eternity, Queen of Gods…"

"Many-Named, Holy of Form…"

"Many-Named, Holy of Form…"

"Lady of Secret Rites in Thy Temple…"

"Lady

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