Nirel by Sarah Emmer

Author:Sarah Emmer [Emmer, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sarah Emmer
Published: 2023-06-08T16:00:00+00:00

21

Mending Time

Nirel

“Are you ready to go?” Prisha asked.

“Almost.” I adjusted the fabric belt of my new blue apron dress the tailor had dropped off this morning, along with several silk gowns. I wrapped myself in my shawl for security more than warmth, and I wore the calla lily hairpin Jase had given me. “Now I’m ready.”

“You’re going to love the temple,” Prisha said with a smile.

“I can’t wait.” We were venturing out of the palace for the first time in the week since I’d arrived.

Corvin met us near the palace gate and ushered us past the guards. My cheeks flushed remembering his kindness yesterday. He’d carried me to my room, and I woke to Bianca’s sweet face watching over me with a tray of fruits and breads to fill my empty stomach.

“We should take the longer way there,” he said. “I foresaw a broken-down cart blocking half the road.”

“I like the long way better anyway,” Prisha said.

We strolled along the cobbled streets before turning onto some smaller alleys. We passed businesses and homes. The chatter of children and the smell of various cuisines lit up my senses.

Soon, we reached the temple, and Corvin pushed open the heavy wooden doors and we stepped inside. Vaulted ceilings made every sound echo, and stained glass colored the rays of light that swathed the rows of prayer benches.

A stone sculpture of Saint Stella stood on an elevated platform strewn with dried flowers and petals of many colors, left there by devoted followers to symbolize their connection with the Divine. Many tall white candles, symbolizing devotion, stood amongst the flowers at the Saint’s feet. Yellow flames flickered on some of the candles, while the others stood unlit, waiting to be of use.

I approached the statue. My companions followed but allowed me space.

My heart beat erratically as I reached for a burning candle, careful to not spill the hot wax under the flame. I grabbed a cold, unused candle as well before lowering to my knees.

“Divine,” I whispered. “My devotion never faltered, only the path I chose.” I touched the flame to the unlit wick until both burned brightly. “May the path of Saint Stella honor all.”

I watched the dancing flames before replacing both lit candles among the flowers at the sculpture’s feet. A sense of profound peace settled in my soul. I followed Saint Stella now. My path to heaven was secure, even though I rejected Modestia’s harsh rules. I stood and returned to my companions.

“There’s something else I want to show you,” Corvin said softly.

He led me to the right wall and nudged open another door. The smell of parchment and old paper greeted my nose before my eyes could take in the tall shelves of books. There must have been thousands.

“Blessings from the Divine!” I whispered.

Prisha followed behind me. “You’ve never seen a library before, have you?”

I shook my head. Not like this.

“All temples with Saint Stella have libraries,” Corvin said. “Though I’m partial to this one.” He chuckled and led me to a section labeled Laeviin: History.

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