Schisms (Red World Trilogy Book 1) by V. A. Jeffrey

Author:V. A. Jeffrey [Jeffrey, V. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Epistle Publishing
Published: 2012-12-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

It was early dawn and the sky was light pink from a crowning sun. Demos's head was spinning. He'd spent a few nights at his family's home, Priti-Vast, a very large house in the High Quarter, after having spied for Eliaz and Lady Diti. The wealthy patrons of the Golden Temple, in fact, the entire community was divided among the Aishanna-La. Some viewed it as a needed winnowing out of the unwanted and others were outraged. Those who worshiped other gods began to fear the power of the Ainash.

“It will be like during the times of the Kushigyar!” Were the mutterings in many homes, around humble fire hearths and in richly decorated interior rooms. His own family was in consternation as to what it meant for the future, but they had no answers. His father, a pragmatic man, was resolutely behind the prevailing order of things after a long night of worried discussion around the evening meal.

“This family has nothing to fear from the Ainash. Because of our financial support of the temple our family name has always been in good standing in this community and we are liked by the priestly families and the nobility. Why, even the high priest has spoken well of you, Demos. In fact, all of your instructors speak well of you. Do not allow the passions of others to derail your future. When you go back to the temple keep your head down and do not cause trouble. Do as you are told, perform your work well, as you always do, and perhaps you will rise even higher at the temple and in the good fathers' esteem. That is the best way. Do not worry over this drama, my son. It will blow away like everything else. A good name in his community is what keeps a man. The good name stays forever.” Said his father.

“Yes,” agreed his mother, an elegant, willowy woman who managed to retain some respect among the nobility though she married beneath her station, “listen to your father and ignore this trouble. It will be over soon enough.” Demos inwardly shuddered at the mention of the high priest. He was no longer convinced that currying favor and aspiring to be on the scribal council was the right thing to do. Everything the priesthood did seemed tainted but he dare not share these thoughts with his parents, especially his father.

He took time to visit an inn. The wedding celebrations were set for late in the morning and then the king would introduce the new queen to the public again at the arena. Everyone in the city would be there. There was a heavy air of wildness coupled with uncertainty. Emotions were high and people were growing restive. Even this early in the morning the most popular inns were brimming with more people than usual. His parents hated the inns but he felt and heard the pulse, the bowels of Jhis in the inns. Dressed in an old, slightly worn tunic and sandals he asked for his usual light wheat beer and sat in his usual corner.

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