The Valley by A.M. Linden

Author:A.M. Linden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press

Chapter 46:

Truce

While Olyrrwd made no further threats against Ossiam’s life, the truce between the physician and the oracle remained tenuous. Still, in spite of periodic flare-ups, it endured over the next four years, lasting almost to the end of Caelym’s second-level training.

The second stage of priestly studies was demanding for pupils and teachers alike. It was during those years that the initiate advanced from the basics of ordinary invocations and minor rites to mastering the chants, songs, and dances required for participation in the shrine’s high rituals, moved from mere memorization of the common versions of the great sagas to acquiring a working knowledge of the important alternate accounts, and was introduced to the intricacies of reasoned debate.

Just finding time to fit in all of the intense and time-consuming instruction when a usual day’s schedule now included the rites dictated by the seasonal and lunar calendars, along with attendance at the Sacred Sunrise Ritual, communal meals, and following orations would have been a challenge even if the chief oracle and chief physician had been on excellent terms and were able to amicably work out the conflicts that invariably arose when a rash of accidents required both tending to the victims and placating the spirits. As the current holders of those high offices could not speak to each other directly without their exchange degenerating into a volley of recriminations, it fell to Benyon to carry their missives back and forth.

Benyon, however, could not presume to alter any word of those messages on his own initiative, so Herrwn could expect to have the beleaguered servant come rushing to wherever he was, gasping out, “I have been ordered by Master Ossiam to say to Master Olyrrwd that Master Caelym is to come to the oracle’s tower at once, as there is a portentous cluster of ravens circling overhead.”

Knowing any peremptory demand from Ossiam would evoke an equally adamant refusal from Olyrrwd, Herrwn would sigh and say, “I believe what Master Ossiam meant to say was, ‘There is the fortuitous opportunity for a crucial lesson in the interpretation of the flights of sacred birds, and it would be of great benefit to young Master Caelym if he might be excused briefly from your always invaluable lessons in the honored arts of healing. To grant this dispensation would be a kindness on your part for which I would be eternally grateful’—and I think it would be a good thing for you to phrase it in that way when you speak to Master Olyrrwd.”

At that, Benyon would bow and back away, only to return shortly afterwards to say, “Master Olyrrwd told me to tell Master Ossiam that young Master Caelym is busy saving the life of a patient just now, and, as he has said before, a physician-in-training can’t abandon his duties every time a flock of birds flutters by, so Master Ossiam should find himself a toad to sacrifice while he’s waiting.”

“I believe you may omit the last part of this message, as Master Olyrrwd

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