The Night's Chosen by E. E. Hornburg

Author:E. E. Hornburg
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781648980176
Publisher: City Owl Press

Chapter Sixteen

EIRA

The mountains loomed ahead, tall and magnificent. If one looked close enough, they could see the ancient glass spiers of Luana’s temple shining among the peeks. Centuries ago, the priestesses of Luana had it built, for they said the mountains could almost touch the night sky, and it snowed at the tops year-round. For generations, it was Luana’s high temple. When the capital was relocated to Farren, a newer and larger high temple was built there. But Luana’s followers still worshipped in this location, and young acolytes trained there before moving to the high temple to fulfill their vows.

They arrived late in the night, cold and exhausted. The tall blue-glass doors opened on their own as Eira and Cadeyrn entered the foyer. She slid off his back, onto the crystal floor.

The temple at Farren Castle was stunning, but the ice and darkness in Eira’s veins swirled when they sensed the ancient magic which lay within these crystal, glass, and ice walls. The ceiling shimmered with starlight, and bands of galaxies glowed overhead.

Cadeyrn hid in a dark corner and shifted back into human form before dressing. While he did, a priestess in a silver robe greeted them and bowed. The silver crescent moon amulet on her brow sparkled in the starlight.

“Welcome, Your Highness.”

Eira’s hands shot to her face, and she covered her cheeks. She must have forgotten to shadow her appearance. While the incidents they’d had with those hunting her were awful, it was a miracle there hadn’t been more.

“Do not fear, Princess. Your disguise is clever, but like calls to like. We sensed your presence hours ago, and it didn’t take long for us to put the pieces together. Your secrets are safe with us.” The priestess lowered her hood to reveal a smiling and familiar face.

Priestess Cynth’s mother, who had always welcomed Eira with open arms each time she’d come to visit.

“Priestess Corvina.” Eira hugged the woman, grateful to be with someone she knew and trusted. “I wasn’t sure if you would be able to give us shelter. But I’d hoped.”

Cadeyrn emerged from the corner, fully dressed, and bowed to the priestess.

“We thank you for your help.”

Corvina bowed back and beckoned them to go with her further into the temple.

“Come. It’s time for our midnight meal, and we would love to have you join us. Unless you would prefer to retire to your chambers.”

“Food sounds wonderful,” Eira said. “Thank you.”

While the food they’d scavenged and were given at the Restoration House was satisfactory, her stomach still turned with emptiness, and she was sure Cadeyrn was feeling the same way.

They followed Priestess Corvina though the temple and marveled at the glass mosaics covering the walls, depicting Luana in her finest moments—painting the night sky, guiding lost ones as they tried to find their way home. Meeting Ray. There was even an image of the moon shining over a crossroads, like in the story Stula’s priest showed her.

The aroma of meat and fresh fruit greeted them as they entered the dining hall.

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