Chapter 12 Part 2: Unexpected Help

Jun stood off to the side as the fire show continued. Arvad had taken Mei down to the square to dance with the others. Jun had hung back, feeling too old to participate and a bit worn out from the day.

As he stayed under the tree, he noticed the Jinshari locate him and then hide from sight. He shifted to another spot, keeping his eye on Mei, just in case. His prayer circulated, hoping it would be enough. Lately, if the Silver Flame reached out, it drained his prayer, leaving him cold. While the experience wasn’t pleasant, what worried him was how little she said for him to be drained. Three, maybe four words were enough, and it took a full day of prayers to make up for it. Having low faith was troublesome. Sometimes he wished he hadn’t experienced the opposite. It would make it easier to be in this situation. He shook his head. If he had less faith, he likely would be dead. The matriarch would have taken him out long ago.

While he sorted through the bitter thoughts, his mind caught the sound of breaking twigs. His peripherals caught sight of a figure and he closed his eyes.

“Solara,” he greeted. She stepped forward. Jun felt his chest squeeze as he averted his eyes toward the light spectacle. There, next to Solara, was an apparition of an older looking woman. Jun’s mind caught hold of her status, a priestess for a church. If it was tied to the Nauthire religion, he needed to be extra cautious about interacting with the apparition. Amalie’s warnings about Alinta and his status as a prophet rang in his mind. His prayer became fervent, alert for any warnings from the Silver Flame.

As the apparition drew close, Solara spoke.

“How are you doing?” Her lips were thinly pressed, brows raised. The light of the fire dance on her electric blue eyes. Jun let his eyes linger on hers as the apparition passed him.

‘Hello Jun. We don’t have much time.’ The apparition spoke. Jun froze. Solara looked at him with concern.

“Are you okay?” she reiterated. Jun shook his head. What was going on? “Oh. Are you injured?”

While Solara talked, the apparition continued.

‘I’m just here to give you some information. You don’t have to respond to me, and it’s best if you don’t. Pretend to focus on darling Solara.’

Jun crinkled his nose at the remark, then realized Solara was waiting for him to respond. “I’m… fine.”

“I’m working on my healing skills. Would you mind if I just check?” she asked. Jun frowned and shifted back. He couldn’t let her get close. He was keenly aware of the watching eyes. He shook his head.

‘She knows about faith. If you have any troubles with it, she can teach you. Though it would be best to learn without the audience.’ There was an amused hum as the apparition spoke.

‘Oh, and just to prove it, here is one basic lesson on faith.’

Jun tried hard to hold both conversations in his head. He needed to keep focused on Solara while the apparition taught.

‘It’s gratitude. Make sure to offer three prayers of gratitude. If you notice your faith improve, then find a way to meet with her.’

The apparition circled around and then moved to Solara’s staff. Jun refused Solara’s healing again and she looked at him dejected. Though her slight smile did not escape his detection. She excused herself after that and left him clenching his hand.

Why had they approached, and… what was all that about?

Jun blinked several times as Solara and the apparition left. Realization slowly dawned and he frowned, brows creasing. Were they aware of his faith crisis? Surely that hadn’t been a coincidence. A growing dread was building the more he thought on it. Just how much could an artifact understand about him? Did they know he was an Alinta? What about the healing. At least if they did know, they hadn’t said anything.

A blaze of colored fire lit up the sky, changing into a flying monster, resembling a dragon. Jun watched as he processed. What sort of reason did they have to keep it hidden. At least with Amalie, he could understand why. But Solara was a priestess. If she and her artifact were aware of that much, then it was safe to assume they knew more. How much, well, he would have to acknowledge that they could have gathered what he had done during the field-trip, especially if she had an apparition keeping tabs on him. Jun ground his teeth. How many knew of his secrets? Would they use it against him? Would they aid them?

He paused as Mei approached with Arvad. Her joyous mood was stifled as she took in his expressions. Jun took a deep breath and graced her with a smile, wanting her to just enjoy the evening. These thoughts could wait, if only for the time being.

He also was curious about their proposal. If they could help him restore his faith, he would be relieved. But what would be the cost? He also inwardly scoffed as he followed after Mei and Arvad, eager to get dinner. There was no way gaining faith was as simple as saying three prayers of gratitude.