Chapter 20

To serve the light was the greatest thing a Mage of the Light could do. Thus the long golden haired woman sprinting down the long marble walkway understood how much trouble she was in for her tardiness.

The Garden of Light was a place where those of the Light gathered, a massive garden with white marble walkway weaving between the greenery, constantly polished and free of litter in all aspects. The garden stretched far into the distance beyond what the eye could see, this made the towering structure ahead of her stand out all the more.

She had heard the building itself was referred to as a ‘Cathedral’, made by a Sage who referred to themselves as an ‘Architect’, a fancy word for a person who created marvelous structures.

It was a building with white brick, and triple spires, black inlaid roofing along the vertical towers and top of the building.

The third spire housed the library which contained a multitude of materials, a spiral staircase led up to it, but the woman herself had no idea what was in there, her position didn’t permit her entry.

There were rainbow colored windows, referred to as ‘stained glass’ that depicted the visage of their goddess. The light of the world and the Celestial who ruled over all.

Her golden hair like the wheat fields in their Realm of Glory, matching golden eyes that peered at her children with pride and her enemies with disappointment, and her lavender robe coated in golden accessories, from the scarf around her neck, to the tassels adorning the outfit. She was truly the Goddess of Gold, the shining light of their realm.

To call the windows ‘stained’ felt rude for how they amplified their goddess already ephemeral beauty.

She could see the giant towering red doors, slightly ajar just ahead which meant she was getting close. She passed by a fair amount of people, in different color clothing as she continued to sprint, clutching a brown book to her chest.

Every person there served the Light in some capacity, thus they wore the robes of the clergy, flowing garments that reached the ground. Those of her denomination only wore the robes themselves with no accessories and the colors varied depending on one’s rank.

Sika wore a white robe which meant she was at the bottom, and it was a size too large for her lithe form, something they had yet to resolve. Though it was in these moments she was proud of her somewhat athletic form, sprinting long distances without being winded was something she was proud of.

While running she could see traces of Red and Green as she continued forward. Red robes were meant for those who served as the swords for the Light, Green for the healers.

“Late again Sikali!” One person called.

“Better hurry Sika! Lito’s going to be upset.”

Sika didn’t have time to respond but picked up her pace at the reminder.

She entered through the doors into the cathedral and had to stop herself from once again being awe-struck. She had only entered this place a few times but it still filled her with wonder, the place was filled with golden decorations, and hanging curtains depicting her wondrous form.

There were many objects devoted to her worship, vases depicting her, paintings as well lining the walls, so that her gaze was always resting on them.

She walked on the red carpet passing the the benches lined up on both sides of hers towards the alter that sat in the center of the room, where the priests took the time to not only remind them but ensure her glory spread to as many people as possible.

Approaching the alter she knelt in front of a man standing on the highest step, dressed in a light blue robe he was the highest ranking official this side of the Realm of Glory, and the person Sika had come to see, he wore the blue scarf around his neck as always which he adjusted when she approached, seeing him check his appearance she realized he was well aware she was there.

“Mentor. Forgive my tardiness, I came as soon as I received your summons.”

Many said that Sika’s voice was that of a young maiden playing warrior. Light but with a certain forcefulness and a hit of childshness. She personally disliked that description as she was in fact a warrior even if she wasn’t within the battle battalion.

In this moment however that forcefulness was gone, she spoke with a light airy tone, speaking softer in the presence of Lito.

“Even if you are in training Sikali…you are still a Deity, make sure to conduct yourself as such,” Lito said turning to face her.

“Of course Mentor.”

She kept her head lowered but she didn’t need to look to know what kind of expression he was making. His dark green eyes were probably narrowed at her, and his somewhat busy eyebrows furrowed at his displeasure towards her.

Lito looked almost as young as her, though he was easily twice her age, he was taken in as a Deity at a young age and served faithfully for many years immaculately, even his appearance matched that.

His short black hair was always slicked back, stopping at the top of his neck, his beige skin free of blemishes and marks. His voice didn’t match his youthful appearance, he spoke in a low tone and with authority, though when he spoke of the Celestial his natural voice returned, gentle and filled with rapture, he sounded like a kid after being given a treat, a sign of his devotion. Only in front of the Singular Brightness of the Realm.

“...we’ll put that aside from now. My own mentor shared something with me and I figured it would be a good opportunity for you. You’ve been looking for an chance to prove yourself correct?”

“A task from a Great Mentor…you honor me Mentor. I will do my utmost to repay your trust, may I know more about the task?”

“A good attitude…your task is a simple one. Far from here is a town called Uliaz. One of own was passing by there and they sensed a flare of magic, the signature was a strange, it at the very least wasn’t magic tied to the Light. There may be a Shadow Mage within the town.”

“A Kin of the Despot…” Sika mumbled.

“Indeed. They were dealing with another task…but Uliaz is greatly removed from the other towns, and none of our own are established there. If there is a Shadow Mage we can’t allow them to spread their influence.”

Lito walked down the steps stopping just in front of Sika, she could see his white dress shoes, polished to a fine shine as always to a point she could see her own reflection, golden eyes staring back at her.

“The Celestial in her great mercy not only gave you hair that resembles gold…but eyes that imitate dandelions, she bestowed not one but two blessings of Gold. You understand her expectations then?”

“Yes Mentor.”

“You understand my expectations?’

“As always Mentor.”

“Good. Your duty is to check for the Shadow Mage. If they are not there, spread our word and if they are…erase them. Those who walk in the shadows deserve no mercy. When your duty is done call for me and I will pull you back to the Realm of Glory.”

“I understand my task Mentor.”

“You have yet to bestow judgment to those who embrace the dark…do not disappoint me or the Celestial…Sikali. Fail and there will be consequences, this is a great task.”

Sikali lowered her head further, her hair tracing across Lito’s shoes in the process.

“Of course Mentor. I will not fail you.”

“I know you won’t. May her Glory blind us.”

“May her Glory Blind us all.”