Lengwin drummed his fingers on the table as Gersius explained the situation in the city. He also explained that a raven commander was dead, but showed absolutely no emotion while doing so. Everything about what happened and the situation that followed grated on his nerves. More annoying was how long he had to wait to get some semblance of an answer. Gersius decided to be unavailable for nearly two hours, flying overhead like he didn't care. Lengwin wanted to challenge him for that decision, but something in the man's demeanor told him to keep silent about it. Lady Thayle, in particular, seemed ready to pounce on anybody who so much as hinted at the absence. All that aside, the city was in turmoil, the population that wasn't in hiding was throwing stones and threats. A significant number of civilians died as a result of the clash between the raven guard and priests of Astikar. Worse from the people's point of view, they were one and the same, and any effort to explain the difference fell on deaf ears or earned condemnation.
There were some shining lights as a result of this mess. First, a major leader in the raven guard was dead. This was probably the commander for the entire region, putting any of his plans to a halt. Scouts also reported that none of the ravens were observed escaping the city. It was his sincerest hope their army was finally destroyed. This in and of itself was a cause for celebration, but the way Gersius delivered it, you would have sworn a family member had just died.
The second ray of light were the priests of Astikar in this city and their suicidal defense of the women of Ulustrah. Their high priest took any woman of Ulustrah, hiding them on farms and estates of friends and allies. He then emptied and hid the contents of their temples so they could not be looted or burned. When the ravens came and caught him in the act of moving the women, he mobilized his men to defend them. These women now joined the army, sharing the stories of how brave the men were, and how well they were cared for. It would do a great deal to heal some of the wounds carried by some of the others.
The city guard was another matter. Their leader understood what happened and had been instrumental in helping to hide the women. However, he assumed helping would spare the city this level of violence, not bring it down on his head. He was none too pleased with how things played out, and the local Count was even angrier. The man ordered the faith of Astikar out of his city and the surrounding province, threatening to raise an army of his own to see it done.
Lengwin knew this sort of thing was going to happen from the moment he agreed to help Gersius. Still, that level of foreknowledge did little to cushion the blow, nor did Gersius's somewhat detached point of view. The man seemed unconcerned with the state of things as if nothing could be done. It was a far cry from the Gersius who tackled every problem head-on, and found a solution.
Gersius ended the meeting with a flat insistence that they march first thing in the morning. Lengwin could only agree, the city wanted them gone, and there were greater problems to deal with in Calathen. It would make him feel better to be away from this disaster, and on the road to better things.
As the meeting ended, Lilly took Gerisus by the arm and led him away, but Thayle remained behind. She met his gaze and motioned with a hand for him to remain while the other leaders filtered out. When they were finally alone, she spoke with a voice that sounded full of pain.
“I can see in your aura that you're not happy with things,” she said.
“Not happy? This is a disaster,” he stated while struggling to keep his voice calm. “Why are none of you reacting to this? Your entire demeanor is one of uncaring detachment.” He watched Thayle glance to where Gersius had been taken through the tent before looking back to respond.
“I see, I suspected you felt as much,” Thayle said with a slight nod. “The fact is we do care, but a greater source of pain has raised its head, and demanded we focus our attention there.”
“What pain?” Lengwin asked, concerned there was more damage to be reported.
“Do you know who Tull was?” she asked.
“A monster,” Lengwin said flatly. “A man whose reputation is so abhorrent men often refused to call him a brother.” Thayle nodded and looked nervous. Something about all this was off, and the secret of it was making it worse.
“I know Gersius told you about what happened in Whiteford. You know what they did to him in the dungeons below the keep.”
“They tortured him, breaking his ribs and burning him to get Lilly’s name,” Lengwin answered. He went to push this point aside when he noticed a tear drop from Thayle’s cheek.
“He dreams about that day frequently,” she said, her voice straining. “Lilly and I can see his dreams over the bind. We see what they did to him like we were standing in the room. They burned him from head to toe, even burning out his eyes and tongue for refusing to answer them.”
Lengwin felt his stomach turn and tried to remain stoic. Horrific as that was, what did any of this have to do with what was going on here?
“Then they healed him a dozen times to make him endure it again. He was horrified that Astikar was allowing him to suffer like this. I think that was what hurt him the most, the sense of betrayal by his god. Gersius loved Astikar and would gladly have died to honor him. He was also upset that Lilly was suffering for it as well, suffering at the hands of the men he called his brothers.”
Lengwin nodded still, not sure where this was going. “If you will pardon my being blunt, but why does this matter?”
Thayle looked away, her eyes wet with tears, and she wiped at her nose a bit.
“Tull was the man who tortured him,” Thayle said in a jumble of words. “He broke Gersius and promised to do the same to Lilly. Tull said what he had planned for Lilly made what was happening to Gersius seem gentle.”
Now he understood and felt guilty for questioning Gersius's behavior. To have endured such a punishing thing and then face the man who inflicted it on him later. Surely it brought back memories and perhaps even darker thoughts.
“He was an emotional wreck after he killed Tull, and we demanded he fly with us until he calmed down. He has so much pain inside; I have never known a man to be so wounded and yet be able to carry on. He hadn't even told us the part about Tull's threats until we had him in the sky. He locks away his pain deeply and tries to protect everyone from it.”
“I am truly sorry. I didn't realize Tull was the one that harmed him.”
Thayle nodded a tear running down a cheek. She wiped it away and tried to smile, a weak gesture at being strong.
“There is something more, something Lilly and I didn’t want to bring up in front of him.”
This sounded strange; what would they be afraid to discuss before Gersius?
“When he and Tull clashed, they looked evenly matched, but Gersius became terribly angry. Lilly and I felt it over the bind, an intense hatred that he has never shown before. His sword started to glow with a red light like his rage was pouring through it. Tull brought up one of your shields, but the sword shattered it like glass and cut right through the heavy plate of his armor.”
Now Lengwin was even more disturbed. The dragon knight sword was a weapon of righteousness. Legend was it had some connection to the divine will of Astikar and could only be used for his glory. That Gersius somehow channeled that power while consumed by hate and blind rage was disturbing, to say the least. That it shattered a blessing of Astikar was even more disturbing. It was yet another sign that the order was not what he thought it was. He wondered if the other high priests would feel the same, perhaps this matter should be kept quiet.
“I appreciate you sharing this with me,” he said to break the awkward silence that lingered in the room. “I sometimes wonder why he goes on. Why he hasn’t taken you two and fled to a far corner of the world.”
“He wants to,” Thayle said. “Even before he started this mission, he was planning to retire. His heart is simple; all he wanted was a modest farm and a family. But duty kept calling him, and he always answered. He would not turn his back on Astikar, not until...”
“Astikar turned his back on him,” Lengwin finished.
Thayle nodded and looked down another tear tracing her cheek.
Lengwin hated to say those words, but what else could be said? He and the other high priests spoke about it many times in private. Trying in vain to understand why the raven guard could call on Astikars power, and why Astikar allowed that power to be used to be to inflict such suffering. No answer was ever reached, and discussing the matter only tested one's faith. One of their numbers even admitted to questioning why they worshiped Astikar at all.
Gersius being the man he is, never challenged their faith. Instead, he encouraged them to hold on to it, despite what it did to him. He even joined the order in prayer from time to time, singing praises to Astikar and thanking him for his wives.
Lengwin felt his own eyes going wet to consider that. Despite all that happened, Gersius still showed gratitude to Astikar for the blessing of his wives. It defied logic how he could deal with the kind of pain he endured and be willing to say thank you.
“I hope this helps you understand,” Thayle said, disrupting his thoughts. “He will be himself again in a day or two. He just needs a little time to get over the shock. Facing and Killing Tull brought out a deep well of pain he had locked away all this time.”
“I completely understand,” Lengwin said, his heart feeling heavy. “We all know what he expects of us. The army will march and meet it's goals even if he isn't there to lead it personally.”
Thayle nodded with a smile and stood. “If you don’t mind, I would like to go show him some comfort and help him get passed all this.”
Lengwin immediately stood and nodded his agreement. “Of course, I have other duties that need my attention. I wish you all a good night.”
Thayle waved and walked for their private space as he turned, his mind heavy with doubts. Ever since embarking on this mission, he had doubts that gnawed at his heart. So much harm was done by men claiming it was all for the glory of Astikar. It was as if the Father Abbot was determined to assassinate the god's name and reputation so that all would turn away from him.
He and the other high priests worked tirelessly to keep morale up. The soldiers of the order were feeling the pressure both inside and out. Every town seemed to harbor a new shame, and the women they fought beside looked on them with scorn. It was all they could bear to go on, determined to restore some semblance of honor, but was it too late? How could the order ever atone for what was already done? This city was a prime example of what to expect in the future. Lands openly hostile to the faith and threatening war to drive them out. Hopefully, Calathen would remain the heart of the order, and the process of rebuilding trust could begin.
The night air brought little comfort as he left the tent. Three men stood by to escort him; a precaution Gersius insisted on. It was only logical considering an assassin had already been sent once, and Gersius himself was nearly killed on the road a dozen meters from the camp. He made his way to his private tent, and thought occurred to him. A runner was dispatched as he settled in at his desk, laden with reports and letters.
“How will we ever fix this?” he said, his brows heavy as he leaned on his hands. A moment later, the tent flap opened, and a woman walked in. Her dark amber skin shined in the candlelight as intense eyes fell on him. He sat upright and gestured to the chair on the other side of his desk, but the woman remained standing.
“Why would you send for me?” Mingfe asked her voice full of distrust.
Lengwin cleared his throat and folded his hands, attempting to appear calm. He wasn't sure this was the right thing to do, but no other option seemed to make sense. “I need your help,” he said at last. “My order is buried in shame, and its members are starting to question why they serve. I need to find a way to repair some of the damage and restore their faith.”
“Why come to me?” Mingfe asked. “Go to the dragon knights.”
Lengwin put his hands to the desk as his head fell. “Gersius and his wives have enough to deal with already. This is a matter that has to be dealt with inside the order and kept off their shoulders. Lady Thayle trusts you, and I was hoping I could trust you as well.”
“I have sworn to assist this effort. You have no need to trust me. I will do what I said I would do.”
Lengwin nodded; that was good enough. “Then let me get to the heart of the mater. I want to begin training women to serve Astikar.”
“What fool idea are you playing at?” Mingfe balked as her arms folded over her chest.
He expected that response, and to be honest, he wasn't sure the idea was good, but perhaps it could be a catalyst for change. “I am aware that a number of your women are having a change of heart and wish to serve Balisha,” he continued. “I would like you to let your women know that they will be accepted into the order of Astikar as well.”
“None of them will accept,” Mingfe said flatly. “They despise your order.”
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!
“That is exactly what I am hoping to change,” he countered. Mingfe was silent to that remark, so he took it as a good sign to continue. “My goal is to show that the order has changed, and women are now welcome.”
“You are hoping to abate some of our anger by allowing a few inside,” Mingfe said. “The women have already accepted their place with Balisha. They will not change now.”
“I don't mean those women,” Lengwin sighed. “I am looking for future women. As the war progresses, there will be hundreds, if not thousands, more. I want it known that our ranks are open to any who wish to join and have the heart for it.”
“You should discuss this with Commander Thayle,” Mingfe replied. “I will not work behind her back.”
“Do you see the kind of distrust that exists between us?” Lengwin said. “I am opening the doors wide so all can see in, but my motives are questioned at every step.”
“I am aware of the distrust among our order, especially after we liberated that camp,” she said defiantly. “But you must understand, we are suffering at every turn. For every man of Astikar killed in this war, a dozen women of Ulustrah go with him. Our temples burn while yours stand untouched. You beat and arrest our priestesses, and even our silent members are dragged from homes and families to languish in camps. Their husbands and sons are blackmailed into committing crimes, and all of it done under your banner. The women want more than a token effort; they want revenge. They want to see the harm they have endured delivered on Astikar tenfold. If your plan is seen as a manipulation, it will only harden hearts and fan the flames of resentment. You must find a way to embrace this so completely that it can only be seen as the first step to right the wrongs.”
Lengwin was silent as her truthful words fell on him. She was right, of course. If this were seen as some token effort or means of control, it would be disastrous. He needed a way to ensure it would be seen as a just effort to raise the order to a new standing. One where atrocities like this could never happen again.
“If you will pardon my saying so. You have a way to do this,” Mingfe said.
Lengwin looked up with hope in his eyes. “How?”
“Sarah,” Mingfe said. “The women of Ulustrah love Sarah for her direct approach to dealing with the enemy. That she argued with Gersius to kill the prisoners earned her a great deal of respect. The women of my order very much appreciate her temperament and outspoken nature. I have heard it said in whispers that if there were more women like Sarah in your order, it would never have fallen.”
“Sarah?” Lengwin said as the logic of the choice descended on him.
“Use her to make this change,” Mingfe said. “Many will come eagerly to train under her and follow the fire of her heart. If you wish to show your order has changed, she is the symbol you are looking for.”
“I understand,” he said with a nod. “I thank you for your blunt counsel.”
Mingfe turned to leave but paused at the door, looking back at him.
“We understand you are not to blame, but Astikars symbol is carried by friend and foe alike, perhaps it is time you changed that as well.”
The flap closed behind her as Lengwin chewed on her parting words. It was true that both sides wore the same armor adorned with the red star. Even with the ravens wearing darker armor and changing the shoulder plate, they were hard to distinguish in the heat of battle. Worse, their infantry wore the standard plate of the rest of the order. In that battle for the bridge, a few accidents happened when men could not tell friend and foe apart. Some efforts were being made to help mark his men with colored bands or marking on shields to mixed results. Something more needed to be done to distinguish his men from those of the Father Abbots.
He called for the runner that was always outside his tent and sent the man after the other high priests. Tonight a new order would be born, and out of it would come a faith free from the stains of the Father Abbot.
Gersius was silent as Lilly rubbed a foot while Thayle worked on his shoulders. They were determined to soothe away every source of pain, physical or emotional. He was grateful beyond measure for his wives and often struggled to find the words to communicate it. As he lay in bed under their tender ministrations, all he could think of was how lucky he was.
“Luck had nothing to do with it,” Lilly said as she read his thoughts. “The divines made all this happen.”
“But I was lucky to be the one they picked,” he replied.
“Who else were they going to pick?” Thayle asked. “You're the one who always answered the call, putting his desires aside to serve faithfully. Not picking you, after all you had done, would have been a bigger crime than Whiteford.”
Gersius smiled as Thayle collected the energy of his back, dragging it to the base of his neck where it would relax him. She was a master of an ancient massage technique that used the body's energy for healing and soothing. He was amazed at how effective it was and how quickly it worked. Lilly was learning the technique from Thayle and already knew where to push on his foot to make other parts of his body react. It was one more thing that made them unique, a treasure among women.
“I appreciate that thought,” Thayle said with a smile. “Now relax and let this wash over you. Lilly and I will take care of everything.”
“This isn’t necessary,” he replied.
“Shush,” Thayle insisted. “You faced a tremendous trial today.”
“You are the one who nearly died,” he corrected.
“The wound wasn’t fatal,” Thayle replied.
“You were cut through,” Gersius argued. “You would have bled out in ten minutes.”
“I just needed the sword pulled away so I could heal,” Thayle replied. “Lilly would have gotten to it eventually.”
“I was trying,” Lilly argued. “Those men kept jabbing me with those long poles.”
“They are called lances,” Gersius replied. “And when I arrived, Tull was lifting his mace to finish you off.”
“You saw that?” Thayle said with a shake of her head.
“I was the one who used the dragon's claw to pull him away,” Gersius said.
“I thought Lilly had done it,” Thayle said with a shake of her head. “I am sorry you had to see that.”
“Twice in just a couple of days, I nearly lost you,” Gersius said. “And this time to the man who butchered me.”
“Stop,” Thayle said as she pulled his energy up. “Lilly and I are fine, and the armor is being mended. You have put a great source of pain out of our lives in killing that man. He's gone and can't hurt us anymore. Let's move forward to a better future, one where you can hold our child in your arms.”
With that, she pressed her thumbs into the base of his neck and let go. The sensation washed down his spine, the muscles of his back going limp. It was like floating weightless in warm water, a profoundly soothing feeling free of all stress.
Thayle helped him roll to his back since his body was weak from the relaxation. Lilly took up his other foot and began to rub a special place as Thayle stood before him and disrobed. His eyes fell on her beautiful body as she smiled down at him. Lilly focused on what she was doing, and he responded, his body now ready for what was next.
Thayle descended on him, a hunger for love in her eyes. She took care of everything, allowing him to lay motionless in his relaxed state. Lilly undressed and climbed in behind her, a hand wrapping around Thayle's stomach to dive between her legs. The other wrapped around Thayle's chest, clinging to her tightly. The two rocked together, sharing the moment over the bind, feeling everything as if they were one.
Thayle was adept at this as well, using her body to draw out the moment until she was ready. Lilly clung with her moaning softly into Thayles’ hair as she shared the sensation, the bind making them one in body. Thayle would carry on until she started to get tired, then she would change her motion, rapidly bringing on her reward.
When she finally reached her breaking point, Lilly went with her. It was near impossible for one of them to climax without the other when they were so close. Lilly added to the sensation with her fingers, rubbing between Thayle's legs to stimulate her. This caused a cascade of passion and energy that rocked through their bodies, causing them to shake. The two nearly collapsed when the moment came and needed some time to recover. Then they switched, Lilly taking her place in his lap while Thayle held on from behind. Once again, they started to rock, working together, and sharing every sensation of love.
He felt the power of their passion over the bind as well. It was impossible to resist as they made contact with his skin and flooded him with their energy. He joined them on every rise and fall, feeling everything they felt and relishing it all. The love they radiated filled him with a desire to carry them away to the valley, there to love them forever.
Lilly was more vocal this time, and Thayle had to cover her mouth, they were in a tent after all, and such outcries would be heard. Lilly sniffled as her eyes became wet, her aura flaring with light. She sometimes cried when they made love. At first, it worried him, but she explained that it was tears of happiness. She was a dragon after all and wasn't supposed to know love like this. That she did was a gift she was eternally grateful for, and relished every moment of it.
Thayle nuzzled Lilly’s neck as her tempo built, she was determined to bring him with this time and focused on the task. When the moment came, she and Thayle gasped with him, feeling his body over the bind. Lilly rocked firmly into his waist, burying him deep inside as they shared the most intimate of moments. Thayle's hand aided Lilly, and they joined him, sharing yet another profound moment of passion and love.
A hot panting Lilly collapsed to his chest, bringing Thayle down with her. He lay there with the women piled on top in exhaustion, their love complete. His body was in a state of utter relaxation, his heart overflowing with the love of his wives. He realized that no man it the world was as richly blessed as he was, and the price he had to pay for those blessings was worth it. He cradled them in his arms as his heavy eyes closed. Tonight he would find no trouble sleeping.
He was shocked when morning came, and he awoke to find Lilly and Thayle still piled where they fell. It was lighter out than he expected, meaning they had slept in too long.
“My wives, we have to get up,” he said, nudging them.”
“Why can't we sleep for a little bit longer,” Lilly said as she stirred. “I am a dragon, and I need my sleep.”
“I agree with Lilly for once, “ Thayle said with a yawn. “We deserve a good long rest.”
“We will have time to rest when the war is won,” Gersius said. “Until then, we must set the example for our armies.”
“Our husband is back,” Thayle sighed.
“Ohhh,” Lilly groaned. “I liked how he was last night.”
“We did our jobs too well,” Thayle said as she got up. “He is completely healed and ready to march.”
“There will be time for moments like that in our future, I promise,” he said as Lilly began to climb away.
“Promises, promises,” Thayle said. “Until then, it's all war and struggle.”
“You are no stranger to responsibility, you know I am right,” he said.
Thayle glanced at him with a smile and nodded. “I know you're right, but I am a woman, and I get to be irresponsible when I want to.”
He smiled and threw a pillow at her as she reached for a hairbrush causing her to giggle.
They groomed and dressed then set about the morning chores. Prayers were sung, and training commenced while the camp was broken down and packed away. Gersius stopped by the wagons used for the blacksmiths to check on Thayle's armor to find a surprise. The armor was already mended, but the smiths were still hard at work. They and two dozen assistants were at work over bubbling cauldrons of white liquid. On tables nearby were suits of armor where others were busily painting them white.
“What is going on here?” Gersius asked as he took in the scene.
“Lengwin's orders,” the master of the forge said. “The order of Astikar is to take on a new coat of arms and color scheme.”
“Lengwin ordered this?” Gersius asked as he inspected a finished suit. It was painted in a thick coat of white with a red star on the left breast and shoulder plate. There was a new addition to the symbol as well, a single white tear in the center of the star. On the right shoulder was another symbol, a red heart over a sword.
“Its to signify the return of women to the order,” the master of the forge said when he noticed Gersius staring at the emblem. “Lengwin calls it the emblem of truth. He says it’s to show the love of women returning to the order and taking up the sword.”
“Does he now?” Gersius questioned, unable to believe what he was seeing.
“He called the whole effect the crusade armor,” the man added.
Gersius nodded and went to the table where Thayle’s armor lay. He inspected the scales on the stomach to see they were expertly repaired and flexed smoothly again. Thayle loved the look of those scales because they reminded her of Lilly. Lilly was rather fond of them herself and loved to run her hands over Thayle’s stomach when she wore it.
“I will take this to Governess Commander Thayle,” he said and gathered the armor. As he walked away, he couldn't help but look over his shoulder to see the work being done. What had come over Lengwin?
He carried the armor into their private space where it would wait for Thayle to return. He joined Lilly with the followers of Balisha and quickly went over the blessing of strength. When the time was spent, they were dismissed, and the tent came down. Thayle arrived just in time to done her armor before their space was packed away.
“Mingfe said Lengwin called her last night,” Thayle said as she took up her shield.
“I am not surprised to hear that,” Gersius said. “A great deal seems to have happened while we were alone.” Thayle looked at him strangely as he shook his head. “I believe you will notice the changes as we line up,” he said while taking up his shield.
Lilly arrived in a white dress with a layered skirt and high boots. She wore her blue necklace over her chest and played with it absentmindedly. Thayle smiled to see the happy look in Lilly's face as she took her place at their side.
“You haven't worn that in a while,” Thayle said, nodding to the necklace.
“I am always afraid I will lose it. I have to change forms at a moment's notice sometimes, and I worry when I leave it behind, but I am happy today, and I wanted to wear it.”
“You feel especially good this morning,” Gersius said.
Lilly blushed and bit at her lower lip as she took one of Thayle's hands. “I had a wonderful night, and I got what I wanted.”
Thayle choked back a laugh as Gersius shook his head. “You two are the most wonderful wives in the world.”
“You're only saying that because it's true,” Thayle said as they began to walk. Lilly smiled at the bold remark and swung their joined hands. They arrived at the road where the army was forming up, and both women stopped.
“What in the name of Ulustrah?” Thayle gasped in shock.
Rows of men stood in white armor, the only red used for emblems or the sashes that adorned the officers. They stood in perfect rows, standing at attention as the wagons were brought up.
“When did this happen?” Thayle asked.
“Last night it would seem,” Gersius replied. “I only found out about it this morning. Lengwin ordered the changes himself. Apparently, he is calling it crusade armor.”
“What does the pretty heart mean?” Lilly asked.
“That is to signify the return of women's love to the order, and their taking up of the sword.”
“And the raindrop?”
Gersius shrugged. “I didn’t get an explanation for that one, and I believe it is supposed to be a tear.”
“So, Lengwin is playing at symbolism now?” Thayle asked.
“I haven’t spoken to him about it yet,” Gersius said. “We did not have a morning meeting.”
Thayle sighed and looked over the soldiers of Astikar with a wary eye. “I hope he knows what he is doing.”
“Do any of us?” Lilly asked.
Gersius cleared his throat as some of the nearby soldiers glanced their way and led his wives forward. As they neared the front, they found men still in the polished metal of the old coloring.
“He must not have had enough time to finish them all,” Gersius said as they passed.
“Or maybe he didn't have enough paint,” Thayle said. “You can't just change the coloring of your order to suit a whim.”
“I doubt this was a whim,” Gersius replied. “Lengwin tends to consider things carefully and ask for opinions.”
“That must be why he called for Mingfe,” Thayle added as they neared the front.
Lengwin was riding at the head with the other high priests. They stood close together, talking among themselves as Gersius and his wives arrived.
“I see you were busy last night,” Gersius said to announce their presence.
Lengwin turned his horse and looked down his bearded face looking unusually hard.
“Our iconography is stained by the sins of the Father Abbot. I called a council, and we decided the order needed something new to set our branch apart from those who have fallen.”
“You can't just abandon your god's colors,” Thayle argued.
“With all due respect, Governess Commander, we didn't. We prayed to Astikar and presented our plans and waited. All of us received a sensation of rightness about what we planned to do. Our god has blessed our efforts, and going forward, we will be the true order of Astikar.”
Gersius looked across the faces of the high priests to see every head nod in consent. He was no longer a priest of Astikar, so his feelings on the matter were moot. All that was important was that this change was done for the right reasons, and to honor the god they served.
“Then may your efforts carry you to new heights,” Gersius replied and saluted.
Lengwin saluted back and finally smiled, softening his face. “I want to see the order put right again. I cannot simply read scouting reports and lead prayer services. If I am to stand as the next Father Abbot, I must show that strength now, the men need it.”
Gersius nodded in approval, Lengwin was growing stronger and accepting the burden that lay before him. It was a good sign all around, Astikar had given his blessing, and Lengwin was resolute in his goals. Such fervor would do the army much good, and help separate them from the fallen.
“Then let us begin the march that will see you on the father's throne,” Gersius said with a bow of his head.
“Prepare to march,” Lengwin called, and his command echoed down the line. He smiled down at the three and nodded his head. “After you, of course.”
“This is different,” Thayle said as they turned to lead the way.
“I believe this is better,” Gersius said.
“So, we're all better now?” Lilly asked.
Gersius smiled and shook his head. “Better, but not right, We still have a long road ahead of us.”
“So long as I have my humans to love, I don’t care how long the road is,” Lilly replied.
“She really is a love dragon,” Thayle laughed.
Gersius smiled and lifted an arm ordering the column forward. Yesterday he faced a great challenge, but the love of his wives healed every wound, just as Lengwins love for his faith was now healing the wounds of his order. Maybe love was the key to success, and to the future, he sorely wanted. Only time would tell, but one thing was sure if love was the key, then Lilly would open every lock and door.