“The master wants to see yuh,” she said with her usual deadpan tone.

“Both of us?” I asked.

She nodded and rose. “Follow me.”

The inner courtyard gardens assumed a mysterious and magical feeling at night. The tourmaline sky was setting with a dusky pink and mellow light blues on a black sheeting. Anwar’s majestic image at the center seemed to come alive within the evening glow, which made the rose quartz sparkle like it was ablaze with fire. I realized the rose quartz textures that accentuated her flowing gown, crown and sword weren’t just reflecting the light, they were casting it. Spreading rays over the surrounding vibrant blue, white and pink flowers and evergreen shrubs.

We had yet to tend to this garden, and wondered if it was the duty the master had in stall for us. No. My mind slipped back to that library conversation we had overheard. I had to be related to that.

I held my silence on the matter as I followed her lead through the marbled hallways of the Sisterhood. Kalia’s eyes darted back and forth with concern. Of course, this was the sister’s stronghold and an area of the temple we had yet to set foot in. From Edde’s occasional backward glances, I could tell it was a place I shouldn’t cause trouble. Or I would find myself with harsh punishments.

To be sure, I kept my head and eyes respectfully lowered. The last thing I wanted was to give another reason for Edde to be involved in spiteful gossip aimed at me. I ensured I gave polite courtesies to each sister we passed and released a breath when we left the hallways via a sackcloth door.

“Oh my!” Kalia expelled a breath filled with wonder at another corridor we had never stepped foot in before.

Edde paused and glanced at us over her shoulder. “This is the patron’s area. Don’t speak and draw attention to yuhselves.”

We nodded and carefully padded our way down the gold gilded and white marble passageway. The entire length to one side was a stained-glass window of rose quartz, clear crystal and silver. It depicted the goddess’s history.

Anwar was a child bestowed with the powers and vision from the gods to bring justice to all females who had been wronged by men during a time of war. As a common girl herself, she rose against the male dominated tyranny and gathered an army of worshipers with the powers of god on her side. Through Anwar, women could be magis and given similar status and influence as men. Especially, when the 166th High Emperor declared Anwar a benevolent and just religion.

Stolen story; please report.

“Amazing history. I feel blessed and proud to be a servant of Our Lady.” Kalia’s eyes were dazzled by the stained-glass reliefs and the rose colored banners hanging on the walls, which added to the story.

Edde smiled, pleased by her words. I saw her eyes flick my way.

“Yah don’t have to check my loyalty. Our Lady is my goddess. She takes names and kicks butt. What more could a girl ask for in a deity to worship.”

She heaved a deep sigh, no doubt filled with disappointment by my crude mannerisms, but said, “That’s good enough.”

We assumed our silence as we pushed through a set of double oak doors and entered the circular foyer entrance. At this time of night, no one was in the area. So, we were able to stroll across the floors without fearing a consequence for unintended disruption. I checked the cleanliness of the slate floors as we walked, and nodded that it was still pristine and fit for the goddess’s feet.

Our way assumed known hallways into the temple library. I frowned when we didn’t go deeper into the area. Instead, walked around some freestanding shelves to reach a dark wood door.

“Keep everything about you quiet. Do not disrespect Our Lady, especially here.” Edde warned us before carefully opening the door and stepping through.

I was shocked when we entered the temple itself from what seemed like a side door at the rear end of an outer aisle. At the far end was a magnificent white, gold and rose colored stained-glass wall depicting Anwar in her full glory among roses and violets. Her sword was raised in her right hand, and the order’s symbol of a rose bud was held in her left. On the opposite end were oversized and solid rose quartz and gold double doors. They were surrounded by rose colored window panes where the front courtyard and garden were visible.

As I gazed upon Our Lady, I felt hesitant to move. Her rose colored eyes seemed to be peering into my soul. Edde tapped my shoulder. I nodded and found the will to carry on, padding my way through rows of white marble pews. It felt odd for my sandals to walk down the temple’s plush, rose floor runners. Almost like I would dirty their saintliness. Sighs of relief were let out when we left the area through another side door.

“Beautiful, but nerve wrecking,” Kalia said.

Edde nodded with understanding. “I’d say yuh’d get used to it, but standing before Our Lady in full glory will always make yuh feel small.”

“Indeed.” Kalia smiled.

Edde prompted us to carry on.

We trekked down more mundane and modest hallways until we reached a sackcloth door.

“Go inside girls. I wait here.”

Kalia and I nodded and entered.

“Ah, very good to see you Neven, Kalia. I hear you’ve both been doing well.”