Chapter 13

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As the three of them approached the temple they could see the townsfolk gathering and for the service. The doors were held open but Lilith could not see inside yet from the angle they were at. Instead she looked up at the gleaming edifice, the noon sun reflecting off a gold plated domed roof. The golden filigree on the exterior marble pillars and arches had themes of the sun, sun rises and long rays of light. The mix of white marble and gold was impressive and it made Lilith think of a golden room made by a Russian Czar some time long ago.

“Crap, I forgot to change clothes. I completely lost track of time.” Lilith said looking down dejectedly at her demon plate.

“It will be alright. The guards wear their armor inside too.”

Celeste reached over to grab Lilith’s hand as she seemed to be hesitating a little. Lilith allowed Celeste’s hand to grip hers while wondering ‘Is she trying to reassure me?’ It was then that Lilith realized some people were staring at their group. It was to be expected but Lilith was still not used to it.

Then as she got within 10’ of the door it hit her like a wave. Lilith felt as if her whole body was on fire. A thin mist of steam came off her arms as she could feel her skin burning. For a second she thought of running but decided to press on. Moving forward she was within 5’ of the doors and could see some of the people inside. Lilith felt as if her skin was tearing apart but her hands seemed to be fine except for the steam coming off them in soft wisps. She stepped forward again quickly and finally saw the altar in the center of the temple. And there atop the alter was the symbol of Lathander. It looked almost like a golden trophy but the top of it was round with spikes depicting the rays of a rising sun. A hole in the roof let a beam of sunlight down on the idol and it almost glowed in the mid day light. As soon as Lilith’s eyes met with the holy symbol the pain stopped and she stood fast in front of the doors. She heard her name being called out from behind her by Celeste. Turning around she let out a smile as the last wisps of steam drifted away. “Its over, I think. Yes I’m fine.” Lilith said reassuredly now holding out her hand for Celeste to take once again.

They continued walking in and found some seats in the middle of the temple close to the front.

The cathedral was abuzz with chatter and given where most of the worshipers were looking, it was no secret what or whom, they were talking about. In the front row directly in front of them Lilith could see someone she recognized and extended her hand down to greet them. “Lilith, ripper of wings. Its nice to see you again.”

“Ahh is that your official title now?” Lilith gave the well dressed dwarf a shrug and looked at him for a response. “Gonald Ironhammer, Guildmaster of the blacksmiths and weapon makers.”

“Well met and don’t worry about that title. I just feel a little odd not having a last name right now.”

“I have never met you but I saw you at the banquet last night. I’m still in shock about the false Duchess and all but it does explain the murders.”

“Are you the one who was calling out the parliamentary orders during the meeting last night? I heard a loud clear voice but could never see who it was coming from.” Lilith asked with a little bit of a smirk.

“Aye I was. All you damn tall humans.” Gonald was pointing a finger at Lilith and then Wendel “I was stuck in the middle of ya. Bit of a crisis that was.”

“I know right! I was ready for some good food and drink and 30 minutes before it starts, Sir Tanel asked me to topple a monarchy and these two talked me into it.” Lilith said while gesturing towards her two friends to her right.

Celeste turned and smiled and offered her hand to the Dwarf. “Celeste Baker wizard’s apprentice.”

He shook her hand and said “Please, call me Gonald. Its good to see a lady who’s the right size for a change.” Celeste was still half a head taller than him but she didn’t have to bend over to shake his hand. Gonald turned back to Lilith and said “Look at this mountain of metal over here. How tall are you? Did you hit your head on the way in?”

Apparently this dwarf could dish out height jokes as well as he could take them and Lilith was loving it. She smiled back at him half laughing. “No, but I did feel like I was being set on fire for a few seconds there at the entrance. I guess no one noticed that the Duchess hasn’t been to service in the past year.” Lilith began to rub her arms which still felt a bit numb. She also noticed that she was hungry for the first time today.

“Ya, you should be dead! How are you even in here?”

“She was invited” Celeste said with a happy voice.

The crowd began to quite and there was the noise of people sitting down. Lilith looked to the front of the temple to see Father Theodon approaching the altar. Gonald remained standing and asked “By who?” in a long tone indicating he was interested in the answer.

Celeste tilted her head towards her friend and Lilith pointed with just one finger not extending her arm. It pointed at both Father Theodon and the symbol of Lathander. “By him.”

The group then sat down and looked ahead. Father Theodon was ready to speak and a soft harp began to play in the back of the temple it resonated softly on the curved ceiling and filled the room with a steady hum.

“As you know, Lathander lights all days equally. It is the clouds in the sky that darken some days more than others. Yesterday our town was darkened by a horde of misguided orcs. We all know they are aggressive, warlike and bound to fits of rage. But they can also be trustworthy and honorable. Yesterday we saw just that.

The crowd stirred at the mention of orcs being trustworthy and honorable. Father Theodon gave them a moment to quite down. “They offered us a choice to fight them by proxy. A fight of our champion versus their champion. And it would have been up to Sharl Lightfoot to defend this town alone.” Many in the congregation began to stir again. One even yelled out ‘he cheats’. Father Theodon held up his hands signaling for them to quite down before he continued again. “If he had won, our town would have been saved and the orcs would have retreated. But if he had lost, the orcs would have demanded that we throw open the gates and turn the town over to them.”

The congregation began an uproar. There was loud talking and cries of “Never!” “Fight to the last”. Father Theodon stamped his scepter on the floor letting out three loud bangs. The lectern he was standing at seemed to be made of wood and had a hollow base just for that reason. The echoing noise caused the murmuring to die down and order was restored. The Father continued with a mirthful expression. “But I doubt the defender of the keep would have allowed that.”

There were cheers from the congregation but they quickly died down on their own. “So if our champion had lost we would currently be sacked or under siege. And if the walls fell after we acted dishonorably in the orc’s eyes, you can bet that there would have been no quarter given.”

“So I ask you, would you bet the life of every man woman and child on the sword of Sharl Lightfoot?”

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The crowd began to murmur again and then there was a loud voice from the back “NO!” Every head turned to see a large man in chain mail armor similar to the town guards but he had plate metal pauldrons and hand guards that seemed to be made just for his larger frame. The entire crowd began laughing once they saw who it was. Lilith looked down at Celeste who clarified, “That’s Sharl!” as she giggled to herself.

Lilith nodded in approval and was glad that the town champion was taking this in stride. She looked back to the front as the Father made a few claps for the champions performance and timing before he continued. “And so Sir Tanel summoned a new champion to us with the aid of our court wizard. A champion not of the nine hells a champion not of the pits but a champion from a distant world who is both powerful, sensible and is under the control of no one.”

The congregation began to stir again. Most of the room was looking at Lilith as she scanned the crowd. She wondered how almost everyone knew to look at her but then she remembered how her eyes glowed bright red in the mirror and suddenly felt like bowing her head or trying to get out of sight. She was also suddenly aware of how uncomfortable it was to sit in a church pew with a tail and a plate armor skirt.

Celeste saw Lilith’s head turned down and felt her wiggle uncomfortably so she put here hand on her knee and gave it a few pats. Lilith gave here a halfhearted smile in response and tried to put on a brave face. She cleared her throat and looked at Father Theodon. To her surprise he was looking in her direction and began speaking again. “And she fought that orc champion at Sir Tanel’s request without the promise of anyone’s riches or mortal soul in exchange.”

The congregation again stirred but got silent quickly as it was obvious Father Theodon was getting to a point. “If you haven’t heard by now, it was a very short battle. Our champion, Lilith, downed the mighty orc in a single blow.”

With that the whole room stood and cheered. The loud noise and clapping continued as Lilith remained seated for a time and then stood up. She looked at all the faces of the congregation perhaps 1/4th of the town was in there and they were cheering for her. Lilith knowing she needed to do something gave a timid wave and then a respectful bow to Father Theodon and sat back down. Seeing this the crowd around her began sitting down as well and the clapping from the rest of the room died down. Lilith gave one more wave and bowed her head looking down she saw Celeste’s hand on her knee again. Lilith placed her hand on top of hers and gave her a warm smile and she thought the worst must be over she hadn’t been run out on a rail or had tomatoes thrown at her.

Once the room was entirely quiet again Father Theodon continued “As you all know Sir Tanel drills the militia hard and expects a lot, even out of volunteers. So it should be no surprise that he had yet another task for our new champion that evening. Yesterday in the Ducal castle the false Duchess was defeated and arrested by our champion and the city guard.” There were many gasps from the congregation. Lilith got the impression that much fewer people were aware of last nights events rather than the events of the day. It made sense as it was dark out by the time she dragged the Succubus to her fate.

Father Theodon had given up he just started talking over the murmuring. “A Succubus was unmasked and now lies imprisoned in the Wizard’s tower under the care of Master Wendel. Now I checked our books...I checked our attendance records this morning and it is true that the Duchess is not recorded as attending for the past year and a half. So be sure to fill out the attendance booklet at the end of your row. This past year, is of course when the dark murders have been happening. We have all lost friends and family members. I even lost a member of my staff, a page named Eric, may Lathander bless his soul. But thanks to the brave actions of Sir Tanel, Master Wendel and our new champion, the culprit has been found, caught and imprisoned.” The congregation cheered some more but Father Theodon spoke over them again. “The fate of our fair Duchess is still unknown so this morning I sent word to our temple in Waterdeep and a cleric has been dispatched to put an end to this chapter of our history one way or another. And if the Duchess lives, Lathander willing, she will be brought back into our fold.” The congregation clapped still not knowing whether the duchess was alive or dead but they seemed to agreed that the attempt had to be made.

Lilith thought about the missing ring and what it meant. She just hoped that the ones keeping the Duchess hostage did not find out that the succubus had been outed or else they might try to move her or shield her from scrying. Lilith looked up at Father Theodon who was beginning to speak again. “Now, for the time being, we need a leader. And in fact there was a vote last night by the guild leaders of this town. And as you would expect, Sir Tanel was confirmed as our Regent and began serving in that capacity this morning.”

The congregation cheered and clapped once again. Surprisingly, Lilith could hear no boos or back biting. ‘Sir Tanel must be well liked’ she concluded. Father Theodon clapped as well and then held up his hands outstretched to the congregation. “And that ends the news for today. Now for our sermon. He quickly waved off the crowd who seemed to murmur a bit at the mention of the sermon. “It is only one quick message as there was a lot of news today. So here goes. A wise man once said ‘let he who is without sin cast the first stone’.”

Lilith’s head shot up as she looked at Father Theodon who was focused on the congregation. Everyone looked around in confusion most having no idea what that message was from. There was much murmuring until someone said in an elderly voice “Its wrong to throw stones!” A few people in the crowd began nodding their heads and sounding their agreement.

Father Theodon then continued “Yes exactly. Now all those who can afford it please accept the collection plates. And all those who need it please come to the front for your daily bread. May Lathander’s light warm your body and his wisdom guide your heart.” And with that Father Theodon set down his scepter and began moving to help pass out the bread. The ushers then began opening the way while some held collection plates at each door and spoke blessings as each person who passed whether they contributed or not.

Lilith was still in shock, her eyes wide and glowing, her mouth slightly agape. So Celeste grabbed her hand and asked “Whats wrong?” Wendel looked at Lilith as well wondering whether she being affected by some kind of magic.

The contact snapped her out of it and she turned to look down at her friend. “I need to speak to Father Theo.” Lilith said with a serious look on her face as she nodded at Celeste and then Wendel. Lilith then squeezed her hand back to let her know she was ok before she spotted Gonald a fair distance away. The Dwarf was walking out the door and placed two gold in the collection plate. Wanting to speak with Father Theodon desperately, she motioned for them to exit the pew.

Wendel moved out of the way but stopped Lilith for a second and said “Don’t complain about his sermon he had to come up with all of that on short notice. And he has more power in this town than he lets on.”

“Yes, I know.” Lilith said but she stopped and thought about the sermon for a bit. It seemed to focus on building up Sir Tanel. Then she remembered it was Father Theo who seconded his nomination. It was obvious that Father Theo wasn’t afraid to steer things in the right direction but he also wanted to stay out of the lime light. ‘Heh he really is humble’. Lilith found her resolve thinking that she had a handle on the situation. She walked up to Father Theodon and asked “Is there anything I can help with?”

Father Theodon looked surprised at first but then happy. “Oh here take one of these and start passing it out at the end of the line, just like this” He demonstrated the correct portion to give out. It was enough for two meals as they were meant to take some home.

Lilith took a loaf and walked sharply to the back of the line and began portioning out the bread and handing it to each person. After she broke the first piece Lilith was struck by how good the bread smelt and she instantly wanted to have a piece for herself. She would have to ask Father Theo after everyone had been served. The rather large loaf of bread lasted for 10 people but the line still had more. Lilith turned back only to be greeted by Celeste holding a new loaf. “Here” she said handing the loaf to Lilith. She continued passing out bread until the line was empty. None of the needy had shied away from her, they all took the bread and said thanks without fail. Lilith looked back at the alter, there had been 8 loaves to start and there were 3 left. So that meant that there were about 50 people seeking bread that day. That wasn’t a bad poverty percentage Lilith thought. The temple seemed to fit about 400 people and most of the needy had been waiting outside for the service to end.

Father Theodon was the first to speak now that the line was clear and Lilith was left holding a single portion of bread. “So what did you think of the service my dear?”

Lilith noticed that his voice seemed different than when he was holding the scepter. It had less strength but it was still his voice. “It was very topical” she said while walking him back to the altar and placing the bread back with the others.

He picked up his scepter and then tossed it to his other hand like it was a baton. “I saw you come in. I hope you are ok. The protection Lathander provides is quite potent.”

“Yes, why did it stop when I saw his symbol?” she asked with a curious look.

“I think that was because he saw you and gave you his blessing.” He said with a nod.

Lilith looked over her whole body but didn’t see any magic. Perhaps the magic that gods use can’t be seen in the same way she thought. “So he can see us through the holy symbol?”

“Yep that’s right. The larger the symbol the greater his awareness and power over all that it surveys. Even the symbols that our order carry have some protection and presence.”

“And your scepter?” Lilith asked with a smile as she suspected it gives him vitality or charisma.

“Yes especially my scepter but it also has other benefits.” He gave Lilith a little wink.

Just then, the ushers returned with the collection plates. They were mostly full of silver coins but there were some gold ones mixed in. Lilith looked up realizing that the temple was now mostly empty and it was just her, Celeste, Wendel and the clergy still inside. Then hearing some solid foot steps she noticed Sharl Lightfoot walking up the central isle toward them.

Lilith realizing her time for a private conversation may be ending so she asked Father Theodon her most pressing question. “Father, that parable that you spoke of, do you know where it came from and what it means?”

He gave Lilith a surprised look but again it turned happy “It wasn’t my idea it was given to me. When I contacted the temple in Waterdeep this morning to report on yesterday’s events, they directed me to tell that parable in my sermon today. I have had to do things like that before. It is some type of message, meant for only one person. Was it meant for you my dear?”

“I believe so.” Lilith thought for a second. The order of Lathander was using spy craft. “Did you tell them anything about me? Did you ask them not to banish me when the cleric arrives?” Lilith was trying not to sound nervous and almost pulled it off as she heard the heavy foot steps stop a respectful distance away.

“I did not ask them that, but I did tell them what you have done for this town and mentioned your request.” He said with a small smile.

“That should be more than enough. Thank you father I am glad I could be here today.”

“Me too I was worried there for a second” He said glibly.

“Oh you were worried I wouldn’t come?” Lilith asked as she put her hand on his shoulder

“No, when you were at the door I was worried you would burst into flames!” He said jokingly while making an odd gesture with his hands.

“I think I almost did.” Lilith said with a half grin. If she hadn’t pushed forward so fast and been seen by the holy symbol it could have been a lot worse. She bowed to Father Theodon and turned to rejoin her two friends. But as she looked up it was clear that they had been joined by a new sizable guest.