The priestess stood up, her posture stiff and regal. “Yes, I do. But be warned, the tribe of the pheasant is not known for their hospitality. If you go seeking their help, you must be prepared for whatever they demand in return.”

“We will keep that in mind,” I said, stepping forward. “Thank you for your help. Is there anything we can do for you in return?”

The priestess paused, her eyes scanning us thoughtfully. “Actually, there is follow me.” She said while pointing at me.

I was hit by a wave of confusion as I looked toward Rin, who had a questioning look on her face. But before I could protest, Veronica spoke up.

“Of course, priestess. We’ll give you two some privacy,” she said, gesturing for us to leave.

I followed the priestess out of the temple and into a small garden in the back. She led me to a bench and motioned for me to sit down.

“I can’t see your past, but your spirit is familiar. Tell me, who are you?”

I hesitated for a moment before answering. “I don’t know who I am. I think my name is Kerth, but I have little to no recollection of anything.”

The priestess raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Interesting. Perhaps it was brought about by a curse or a spell.”

“A curse or a spell?” I repeat, my mind racing with possibilities.

“Yes. It’s not unheard of in these parts. There are those who would use such methods to gain power or control over others. Perhaps it was done to you as well.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

I feel a sense of unease creeping up on me. Was my memory loss intentional? And if so, who did it?

“Is there anything I can do to regain my memories?” I asked, desperately hoping for a solution.

The priestess shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t help you retrieve your memories. But there may be a clever sorcerer somewhere who can help.”

My heart lifted at the prospect of hope. “Do you know of any such sorcerers?”

The priestess blankly stared at me as she furled her brow in thought. “I am afraid that all the ones I have known have long since perished,” a melancholy smile stretched across her face before she spoke once more. “Child, I have not left this little town in nearly fifty years. All the sorcerers I once knew were already old.”

I felt a sense of disappointment wash over me at the priestess’s words, but I knew I couldn’t give up hope. There had to be someone who could help me regain my memories.

“Thank you for your help, priestess,” I said, standing up from the bench. “I appreciate it.”

“Of course, child,” the priestess said, her voice soft and kind. “If you ever need further assistance, do not hesitate to return to my temple. Oh, and you and your party will find the pheasant tribe atop the cliffs of Akana Valley.”

With a final nod, I turned and made my way back to Rin and Veronica. They were waiting for me outside the temple, their expressions curious.

“So, what did she want?” Rin asked, her eyes glinting with mischief.

I roll my eyes and shake my head. “She just wanted to talk to me alone.”

Veronica raises an eyebrow. “And what did she say?”

“She couldn’t read my memories and wanted to know why. She claims that a sorcerer might be able to help me as she thinks sorcery may have been used to mess with my memory.”

Vayren and Veronica exchanged a glance, their expressions serious. “Well, we’ll have to keep that in mind,” Veronica said. “But for now, let’s focus on finding Rin’s parents.”

I nodded, grateful for their support. “Right. The priestess told us to seek out the tribe of the pheasant. She said they live atop the cliffs of Akana Valley.”

“Then let’s go,” Veronica said.

As we walked, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that the priestess’s words had left me with. Was someone intentionally keeping me from my memories? And if so, why?