Intense white light hit Urberer’s eyes; a sudden departure from the lit but much more somber hall he just came from. His eyes focused and the room came into view. The space directly in front of him was clear of people until it reached a similar opening like the one he came from across the room. That opening had two guards stationed next to it. It was an oval opening, that stood higher than ground level and had steps that came down to the main floor. It’s carpet was the same purple but it had designs of gold in its pattern. The drapes showed that these golden patterns were images of musical instruments and trinkets.

“The old noble’s course. Hm. I wonder how long it took them to raise the entry level so that they could ‘step-down’ to be amongst commoners. Ah. I best sit before hymm ends.”

His eyes looks around. The space in front of him has the sigil of the temple; a white dove of peace. To the left and right of him are pews which match the same polished look of the tables he saw in the Commoner’s Way. They all had cushions on the seats, and right in front of them were purple cushions that were installed into the ground. Directly in front of that were wooden dividers that held all matters of sacred text and hymn books. The pews were all facing to the east where the sun came shining through a few stained glass windows that had been installed.

Urberer looked to his left and found a pew that had a seat opening on the edge. He slipped in quietly into the spot. Careful not to make too many big motions to draw the attends attention from having their heads in the hymnal. They sang without spirit.

Urberer gave a quick glance at the attendees.

Still decided I see. The nobles sitting on the pews to the north. Commoners on the pews to the south. All divided by a simple carpeted walkway. How ironically exact is that. It’s like they can’t let their peas and potatoes touch. All separated by gravy. So stupid.

Urberer barely holds back a chuckle. He continues the eye the room while disinterestingly mumbling along with the song.

If it weren’t for the nobles still being able to bear arms in the temple and their little purple capes, I’d be hard press to know the difference between them.

Urberer looked at the different section of pews. They all wore refined garments, tailored made, from silk to cashmere. The all had jewelry. In fact, a number of people in his aisle, the commoner side, had much better trinkets then their noble counterparts.

The nobles for their part were groomed, but many of their items seemed a little older; like legacy items. Their styles were of high status, of course, but not necessarily having the same trendiness. They were wealthy. It’s just that their money was old, like the heirloom items they wore. Their large swarths of purple fabric, from cloaks to capes, and their weapons set them apart.

“They’re both just as stuffy, regardless of what they wear.” He thought to him-self as he listened to the lifeless hymn, reminding him more of the dirge of a necromancer than of a uplifting temple song.

Still mumbling along he shifted his eyes up front to where he was now facing; the alter in the east. The pews stopped several feet before a circular pool that was in the center of the pathway. The pool had a ivory statute of a young adult human with their left arm stretched out to eye level. On that person’s forearm was the statue of a white dove. Water Springs shot up from the pool behind the statue in a gentle arc that went back into the pool.

Behind the pool was a high stage made of cobblestone, as could be seen from the wall behind the statue. On the left and right sides, aligned with the separated pews, were stairs that led up to the stage. These stairs stopped at their individual gates that were connected to the wooden rail that went across the top of the stage like a half wall.

In the center of the stage was the pulpit. The pulpit stood out in its simple style yet refined wood. The pulpit was large enough to have two people stand behind it, was a simple wooden block, and made out of a bright cherry wood that shone brightly among the mahogany of the pews. On its top was a large sacred text. Behind it was the high priest, dressed in gold, white, and purple robes. And he just so happened to be staring at Urberer.

“Ohhhh I think the old man saw me. Damn it. I better act like I’ve been here the whole time. Damnit, damnit, damnit. He’s going to lecture me until I’m blue in the face.” Urberer thought as he mumbled with greater intensity the religious songs.

****

The song came to an end.

“We are grateful for another day of peace. To enjoy the sea breeze, the sun’s rays, and the birds call. May we live with honor and peace, duty and service. May your your words and actions land light on the hearts of others like a dove.” The words came from the high priest upon the pulpit. His voice had the warmth of a grandfather wishing his only only grandchild well before a trip. The voice was aged but clear as the waters around a coral reef and flowed throughout the temple like a stream from a mountain top.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Urberer could feel it resonate in his chest. Perhaps the only real feeling he’s had in this space. He glances at the high priest and offers his own consildatory prayer.

The high priest takes three paced steps back away from the altar. He takes a knee, closes his eyes and utters a prayer unheard to the masses. Upon opening his eyes two clergy man that were standing off to the sides on the stage help him to a stand. Age more than heart seems to be what slows his rise. However, he stands tall and proud. One the clergy man hands him an white staff, embossed with doves, and has a dove carved into the top of its head. The staff glows with a translucent haze.

The high priest, attended two by the two clerics makes his way down the stairs on the left, and rounds in front of the statute. He begins walking down the aisle to the west. He stops up getting to the center of the room, standing onto of the engraved dove. He looks first at the Noble’s Course and says a prayer. He then does the same after looking at the Commoner’s Way. He takes a few steps forward to continue down the isle. He stops and glances over at Urberer.

“Oh trolls dung. He wants me to walk with him. Yeah. He must really not be happy.” Urberer thinks to himself. He promptly steps out from behind the pew. Urberer doesn’t rush. He takes measured and calm motions, his head held high and his staff held calmly in his left hand, out in front of him. He walks until he is at the left side of the high priest.

The high priest doesn’t make eye contact with Urberer. He continues to look westward. He swallows drily before making an announcement.

“Good congregation, I have forgotten. There will be additional time for rejuvantive blessings and confessional utterances,” the high priest says. His voice added a little more emphasis on the “and” in his sentence.

I’m going to be here all day now. Simply all day.

The heigh priest resumed his march to the western end. He stopped once he reached the “T” at the end of the aisle, that lead to different rooms going north and south. He turned around, facing eastward and announced, “now go, serve love and joy. Peace upon you.”

“And upon you” responded the entirety of the congregation. They all stood up, and came down center of the aisle to meet with the high priest.

“High priest Arcbin.”

“Monk,” Arcbin said neutrally.

They stood there in silence for a while. The clergymen that had escorted high priest Arcbin had left to retrieve two large goblets that stood around four feet high. Before congregants ever got to the high priest they all dropped off coin that rattled into the goblet. The longer and louder of ping the goblets made, the more money had been donated. Despite the congregants efforts to be subtle, it was easy to see their behaviors. They listened and watched without watching. And it when it was their turn, they tried to match or outdo the donation of whoever gave last. Noble or commoner, it mattered not, you would be outdone if they could do it or at least match.

“The way they give you’d think they actually believed in what they’re doing. But that’s not the game here.” Monk thought to himself while watching the people. And the people were avid players. Hushed whispers, sly glances, subtle body language were all strategic advances in a game where the score paid out well beyond the walls of the grand temple.

Several moments passed by with Urberer standing dutiffuly at the side of priest Arcbin. Arcbin would gracefully shake the hand of each congregant that came by. He’d look them in the eye, hold that contact, and then say a small blessing upon them. These blessings were empowered. His hand would glow with each prayer, transferring a small boon onto each person. A momentary pause in the line gave them a brief moment to communicate.

“Monk, are you well?”

“Yes, high priest.”

“Are you sure monk?”

Is the high priest getting at my lateness, or lack of attendance, or something else?

“Yes high priest. Glad to be here serving the flock.”

“Very well. We will speak in my office prior to your duties this afternoon.”

“Yes high priest.”

They never made eye contact, eyes always on the people. Once everyone went through the line they had backed over and were now in pews, speaking to each other, catching up. The cacophony of noise made it hard to focus on any one conversation.

Arcbin turned from the group. His acolytes had left his side, tending to the donations with the protection of a multitude of guards. Urberer followed the priest. They made a right turn down a hallway that was similar to the Commoner’s Way with elegant chandeliers, paintings, sacred texts, and various well-crafted furniture. The difference here is that the carpet was back and the only designs in it were those of stitched white doves. The hall ended into a room that had a cheery wood door. Arcbin opened the door and gestured for Urberer to go inside first.

Urberer walked into the room. He could feel his palms and underarms get moist. Arcbin stepped in behind him, closed the door, and latched it. He patted Urberer on the shoulder, indicting the round cherrywood table for two that was several feet away from a large wooden desk of the same wood.

Urberer took a seat. He looked around the room. The rear of the room, behind the desk, was lined with shelves. Each one was filled to the brim with books or religious items. The only part of the back wall lacking shelves was the section that had a door which led into to the priests sleeping quarters. The rest of the walls were blank except for one painting. It showed a younger version of Arbin, with a head full of dark hair, a stately goatee, and a black-haired woman with brown eyes at his side; a former wife.

While Urberer studied the painting Arcbin walked around his desk. He absently moved some files around. Then he reached into a shelf and pulled out a piece of paper with writing on it. He then joined Uber at the table. Arcbin stares off at the chandelier before finally turning his head to face Urberer.

“Let’s talk Urberer…” Arcbin says.