Mu So pushed the bindle higher onto his shoulder and looked up at the walls in front of him. The smooth stone glittered in the faint remainder of sunlight, reflecting back the blurry image of a line of people lining up to be let in before the end of dusk. Above the shiny surface were white spikes and holes for the magicians and archers to hide in though. This city, it surely tried hard to keep people out. It was the type of place one didn’t want to stay if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.
Mu So shook his head, moved his shoulders unhappily, and then waited until it was his turn. Whether he wanted or not, he had almost reached the gates and it was too late to move somewhere else. He’d have to find a place to stay for at least one night.
When it was finally his turn to step in front of the guards, he gave a huff and handed over the bindle on his shoulder to let them search it, answering their questions in a low voice before he was finally allowed to enter the city. Seeing the way they looked at him, the bad feeling in his stomach got even worse. In all the years on the road, he had gotten a good perception. If you were treated like this outside of a city, it would be even worse inside. He’d have to think twice about every step he took in there or things might turn ugly.
The guards finally waved and Mu So stepped through the gate. He walked a few more steps before he halted at the side of the cobblestone path. He looked at the buildings on both sides of the street, trying to get a better feeling for this place. To be honest, it didn’t look bad at first glance. Just like the shiny wall outside, the buildings on the main street were in a good condition. At most, the frame of a window could use a new layer of paint here or there.
This was the kind of city that was rich and welcomed those that were the same. Mu So patted the pocket of his pants, feeling for the small sack of money inside. This … might prove difficult.
He sighed and then went forward, just barely catching one of the vendors who was already packing up. "Heh, there! Do you still have something to sell?"
The vendor immediately halted in his task, turned around, and showed him a grin. "Sure, sure! Have a look. These are the freshest goods in all of Lald!"
Mu So gave an uninterested hum and pointed at a small piece of dough that looked like it should be cheap. "I’ll take that then." Anyway, this stuff was at least made this morning if he was lucky, maybe yesterday if he was unlucky. Who had the money to splurge on a vendor’s food?
The vendor’s smile immediately collapsed but a little money was still better than no money so he still spit out the price and handed the so-called pastry over to Mu So. He immediately turned away though.
Mu So pursed his lips and bit into the dish, not surprised at all when it tasted like nothing as if somebody had skimped on the seasoning. "Say, where to go to visit the city’s temple?"
The vendor finally stopped and turned around again, his lopsided grin almost looking gloating. "Which one?"
Mu So cursed under his breath. Don’t tell him the people here were still praying to that one? Well, for one night, he didn’t mind pretending either way. "How far apart are they?"
The vendor laughed and motioned down the street. "Both on the square in the middle of the city. Better choose carefully though. Ending up in the wrong one might cause you to not wake up in the morning." He laughed at him again and went back to packing up. Clearly, he was taking quite a bit of joy in the traveler’s misfortune.
Mu So sighed and then left with the unpalatable dough in his hand. Well, he could only hope that the temple would have something better to offer.
Walking down the street and accelerating his steps with the receding of the light that seemed to become faster by the minute. Finally, he reached the square when the last bit of sunlight vanished behind the wall on the other side of the city. Having a quick look around, Mu So almost wanted to laugh.
Light or no light, there was no way to mistake the two temples that seemed to be facing off against each other from the two ends of the square. In front of the one on the left stood two men in armor, the eyes behind the visors narrowed, a cold light glinting in them while they stared at the other side of the square. Looking over there … Mu So saw a young man in a flowing robe who was sweeping the stairs all on his own.
Mu So whistled and then immediately went over. Ah, blame his love for beauty but he’d rather give this one a try. Who knew if there wouldn’t be added benefits? The night was long, the day far. Who wouldn’t feel alone in those dark hours?
He hurried up the stairs with a spring in his step and stopped in front of the young man. "Heh, there! Could your temple put a lonely wanderer up for a night or two? It’s already late and I’ve just arrived so I don’t know where else to go."
The young man stopped in his movement and slowly looked up, revealing a pair of shockingly bright blue eyes. "There is a guesthouse right over there." He vaguely motioned to a building on the other side of the square.
"Oh, I’m also broke." Mu So did not even do him the favor of glancing over and just continued to look at him. No matter how he looked, this priest was really good. Was that the air in the temple? Some holy light or goddess’s blessing? Had to be. In this world, he did not believe that anyone could sport such good looks if they weren’t protected by some power.
The young priest stayed quiet for a moment as if he really intended to turn him away.
Mu So’s brows twitched. "Isn’t your goddess known for benevolence? What’s with this treatment? I didn’t do anything wrong!"
"God." The priest raised his brows, making Mu So look a little longer and miss what he was actually saying.
"I’m sorry. What was that?"
"It is the god Jel we honor. Not a goddess." He turned away and stepped down, brushing away the dirt on the lowest step as if he didn’t care about this visitor at all.
"Eh?" Mu So widened his eyes, unable to understand for a moment. Then, he motioned at the temple on the other side with his thumb. "Then what about these guys?"
The priest’s gaze didn’t even flicker over there. "The god Bul. No goddess there either."
"Oh." Mu So scratched his cheek. That was unexpected. Well, the names were also unfamiliar if he was honest. He couldn’t quite recall what the ones he had heard of previously were called but he was pretty sure that they were neither Jel nor Bul nor anything similar.
The priest swung the broom again and then glanced at the temple on the other side after all. He seemed to ponder something before he finally went up the stairs again and turned to face Mu So, the gaze from his ice-blue eyes direct enough to fluster the traveler. "In any case, Jel does not turn away people in need. So come on in then if you really are."
Mu So smiled and nodded fervently. "Very much in need, yes. I’m very grateful. After I leave again, I will spread the gospel of your temple everywhere on my journey in thanks."
The priest did not bother to reply. In any case, a visitor that did not even know their god’s name wasn’t the right person to spread anything. It’d be great already if he wouldn’t mix them up with the temple on the other side. Maybe he shouldn’t have told him that one’s name.
Putting the broom in the corner behind the door, the young priest led Mu So deeper into the temple and to one of the rooms that were originally reserved for the priests. Opening one of the doors, he motioned inside. "This room is currently empty so you can stay here for a few days."
"Oh, thank you. What about you?" Mu So didn’t give the room more than a cursory glance before focusing on the young man again. This one … should be a priest? In any case, this robe wasn’t the same as what people on the streets wore. It was wide at the bottom but had tight sleeves and a stiff collar. There was some embroidery around the rims that would probably show which temple he belonged to. Well, one still needed to know the god in question to understand.
In any case, Mu So didn’t think that this temple had anyone else than the priests. But then again, he had also been wrong about the god they honored so he probably shouldn’t try to rely on what he believed to be true. It was still better to verify. "You are a priest in this temple, right? So you live here as well?"
The young man’s lips thinned, clearly unhappy with all these questions, but he still answered. "I am indeed a priest and I do indeed live in the temple. Now, if you would excuse me." He inclined his head and turned around, ready to leave.
"Ah! Wait!" Mu So hurried after him, not willing to give up yet. "Say, your temple wouldn’t also happen to have anything to eat leftover, would it? I really don’t need much but all I ate today was some piece of old, stinky dough. I’m basically starving here." He showed a helpless expression, hoping to appeal to the priest’s compassion. This wasn’t even a lie. He had been on his feet the whole day to make it to Lald in time before night fell. He might have eaten something in the morning but that had been so long ago that he could hardly remember. He really felt as if the only thing he ate was that piece of dough from the vendor on the main street.
The priest turned back around and Mu So almost expected to get a piece of his mind then and there. To his surprise, the other only motioned in another direction. "Then follow me, please." The priest certainly had his own thoughts on the matter but just like he had told him when Mu So asked for a room, their temple wouldn’t turn those in need away. He couldn’t say for sure if Mu So was actually in need but he’d rather help an undeserving person than to turn away somebody that really had to rely on them. Thus, he would take the risk.
Mu So didn’t need to be told twice. He hurried after the priest, trying to walk right next to him so they could talk a little more. Even if the other one was a priest, he still hadn’t given up hope on spending the night in company. In any case, not every temple required the priests to be celibate, right? At the very least, that was his experience from the temples where he had stayed before. He didn’t know about this temple but he still felt that it was worth a try.
Glancing at the young priest ahead, Mu So’s heart jumped in faint excitement. Unfortunately, falling into step next to him wasn’t as easy as expected. As soon as he managed to get to the spot next to him, the priest swerved to the side, making a turn into another corridor. Mu So pursed his lips and tried again but the priest stopped and picked up a candle from the window, finally walking a step behind Mu So and then accelerating when he tried to slow down.
Mu So stared at his back feeling vexed but there was nothing he could do. If he insisted and tried again, he would look like an idiot. Well, not that that would be that bad. He could live with losing a bit of face. But clearly, this priest wasn’t even interested in having a deeper conversation with him, not to mention spending the night together. Actually, thinking back now, he had been cold the whole time.
Mu So couldn’t help but ponder. Had he offended him somehow? It seemed unlikely since they had only met today but then again, you could screw up the first impression already. Come to think of it, he hadn’t even recognized the god this priest worshiped. If he was a devout believer, that would have angered him for sure.
Mu So sighed when he thought of that. On his travels, he had met all kinds of people. He didn’t mind if somebody had different beliefs but the more observant somebody was of their faith, the more difficult it would be to get along with them if you did not share those beliefs. He had often seen that happen and maybe it would be even truer for a priest.
Now that he thought of that, Mu So felt vexed at himself for even trying. He should have paid more attention from the beginning. With how this priest behaved, it was likely that he had sworn off all temptation for the sake of his god. Even if he hadn’t, in his eyes, passion probably couldn’t compare to love and the romantic love toward a man couldn’t compare to the chaste love toward his god. Looking at the young priest, Mu So felt like it was a pity for that pretty face to be hidden away in a temple but he wouldn’t insist where he wasn’t welcome. Just being allowed to stay here for a few days was good enough. Everything else would just be added benefits.
The priest soon stopped in front of a door and turned back to Mu So. "Please, wait for a moment." He inclined his head and then opened the door, slipping inside, and closing it before Mu So had any chance to see what was going on in there.
Mu So sighed and turned away, finally going to lean against the wall on the other side of the corridor. In any case, he was a guest. In that position, he shouldn’t pry. Just let them keep their secrets. It was better not to know anyway. It would keep him from getting involved in any troubles.
A moment later, the priest returned, a tray with some food and a pitcher that probably held water on top. There was a bundle slung over his arm as well.
Mu So motioned at the tray and then at himself and took it from the hands of the priest when he offered it. "Thank you. I really appreciate this." He really did. In regard to helping the poor, one could really count on the temples. That was a kind of benevolence he wouldn’t expect anywhere else. If he couldn’t rely on that every now and then, would he really be able to survive? He didn’t think so. The life of a traveler was hard. It could be alright if the times were good but … when were they really? There had been so many wars fought, it was often difficult enough to find a path to follow if you didn’t want to step into a puddle of blood on the mountain roads or stumble over bones in a valley.
Well, right now, he didn’t have to worry about that. Tonight, he had a place to stay. And he’d see about the next days when that time came. Some things just couldn’t be planned.
While Mu So was lost in his thoughts, the priest kept to the current problem. "Did you need anything else?"
Mu So pondered but shook his head. "No. I’ve already asked for quite a lot and you’ve been very hospitable. I wouldn’t dare to ask for more." While he would have loved to get some water to take a bath, he really didn’t think he should bring it up. The priest might not have a problem with it but he figured that the temple might not be in the position to give more.
The building itself was huge, indicating that this faith was a powerful one with many followers. But on the other hand, they had been walking through the temple for quite some time but hadn’t met a single person. If they were just busy praying or whatever, Mu So at least should have been able to hear them but there was nothing of the like. As soon as the gates had closed behind them, keeping out the sounds from the last people out on the streets, only silence had surrounded them. This whole temple was deathly still.
Most likely … they weren’t doing well anymore. The original splendor had already long been lost. Maybe other than this one priest in front of him, there was only a handful of other people in this whole building. It wouldn't be strange considering that there was another temple right across the market square. These two might be in fierce competition for believers. And if they were anything like the other faiths Mu So had seen outside, then he would believe immediately that the other temple wouldn't hesitate to use drastic means to gain the upper hand.
To be honest, he was quite curious but this wasn't something he could ask about unprompted. If his assumptions were right, that would just be pouring salt into open wounds. Since he was relying on their hospitality, he should really hold back. Ah, he just hoped that he wouldn't be pulled into this conflict. He hated getting pulled into this kind of trouble.
Mu So tried to look harmless and unassuming when he thought of that, hoping that the priest wouldn't get any ideas. The person in question didn't even seem to notice.
He just motioned down the corridor again. "I will lead the way back then. The corridors can be a little confusing."
Mu So originally wanted to speak up to tell him that he remembered the way nonetheless but then reconsidered. Who knew if this guy was doing this for him or if he was just worried that he might steal the last few valuables the temple had left? It was better to let him do so. Thus, he inclined his head and thanked him quietly, following behind him. He used the opportunity to look around a little further. The more he looked, the more he felt that his previous assumption was right. This temple wasn't doing well. Never mind that it lacked the usual decorations to showcase the faith it followed, he could even see a thin layer of dust that had settled on some of the surfaces. Most likely, the young priest in front of him that he had already seen sweeping the stairs was also cleaning inside the temple himself just that with this type of big building, he couldn't take care of everything. When he finished on one side, dust already would have settled again on the other. For a priest, seeing this had to be unbearable. No wonder this guy was so cold the whole time.
When they arrived in front of the room again, Mu So brought the tray inside and put it down on the small table next to the bed. Turning around, he realized that the priest was still standing there. Somehow, he looked as if there was something he wanted to say. Mu So hesitated but then threw down the bundle he had still been keeping on his shoulder, went back to the door, and leaned against the door frame. "Thank you again for your hospitality. You might think I’m frivolous for just doing this but I have been traveling for a long time now. It’s not safe to stay outside and I’ve made good experiences with giving myself into the care of the temples. Those are safe places no matter the time or place. In any case … I’m sorry if you felt insulted by my lack of knowledge. Your temple reminded me a lot of one I’ve seen several years back in another country. It’s just that they honored a goddess instead of a god. I didn’t mean any disrespect with what I said before."
The priest nodded, acknowledging his words. Clearly, he had felt unhappy with his previous remarks. Before Mu So could go on, he finally opened himself. "Do you have a weapon?" He looked awkward saying this and straightened out the sleeve of his robes and the bundle on his arm.
Mu So didn’t really understand why he would ask this but still nodded. "Yeah. As I said: It is dangerous outside. I usually don’t use it unless I am forced to. Is it a problem to have it inside the temple? I can go and …" Well, actually, what could he do? He still needed it after he left. And he already had enough trouble paying for a place to stay and a meal. Where would he get the money to pay for a new weapon if this one was lost?
The priest shook his head anyway. "No. Just … keep it in close reach when you sleep at night." He didn’t explain any further and just nodded his head again before turning to leave.
Mu So stared at his receding back and couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Why was he supposed to keep the weapon close by? Did he think he would … His mouth opened slightly when he remembered the words of the vendor before. After seeing the two temples, he would have thought that staying in the other one would be more dangerous but then again, who said that the threat was coming from inside the temple? In this case, it might be that this temple was under attack from the other one. That could very well be. Hadn't he even guessed before that the other temple might use underhanded means to deal with their competition? Well, he wouldn't have thought that they would go this far but it also wasn't something unimaginable.
Mu So rubbed his eyes, feeling a bit vexed. Had he known this … But now, it was already too late. And those guards outside had seen him enter here. If they planned something, he wouldn’t be able to get away anyway. He could only do as the priest had suggested and get his weapon out. Most likely, it would be best to sleep with it in hand.
He closed the door with a sigh and then went to sit down and eat. In any case, he should be thankful for the priest to remind him. At the very least, he wouldn’t be caught off-guard if he was really attacked. He could prepare everything so he could give those guys a nasty surprise. Maybe that could also be counted as repaying this temple for their help.
While Mu So was planning his counterattack, the young priest went deeper into the temple, finally stopping inside the middle hall. Looking up at the statue of Jel, he sighed as well. Having to warn a visitor that was asking for shelter for the night and some food that they should fear for their life was the last thing he wanted to do. Just why had their temple fallen to this state? This shouldn't have happened.
"Nilgu." The voice of the head priest drifted over and the young priest turned to look, finally spotting him at the side of the hall, trying to patch up the window.
"head priest, please don’t concern yourself with that." Nilgu hurried over and took the material out of his hands, giving it a try himself. Unfortunately, he really wasn’t made for this type of task.
The head priest laughed and then waved. "Let it be. As long as it isn’t left open, it’ll be enough for the two of us. Anyway, did you come to pray? Then I’ll leave you to yourself and Jel’s watchful eyes."
Nilgu shook his head. "There is a guest tonight. Some traveler from a far-away country."
The head priest’s expression changed and he sighed. "Well, let’s hope nothing happens then. Did you warn him?"
Nilgu nodded. "Hopefully, he will leave tomorrow morning."
The head priest shook his head at him in response. "Is that the attitude a priest should have? Where is your benevolence? A person from far away should be treated as a guest, not a nuisance that you wish to get rid of."
"It isn’t him who is the nuisance but those guys from the temple of Bul. I don’t know if I can watch another person be assassinated." He lowered his gaze, something flashing in his eyes but he kept those thoughts to himself.
This time, the head priest didn’t answer. He just turned to look at the statue that had a few much too obvious scratches where somebody had tried to shatter it. Who knew if it was their god’s grace that had made sure it still remained standing?
Nilgu also looked over and then went to kneel down in front of it. Closing his eyes and putting his hands together, he couldn’t help himself and asked for their god’s blessing. He knew it likely wouldn’t change anything. Previously, there had been many priests that prayed for things to get better but nothing had ever happened. Now … only the two of them were left. What could two people do? If they couldn't save the temple with many, then their chances were even lower now that only they were left. He hated this fact but he couldn't change it. It was an irrevocable truth.
The head priest watched him for a while and then left, his thoughts wandering in the same direction as Nilgu’s. This temple … he was afraid there was no way to keep it. Sooner or later, they would have to give it up. In any case, nobody in this city would dare to join them after what had happened before, and which priest would come here from afar? Even if they did, it was only a matter of time until they died, whether that was in the temple itself or outside on the streets. Maybe … maybe it was time to give up. Maybe it was time to find another path. One’s faith could be lived in more than one way. They just had to find the right one. It was worth pondering. He just hoped that there would be enough time for that left.
good, keep it going.
I'll do my best!