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Dalia collapsed backwards onto the bed and cried for the second time in
less than twenty-four hours. Rolling onto her left side, she curled into a fetal position and let her
hot tears flow. After what seemed to be an eternity, but was really only a few minutes, Dalia felt
spent of tears. She wiped her eyes on the sheets and sat up very slowly. What now? she 'spoke
to Tobi, feeling too drained for anything but mental conversation.
Just rest for a bit, love. Tobi consoled while moving into Dalia's lap. Then we can make that
stop by the church we planned. Tobi's paws worked on Dalia's left thigh, but not a single claw
escaped its sheath. After that, who knows? We can explore the rest of the city.
Feeling Tobi purr against her and remembering her plans for the gold lightened Dalia's spirits
slightly. You're right as always, my beauteous ghatta. Why mope around when there's a
whole city to see? Dalia rose quickly, catching Tobi unaware and sending her spilling to the floor.
Tobi shot Dalia a mean look, but she never noticed. Dalia was too busy buckling on
her sword to even realize she was wearing the clothes she had slept in.
Tobi eyed her distastefully. You're not going to wear that again, are you?
Dalia looked down at herself, then back at Tobi with a sheepish grin on her face. I suppose a
quick change into fresh clothing is in order. What would I do without you to remind me to stay
neat?
Tobi groomed her orange stripped flank to hide the feline grin on her face. At least you're not as
bad as a canine.
The mental chuckle resounding in Dalia's mind was enough to spur her into motion.
Her clothes from yesterday went flying, purposefully aimed at Tobi. Dalia couldn't resist a smile
when her gauzy undershirt landed square on Tobi's head. She walked over to the wash basin and
gave her face and hands a thourough scrubbing. Then Dalia located fresh
underclothes and stockings, tan pantaloons, and a very broken in light blue tunic with pink trim
around the collar and hems.
She pulled her hair into a bun and used two decorated sticks
to secure it. Her bangs fell loosely around her face since she could never get them to stay were
she wanted anyway. After pulling on her boots and securing her sword, Dalia opened
the door and motioned for Tobi to follow. Once outside, Dalia locked the door again and slipped
the key into the pocket of her pantaloons, her only pair to have that luxury. Though
mentally not much registered, her stomach responded to the smells of food with a rather loud
growl.
Breakfast? Tobi asked, her tone expectant.
Of course, my love. Anything for you. Inwardly, Dalia was relieved Tobi had reminded her.
Otherwise, breakfast may have been totally forgotten. Dalia settled into a chair at an empty
table, and Tobi joined her in the chair on her right. When the serving girl came around, Dalia
ordered toast with butter and strawberry jam, an apple and coffee, and a bowl of cream for
Tobi. As they waited for breakfast, Dalia leaned over and gave Tobi a thourough scratching
around the head, behind the ears, and by the time she had worked her way to the base of
Tobi's spine breakfast had arrived. The smell of the coffee and warm buttered toast perked Dalia
up enough to begin thinking about all the different things that they would see on their
expedition into the city. Maybe we could even stop by the castle and see if they'd give us a tour.
What do you think? Dalia picked up her first piece of toast and began munching away.
Tobi was already busily lapping up her cream. A tour would be nice, but from what I can pick up
from the natives the Queen only holds court at night.
Dalia chewed thoughtfully and took a sip of coffee while she considered Tobi's words. That's
rather odd, but perhaps she is just too busy during the day. Tobi didn't say any more, and
they finished their meal in silence. Dalia decided to save the apple for later and paid for breakfast
with five coppers, leaving a nice tip for the serving girl. Dalia used the inn's back exit to the
stables and was greeted by enthusiastic neighing and head bobbing from Teak. Dalia walked up to
his stall, rubbing her hands down his neck and whispering endearments to him.
Tobi chose to perch on the shelf just inside the stall that held the oats bucket and grooming tools.
Dalia gave Teak a quick brushing, then saddled him putting the apple in the same saddlebag with
the gold, put on the bridle, and attached Tobi's pommel platform. Dalia then lead Teak out of the
stables onto the cobblestone streets with Tobi padding along at her side. She put one foot into
the stirrup and swung herself into the saddle with practiced ease. Tobi vaulted onto the platform
and settled herself before they turned in the direction away from Merchant's Row to see what else
the city held.
Dalia expertly guided Teak through the crowds in the streets of Stormpoint. Each person off on a
different task, but most seemed headed in the direction opposite to which she now
traveled.
They all have the day's shopping to do, Tobi remarked as she keenly watched the passing
people.
I realize that, Dalia 'spoke back so as not to look out of place for conversing
with an animal, but what I didn't realize was how many people there are in this city. She also
watched the people with an amused smile on her face as she noted more than a few curious
stares directed at Tobi. Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck began to prickle and a
bone-chilling shiver shook her body. Tobi, Dalia 'spoke with urgency and a touch of fear, do
you sense anything out of the ordinary? I have the distinct feeling we're being watched.
Tobi appeared not to move except for the occasional tail flicker to ward of a pesky insect.
Dalia knew she was casting out her senses to determine if she could detect a presense of
something harmful or malicious. I don't sense anything, love. I think you're just a little on
edge after all that has happened in the past few days. We've only just arrived and suddenly we
are thrust between a demon and a possible demon, each wishing to possibly destroy the other.
Dalia sighed heavily, her earlier light spirits had evaporated like the morning dew. What
exactly are we going to do? The question held a pleading tone, as if Dalia hoped together she
and Tobi could come up with a solution to solve everyone's problems. Dalia absently noted
the taverns and inns thinning out in place of established homes. Out of the corner of her eye,
Dalia caught her first sight of Stormpoint's castle, but as she turned her full gaze to the regal
structure the sight of it caused her to look more closely. The unexpected grandeur filled Dalia
with a profound sense of awe. She nearly brought Teak to a halt as she took in the sight of the
immense structure.
Isn't it beautiful? Her comment was directed at Tobi, who was also looking toward the castle,
but for an entirely different reason.
You might be pleased to know, Tobi began, that from what I can sense the castle is full of
happy people. Everyone in the employment of Queen Samantha seems to respect and honor
her. Dalia nodded breaking away her observation of the towering building and urging Teak to
continue down the street. The crowds were thinning now, and Dalia was able to let Teak
proceed and a near trot. When the the spire of the cathedral graced her view in the distance,
Dalia was reminded of her ultimate mission and smiled a little.
That is the place, isn't it my love? Dalia asked Tobi.
Yes, that is it. I can feel the peace and serenity radiating from the very building itself, Tobi
seemed comforted by the thought that even in a town that housed such evil as that demon a
beacon still existed where the innocent could find refuge. The sun was also slightly past its
zenith, and along with the images of smoked fish floating through her mind that were denied
Tobi the previous day, prompted Dalia to stop for lunch. One or two taverns continued to line
the streets, since everyone liked to indulge in distilled spirits and comraderie. Dalia chose a
tavern that didn't look too upscale and dismounted when she spotted a likely candidate for a
meal. She walked Teak the remaining five or so feet and tied the reins to the horse head
shaped lawn jockey in front of the establishment. Tobi hopped down and followed along in
her usual silent feline manner.
Upon entering the tavern, Dalia felt the gazes of the patrons directed at her but even more so
at Tobi. Just as a typical cat would do, Tobi held her tail high and ignored every last one of
them. She picked up random thoughts like "what an enormous cat" and the occasionaly
disdainful "cat people" directed more at Dalia. They both settled down at the bar, and a
pleasant looking barkeep came toward them.
"What'll it be fer ye and the feline there," he said, tilting his head slightly to indicate Tobi
seated on the stool next to her.
"My companion here will have a small plate of smoked fish, and I would like . . ." Dalia
paused considering just exactly what it was she wanted.
Seeing her apparant distress, the friendly barkeep smiled. "I'll bring ye the special of the day,
warm fish chowder and fresh baked rolls."
Dalia smiled her appreciation, making a note of this place and a promise to herself to return
sometime. Without warning, Dalia was again seized by a teeth-chattering chill.
What is it, my beloved? Tobi radiated her love and concern in her mindspeech.
I don't know, Dalia sighed and hunched over in her seat. I guess I'm still very worried about
what we're going to do. Eowyn is expecting her answer tomorrow and I still don't know what
I'm going to tell her. Dalia smiled again out of habit at the barkeep as he brought the food,
followed quickly by a serving girl carrying a bowl, a mug, and a pitcher of water. She poured
them both a little water and smelled the chowder, allowing its warmth to penetrate and soothe
her.
Tobi licked her chops and began munching on her fish. Then let us consider our options, Tobi
said after a few mouthfuls of what she was certain to be perch. On one side we have
Giacomo, who is by all accounts the embodiment of evil. And with his winged lizard
prowling the city, you're probably right to feel apprehensive. He just might be following us
now, but too far behind to be detected.
Dalia lifted the spoon from the bowl of chowder and tasted the naturally salty broth. She also
dectected hints of other spices that must be imported to this port city. When she ladled herself
a spoonful while considering Tobi's first words, she was pleasantly surprised to find chunks of
potato and carrot in the chowder as well. Dalia could feel the warmth of the first sip travelling
all the way down to her stomach and shivered again but this time with delight. So what would
happen if whe gave our aid to Giacomo? Dalia sipped her water.
We would be on the side of evil without question.
I don't like the thought of that, Tobi.
The large feline also drank a bit of water and looked to her bond. Neither do I, beloved. So
that leaves the other side and Eowyn.
Dalia nodded a bit and took a few more bites of her stew. She chewed the bits of potato and
carrot then took a drink while finding the words she wanted to use to express herself to the
most important bond she shared. It seems that Eowyn is, she paused making certain of the
words she wanted to use, the lesser of the evils. We don't know any more about her than any
other stranger here, but you have said yourself my beloved that she can be trusted. Even if
she turns out to be a demon, at least now she is on the side of good.
Tobi's mental touch reflected the pride she felt in her bond for reaching the conclusion she felt
deep down was the only choice. They happily finished their meal with occasional visits from
the barkeep to refill the water pitcher and inquire if everything was to their liking. Dalia
decided to leave a silver for the meal as a show of her appreciation to the barkeep for his
friendly demeanor. Walking back outside, Dalia felt more satisfied than she had in the days
since entering the city. Tobi reflected a similar state of being as she mounted her platform and
settled while Dalia freed the reins. After settling into her well-worn saddle, Dalia and Tobi
continued on their way to the cathedral to carry out their plans.
Dalia had been enjoying their scenic tour of Stormpoint and the roundabout way of finding the
church, but before long, clouds began gathering on the horizon. Seems like we'll be getting
one of those storms by which this city seems so frequented, Dalia 'spoke to Tobi. Indeed, for
before the sun was even three quarters of the way to setting clouds had completely darkened
the sky. I'm glad I knew the sun's position before these clouds moved in, Dalia remarked,
because if we had just been emerging from the tavern we wouldn't know which end was up.
Tobi gave a cheshire smile and playfully swatted at a blue and black butterfly fluttering near
Teak's ears. As it is, love, I think we'd better hurry. I for one do not wish to be caught in
the rain on the long ride back to Merchant's Row. Dalia scratched Tobi between the ears.
Aw, poor ghatta doesn't want to get wet, she 'spoke with a teasing tone. Tobi responded by
wrapping her forelegs around Dalia's arm and pumping her hind legs into the crook of Dalia's
elbow as though trying to disembowel a kill. Teak continued plodding along as though he was
used to, and perhaps even expected, such behavior from his riders. Dalia used her now
captured arm to tussle Tobi a bit more before they both stopped by unspoken agreement. In
the dull grayness of the late afternoon, Dalia barely took notice of her surroundings or the
growing darkness until first one, then several rain drops pelted her head.
Oh no, Dalia thought before a bolt of lightning and a loud clap of thunder pierced the quiet of
the nearly empty streets. Teak reared, and only Dalia's immediate reaction of grabbing the
reins and leaning forward on her easily spooked horse prevented her from taking a second
tumble. Tobi's eyes were wide with fear and each piece of fur stood out from her body.
Once Teak settled down, Dalia reached to stroke Tobi comfortingly only to be shocked by the
tingly static electricty coursing through her fur.
I think we should turn back, came Tobi's frightened mental squeak.
Alright, love, Dalia reassured her, we'll go back to the inn where we had lunch. It's not too
far back, and we should make it before the heavy rain starts.
As she 'spoke to Tobi, she was already turning Teak in the direction from which they had
come back toward the relative safety of the inn. A steady sprinkle had already started, and by
the time the trio made it back to the stables attached to the inn the rain was pouring down in
sheets with thunder and lightning every few seconds. Teak was a little unsteady, but otherwise
no worse for wear. Poor Tobi was visibly shaken and gave the appearance of a stray cat, with
random patches of fur matted to her body and the wild look in her eyes, and was more than
ready for the warmth of a fire. Dalia made sure to towel Teak down and whisper some
calming words to him before leaving him in the capable hands of the stable boy. Upon
walking back into the inn, the friendly barkeep spotted Dalia and Tobi first, while Dalia was
busy looking around at the handful of other patrons enjoying a mid-afternoon snack.
"Welcome back," he said smilingly from behind the bar. "I always have room for a beautiful
lady and a beautiful beast to take shelter from a storm."
Dalia smiled gratefully as Tobi padded her way to the fireplace to warm up and dry off.
"Many thanks, dear barkeep," Dalia said as she pushed a few strands of wet hair out of her
eyes, "but it has occured to me that I did not make proper introductions when I was here
earlier." Dalia walked up to the bar as she wiped her moist hand on the leg of her pantaloons.
"I am Dalia Sorentine, and that," she inclined her head toward the fireplace as she held out her
hand, "is Tobi. You must forgive her sour mood, but she does hate to get wet."
"Tis quite alright," the barkeep said while vigorously shaking Dalia's offered hand, "she is
welcome." The barkeep smiled again. "I am Duncan Foster, owner of Foster's Pub and Inn."
He beamed with the pride he felt at his accomplishment. "So what can I get ye two fine ladies
on this blustery eve?"
I would love some warm milk, my dear. Tobi 'spoke to Dalia with a slightly more contented
voice. Ok, Dalia thought, at least one of us knows what we want. Then suddenly it hit her,
"I'll have what you served for lunch today if it's still available, and the ghatta over there will
have a bowl of warm milk." Duncan beamed and hurried back to the kitchen to prepare their
meal. He and a barmaid brought out two steaming platters and set down a bowl of chowder, a
roll of bread with a knife and butter, Tobi's milk, and a flaggon of ale instead of water.
"It'll warm you better than water, my dear," Duncan said with a wink before wandering back
to the kitchen. Tobi and Dalia ate and companionably shared conversation with the other
patrons of the pub. They were apparantly used to animals willingly accompanying people, so
Tobi's presence was not a bother. Dalia kept Tobi's special abilities to herself, not
lying exactly, but not mentioning either. When the meal was over and the storm showed no
signs of letting up, Dalia began to worry.
Tobi, I don't think we're going to make it to the church before this storm lets up. She paced
somewhat nervously in front of the fire. Try not to worry, love. Tobi made an effort to
radiate calm and clarity to her bond, but she was rather worried herself. They only had
tomorrow left to find Eowyn and give her an answer about Giacomo. Tobi knew Dalia had
already reached a tenuous decision, but perhaps all that could be undone by worrying herself
too much. In her pacing, Dalia failed to notice Duncan approaching. When his hand found
her shoulder, a small cry of shock escaped her lips and she whirled to face him.
"Duncan!" she cried with relief. "You scared me half to death," she said while putting a hand
over her rapidly beating heart in an effort to steady it.
"Sorry dear, that wasn't my intend," Duncan said with concern. "I was just coming over hear
to offer you shelter here to wait out the storm. I don't believe it has any intentions of moving
off until morning."
Dalia smiled and gave the delightful barkeep a squeeze on his shoulders. "I would love that,
Duncan. I also have a horse I left in the stables for the night. I can compensate you for the
price . . ." Duncan held up his hand to stop her.
"I insist you stay at no charge," he smiled at them both. "I have a fondness for cats and you
seem like such a sweet girl. I'll give you my best available room." Dalia thanked him
profusely for his kindness and gratefully accepted a place to wait out the storm.
Duncan disappeared into the kitchen again and this time reappeared with a key. "Here you
are, dear. It's the third room on the left up the back stairs."
"Thank you, Duncan, for your kindness. Will you stay and share a nightcap with me?" Dalia
asked with a brilliant smile gracing her lips. Duncan returned the smile, his green eyes
crinkling at the corners. He disappeared into the kitchen without a word while Dalia made
herself comfortable at one of the tables near the still warm fireplace emitting a warm
orange glow from the dying embers. Moments later, Duncan approached the table carrying
two plain yet elegant goblets and an opaque green bottle. Immediately upon uncorking the
bottle, Dalia could smell the heady aroma of dark red wine and she watched with anticipation
as Duncan poured the precious liquid carefully into each goblet.
As Duncan eased himself into a chair, Dalia savoured the various scents of the wine before
sampling its flavor. She found it to be an intricate and complex red wine, the likes of which
she had never had before, and the taste was so intriging she soon found herself well into her
second goblet. Dalia talked with Ducan well into the night about a myriad of subjects, but
even with her slight intoxication she was careful not to reveal too much to a stranger, thanks in
large part to the watchful Tobi. With a final parting, Dalia excused herself to bed followed
closely by Tobi. Duncan watched them ascend the stairs and listened for their footfalls and the
creak of the door to let him know they were in the room he had provided. Then Duncan
collapsed into his chair and wept.
"I did as you requested, demon," Duncan said into the empty air, "now honor your part of the
bargain." He felt a bone-chilling gust of wind swirl about him and before him on the table
appeared a large sack of gold with a note attached. You did well, my little innkeeper, the note
read, so here is the payment i promised you. The note was signed Giacomo. After reading
the note, Duncan couldn't bear to open the bag of gold. He went to his room and wept into
his pillow for the rest of the night.
The next morning, Dalia had a bit of a hangover but was otherwise her usual self. When she
desended the staircase, everything appeared to be a normal morning except Duncan was
nowhere to be seen. When Dalia inquired as to Duncan's whereabouts to one of the barmaids,
she only received a dismissive shrug.
What do you make of it all, Tobi? Dalia asked with a touch of concern in her mindvoice.
I'm not sure, Tobi began hesitantly, but nobody seems to know or care where Duncan is.
Maybe it would be wise to skip breakfast here and just continue on our way to the church.
Dalia nodded slightly in agreement and headed for the adjoining stables. Teak neighed and
bobbed his head in welcome, and Dalia spent a few minutes combing out some matted areas of
hair while Teak enjoyed a morning bucket of oats. Tobi waited patiently, grooming herself
carefully while Teak was saddled and final preparations were made for their departure. Dalia
mounted, waited for Tobi to take her place on the platform, and headed out into a beautiful
sunny day. Dalia and Tobi were each lost in personal reflection, not even noticing the
surrounding landscape changing from houses and inns to the more spread out arrangement of
the older buildings in Stormpoint. Dalia was pulled from her reverie when Teak came to a
sudden halt in front of a fountain. When Dalia looked to see what had stopped her mount in
his tracks, she drew in her breath sharply and stared with awe.
Before the trio stood the most impressive building either Dalia or Tobi had ever seen. The full
beauty of the many stained glass windows could not be appreciated from the outside of the
cathedral , but they were impressive nonetheless. The gothic-style architecture, with narrow
bullet-shaped windows and rows of flying buttresses, though Dalia had no idea how to describe
the foreign styles, lent an ominous feeling to an otherwise peace-filled building. Dalia's eyes
then fell on the adjoining cemetery. Filled with rows of ornate and plain headstones alike,
Dalia gained a small sense of the history behind the storm-tossed city. She dismounted and
lead Teak, with Tobi still on her platform, to the iron fence surrounding the cemetery and
loosely tied the reins to one of the bars. With a glance from Dalia, Tobi dropped from the
platform and landed gracefully on the cobblestone at Teak's hooves. She padded along beside
Dalia up the long stairway ending at the large set of double doors marking the entrance to the
grand structure.
Upon pushing open one of the heavy wooden doors, Dalia shivered. Did you feel that? she
asked Tobi.
I sense a strong presence surrounding this structure, Tobi said solemnly, a guardian of some
sort. She headed off down the hallway. Follow me, the man we need to see is this way.
Dalia did as she was told and followed Tobi into a room lined with highly polished benches in
several rows facing an altar of some kind. At the altar a man was on his knees whispering in a
language Dalia had never heard before. His hands were palm to palm at his chest and his head
was bent over them. Should we disturb him? Dalia started to ask, but Tobi was already on
her way up to the altar. She stopped at the man's side, sat at his feet, and said as politely as
she could, "Meow."
The priest had no idea how long he had been there. He was aware that the night was
gone.....that he had passed through several periods of thirst and hunger, that he had nodded
off once or twice in his prayers. But as he turned yet another page of the Psalmbook, he felt
no stronger in faith, no more refreshed of spirit, no more ready to face whatever was to come
when Eowyn's plans finally unfolded.
But with training born of old habit, he began to recite the Benedictus, the traditional canticle
for the morning prayer office.
"Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebi suae et erexit
cornu salutis nobis in domo David pueri sui, sicut locutus est per sanctorum, qui a saeculo
sunt, prophetarum eius, salutem ex inimicis nostris et de manu omnium, qui oderunt nos; ad
faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris et memorari testamenti sui sancti......"*
Of course, he hadn't heard either the woman or the cat as they entered the cathedral. Nor had
he heard the cat as she softly padded down the aisle to join him at the altar rail. But when she
let out her "meow," then the priest was brought back to his surroundings.
He jumped about a foot, falling onto his back, dropping the Psalmbook. And as his heartbeat
returned to normal, he simply stared at the large cat, his eyes wide. Sure, the animal looked
real enough....but then so had the boy. He made a hasty sign of the cross at the beast, but
could discern no reaction.
She didn't move at all as the priest continued to move away from her and slowly got to his
feet. He moved down along the choir stalls toward the nave....all the while keeping his eyes
glued on the cat, even as the cat seemed to watch him. As he backed down the main aisle
toward the doors, he bumped into something, and jumped again, this time with a small yelp.
When he turned, he found himself facing a woman, and immediately tried to regain his
composure while glancing over his shoulder to assure himself that the cat was no threat. Then
he addressed his visitor.....
"Good heavens! I'm terribly sorry......uh....." he gestured towards the altar "there appears to
be a rather large cat in here and I was......ahhh....." he brushed himself off "well, this is no
excuse for bad manners......" he bowed "I am Father Nicolaus Selnecker, priest of this
cathedral, how may I help you?"
And even as he smiled at the woman, he glanced over his shoulder again to make sure the cat
had not moved......
Tobi watched with interest as the priest reacted to her unusual nature. He made a gesture she
couldn't identify. Do you know what that was? she mentally called to Dalia.
No idea at all, Dalia answered back. She had also been watching the priest and couldn't
fathom the meaning of his gesture. Tobi kept her gaze fixed on the retreating priest, but
before Dalia could step out of the way, the priest backed into her and cried out. Dalia, too,
called out in surprise and slight pain as the priest's heel connected with her toe.
"Good heavens! I'm terribly sorry......uh....." he gestured towards the altar "there appears to
be a rather large cat in here and I was......ahhh....." he brushed himself off "well, this is no
excuse for bad manners......" he bowed "I am Father Nicolaus Selnecker, priest of this
cathedral, how may I help you?"
Dalia couldn't help smiling at the typical reaction Tobi seemed to get from people not used to
wild animals choosing humans as companions. Indeed, Tobi remarked mentally, he seems to
have led a somewhat sheltered life until his arrival in this city. Dalia bowed to Father
Selnecker in return. "I am Dalia Sorentine, and that," she gestured to the large feline now
approaching them from the altar, "is Tobi. She accompanies me of her own free will and
poses no threat to anyone." She glanced down to Tobi for reassurance before continuing. "As
to how you can help me . . ." Dalia trailed off in an effort to explain her reasons for coming
to a place so foreign to her. She looked at the large rows of what appeared to be benches, and
her eyes lit up. "Perhaps it would be best if we sat and talked instead of standing
here in the doorway."
Father Selnecker took her hint and seated himself in one of the benches. Dalia sat a bench
behind him and diagonally to his left. Tobi took up her usual residence in Dalia's lap. After
stroking Tobi's head a few times, Dalia was ready to begin. "I was first brought here by a
suggestion. I have some . . ." she hesitated, trying to determine the best word, "extra gold,
and a woman named Eowyn suggested that the church would use it for good purposes." Dalia
noticed Father Selnecker's eyes widen slightly at the mention of Eowyn. He knows her, Tobi
said cryptically and fell silent again. "What brought me to Eowyn is what keeps me here now.
I don't know how, but I feel as though you are someone I can come to for advice."
Dalia sighed and looked down at Tobi before continuing. "I do not know what you believe
about demons, but I have encountered one. A demon who is very powerful and wishes me to
help him somehow." Dalia felt immense shame flood over her before she uttered her next
words. "I have already helped him once out of fear for what he might do to me, and he is the
one who gave me the gold I intended for you and this church." A few tears fell as she lowered
her gaze to her feet, and what she said next was nearly a whisper. "Father, can you help me?"
The priest had nodded to the woman as she introduced herself, wondering whatever could have
brought her, and the rather large cat that accompanied her, to the cathedral. He didn't have to
wait long.....
He noted that she seemed less than entirely familiar with the surroundings of the cathedral, so
was glad to help her be more at ease when she suggested that they sit...although he kept a
wary eye on the cat until she rested her head on the woman's lap, and appeared to rest. So, the
priest gave his full attention to the woman's words, which ended up worrying him far more
than the cat's original appearance.
Dalia began.... "I was first brought here by a suggestion. I have some . . .extra gold, and a
woman named Eowyn suggested that the church would use it for good purposes. What brought
me to Eowyn is what keeps me here now. I don't know how, but I feel as though you are
someone I can come to for advice........I do not know what you believe about demons, but I
have encountered one. A demon who is very powerful and wishes me to help him somehow."
As she paused for a moment, the priest saw the feeling of shame wash over her face, and she
continued, "I have already helped him once out of fear for what he might do to me, and he is
the one who gave me the gold I intended for you and this church." A few tears fell as she
lowered her gaze to her feet, and what she said next was nearly a whisper. "Father, can you
help me?"
The priest was silent for a time, frowned, and his mind traced over his meeting with the
mysterious elven woman, Eowyn, from the night before......"Was it only such a short time
ago?" he asked himself....."it seems as if it were ages....." But he knew he needed to address
this woman's concerns. He sighed, determined to begin with getting clarity about her situation.
When he spoke, his voice was gentle, betraying little of his exhaustion or sadness,....he
struggled to give a half smile, "Well, my daughter, that depends very much on the kind of
help you seek, and the kind of trouble you seek to escape, yes?" He settled himself into the
pew, and continued...."I am committed by vocation to help all whom I can, within the limits
of what my faith allows.....so why don't we find out what you've gotten yourself into, eh?"
He turned to look at her directly, watching to see how she was taking this....."First, I know
something of demons, and I know there is one who plagues this city...but I am at a loss to
understand his nature completely.....he uses the name Giacomo, and does not appear to be a
friend of the good, the noble, or the true......" the priest sighed heavily, "Second, I have met
this Eowyn, only yester-night...but there is much about her that I fail to understand as
well.....and she does not quite understand the Church's ways either.....as we cannot possible
accept the gold you received at a demon's hands....." and now his weariness hung heavy on
his words..."as for your having helped this demon.....well, the God I serve shows mercy to all
who repent.......but I hardly need to tell you that fear seldom motivates us to serve what is
true and right......"
He paused.
"But enough of my blather....what advice do you seek?"
When he spoke, his voice was gentle, betraying little of his exhaustion or sadness,....he
struggled to give a half smile, "Well, my daughter, that depends very much on the kind of
help you seek, and the kind of trouble you seek to escape, yes?" He settled himself into the
pew, and continued...."I am committed by vocation to help all whom I can, within the limits
of what my faith allows.....so why don't we find out what you've gotten yourself into, eh?"
With those words, Dalia could feel the priest looking at her. She met his gaze with tear-filled
eyes for a brief moment, then returned her gaze to Tobi resting in her lap.
"First, I know something of demons, and I know there is one who plagues this city...but I am
at a loss to understand his nature completely.....he uses the name Giacomo, and does not
appear to be a friend of the good, the noble, or the true......" the priest sighed heavily,
"Second, I have met this Eowyn, only yester-night...but there is much about her that I fail to
understand as well.....and she does not quite understand the Church's ways either.....as we
cannot possibly accept the gold you received at a demon's hands....." and now his weariness
hung heavy on his words..."as for your having helped this demon.....well, the God I serve
shows mercy to all who repent.......but I hardly need to tell you that fear seldom motivates us
to serve what is true and right......"
He paused.
"But enough of my blather....what advice do you seek?"
Dalia sighed deeply. "Father Selnecker," she began, "I am grateful for your kind words, but
at the same time sorry you are unable to accept my offer." She used the back of her hand to
wipe away a tear threatening to spill down her cheek. "I seek advice about good and evil."
She chuckled wryly. "I suppose I couldn't have made this any harder for you, could I?"
She absently stroked Tobi's fur and heard Tobi's reasurring words. Just be strong, love. I
know you want to run and hide, but we must both be brave.
Dalia nodded and gazed back at the priest. "Let me explain my situation to you, Father. You
see, Eowyn approached me about helping her combat this demon." Her eyes seemed to stare
off in the distance as the memories of her encounter with the demon came back in a flash.
Tobi helped guide her memories to keep her from remembering falsehoods. "Giacomo, as he
calls himself, confronted me on my way to visit Eoywn at her invitation. He told me things he
believes about her . . . terrible things . . . and now I'm not sure what to believe."
Tobi moved to curl up in Dalia's arms more like a small child than a large cat, and Dalia held
her dearly for comfort. "Eowyn asked me to help her defeat the demon, but with what he has
told me . . ." she paused, searching for the right words to express her feelings. "Since you
have met Eowyn, and you have experience with demons yourself, can you advise me about
who to believe, Father?"
The priest, sitting in the pew nodded silently.....listening with patience to Dalia's words as the
woman struggled to bring clarity to her confusion.
Dalia began to answer him.... "I am sorry you are unable to accept my offer.....I seek advice
about good and evil......Eowyn approached me about helping her combat this
demon.....Giacomo ....told me things he believes about her........can you advise me about
who to believe, Father?"
The priest was frowning by the time she had finished. He sighed heavily as she looked to him
for answers he couldn't give.....and reflected on how many times he had faced this
situation...for so many years, in so many different parishes...yet it always came to this: he
would be sitting across from the sad, the lonely, the despairing....and unable to offer them
anything but the Faith in response to questions that very much wanted different answers.
He looked up at the woman, managed a weak smile, and composed his response.....
"First, daughter, you ask of good and evil. We can discuss this at length some other
time.....for I know that here, as well in the place from where I came, the wise and the proud
endlessly discuss this very thing. However, the Church teaches only this: that which conforms
to the Word of God is good, and all that is contrary to God's Word is evil. You also speak of
battling the demon. Here I must caution you, for if that is Giacomo's true nature, and you
engage him without true faith, you bring your very soul into peril. I have told this to the
woman Eowyn as well. Magic.....powers....whatever name they are called here.....even an
army of ten million, cannot stop a demon's work without faith and God's Word. If, on the
other hand, he is only some strange creature with powers that are fantastical, but in the end,
natural, then you must be guided by what wisdom this world offers, and you will have my
prayers.
Third, from the little I have heard of Giacomo's activities these past months, I cannot help but
to conclude that he is evil, whatever else his nature may be. He harms the innocent, he kills
without license, he deceives, he seeks to hide his works. These things are not done by those
who seek the good, regardless of what faith they may or may not possess. On the other hand,
Eowyn, what little I know of her, has done no harm, and does her works for all to see. While
she does not confess the faith of the Church, she does appear to be an ally to the good.....and
while her motives for battling Giacomo may be mixed, I cannot but conclude that opposing
him is good, since his works are evil. Fourth, whether he is demon or not, I would not place
too much confidence in his words. If he is only a natural creature, the little I know suggests
that he less than honest. If he is a demon, well - they are allied with the one who is the very
father of lies."
He paused.....scanning her face to see if his words made the least impression on her. She
seemed to betray neither incomprehension nor understanding in her features. He frowned at
himself. Sighed again.....and then concluded....
"Who should you believe? I cannot say with certainty, as I cannot see the heart. The facts
available to me suggest that Eowyn is more worthy of trust......but that is not the certainty you
were seeking, and I am sorry that I cannot say more than this, daughter. Who should you
believe? Perhaps neither....but there is One Who is Truth Himself, and He promises to guide
those who abide in His Word into all truth.....beyond this, I know nothing."
And with, that, he was finished. He wasn't satisfied with himself, nor with the situation.
Whoever or whatever this Giacomo was, the priest credited him with this: he did know how to
keep things in a muddle. And if for no other reason, the priest was more convinced that there
was a true hellishness to Giacomo's power......."after all" he thought to himself, "is not God a
master of order over chaos?......."
The priest was frowning by the time she had finished. He sighed heavily as she looked to him
for answers he couldn't give.....and reflected on how many times he had faced this
situation...for so many years, in so many different parishes...yet it always came to this: he
would be sitting across from the sad, the lonely, the despairing....and unable to offer them
anything but the Faith in response to questions that very much wanted different answers.
He looked up at the woman, managed a weak smile, and composed his response.....
"First, daughter, you ask of good and evil. We can discuss this at length some other
time.....for I know that here, as well in the place from where I came, the wise and the proud
endlessly discuss this very thing. However, the Church teaches only this: that which conforms
to the Word of God is good, and all that is contrary to God's Word is evil."
Dalia nodded in response to this, though she didn't quite understand what the priest meant by
"God".
"You also speak of battling the demon. Here I must caution you, for if that is Giacomo's true
nature, and you engage him without true faith, you bring your very soul into peril. I have told
this to the woman Eowyn as well. Magic.....powers....whatever name they are called
here.....even an army of ten million, cannot stop a demon's work without faith and God's
Word. If, on the other hand, he is only some strange creature with powers that are fantastical,
but in the end, natural, then you must be guided by what wisdom this world offers, and you
will have my prayers."
This is something I can understand, Dalia thought to herself. Though the priest knew nothing
of Tobi's natural ability, if he did he would most likely interpret them as similar to these
"fantasitcal powers" he attributed to Giacomo, but Tobi's were not used for evil purposes.
"Third, from the little I have heard of Giacomo's activities these past months, I cannot help
but to conclude that he is evil, whatever else his nature may be. He harms the innocent, he
kills without license, he deceives, he seeks to hide his works. These things are not done by
those who seek the good, regardless of what faith they may or may not possess. On the other
hand, Eowyn, what little I know of her, has done no harm, and does her works for all
to see. While she does not confess the faith of the Church, she does appear to be an ally to the
good.....and while her motives for battling Giacomo may be mixed, I cannot but conclude that
opposing him is good, since his works are evil."
That was the conclusion you had arrived at just a day ago, love, Tobi remarked in her mind.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Dalia's mouth. I was just thinking the same thing, my
dear. Isn't it amazing how we seem to think so alike? Dalia went back to listening to Father
Selnecker's advice.
"Fourth, whether he is demon or not, I would not place too much confidence in his words. If
he is only a natural creature, the little I know suggests that he less than honest. If he is a
demon, well - they are allied with the one who is the very father of lies."
He paused.....scanning her face to see if his words made the least impression on her. She
seemed to betray neither incomprehension nor understanding in her features. He frowned at
himself. Sighed again.....and then concluded....
"Who should you believe? I cannot say with certainty, as I cannot see the heart. The facts
available to me suggest that Eowyn is more worthy of trust......but that is not the certainty you
were seeking, and I am sorry that I cannot say more than this, daughter. Who should you
believe? Perhaps neither....but there is One Who is Truth Himself, and He promises to guide
those who abide in His Word into all truth.....beyond this, I know nothing."
"Thank you for your kind words, Father. Can you give us a moment alone please?" Dalia
noticed a slightly puzzled expression at her use of the word "us" as the priest nodded, rose,
and walked quietly to the altar, but she decided against an explanation for the time being.
What do you think, Tobi?
I think he's being as honest with us as he possibly can be, given that he knows as much about
Eowyn as we do. This God of his seems to be a great driving force behind those who believe
in His power. He mentioned something about guiding those who abide in His Word. Tobi
paused to consider her thoughts on the subject of guidance and answers received from a being
or beings unseen. Recalling the tales of Elders from her ghattenhood, she reached her
decision. I think it would be a good idea to consult this God and see what kind of answers, if
any, we might receive.
Dalia nodded, and Tobi hopped off her lap onto the pew to allow Dalia to rise
and walk to the altar where the preist seemed to be making preparations for some sort of
ceremony. When she spoke, her voice sounded timid and far away. "Father Selnecker, could
you show me how to communicate with this being you call God?"
The priest was at the high altar making his preparations for the midweek Mass. Attendance had
been rather low the past weeks, and he sighed as he removed the ciborium from the tabernacle
and counted out ten hosts...thinking that would be more than enough to serve anyone who
cared to receive the Sacrament. He mused to himself that it was always like this......a crisis
would come upon a town, and the people would seek after God in fervent prayer. But no
sooner than things settled down, and the people would drift back to their old habits, and the
habit of neglecting grace.
As he was caught up in his thoughts and tasks, he didn't even hear the woman as she walked
up behind him......in fact he had quite forgotten that she was still there. And, of course, he
never expected her to simply walk up into the sanctuary proper.....so when she spoke, he
started a bit. Her voice sounded timid and far away. "Father Selnecker, could you show me
how to communicate with this being you call God?"
He turned to the woman, smiling at his own absent-mindedness. "Eh? What's that? Oh......"
He chuckled lightly with good nature. "How to communicate with God? Hmmmm......" He
looked at her thoughtfully, then sighed. "A very good question, and one which many others
before you have asked. Of course, not too many like the answer........here, let's go sit again,
yes?"
He escorted her back into the nave, and motioned for her to sit in a pew as he took the large
Bible off the lectern and brought it over to her.
"Many people think that communicating with our God and Father ought to be something like
the conversation you and I are having now......you say something, and you hear Him say
something back, and so forth. But His ways are not our ways, and He has ordained that we
begin communicating with Him not by speaking, but by listening......"
He opened the Bible......but didn't appear to be looking for anything in particular. ".....some
have heard Him speak directly now and again.....and some still do......but for most of us, my
daughter.....for most of us there is only the hearing of His Word as it is set down in this
book......." He closed the Bible.......and looked into her eyes......"You say you seek the
truth......it is here......and if it is what you need, you are welcome to it......you may come to
read in this book any time you wish......and in it you will hear His voice.......but as to
whether He will answer any specific questions you have regarding the woman Eowyn or the
creature Giacomo......that is up to Him....sometimes He answers us with silence that we may
realize we have asked the wrong questions......"
And with that, he was silent....hoping that he had explained the nature of his God's
communication well enough for her to grasp.......
As he was caught up in his thoughts and tasks, he didn't even hear the woman as she walked
up behind him......in fact he had quite forgotten that she was still there. And, of course, he
never expected her to simply walk up into the sanctuary proper.....so when she spoke, he
started a bit. Her voice sounded timid and far away. "Father Selnecker, could you show
me how to communicate with this being you
call God?"
He turned to the woman, smiling at his own absent-mindedness. "Eh? What's that? Oh......"
He chuckled lightly with good nature. "How to communicate with God? Hmmmm......" He
looked at her thoughtfully, then sighed. "A very good question, and one which many others
before you have asked. Of course, not too many like the answer........here, let's go sit again,
yes?"
He escorted her back into the nave, and motioned for her to sit in a pew as he took the large
Bible off the lectern and brought it over to her.
Dalia sat, looking sheepish at having startled the priest, and instinctively reached for Tobi as
she hopped onto the pew beside her. She saw the large book he brought to her, and assumed
from its prominence in the chapel that it carried a great deal of significance. She immediately
turned her focus back to him, and felt Tobi do the same, as Father Selnecker began to speak.
"Many people think that communicating with our God and Father ought to be something like
the conversation you and I are having now......you say something, and you hear Him say
something back, and so forth. But His ways are not our ways, and He has ordained that we
begin communicating with Him not by speaking, but by listening......"
Dalia watched him thumb casually through the pages of the massive and ancient tome in his
lap. He must know this book nearly by heart, she thought to herself. He handles it casually
yet reverently . . . interesting.
".....some have heard Him speak directly now and again.....and some still do......but for most
of us, my daughter.....for most of us there is only the hearing of His Word as it is set down in
this book......." He closed the Bible.......and looked into her eyes......"You say you seek the
truth......it is here......and if it is what you need, you are welcome to it......you may come to
read in this book any time you wish......and in it you will hear His voice.......but as to
whether He will answer any specific questions you have regarding the woman Eowyn or the
creature Giacomo......that is up to Him....sometimes He answers us with silence that we may
realize we have asked the wrong questions......"
Sounds like the same sort of cryptic answers the elders would give. Tobi's less than approving
tone echoed through her mind.
But Tobi, Dalia tried to formulate her swimming thoughts into some form of cohesion, maybe
that's what we are meant to hear. Eowyn wasn't any more specific or reavealing when we
visited her. Our task now is to try to make sense of it all.
"Father Selencker, we are grateful for all of your patient help and advice. I think the best
thing for me to do now is to reflect on this day and look at it again with fresh eyes tomorrow.
It will be half a day's ride back to the Inn I am staying at, so that will also give me plenty of
time to . . .," she wanted to say "Talk to Tobi and sort things out", but she knew Father
Selnecker wouldn't understand. Only those with a bond like hers to Tobi would understand.
So instead she said, " . . . to sort things through." She rose from the stiff oak pew and Tobi
started padding her way down the aisle to the door. "I hope to see you again under better
circumstances, Father. Good day."
Continue to Part 4