Dragons of a Vanished Moon Part 12

"Why have you come all this way and risked so much to see me, Odila?" Mina asked gently.

Odila sank to her knees, clasped her hands.

"I want to serve the One G.o.d," she said.

Mina bent down, kissed Odila on the forehead.

"The One G.o.d is pleased with you."

Mina removed the medallion she wore on her breast, fastened the medallion around Odila's neck.

"You are my cleric, Odila," said Mina. "Rise and know the blessings of the One G.o.d."

Odila rose, her eyes s.h.i.+ning with exaltation. Walking to the altar, she joined the other wors.h.i.+pers, knelt in prayer to the One G.o.d. Gerard, a bitter taste in his mouth, walked out.

"Now what in the Abyss do I do?" he wondered.

13.

The Convert.

Absorbed into the main body of the Dark Knights of Neraka, Gerard was a.s.signed to patrol duty. Every day, he and his small band of soldiers marched through their a.s.signed portion of Solanthus, keeping the populace in check. His task was not difficult. The Dark Knights under Mina's command had acted swiftly to round up any members of the community who might have given them trouble. Gerard had seen most of them inside the prison.

As for the rest, the people of Solanthus appeared to be in a state of shock, stunned by the recent, disastrous turn of events. One day they were living in the only free city in Solamnia, and the next day their city was occupied by their most hated enemy. Too much had happened too quickly for them to comprehend. Given time, they might organize and become dangerous.

Or they might not.

Always a devout people, the Solamnics had grieved over the absence of their G.o.ds. Feeling an absence and a lacking in their lives, they were interested in hearing about this One G.o.d, even if they didn't plan on believing what they heard. The adage goes that while elves strive to be worthy of their G.o.ds, humans require that their G.o.ds be worthy of them. The citizens of Solanthus were naturally skeptical.

Every day, the sick and the wounded came or were carried to the former temple of Paladine, now the temple of the One G.o.d. The lines for miracles were long and the lines waiting to view the miracle maker were longer still. The elves of far-off Silvanesti, so Mina had told them, had bowed down to the One G.o.d and proclaimed their devotion. By contrast, the humans of Solanthus started fistfights, as those who believed in the miracles took umbrage with those who claimed they were tricks. After two days of patrol duty, Gerard was ordered to cease walking the streets (where nothing happened) and to start breaking up fights in the temple.

Gerard didn't know if he was glad for this change in a.s.signment or not. He'd spent the last two days trying to decide if he should confront Odila and try to talk some sense into her or if he should continue to avoid her. He didn't think she'd give him away, but he wasn't certain. He couldn't understand her sudden religious fervor and therefore no longer trusted her.

Gerard had never really been given the choice of wors.h.i.+ping the G.o.ds, so he hadn't wasted much thought on the matter. The presence or absence of the G.o.ds had never made much difference to his parents. The only change that had occurred in their lives when the G.o.ds left was that one day they said prayers at the table and the next day they didn't. Now Gerard was being forced to think about it, and in his heart he could sympathize with those who started the fights. He wanted to punch someone, too.

Gerard sent off his report to Richard, who was waiting for it at the roadhouse. He gave the Knights' Council all the information he'd gleaned, confirming that Mina planned to march to Sanction.

Counting the reinforcements expected to arrive from Palan-thas, Mina had over five thousand soldiers and Knights under her command. A small force, yet with this force she planned to take the walled city that had held out against double that Dumber of troops for over a year. Gerard might have laughed at the notion, except that she'd taken Solanthus-a city considered impregnable-with far fewer troops than that. She'd .taken Solanthus using dragons and the army of souls, and she spoke of using dragons and the army of souls to take Sanction. Recalling the terror of that night he'd fought the dead, Gerard was convinced that nothing could withstand them. He said as much to the Knights' Council, although they hadn't asked for his opinion.

His a.s.signment now completed, he could have left Solanthus, returned to the bosom of the Solamnic Knighthood. He stayed on, however, at risk of his life, he supposed, for Gaidar considered him a spy. If that was true, no one paid much attention to him. No one watched him. He was not restricted in his movements. He could go anywhere, talk to anyone. He was not admitted to Mina's inner circle, but he didn't lose by that, for apparently Mina had no secrets. She freely told everyone who asked what she and the One G.o.d meant to do. Gerard was forced to concede that such supreme confidence was impressive.

He stayed in Solanthus, telling himself that he would remain to see if Mina and her troops actually marched out, headed east. In truth, he was staying because of Odila, and the day he took up his duties at the temple was the day he finally admitted as much to himself.

Gerard stationed himself at the foot of the temple steps, where he could keep a watchful eye on the crowd, who had gathered to hear Mina speak. He posted his men at intervals around the courtyard, trusting that the sight of armed soldiers would intimidate most of the troublemakers. He wore his helmet, for there were those in Solanthus who might recognize him.

Mina's own Knights, under the command of the minotaur, surrounded her, kept watch over her, guarding her not so much from those who would do her harm, but from those who would have adored her to death. Her speech concluded, Mina walked among the crowd, lifting up children in her arms, curing the sick, telling them all of the One G.o.d. The skeptical watched and jeered, the faithful wept and tried to fling themselves at Mina's feet. Gerard's men broke up a few fights, hauled the combatants off to the already crowded prisons.

When Mina's steps began to falter, the minotaur stepped in and called a halt. The people still waiting for their share of the miracles groaned and wailed, but he told them to come back tomorrow.

"Wait a moment, Gaidar," said Mina, her voice carrying clearly over the tumult. "I "I have good news to tell the people of Solanthus." have good news to tell the people of Solanthus."

"Silence!" Gaidar shouted, but the effort was needless. The crowd immediately hushed, leaned forward eagerly to hear her words.

"People of Solanthus," Mina cried. "I have just received word that the dragon overlord, Kh.e.l.lendros, also known as Skie, is dead. Only a few days earlier, I told you that the dragon overlord, Beryl, was dead, as well as the wicked dragon known as Cyan Bloodbane."

Mina raised her arms and her eyes to the heavens. "Behold, in their defeat, the power of the One G.o.d!"

"Kh.e.l.lendros dead?" The whisper went through the crowd, as each person turned to his neighbors to see what their reaction was to such astonis.h.i.+ng news.

Kh.e.l.lendros had long ruled over much of the old nation of Solamnia, exacting tribute from the citizens of Palanthas, using the Dark Knights to keep the people in line and the steel flowing into the dragon's coffers. Now Kh.e.l.lendros was dead.

"So when does this One G.o.d go after Malys?" someone yelled.

Gerard was appalled to find that the someone was himself.

He'd had no idea he was going to shout those words. They'd burst out before he could stop them. He cursed himself for a fool, for the last thing he wanted to do was draw attention to himself. Snapping shut the visor of his helm, he glared around, as if searching for the person who had spoken. He did not fool Mina, however. Her amber gaze pierced the eyeslits of his helmet with unerring accuracy.

"After I have taken Sanction," Mina said coolly, "then I will deal with Malys."

She acknowledged the cheers of the crowd with a gesture toward heaven, indicating that their praise belonged to the One G.o.d, not to her. Turning, she disappeared inside the temple.

Gerard's skin burned so hot it was a wonder that his steel helm didn't melt around his ears. He expected to feel the heavy hand of the minotaur close around his neck any moment, and when someone touched his shoulder, he nearly crawled out of his armor.

"Gerard?" came a puzzled voice. "Is that you in there?"

"Odila!" he gasped in relief, uncertain whether to hug her or hit her.

"So now you're back to being a Dark Knight," she said. "I must concede that drawing your pay from two coffers is a good way to make a living, but don't you find yourself getting confused? Do you flip a coin? 'Which armor do I put on this morning? Heads Dark Knight, tails Solamnic-'"

"Just shut up, will you," Gerard growled. Grabbing her by the arm, he glanced around to see if anyone had been listening, then hauled her off to a secluded part of the rose garden. "Apparently finding religion hasn't caused you to lose your twisted sense of humor."

He yanked off his helm, glared at her. "You know perfectly well why I'm here."

She eyed him, frowning. "You didn't come after me, did you?"

"No," he answered, which was truth enough.

"Good," she said, her face clearing.

"But now that you mention it-" Gerard began.

Her frown returned.

"Listen to me, Odila," he said earnestly, "I came at the behest of the Knights' Council. They sent me to find out if Mina's threat to attack Sanction is real-"

"It is," said Odila coolly.

"I know that now," said Gerard. "I'm on an intelligence-gathering mission-"

"So am I," she said, interrupting, "and my mission is far more important than yours. You are here to gain information about the enemy. You are here to listen at keyholes and count the numbers of troops and how many siege engines they have."

She paused. Her gaze s.h.i.+fted to the temple. "I am here to find out about this G.o.d."

Gerard made a sound.

She looked back at him. "We Solamnics can't ignore this, Gerard, just because it makes us uncomfortable. We can't deny this G.o.d because the G.o.d came to an orphan girl and not to the Lord of the Rose. We have to ask questions. It is only in the asking that we find answers."

"And what have you found out?" Gerard asked unwillingly.

"Mina was raised by Goldmoon at the Citadel of Light. Yes, I was surprised to hear that myself. Goldmoon told Mina stories of the old G.o.ds, how she-Goldmoon-brought knowledge of the G.o.ds back to the people of Ansalon when everyone thought the G.o.ds had left the world in anger. Goldmoon showed them that it was not the G.o.ds who had left mankind but mankind who had left the G.o.ds. Mina asked if that might be what was happening now, but Goldmoon told her no, that this time the G.o.ds had gone, for there were those who spoke to Paladine and the other G.o.ds before they left and who were told that the G.o.ds departed the world to spare the world the wrath of Chaos.

"Mina didn't believe this. She knew in her heart that Goldmoon was wrong, that there was a G.o.d on this world. It was up to Mina to find the G.o.d, as Goldmoon had once found the G.o.ds. Mina ran away. She searched for the G.o.ds, always keeping her heart open to hear the voice of the G.o.ds. And, one day, she heard it.

"Three years, Mina spent in the presence of the One G.o.d, learning the One G.o.d's plans for the world, plans for us, learning how to put those plans in motion. When the time was right and [Mina was strong enough to bear the burden of the task given to her, she was sent to lead us and tell us of the One G.o.d."

"That answers some of the questions about Mina," said Gerard, "but what about this One G.o.d? So far all I've seen is that this G.o.d is a sort of press-gang for the dead."

"I asked Mina about that," Odila said, her face growing solemn at the memory of that terrible night she and Gerard had fought the dead souls. "Mina says that the souls of the dead serve the One G.o.d willingly, joyfully. They are glad to remain among |the living in the world they love."

Gerard snorted. "They didn't look glad to me."

"The dead do no harm to the living," Odila said sharply. "If they seem threatening, it is only because they are so eager to bring the knowledge of the One G.o.d to us."

"So that was proselytizing?" Gerard said. "While the souls preach to us of the One G.o.d, Mina and her soldiers fly red dragons into Solanthus. They kill a few hundred people in the process, but I suppose that's just more evangelical work. More souls for the One G.o.d."

"You saw the miracles of healing Mina performed," said Odila, her gaze clear and level. "You heard her tell of the deaths of two of the dragon overlords who have long terrorized this world. There is a G.o.d in this world, and all your gibes and snide comments won't change that."

She thrust a finger accusingly into his chest. "You're afraid. You're afraid to find out that maybe you're not not in control of your own destiny. That maybe the One G.o.d has a plan for you and for all of us." in control of your own destiny. That maybe the One G.o.d has a plan for you and for all of us."

"If you're saying I'm afraid to find out I'm a slave to this One G.o.d, then you're right!" Gerard returned. "I make my own deci-sions. I don't want any G.o.d making them for me."

"You've done so well so far," Odila said caustically. ..

"Do you know what I I think?" Gerard returned, jabbing his {'finger in her chest with a force that shoved her backward a step. I think you made a mess of your life, and now you're hoping this G.o.d will come along and fix everything." think?" Gerard returned, jabbing his {'finger in her chest with a force that shoved her backward a step. I think you made a mess of your life, and now you're hoping this G.o.d will come along and fix everything."

Odila stared at him, then she rounded on her heel, started to walk away. Gerard leaped after her, caught hold of her by the arm.

"I'm sorry, Odila. I had no right to say that. I was just angry because I don't understand this. Any of it. And, well, you're right. It does frighten me."

Odila kept her head turned away, her face averted, but she didn't try to break loose of his grip.

"We're both in a tough situation here," Gerard said, lowering his voice. "We're both in danger. We can't afford to quarrel. Friends?"

He let go her arm, held out his hand.

"Friends," Odila said grudgingly, turning around to shake hands. "But I don't think we're in any danger. I honestly believe that the entire Solamnic army could walk in here and Mina would welcome them with open arms."

"And a sword in each hand," Gerard muttered beneath his breath.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing important. Listen, there's something you can do for me. A favor-"

"I won't spy on Mina," Odila stated firmly.

"No, no, nothing like that," Gerard said. "I saw a friend of mine in the dungeon. His name is Palin Majere. He's a wizard. He doesn't look well, and I was wondering if maybe Mina could .. -er . . . heal him. Don't tell her I said anything," he added hurriedly. "Just say that you saw him and you were thinking ... I mean, it should sound like your idea. .. ."

"I understand," Odila said, smiling. "You really do believe that Mina has G.o.d-given powers. This proves it."

"Yes, well, maybe," said Gerard, not wanting to start another argument. "Oh, and one thing more. I hear that Mina is searching for Ta.s.slehoff Burrfoot, the kender who was with me. You remember him?"

"Of course." Odila's eyes were suddenly alert and focused, intent on Gerard's face. "Why? Have you seen him?"

"Look, I have to ask-what does this One G.o.d want with [Ta.s.slehoff Burrfoot. Is this some sort of joke?"

"Far from it," said Odila. "This kender is not supposed to be here."

"Since when is a kender supposed to be anywhere?"

"I'm serious. This is very important, Gerard. Have you seen b.u.m?"

"No," said Gerard, thankful he didn't have to lie to her.

"Remember about Palin, will you? Palin Majere? In the prison?"

"I'll remember. And you keep watch for the kender."

"I will. Where can we meet?"

"I am always here," Odila said, gesturing toward the Temple.

"Yeah, I guess you are. Do you . . . um . . . pray to this One G.o.d?" Gerard asked uncomfortably.

"Yes," said Odila.

"Have your prayers been answered?"

"You're here, aren't you?" Odila said. She wasn't being glib. -*'She was serious. With a smile and a wave, she walked back toward the temple.

Gerard gaped at her, speechless. Finally, he found his tongue. 'Tm not..." he shouted after her. "I didn't... You didn't... Your * G.o.d didn't.. . Oh, what's the use!"

Figuring that he was confused enough for one day, Gerard turned on his heel and stalked off.