~ The Battle for Rinder: [Home] ~

Prologue: "But if you would just listen to me..." the young girl's voice strained, on the brink of scolding.

"My dear, I will not hear any more of it. And I suggest you not think any more of it."

"But you won't even think about what I'm saying!"

"Emmalya, what you are saying goes against the actions and beliefs of this caste for centuries! I will not hear of it." The older man stood from his seat across the table from Emma. He stroked his white beard and glanced at the half-burned candle. He then stepped away from the table, peering at the books lining the walls of the library as if deciding whether or not to speak again.

"What is it Francis?" Emma asked, her tone changing completely, this time more soothing and concerned.

"I have something to tell you..." He stroked his beard again before sitting back down. "The council and I have decided. You've spent enough time here. You know the books, and the doctrine. You know more than you should, some think. But you still lack something. Experience." Emma wrinkled her brow at his lecture. "Which is why we've decided to send you out. An...adventure, let us say..."

A smile slowly crept across the girl's face. "An adventure," she repeated quietly. "A chance to talk directly to the people, to Anhur's loyal subjects..."

"Well, yes, I suppose. Just don't...eh...debate with them, eh? Teach them when you can."

"What do you mean, 'when I can'?" Emma asked inquisitively.

Francis folded his hands in front of him, then unfolded them, finally taking Emma's into his own. "You will be doing a service not only for Anhur and the caste, but for your kingdom. You will travel to Raimead and meet with Towers, the high priest, at Castle Parton. The Knights of Rinder are sending an expedition to the lowlands to deal with a problem on the border..."

"What problem?" Emma asked quietly, cocking her head to the side and letting her hair fall freely on her shoulder.

Francis chuckled. "You've had your head buried so deeply in the books, you haven't heard. Well, never do mind. They'll tell you everything at Parton. Towers will have you join some greatly decorated warriors on the expedition. With any luck, you'll be back in time for the feast." He smiled, trying to break the news lightly.

"The feast? But Francis, that's more than thirty days away..."

"I know, I know. But one shouldn't argue when the high priest calls. You know what they say, 'when he calls for you, it's merely his mouth moving...'"

"'...And Anhur's voice speaking...'" Emma repeated ad nauseum, "I've heard it a thousand times. But Francis, why me?"

He closed his eyes and exhaled loudly. "My darling, I don't know. I don't know the reasons or what's in store for you. But I think it will be good for you, and I know you should go. Hurry now and get some sleep, you leave at sunrise..."

With a smile, Emma planted a kiss on the old man's forehead and headed off to her room to ready herself for the journey. She began to pack her possessions, including an extra outfit or two that she could wear to Castle Parton. Lastly, she glanced down at the holy symbol dangling from her necklace.

Closing her eyes, she prayed to the heavens above, seeking out Anhur's will...or at least she had always assumed that was where her guidance came from when she listened to the voice. Perhaps it was as she had often suspected, and argued among her fellow-priests...that it was Nire who granted her divinations because of his relationship to Anhur. Nevertheless, she continued to pray, seeking the will of the heavenly force that had guided her for so long. Her prayers for adventure had finally been answered. Now it was time to offer up thanks, and see what the future held for her...

Appearance: Emma is slim and reasonably attractive but not in an overtly sexual way. She wears her hair in many different styles, occasionally in a braided pony-tail, sometimes hanging loose about her shoulders, more rarely pinned up into a bun. She has an innocent, charming way about her, but her youthful looks betray a quick mind and a deeper wisdom that only become evident when someone takes the time to respond to more than just her pretty face. Typically dressed in simple robes for day-to-day activities, she is equally at ease donning an elegant gown in order to interact with the nobility or chain mail armor when anticipating a battle or war. She prefers colors of silver, gold, gray, scarlet, and white, as they complement her hair and eyes better. In addition, she always keeps a small amulet or pendant about her neck, dangling from a necklace of black cord, her holy symbol. The pendant appears as a miniature sphere composed of interlocking golden rings with small gaps between them. The hollowed center of the sphere cradles a small ruby. The gemstone is meant to represent the fire of the sun, cradled within an Earth-like globe of golden metal.

LAST UPDATED: (Image) 10/8/00

~ The Battle for Rinder: [Home] ~