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Dire continues to pace, obviously considering very carefully all that Crayne has to say. "I cannot speak for priestly factions. I do not know their allegience, nor their inner politics. That is far outside my province, I regret." He casts a glance to Emma as if to defer the question in her direction. "I wonder if there is anything you would like to put in on that question, my dear?"

"Certainly," Emma offers, "I'll provide what insight I can. There has been some tension between Rinder's religious castes for quite some time now. Much of it, I'm afraid, is due to the dominance of Anhur. The worship of the God of War has far surpassed that of Geb, Nire, Thoth, and Hathe. Some prophets have even claimed that the other four gods grow jealous of Anhur's power and seek to overthrow him."

She looks toward Edryd and continues. "I'm not sure how aware you are of the political situation, Sword-Bearer," she says, "But many of my most heated debates have been with our religious leaders. I fear for the future of our caste. There are factions developing within our church that fall along two separate doctrines. One upholds that Anhur is the legitimate god to rule all of Rinder...and Caerloon and the rest of the world as well. They see him as an incarnation of Unity that can only be achieved through War which will bring us all under his banner, and for the Good of all. The others see Anhur as a God of Wisdom and Justice...a Defender rather than an active Conquerer...who desires Peace and respects the influence of the other gods. I count myself among that latter group."

"As for the other religious castes, I do not know of much else outside of Nire, the God of the Sky and the Stars. I've often prayed to him in order to discern our future. But his caste is in as much turmoil as our own. The future seems uncertain, though if anyone can guide us to the proper path, I'm sure Nire would. I've proposed to my masters that he and Anhur are twin brothers and on much better terms than many would believe. Many have scoffed at that notion, but I've offered them passages from our holy texts that support my theory. In fact, I feel that I've been guided to Rinder's Six by Nire's hand in order to make this known to the citizens of Rinder."

"I have also heard that the followers of Geb do not favor any more wars or bloodshed. If anyone opposes the Unity faction in Anhur's caste more than my own, it would be the Gebites. Their faith teaches them that too much blood spilled upon the ground sickens the earth and afflicts us with draughts, earthquakes, and other natural disasters as Geb shows his displeasure. And if there is one force more powerful than War, it would be Nature when it becomes truly angry."

"As for the caste of Thoth the Inventor of Thought, his followers certainly support the efforts of warfare. It gives them opportunities to perfect new weapons and defensive techniques. But, at the same time, none of them relish the prospect of becoming personally involved upon the battlefield. Their priesthood is more suited to the library than anything else."

"Lastly, the caste of Hathe, Patron of the Arts, would gladly chronicle the war. Poems and songs and paintings will all be crafted in order to present the clearest picture of the emotions from the great battles between Rinder and Caerloon. Again, I don't think any of them would relish the war once it began to affect them directly. They would be ill-prepared for it."

"Something I've often wondered, though, since joining Rinder's Six, is whether the gods of Caerloon have any hand in this war? My religious studies have not included their mythology or beliefs, but I would think that even they must have greater powers that inspire them to action."

Dusk and night fall upon the traveling party, who pull off the road in a relatively secure spot (by Cy and Edryd's determination) and light a small fire for the cooking of dinner. The evening is cool but comforatble. At one point Dire moves closer to Crayne, saying quietly to the younger mage, "Do you remember what I taught you in the forest? About getting the right effect from your spells? Have you had a chance, yet, to try it? I've found that in the right situations it has a smashing effect!" The two continue to "talk shop" quietly, discussing spells and spellcasting. The rapport between the two is obviously friendly, like teacher and student...almost father and son. "Have you learned any new spells recently?" the elder asks the younger, "Would you like to?"

Crayne nodds eagerly as Dire puts forward his proposition. He also reaches into his pack and pulls out the spellbook of Mazen's and shows it to to his friend Dire. "I've also climbed a stage in my magical journey since you saw me last. I am able to cast spells of a higher and more powerful level. My real goal however, is to reach the next stage where I believe I will leave my apprentice tag behind and become a novice mage. These stages I refer to as echelons and I hope to see myself reach that third echelon before long. It is a great shame that I haven't advanced to that stage for I believe I would be a whole lot more useful in the war effort.

"My dream however is to research the spell fly. I have read much about it and I have always dreamt of being able to fly through the air over the beauty and splendor of Rinder's lands. I have tried to research a lower level fly but have failed to complete as my time is obviously lacking these days. However, if you take interest in any of the spells in Mazen's book then please feel free to take them. Although a couple in return would be most appreciated for I hope to be as much use as possible in the coming war effort."

Dire shifts his weight, making his older frame more comfortable. "A very interesting book you've found," he murmurs as he flips through the pages. "Hmm..." he moans, reading some of the inscripted spells. Finally, he carefully closes the book's cover. "A fine book, Crayne. It will serve you well. And as your skills improve, you will find the later spells easier to read and understand.

"Unfortunately," Dire says, casting a quick glace to his feet, "this book does not contain the flying spell you seek. Nor do I have one in my own books. But I can give you a little something. A spell quite powerful for those you have the ability to cast. Have you ever seen a man simply disappear? Vanish from thin air? We illusionists call that 'invisibility,' and I will teach you a spell tonight that will allow you to do that, for a short time.

Crayne smiles and eagerly takes out his own spellbook to begin taking dictations from his mentor.

Emma waits until Crayne has finished chatting with Dire Luthor. She could only imagine what two wizards would discuss together. Comparing notes? Which frogs made the best potions or something like that, perhaps?

Finally, as she sees Dire take his leave of Crayne, she stands and moves closer to him. "Care to have that chat you asked about yesterday?" she asks. She motions for him to follow her away from the fire, into the closeness of the night, and among the few trees of the light forest surrounding their camp.

Crayne smiles At Emma and nodds in agreement. He stands and stretches having been talking to Dire for a while about the ins and outs of magic. "If you'll just excuse me Dire! I look forward to talking with you more later!"

Emma begins, "I'm not exactly sure what you wished to learn of Anhur...or of me," she begins, turning around and leaning casually against one of the trees. She inhales the scent of pine needles and realizes she has probably gotten her cloak dirty by leaning against the tree...and pine resin was so hard to get out!

She pushes away and finally takes a seat in the comfortable carpet of needles. "Where to begin?" she asks. She motions for him to sit as well and finally continues, "Anhur is one of the greater gods of Rinder. Legend says that he brought his original followers to our world and encouraged them to spread across the land and claim it as their's. In the beginning the people were happy and content. Law and justice served everyone regardless of their station in life."

She sighs and says, "But of course, just like most happy times, that eventually came to an end. Mankind suffered a downfall and was driven from Anhur's holy land because of the sinful pride that he held in his heart. Many of the lords plotted against each other and sought to take control of all the land for themselves. Wars began. Civilizations rose and fell. Those that attained any measure of dominance usually claimed to have done so in Anhur's name. But I believe that he only favored those that did so in a good and just fashion."

"What do you think of when you hear Anhur's name, Crayne? Have you ever spoken to one of his followers before?" she asks, "Some people think of a war-like god and the barbarian hordes that spread his worship so long ago. Others think of a wise and kind god that defended those that turned to him in the face of such chaos. I know a lot of people see him as just the God of War. But, I cannot accept that for myself. War is not a wonderful thing. Oh...of course, there's honor and fortune to be won on the field of battle, but I ask you, what use is it to take a life compared to changing that same life for the better? And we're all capable of change. I see Anhur as a God of Justice...and Truth...and Honor...and Kindness...and Redemption. All that is good is looked upon favorably by him. And just as he values honorable respect from one man to another, he respects the other gods of the land as well."

"I've told my mentors much the same thing. I believe that Anhur seeks to maintain a certain balance of power in our society. Every god has its place...its duty...and its followers. None should achieve dominance over the others. That would only lead to more wars, and above everything, I see Anhur as a god of peace. He only fights wars in order to achieve peace and justice. Then he does everything he can to protect and encourage it, for we all know how fragile such a thing can be when left in the hands of fallible humanity."

She sits back and smiles. "So...have you lost your appetite for this priestess' doctrine yet?" She laughs and waves the question away.

"Not at all!" Crayne says calmly. "I am intrigued! What I must ask you though is whether you think society would be capable of living in peace and harmony? For that I assume must be the eventual goal of your God and what you represent. I believe myself that it would be a tall order and a huge effort for us to live in that way and I do not believe it to be soceity's way. For we naturally have such elements built into us such as greed, ambition, jealousy and judgementality. Even in time I do not believe we will reach such a stage, and even if we did do you think there would be a point when we as a race would grow bored for everything and everyone would be perfect?"

"Yes," Emma answers, her flare for debate shining through the dark night. "I think society is capable of living in peace and harmony...," Emma responds, "But in this world, it won't last forever, of course. Humanity is fallible. We fail our gods everyday. And we ask their forgiveness when we realize what we have done. Just because we stumble, that doesn't mean we should give up trying, though. Life in this plane of existence is a constant struggle...a contest of wills within our own minds...our lifelong battlefield. How will we live our life? For good? Or evil? Whichever is victorious determines our place in the afterlife. And in the afterlife of Anhur's celestial court, prolonged peace and harmony is possible and it will last forever. That is what I strive to attain, and why I seek to encourage others to do the same. Their eternal soul hangs in the balance of the Anhur's scales, after all."

Crayne objects. "You see that it is where I disagree. You seem to suggest to me here that those who do evil in life will be punished for it when they die. Don't you think that these people deserve more chances. For it may have been just unlucky circumstances in life that had led to the ways of evil such a abject poverty and suffering. Shouldn't it be the case that your God should accept everyone within its kingdom and those that have done wrong should be forgiven and helped? This of course depends on whether there is a afterlife at all. I would like to think there is one, but for me I believe that it is a comforting tool created by our society to help come to terms with death much like religion and other things that people put there faith in. You say that we die and then are faced with Anhur's judgement. That to me seems to me judgemental and prejudiced."

Emma pauses to carefully think upon her response, "Crayne, your views on this matter are very similar to that of many people who really don't understand what faith is all about. You're a very enlightened person, I think...very smart, very confident in what you know and see in this world. But I fear for people like that because they cannot look beyond this world. They simply have no faith in the afterlife and put more faith in themselves and works of man. And even if the afterlife doesn't exist, does that make my life here on this plane of existence a mistake? I don't think so. I only have to look around and see that I have made people happy...that I've made their lives better by opposing the evil that threatened them. To me, that's a worthwhile existence even if there is no reward awaiting us at the end. It is a reward in and of itself."

She taps her foot softly upon the ground and continues, "People certainly do deserve chances to repent of their sins...and Anhur certainly offers them. But he can't simply take in everyone to his kingdom after they die and forgive them all. That would imply that their sins in this life would hold no meaning whatsoever. How can you say that a murderer should simply walk into Anhur's hall after living a life of complete evil and then be forgiven on the spot without ever truly repenting in his heart of what he did? People have their entire lives to hear Anhur's message, and we work very hard to bring it to everyone. But Anhur's caste isn't the only one striving to improve the condition of humanity. All of the other castes encourage many of the same morals that I have spoken of...and there are all sorts of social pressures to guide people into a life of goodwill. Anhur merely measures the good in one's soul against the evil that he finds there...he doesn't make up those things...they already exist as a result of the sinner's choices in this life. And Anhur and the other gods always leave us with a choice...as long as we're alive, we have a choice."

"And yet, I haven't seen Rinder's Six offer very many of these same opportunities to those they come into opposition with. The ruffians in the marketplace. You all killed those men, leaving them no more opportunity...and even worse, you did it in front of everyone, men, women, even impressionable children. And as such, you've left them with a clear message that Rinder's Six is not interested in justice...or offering anyone the chance to change their life. You have all willingly chosen the role of executioners. And yet you would question the religion of Anhur and how he doesn't offer opportunities to those that have sinned?"

She shakes her head, and still she speaks, "I fully believe that those who perform evil deeds will be punished in the afterlife. We are all born into difficult situations, but we all have our own conscience as well. The lowly thief born into poverty can see with his own eyes the effect that his actions have upon those that he robs or kills. And even more so, he understands that the rest of society condemns his actions as evil...he only

has to look around to see that he is pursued...that justice swiftly comes upon his heels. So he *knows* that he does wrong. He doesn't have to know Anhur to realize that. And if he makes a conscious decision to ignore those voices of warning, both internal and external, then he has chosen evil for his life...and when he dies he *will* be punished for it. I have faith in that as well."

Crayne continues his point. "Through warfare we also advance as a society both in technology and science. Believe me I, do not wish to tell you that war is good, but there is a certain side of me that believes it will always occurr no matter how advanced a society we become for I believe it is our natural way."

Emma objects: "Our natural way?" Emma asks, "Perhaps. But don't you aspire to be something more than that? Man's nature is limited. It is bound up in the physical wants and needs of this life. Only by looking beyond the physical, to the spiritual, can you begin to understand the importance of living a peaceful life...and one of justice."

"Don't get me wrong, Crayne. I understand what you're saying. And I respect it," she says, "The followers of Thoth have certainly advanced our society's technology and science as a result of wars that have been fought. But those things are still of the physical realm. Did those wars also advance man's philosophy and his morals? Those are the things that will last. Those are the things that will matter. Because those are the things that have a direct bearing on how you live your life...and ultimately how you will be measured in Anhur's judgement hall."

"Your points are well made!" Crayne complements. "I did not say that war was good what I said was that I believe it will always occur for that is the human way. There will always be things to fight about whether it be flag, religion or money. I feel that the belief that society will eventually become all peaceful and tranquil is a very narrow view and I personally believe it will never occurr. If it did I also think it would inflict misery on our race for it is not our way. You seem to be under the impression that we should be changed from our natural states. We were born with the emotions of hate, misery and aggression for that is the way we have been made and if that is taken away from society I believe we would lose apart of us which has caused society to advance in technology, science and the arts. I don't like to admit it but it is on the battle field that I feel a thrill when I strike down the enemy. A feeling of sheer hate and agression, but it is a part of me and the feeling cannot be compared to anything else. Much like artists who take great delight in painting scenes of war or musicians sing of misery and hurt. It is what we are and what we thrive on. To take that away from us I believe would destroy us."

"Crayne," Emma says, her voice becoming a mere whisper. She can feel the darkness all around them and he seems only a dark shadow to her any more...like someone adrift in the dark that she needs to keep speaking to lest he be lost forever, "You seem to equate the advancement of technology and science with goodness. Look around you. As we grow in science we improve the living conditions of those in this life, but at the same time we find better ways to end those lives more quickly. Our technology has simply outgrown our morals and our capacity to judge how and when to use it. An evil person has simply to make use of these new technologies and it isn't a single person whose life he ends prematurely anymore...but hundreds or thousands. Is that for the better? I don't know, but in some ways I see the simple life as being more desirable."

"As for clinging to our natural state of hatred, misery, and aggression...how can you find those things desirable?" she asks, "On one hand, you would have people believe that you don't favor those things be done to you...and yet, you believe they are essential and should be kept around...and for who's benefit? Your own? So you can inflict them on others? I assure you, if you continue to support such evil things, they will eventually turn their attention upon you and then you will cry out that they be stopped. But, by then, it will be too late..."

"Crayne, I understand your belief that we will never know a peaceful state forever on this world," she continues, "But does that mean we shouldn't strive for it? I don't believe so. But, your words imply that you've already given up all hope for peace at all, no matter how temporary it might be. Why would you do that? Are you hiding from something? What causes such inner turmoil in you that it makes you see the world this way?"

"I also don't mean to imply that war should be avoided at all costs, Crayne," Emma continues, "There is certainly a time for war. Anhur demands it of us, occasionally. The followers of my caste are not pacificists that hide their eyes from bloodshed. We defend the peace. As such, we have to take up the gauntlet that evil throws before us. And when we do, we fight for justice as well as we are able, and by Anhur's grace. But we do so in order to return our lives to peace, harmony, and goodwill. For when evil threatens the balance of peace it is our duty and responsibility to stand up to it. That is justice."

Crayne counters, "You yourself seek to dedicate your life by spreading peace in absolutely everything that you involve yourself in and fight for the cause of justice. That is fair enough! If that is what you want to do with your life then so be it. It is your choice!

"Whereas I, myself, do try and assist others and fight for the cause of what I believe to be good. However, I do not dedicate myself to the cause for I like to lead my own path and go by my own thoughts and judgements for that is what makes life enjoyable. To spend your whole life following a set of very strict criteria would to me be very limiting and restrained. And life is short so in my time I hope to get as much from it as possible and that to me means that there must be freedom for me to do it. This may sound greedy to you, but it is my way."

"You would make a good student of the Red Dragon school then," Emma smiles, "Your words are very much along the lines of what Dire Luthor described to us. I understand what you mean, though. Individualism and personal freedom matter greatly to you. I never meant to imply that Anhur doesn't offer that. We are each responsible for our own actions, Crayne. If you wish to break Anhur's law, then by all means, you have the freedom to do so. But you must know that a day of judgement does eventually await us all. And at that time, your actions and your inactions will be held up for all to see. Anhur knows what is in your heart. Know that. And fear it. Not in a bad way. Let it motivate you to do good."

"And I don't seek to make a priest of everyone I encounter," she explains, "I understand that everyone is not called to serve Anhur in that way. But all of us are called to live our lives as nobly as we can. Do good to everyone that you meet. Put others before yourself whenever possible and Anhur will reward you for it better than if you had advanced yourself over them instead. Discourage those actions in others that threaten peace and goodwill. Defend the weak. Those aren't simply rules for my priesthood. They apply to every man. And they are good things for everyone to pursue. Is there anyone that would argue with that? If so, point them out to me...for they are my enemy in this life. And like any good soldier of Anhur, I will seek them out and try to sway them with my words...and defend the world from them if they refuse to listen and raise their hand against the innocent."

Crayne continues his point, "I personally believe your own freedom is restricted. Isn't there a point in your life where you have just wanted to do what you want rather than what your God wants?"

"Certainly," Emma smiles and then gives a little laugh, "I've had my share of sins, Crayne. I'm not perfect. But I aspire to be. And that's what really matters. It's the constant battle that Anhur has given us to fight. Only the best warriors survive to the end...and reap the rewards of the victorious.

"As for my freedom being restricted," she continues, "It depends on how you view things. If I want to live my life by such rules, am I really trapped? If your prisoner wants to stay in prison, have you truly taken away his freedom. No. I view my life as much the same."

She gets a reverent look upon her face and watches the stars above, "You know, there's a parable of a priest of Anhur from long ago. He was captured by the enemy and put among the other prisoners from his land. While in that prison, he moved among the people and reassured them that the choice they had made in standing against the evil army and their oppressors was the correct choice in Anhur's eyes. He relieved their suffering. He brought Anhur's blessings to them, his reassuring voice, and a peaceful calm that saw them through their time there. Later, when his captors came to retrieve the priest, saying that his friends had bought his freedom, he told them, 'No. My freedom has already been assured by Anhur. He purchased it long ago. My place is here, among his people. These stone walls are no longer my prison. They are my temple.'"

She looks back to Crayne, and quietly says, "That priest remained imprisoned until his death. Do you think he made the wrong choice? I don't think so. He lived his life according to Anhur's will, but it was also his decision. He saw a greater good in helping others and opposing evil. And Anhur blessed his works. Many of the people that shared his prison survived the ordeal and emerged to tell his story and all that Anhur had personally done for them. Do you know what became of that prison? It is a temple today. One of the oldest and greatest of my caste."

"What you say is fair enough," Crayne states. "If it is your choice then so be it. However, I just want to be sure that you know what you are doing giving up everything just to serve your God Anhur. Despite the fable you have told me of I will always believe that you are not free. How can you be free if you are restricted to the rules and regulations of your priesthood? You can twist your words and answer me with an old fable, but I still believe you are doing something that is restricting. You are not thinking for yourself, you are thinking what you are told to think."

"You find the rules of peace restrictive?" Emma asks, "Why? Do you have such ambitions that you cannot live your life according to Anhur's laws? Do you seek to take advantage of someone yourself? I pray that is not so, Crayne. And...I do think for myself in these matters. No one has told me what to believe. I haven't been brainwashed or charmed by someone to think as I do. I simply read the scriptures of Anhur and come to my own conclusions, with the same amount of intelligence that you apply to your spell books."

"Please tell me if I am offending you for that is not my intention," Crayne apologizes. "I only care for you and want to make sure that you are happy in what you do!"

At this statement, Emma laughs long and hard. "You sound just like my father," she tells him, "He only wanted to make sure I was happy in what I do, as well. And I am. I assure you. This is what I want to do with my life. Anhur obviously favors my choice. There can be no unhappiness in striving for peace. That leads to happiness, you know? So even if I was unhappy, at least I'm on the right track to obtain it. Right?"

"And, no you don't offend me with your words, Crayne," she says, "I've had to endure much harsher words from more tainted souls than yours. I appreciate your candor and I understand the way you view life better now. That doesn't mean I necessarily agree with it all the time, though. And I hope I've helped you to understand my views as well, for they come from Anhur, and they are not simply my own. Perhaps that can explain my more recent actions in challenging the decisions of Rinder's Six. Anhur bids me to speak on his behalf. And, he only seeks to show you the dangers of the choices you make. Violence has its place. And you must be slow to use it lest you lose your soul in addition to your life."

Crayne smiles. "I do understand what you are saying! I would very like to see you however, more open to the ideas outside of Anhur. I believe you worshipping Anhur is fine, but why you have to spend your whole life fighting for the cause alludes me. People can be good without even knowing about the God of Anhur. I only hope that when you approach your deathbed you will be satisfied for I believe we only have one shot at life and I believe you should enjoy it as much as you can."

Crayne asks one last question: "There is nothing that you are hiding from is there?" Crayne looks at Emma sincerely and awaits her reply to his thoughts.

"Hiding from?" Emma asks, truly confused by Crayne's words, "Not that I am aware of...what makes you ask that?" She gives the mage a perplexed look. Emma continues, "You're tired and I'm sure you intend to study your spells again before you go to bed. I'll leave our religious discussion for another day. Instead, I promised you the story of how I became a priestess..."

She pulls her knees up and tucks them under her chin and stares back in the direction of the campfire. "A lot of people think you have to have suffered some kind of horrible tragedy to turn to the priesthood. The only tragedy I ever suffered was being sent to a finishing school by my father. Have you ever heard of the Sunderlund's before? No? Well, it doesn't matter. Suffice it to say that my family is wealthy. Part of the noble lifestyle. As such, my father sought to mold me into the proper lady so he could marry me off to...well, someone I'd rather not have been married to, basically. He was another nobleman from the Gaultier family. It sounds funny, but I haven't thought of him in such a long time.

"Anyway, the finishing school where my father sent me was right beside a temple dedicated to Anhur. I used to go there and pray, often wondering why I had been exiled to such a horrible place. They sent me there when I was ten, you know? I had so many other things I wanted to be doing back then. Anything would have been better than learning the proper way to hold your wine glass while addressing a lady of higher station than yourself. So boring. After a few year's at the school, one of the priests at that temple noticed me coming and going. He was named Valimar and I suppose he took an interest in my situation. He must have asked about me at the school, because he managed to get me out of one class a day in order to study at the temple's library."

Emma's eyes get a faraway look as she remembers that time, "The library became my favorite place in the whole world. There, I could read about everything. I explored new worlds and fought beside the greatest generals...all in my imagination. I wanted to eventually become one of those famous people. As the year's passed by, I finally asked to join the temple. I guess I did so partly because I came to respect so much of what I read in the histories of Anhur...and partly because I had reached marrying age and knew if I became a priestess, the Gaultiers would be less inclined to have me join their family."

She shrugs and looks back at Crayne, "Daddy was upset at first. He came out to see me and talk some sense to me. I guess he thought I was just being the same stubborn girl he'd sent to school. But he could tell right away that the temple and the library was where my heart was...and he was a good enough father...and a good enough man to let me make the choice. And that's how I became a priestess of Anhur..."

She smiles and waits to see the wizard's reaction. What might he have expected, she wonders?

"Nevermind! Ignore me!" Crayne seems satisfied that she hasn't taken up Anhur for the wrong reasons.

"Ah, but that I'll never be willing to do," Emma smiles, "Not now that I've met you, Crayne..."

After praying, Edryd sees Emma and invites her over for a bit of sparring. Emma smiles gamely and pats the pommel of her broadsword.

"I told you I'm not very good with this thing, yet," Emma laughs, "But I'll do my best to exercise my ability." In truth, she had begun to grow in confidence with the broadsword. Her arms didn't tire quite as easily anymore, but the weapon still felt somewhat awkward at times.

They begin, and as they do, Edryd begins a conversation, very carefully, as he doesn't want to offend someone for whom he has so much respect. "Emmalya, the depth of your faith is inspiring and encouraging for me. I don't feel quite so alone in my circle of friends."

"Thank you," she replies, watching his every move very carefully and trying to learn as much as she can from the way a Sword-Bearer fights, "I find your presence just as comforting..." She punctuates the last statement with a wide swing of her sword to drive him further away from her.

"I'm concerned, though," Edryd continues, "that some of our compatriots may not be so enthusiastic. Like you, I long to see them turn their souls and their lives over to Anhur, to trust in Him wholly and look to Him for their daily sustenance." He pauses in his sermon to parry a cunning riposte, returning one of his own that Emma soundly blocks with a rather unladylike grunt.

Emma frowns, partly from Edryd's words, but mostly because she thought she'd finally found an opening in his defenses, but the darned paladin answered her everytime. "Aye, enthusiasm for common decency doesn't seem to run strong in our friends," Emma agrees, not completely getting Edryd's point yet.

"Despite the fact that these are our friends and companions, we are still called to account for our efforts to guide them to salvation. It is somewhat like a sparring match. You can approach it two ways. One way is to attack every smallest opening with a full frontal assault, a wide swing of the sword, banging and clattering on your partner's blade until either you wear them down, or until you can no longer swing. This depends upon your stamina always being greater than your partner's, for if ever it is otherwise, you will certainly lose." Edryd is sparring defensively now, measuring his sword thrusts, keeping them tight, drawing Emma out of her stance a bit.

Without realizing it, Emma has begun to swing her blade more and more recklessly. Edryd obviously knew swordplay much better than she ever would. Still, it was frustrating that she couldn't even touch him. Why he looked like he was hardly breaking a sweat...and he kept talking the whole time! It was all she could do to breathe, much less talk, while swinging a heavy sword.

Edryd continues the lesson: "Another way is to look first to your own defenses and resources, being sure of them, learning to depend on them in any situation. Rather than bearing down fully and trying to create an opening, one can prevent your partner from finding an opening, reserving your strength, watching and waiting, being patient and drawing them out bit by bit by your own countenance and manner until..." with that Edryd suddenly lunges, slapping Emma's sword aside and resting the tip on the underside of her chin. "Until they leave you an opening, undefended and soft, to which you can bring the swift, sharp point of the truth."

Stunned by her sudden defeat, Emma frowns again...then she shakes her head. She deserved to lose that match...the paladin's words held plenty of truth...and his actions certainly illustrated his point.

Emma laughs at Edryd's lack of subtlety and slowly pulls the swordpoint down and away. "All I am saying, Valiant Sister, is that our companions will learn much much more by how we carry ourselves and how we act, how we live each day, than they will from the things we tell them and chastise them for..."

Edryd's gaze drops for a moment, "Please, forgive me if I have been too forward or if my expectations are out of line. I do not wish to dampen your fire in any way. I cannot expect those who don't believe as I do to suddenly step out and live the way I expect them to. Instead it is my responsibility to live according to my beliefs and pray that my life is winsome and attractive to them that they may seek the same."

Sighing, she puts her sword away and a mixture of emotions cloud Emma's mind. Admiration for Edryd, in taking the time to speak with her about this subject. Shame at having someone of her own order softly chastise her...again! Her masters had given her the same treatment back at the temple enough times. She also felt a little bit of defensiveness too, for she still held tightly to her views on the matter of Rinder's Six.

Finally she says, "No, you haven't been too forward...your words were well-spoken, Edryd. I think I understand what you mean. I guess I have been more like a battle-axe lately, haven't I?"

She looks off toward the sun, now fully crested over the horizon, and rests her hand on the pommel of her sword again. "It's frustrating sometimes, you know? I want to see each of them do good. But I don't expect them to be perfect, either. No one is. Not me. Not you. Not anyone. If anything, Anhur's lessons have taught us that much. It's not that I'm trying to convert them or anything...I just expect a little more common decency out of them.

"But still," she says, "I feel that I must intervene when our friends' actions threaten innocent people with harm. They killed those ruffians in the marketplace, Edryd. And you...well, I still can't believe that all you had to say at that moment was: 'Tell these people something...anything.' Do you understand what I mean? The impression that we left upon those townspeople...it was horrible. We appeared to be nothing less than cut-throats. And there you and I were, wearing our tabards, declaring our allegiance to Anhur. I was ashamed to be among you that day. Do you fault me for feeling that way? And, given that, do you fault me for having acted the way I have lately? The drunkards that came looking for their money the other night, it looked to me like the same thing was about to happen."

She shakes her head, "And you know what worried me the most, Edryd? Those drunkards had done nothing wrong. They weren't even evil-minded. At least the ruffians back at the marketplace had intended a violent conflict. But last night, all those men wanted was their money...which had been unlawfully taken by one of us. They were in the right. Not we."

"Okay...maybe I got a little carried away with preventing Hannibal from carrying out his ruse. I was so angry at that moment, I wasn't thinking as clearly as a Shield-Maiden should, I guess. I just didn't want him to add another sin to those he had already committed that night. I suppose he didn't see it that way, though. He probably hates me now..."

"What really frightened me though, Edryd," Emma says, "...is when I saw Crayne and Cy begin to prepare their spells and weapons, as if they intended to fight those townspeople. I don't want to believe they would have harmed them, but what was I supposed to think after seeing them in action back at that marketplace?"

"I guess, what I'm trying to say," she continues, "...is that I'll tone down some of my 'full frontal assaults' but if I'm faced with a situation where Rinder's Six intends harm to those that are innocent, I'll oppose them with every bit of fire that's within me. Make no doubt of that. In the meantime, though, help me to be more patient, won't you? If I seem to be overbearing for a trivial matter, give me a look or something to let me know. Alright?"

Hannibal only listens to the two debate religion. In the end it makes his head hurt and, starving for some regular conversation, he heads in Storms direction. "A belch or two from Storm," he thinks to himself with a smile, "should cure this headache nicely."

Storm, sitting on a rock as the group converses, sees Hannibal approach and sits up a little more at attention. He welcomes the conversation with Hannibal, not really having conversed with anyone to any great length of reason (as no normal person would really want to). "Aye," he begins, somewhat quiet so as not to catch the ear of the Priestess, "That be a nice snatchin' o' that drunkard's bag back there in Jilten. It be a while since me last tried that. Ah, it be almost six months now..." He begins to tell the story in a loud manner, exagerating his story with hand motions and loud guffaws and spitting frequently with his words. It almost seems as if he doesn't really care if Hannibal is actually listening, he's just happy to be talking.

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