This was what brought her to talk to Lord Vincent, who stood imperiously before Biyu. The three Grudges he commanded stood behind him. Sir Bryant stood foremost with his hand on his sword.
The subject of their conflict, the long eared blonde Elf named Bridget, stood deferentially beside Biyu, her head kept low. Her staff of office, her metal broom, was held tightly in white knuckled fists. Biyu thought the woman was angry or humiliated, but she only spared her a moment's consideration before turning her attention back to Lord Vincent, her liaison from the Ministry of Gods.
"Sir Bridget Broomknight has sworn an Oath by my name into my service."
"Doesn't matter. The Law recognized her as an Elf, and therefore property, first and foremost. Oaths to gods are not sufficient to allow Elves to wander around doing whatever they please. And I already know she's Awakened." He threw a hand dramatically to Grudge Bryant, who nodded his head in fierce affirmation.
"She is Awakened and willing to train my family's Knights in her techniques. In order to do that, she must be freed from her collar. Be reasonable."
Lord Vincent stared at her, his mouth agape and his eyes wide while his face turned red. Even Grudge Bryant, an angry aggressive man, looked put out by her statement.
"Be reasonable? You think it's reasonable to allow a traitor, one with power, run around unfettered? Besides, she'll probably run away. You'd be out the money you spent on her!"
"Sir Bridget will act as my agent. Imperial Law makes exceptions for Elves acting on behalf of a god."
"Not gods. Sacred Beasts. Or will you claim you're a Sacred Beast now? Will you call that reasonable too?"
"I have read the statues. They do not limit themselves to Sacred Beasts."
Lord Vincent paused, uncertainty clouding his features. "I'm sure it is."
"It is not. Nor does it mention Elves. I have a copy, if you wish to see it."
Sir Vincent took a moment, his eyes flickering back and forth as he searched for a new argument. He nodded firmly, finding what he wanted. "Doesn't matter. It's still illegal to release an enslaved Elf. That's just how it is, Lady Bringer."
Biyu frowned at her liaison. One of the Grudges attracted all eyes as his sword clicked when he loosened it in its sheath.
"You know I am turning her over to an Oracle."
"A perfectly legal business transaction with an agent of a Sacred Beast."
"The Oracle will release her. You must know that."
"The Oracle is an agent of a Sacred Beast. Therefore, not fully subject to the Empire's laws."
"You assume that."
"Not at all. Obviously, the Oracle is an agent of the Great Ruby Eyed Serpent. You've been quite clear about that little fact."
Biyu scowled, annoyed at being stymied by the punctilious man. She had a thought, but it seemed too easy. "I am the disciple of the Great Ruby Eyed Serpent. That makes me her agent. As her agent, by your argument, I can free her while not being subject to the law of the Empire."
"You aren't an Elf!"
"The statutes relating to agents of gods do not require them to be Elves. They make a point of not stating who is eligible to be an agent, so that an exception for Elves serving as agents is not explicit. That would be an embarrassment to put into our laws."
Lord Vincent took in a breath to argue, but he puffed it out as he found no ready argument. His brow creased, his eyes moving back and forth as though he was reading something. He took in a deep breath, and bellowed out, "Damn it! You're right, damn it. Go ahead, release your damn Elves."
Grudge Bryant opened his mouth to object, but Lord Vincent shook his head. All three Grudges shifted, readying for a fight. Lord Vincent clapped his hands. "I forbid it. She's right. Besides, you know the Elf's reputation. Come along. We'll let them get on with their business."
Allie sighed in relief once they were gone, her face still pale from facing down Wizard slayers.
"Was that wise, Master?" Bridget asked once they had gone.
"Will you keep your Oath to me? Serve my family and teach your charges your techniques until your release?"
Bridget's eyes gleamed with sincerity as she bowed low to Biyu. "I will, Lady Bringer. If not, I swear my soul to your service for a thousand lifetimes."
The Oath between them tightened, and with her words the collar around Bridget's throat shattered under the strain of power she gained from its strengthening. Biyu stumbled, power she could not afford to spare pulled out of her. Healer Franklin caught her, offering her support. Grimacing, she looked at Bridget. The woman's body glowed with the color of the gale from the power she received.
Witnessing Oaths was a new skill for Biyu, and she was found witnessing Oaths relatively easy. It was not acknowledging them she found hard. An Oath, similar to a blessing, took her Divinity. A piece of her. It would reside with the person, granting power if they followed it and turning into a curse if broken. Bridget would die, and her soul would become hers if she broke her Oath. Biyu took back the blessing she had bestowed on Bridget's unconventional weapon. A small bit of spite for the woman's thoughtless words.
"Thank you, Master," Bridget said in awe, unaware the power was stolen.
Take the power you granted me, Biyu, May said. As always, she was nearby, but she was currently on the other side of what Biyu had come to think of as the veil. She'll be a good enough bodyguard.
I do not want to lose you, or you your memory, May. Keep your power. I will take it from a guardian spirit.
Is there one you can?
Go talk to Hotaru. She should be with Iris. She'll have an idea who we can do without for a little while.
"I have given you a little more than I meant to," Biyu said. A polite lie, and she hoped it would keep the older woman from wanting more from her. "Train the Knights, and serve Allie well."
Bridget dipped into a bow, her face still aglow. Biyu would free Clio a little later, in the privacy of their home. She had made arrangements for Clio to have her tattoo removed as well. There was no need for her to suffer the stigma of being an Elf when she did not feel like one.
Together, they left the room they had met Lord Vincent in and went to the courtyard where the Knight candidates all lingered. At Bridget's barked orders, they formed up with excitement. Seeing Bridget no longer had a collar around her neck, they let out a round of cheers. Mister Kai, a young man with dark skin and copper hair, held up a cloth wrapped bundle for Bridget to take.
The woman took the object, curious and confused, until she felt the weight of it. She unwrapped it hurriedly, showing a short spear. The blade was leaf shaped. Unlike most leaf head spears it had wings, but not the typical wings of a winged spear. They were long tines, sweeping off to the side, reminiscent of the way Bridget had bunched the bristles of her broom so she could catch and redirect attacks. She looked at the weapon with wide eyes, inspecting the head and touching the tip of the blade. With a gasp, she pulled her finger away as though burned. "Steel? You're giving me a steel headed spear?" She checked the weight of the weapon, sure the head would be too heavy, only to find the reverse was clad in more steel with a prominent spike at the end.
The eight members of the Order named for Bridget Broomknight all gave her a deep bow. "The Sweepers give their Marshall their full respects!" Kai cried out. The others roared out a cheer, their fists going to their chests in salute.
Bridget returned their salute, standing tall and proud at their congratulations.
Biyu smiled as she watched on. She had paid for the spear, but it had been the future Knights who had approached her about commissioning the work. Once she judged they had enough time to celebrate, she nudged Allie to have them continue. "Marshal, name those you will raise to Knight Initiate. Choose well, as some of them will be accompanying Iris on her journey."
Bridget bowed to Anya. "I have selected four to be raised." That was half their number. "They stand ready to swear their Oaths in your name, Lady Bringer."
That gave Biyu pause. Truth was, she had budgeted some of her power for the Oaths already. She held them in her domain, ready to use them to empower the Knights. Bridget's accidental strengthening of her Oath left Biyu reticent to grant so much power. However, it was ready, and she was steadily growing each day. She would regain the strength she had lost in a week or two, barring another accident.
She still felt compelled to ask. "Is it wise to have them swear their Oaths to me? I am not a god of winds, battle, or anything similar to the purpose of your Order."
"You are the family god, Lady Bringer," Bridget said. "That's good enough. Elves make Oaths in the name of their patron Sacred Beast all the time, and they're usually gods of the land."
The Oaths they would recite were crafted by Bridget, Biyu, and Iris. They had used references, but the hardest part was deciding on the Order's purpose. As a Midlands Order, they could select a militant purpose. That would be easy. Disruption and skirmishing was what May was best at.
When they talked to Bridget, they learned about the other techniques of the Gale Rabbit. They were Awakened messengers. The Treasure Hunters had the market on long distance communication, but the Order would be able to take battlefield communications for themselves. Their mobility and communication skills suggested they should be scouts. Their purpose and their desire for a better name dovetailed, suggesting a much better one. They were the Sweepers. It kept Bridget Broomknight in mind, but for most it would suggest searching and scouting. Sweeping the area.
The purpose of the Sweepers, their mandate, was:
- Serve and protect the ruling family of Elderwoods.
- Seek and find what was lost or unknown. Children, people, caravans, or simply to scout places people had not yet tread.
- Scout the enemy. Patrol, be watchful, and report what you found.
- Disrupt the enemy's battle line. Protect your allies. Befuddle the enemy.
Once the purpose of the Sweepers was decided, the prospective Knights were informed. A few looked disappointed. They wanted to be warriors. Many people, even those who should know better, thought of Knights as warriors first. And they would be, as principle bodyguards of Fortress Elderwoods. A hold so small it should not have an Order of its own, even as the seat of a god's power.
When asked, all the prospective Knights declared they would be Sweepers.
"Those I name, come forward and make your Oaths. Anton. Kai. Kelsie. David. Come kneel before Lady Bringer and Defender Elderwoods."
Each of the four called, radiant with their smiles, went to their knees in front of Biyu and Allie. They lowered their heads, and they spoke the Oaths they had been given. Biyu felt their words, said in her name, and she bound it with the power she had reserved for them. She was not strong enough to give the Oaths the weight she felt they deserved. There were too many demands on her power. That was why only half the Sweepers were allowed to give their Oaths and be Awakened. Each of the newly raised Knights showed startled surprise as their Oaths took hold.
Allie had helped with the early preparations of the Awakening ritual with Anya and Wizard Bob. The final details were done by Wizard Bob, with Anya assisting. True to his word, Wizard Bob was teaching Anya how to perform the Awakening ritual for the newly founded Order. Biyu followed the first of the Knights to be Awakened into the prepared chamber. The Knight followed Anya's directions to stand in the circle painted on the floor. Wizard Bob stood to the side, prepared to empower it.
Biyu used [Wizard Eye] to watch the ritual as it proceeded. As a god, the gift of Awakening was hers to know. While history recorded that Awakening was a Human invention, it was something the gods could do. They rarely did, instead granting mortals power through their blessings or Oaths. For all the secrecy surrounding Awakening, she found the truth disappointing. Kelsie, the first to be raised, was bathed in a tight cone of mana with a gale aspect. That was all Biyu saw as she watched. Kelsie paled after a few moments, her hands going to her mouth, while her skin began to weep black sludge. Anya led her to a washing area in a small tent in the courtyard. They would bundle it up and burn it once the rituals were complete.
Before the next Knight could be called in, Biyu walked up to Wizard Bob and Anya. Wizard Bob bowed to her politely, while Anya gave her a wan smile.
"Is that all there is to Awakening?" she asked.
"What did you see?" Wizard Bob asked.
"She was enveloped in gale mana."
Wizard Bob nodded sagely. "Then yes. The precise requirements for creating the mana, and encapsulating it at that density, are more difficult than you would think. But, in the end, all there is to it is bathing the person in dense mana."
Biyu gave a small frown. "How did I change your aspect?" she asked Anya.
Wizard Bob answered before Anya could. "When you removed the curse, you invaded her mana pool with your own. Being in your domain while being in such, uh, disrepair, likely helped."
Biyu nodded slowly.
"As a god, you can gift people Awakenings. That's how some faiths raise their Priests. Most gods prefer to use blessings, since they can grant and revoke the power. That gives them better control, to ensure their faithful remain faithful and don't just follow the letter of their Oaths."
Biyu grimaced. "Priests. Another cost I have not the wealth to pay."
Wizard Bob gave a little shrug. "Well, what do you even need a Priest to do?"
"Funeral rites should be said in my name. Priests can perform funerals and memorials, allowing the departed to join the ceremonies. They also should be able to do other things. Speak with the dead, allow the dead to finish unfinished business prior to sending them on, and perhaps bargaining with them. The dead may make requests of me, which much be paid for."
Wizard Bob scowled at Biyu. "People will hate your Priests," he said.
"Which is why I need guardian spirits to protect them."
"What about your Immortal Legion?" Anya asked. David, soon to be Sir David, put his head into the room, but she gestured they needed a moment. David saluted before withdrawing.
Biyu frowned at that. "They should be Temple Knights. I have not enough blessings for them all."
"The guardian spirits handle that well enough," Wizard Bob said. His eyes gleamed. "I saw what they did during the fighting. I'd like to study how they create those weapons and armor."
"You may study it, but you will not be able to use the knowledge."
Wizard Bob furrowed his brow. "Why is that?"
"I will tell you later," Biyu said. "I have other tasks to see to. You have Knights to Awaken."
Anya called David in to be Awakened, while Biyu collected Allie to escort her to her next meeting.
"Defender Elderwoods, thank you for taking the time to meet with me," Lord Virgil said as he took tea with Allie. He had brought a young woman with him, a cute dirty blonde with a figure one might compare to Clio. Just not so curvy. Lady Claudia was his cousin, who had come to the city just a week ago. Lord Virgil had requested the meeting a few days after her arrival, but there had been too much to do, so they had requested time to get their house in order.
Iris had arrived before Allie, and kept Lord Virgil and Lady Claudia company as they waited for her to arrive. Allie sat beside Lord Virgil as the guest of honor, and Iris beside her at the table, rather than sitting away from it as she did when Biyu sat as family head. Iris was here as Allie's retainer, not Biyu's concubine, so her seating was elevated. She didn't understand the origin of the custom, but being allowed at the table was similar to showing honor to one's mother.
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Allie gave a nervous glance to Iris, who smiled kindly at her, before turning to address Lord Virgil. "I'm honored that you've asked to speak with me, Lord Virgil. What can I do for you?"
"This is a crass request, but I'd like you to take my cousin into your court. I'm sure you can use a lady-in-waiting, and while she is from a branch family, not the main family, I assure you we make this request with due respect."
Allie licked her lips and swallowed. "Elderwoods is a poor hold. We produce fine lumber, but there's not much demand for it. I think a relationship with my domain won't prove fruitful."
Lord Virgil lifted a brow, and his lips twisted into an unintentional smirk. "Defender Elderwoods, you and I both know that this isn't about your hold. We want to be close to your… would it be wrong to call her your mother?"
"Da. We had a father, so to honor her and him, she's our Da," Allie responded forcefully. She politely added, "If you please, Lord Virgil."
"Of course," the man agreed. "Claudia here is quite skilled with the zither. In fact, she's celebrated in Marble."
"I heard Lady Claudia during the Feast of the Dead. She is quite skilled, and we would be proud to host her. However, if you don't mind my being direct, wouldn't it make more sense to attach a young man to my court?"
Lord Virgil rubbed the back of his head. "I'm already married, and I'm afraid that, of the remaining unattached men, Sebastian was the least offensive. To be honest, the unattached women of my household aren't much better. Claudia is the mildest of them."
At Allie and Iris's scowls, he held up his hand. "You see why we didn't bother introducing you to them. We do have the son's of vassal counts we could introduce you to, but… this is a delicate thing to ask, but…" His eyes slid over to Iris.
"Personally, I like both men and women," Iris said. "Furthermore, while I don't think that kind of thing is passed from parent to child, Allie is adopted. She wouldn't inherit it from us."
"Well, yes, but…"
"I don't know," Allie said, squirming in her seat. "I always figured I'd marry a boy like my…" She stopped, corrected her posture, and started over. "Apologies, Lord Virgil. You took me by surprise. What I mean to say is that I assumed I'd marry a man like my brother. The idea of a woman is still alien to me."
"Oh," Lord Virgil said. His cousin reached over and discreetly pinched him.
"Do you like women?" Iris asked Lady Claudia.
"Not really, but I'll marry one if my family asks me to. I'm a dutiful and grateful daughter. I'll also make a dutiful and grateful wife." She said it with a flat but earnest expression.
Allie scowled a bit.
Before Allie could say anything, Iris cut in. "A lady-in-waiting can help you learn your etiquette. Besides, she might become your friend."
Allie looked at the pretty young woman. Not as pretty as Lady Bringer, nor Anya before she had her incident. But she was an attractive woman in her own right, and looked as mild as Lord Virgil said she was.
"Very well," Allie said.
Lord Virgil beamed at her. "Very good! Do let her spend time with your brother."
"He'll be a Knight one day, at best," Allie said.
"In a new Order. He could become quite accomplished as a founder."
Iris frowned. "Is he a Sweeper, Lady Alison?"
Allie slowly shook her head. "He hasn't joined an Order yet. He's shown interest in joining the Immortal Legion lately."
Lord Virgil's smile faded at first, but them beamed. "That's Lady Bringer's Temple Knights, aren't they? That's just as good."
"Either way, my brother's not a man who worships Lord Ambition," Allie said.
"Lord Albert's the son of a god. Glory tends to seek that sort out."
Allie opened her mouth, but Iris touched her shoulder.
"Lady Claudia, what type of duties would you like to be assigned?" Iris asked.
"I'm perfectly happy serving as entertainment and helping with her lessons," Lady Claudia said. "I can also allow Lord Albert to accompany me to functions." She paused a moment. "Or Lady Alison, if she so desires."
"I only know folk dances," Allie admitted.
"She can teach you the court dances as well," Lord Virgil said cheerfully. "You'll need them, if you're going to Shadow Gate. I'm sure you'll be a court darling there."
Allie contemplated that. "Maybe it'd be best if I went to Elderwoods. I have a lot to learn from Wizard Bob."
"I'm already going, Lady Alison," Iris said. "Besides, it'll be good for you to see Shadow Gate."
"Have you been there, Iris?"
Iris shook her head. "No. I've been to most of Marble, but that's it. This is a small city compared to Monument, the capital of Marble. I've heard Shadow Gate is grander."
"It is," Lord Virgil said. "It's one of the great cities. You'll regret not seeing it. Ah, and while I'm thinking about it, I can grant you a letter of introduction to attend an academy for a season. A grand opportunity few receive."
Allie bowed. "I thank you for your generosity, Lord Virgil. Maybe a visit to the Orders and academy's, but I'm not sure if I'll have time to attend schooling."
"Cousin, she has a Wizard for a tutor. I'm sure she'll have the opportunity to attend a College," Lady Claudia said. "That is far grander than a mere academy."
Lord Virgil pouted, certainly an affectation for her. Part of her was grateful he was being kind to her, but another part was annoyed at being patronized. The opportunity to visit a Wizard's College, though? Allie's eyes lit up at that.
The rest of the visit was small talk and drinking tea.
A week later, Iris was reviewing the manifest of supplies loaded on her oxcart one last time. There were two carts, one for supplies and another for her and her entourage to ride. Sir Richard's squire reported to her that his armor and supplies had been packed, and she marked it on her manifest. Christopher was ready to travel, dressed in comfortable traveling clothes with a little sack with his few possessions stuffed into a corner of the cart. Two recently Awakened Knights from the Order of Sweepers, freshly trained in the beginner techniques Sir Bridget had trained them in, were ready to accompany her. Both should have a squire, one of the Knights not yet raised, but they were ready to be Awakened when Lady Biyu could take their Oaths, so they would remain behind. It was also too soon for them to worry about recruitment, despite the fact that the Knights needed extra hands. Christopher would serve the role for now.
Iris wished Sir Bridget could come with her, but the woman was half the reason Lady Bringer had to travel to Shadow Gate. The squad of Immortal Legion, Biyu's Temple Knights, did make her feel more secure, even if she could only see four of them. Hotaru Twicedead and Pisces would appear to her sometimes, but the other six members of the squad were among the dead. She had only heard stories about what they could do with the assistance of the guardian spirit, and she found it hard to believe. Hotaru Twicedead and her strangely shaped fish companion had been assigned as her personal guardian spirits, and the squad followed them. Hotaru was, technically, Captain Hotaru.
Iris's family was assembled to see her off. Iris watched Lady Bringer and Lady Anya, who stood near each other. Lady Biyu was overly obsequious with Lady Anya, fussing over her as though she was afraid she would disappear if she turned away. Grimacing, Iris called Allie aside.
"What is it, Iris?" Allie asked.
"It's not fair of me to ask this of you, but you're the only one I can. Defender Elderwoods, you've noticed that Lady Biyu has been a little too attentive to Lady Anya?"
"Please, Ma, call me Allie when we're with family." Iris smiled, and gave a small nod. Satisfied, Allie looked at Lady Anya and Lady Biyu. "I know what you mean, but what am I supposed to do about it?"
"Just… if it gets too bad, remind them to keep a little distance between them. Lady Anya needs to learn to stand on her own once more. At least a little. And Lady Biyu needs to remember that Lady Anya is her own person. Not a pet to be kept."
"Like you?"
"That's different, Allie."
Allie smirked in reply. "Ma?"
Iris smiled again, tickled to be called that. "What is it?"
"Be safe. Elderwoods sounds like a shithole, and… you aren't just going there to act as my steward, are you?"
"You're right. I always knew you were a smart girl." Iris hugged Allie, then the rest of her family. Lady Biyu gave her a grope, and Lady Anya gave her a kiss on the cheek. Albert was almost too shy to hug her, and May's hug was so tight it was like she was being grappled.
Goodbyes said, she climbed up into her cart and headed west. It was early spring, there was still snow on the ground, and it would take a month and a half for them to make their way to Elderwoods. Iris settled in for the long ride, forcing herself from looking back at her family as they faded from view.
Iris had been gone a few days when Biyu accompanied Anya to visit the poor outside the city. They were those who sheltered her when she was cursed, and Anya repaid their kindness with food and charity. She always told Biyu she did not need to accompany her, but Biyu insisted. Letting Anya out of her sight made her anxious ever since she disappeared. She felt the same way about Iris leaving, but it was not as visceral. Her fear for Anya made her nauseous.
Anya had aged since her ordeal. Her hair was fluffier and streaked with gray. The corners of her eyes crinkled with crows feet. Anya's cheeks remained a little hollow. The backs of her hands showed she had aged the most, her veins standing out and her skin tighter and drier. It was the loss of Anya's easy warm smiles that Biyu missed the most.
Anya broke the silence as they walked. "I'm sorry I couldn't go in Iris's place."
"I am glad that you are with me."
Biyu's reward was a wan smile from Anya that made her chest ache.
"What do I have to do to make you smile again?" Biyu asked.
Anya blinked, looking at her spouse with confusion. "I still smile."
"Not the way you used to. Not happily. How can I make you happy?" Biyu turned to face Anya, stopping in her tracks. "I never had a family. This is something I know I am not good at. I need you to tell me, because I cannot figure it out for myself. What can I do to make you happy, Anya? Please tell me."
"You could tell me you love me," Anya said.
"I love you."
"I know you feel responsible for me, Lady Biyu, but you don't have to tell me lies." Anya chuckled.
Biyu touched her cheek. It felt like she had been struck. Her eyes began to tear up. Dropping her hand, she faced Anya. It took effort to keep her voice steady.
"I love Iris. It is easy to show her, since she tells me what she wants. I love Allie and Bert. They respect me, and I will listen if they ever want something from me. I love you, but not the way you want. I know the love I give you is not the love you want." Biyu took a moment to catch her breath, while Anya looked on with surprise. "I heard your Litany. Including the ending. I am afraid you will leave me, like Indu did. She chose to pass on early, because I refused her. This time I am trying. I chose to be with you. I know I am not what you want. I know it. I am sorry."
Anya opened her mouth to respond, but Biyu lifted a hand to forestall her. "Let us go see your friends. That is why we came." Biyu said no more as they continued. The Immortal Legion escorting them gave her polite, stony looks, but she could feel their judgment while Biyu stalked ahead of them. Anya could just make out the outline of Jefferson, her personal guardian spirit, shaking his head as he paced along beside her.
Anya followed after Biyu with her escort for the shanty town just outside the city. When they arrived, Biyu was approached by a man in rough linen clothes. He had a grim look on his face.
"Here again today, Paul?" Biyu asked.
The man bowed to her. "Greetings, Lady Bringer. May we put pleasantries aside? There has been a death that needs attending to."
"Who?" Anya asked. There was resignation on her face.
"Old Gary. Found him this morning. No one has touched him, but to me, it looked like it was just his time."
Anya sighed out. "I was afraid of that. You sure he wasn't keeping warm?"
They reached the body, laying out beside the remains of a fire. He was bundled up with cloth, and there were signs someone slept alongside him. His granddaughter was weeping with a friend to the side, barely looking at them as they arrived.
Anya verified the man's death, and how. Biyu spoke to the man's soul within her domain, on the other side of the veil, and he was content that he had just passed in his sleep. Biyu asked, "Do you have someone to perform funeral rites?"
Shaking heads answered her.
"I thought you would do it, Lady Bringer," Paul said.
"Gods do not perform their own rites," Biyu said. Paul gave a grave nod in understanding.
Anya faced her spouse. Guilt filled her, after their recent fight. "Biyu."
The weight of a god's attention came down upon them, as saying Biyu's name drew more than just her mortal attention. Still new to her power, she felt strange when she was forced to acknowledge more than her mortal form. Even the time she spent split between the mortal realm and the realm of the dead had less of an effect on her than having her name called. The feeling of so much of what she was diverted to a single time and place. Biyu supposed it was because she could ignore her other aspects when she was split between more than one task.
"If you can't, then do you know someone who can preside over this man's funeral?" Paul asked.
"Anyone may perform the rites, so long as they know them. Do you know the rites, Anya?"
Anya swallowed. "I do."
"I could do it," Paul offered. He was a middle-aged man with a well-kept beard, a bald pate, and the hands of a common laborer. Callused and strong. His family had died during the fight with the demon, and he was deeply grateful to Biyu for allowing his family to visit him during the Feast of the Dead. Since then, he had made a point of visiting the poor to meet with Biyu, looking for a way to express his gratitude to her personally.
Biyu considered them both. "Paul, you are resolute that you wish to be of service to me?"
The man bowed deeply to her. "Of course, Lady Bringer!"
"Do you wish to be my Priest?" she asked him.
The man's face took on an astonished look. "I would be grateful for the opportunity, Lady Bringer."
Biyu turned to Anya. "And you, Anya? In some ways, you are halfway there. Do you wish to be my Priest?"
Anya frowned in thought, her head lowered as she considered the request. "I don't… think I want to see that much death," she said.
"You would console the living. Grant them a visit from the deceased if they are available."
Anya shook her head. Biyu accepted her reply, and turned to Paul.
"I shall teach you the rites. The only change will be the invocation of my name. First, prepare the body. Wrap it in a shroud, and prepare a pyre. While you shop, buy food for a feast. We shall do this properly." She produced a few coins, and gave them to Paul to pay for the arrangements. He bowed, and collected a few of the other poor to help him purchase the materials. One of the Immortals followed along unbidden.
Biyu approached Anya, and the weight of her presence melted away. "Why do you care so much for these people?"
"They helped me when I was ruined."
"No. You cared before then. Your old Guild offered the homeless healing without compensation. That was something you were quite proud of. Why?"
Anya looked at her spouse, frowning as she thought about her answer. "Because I worshiped Luuz. The god of the unbidden, shunned, and outcast. Like me. The Guild of Salutary Fellowship cared about people like us. They took me in, and trained me, even though I am the way I am." She looked at the people. "Someone should care about them. About us."
Biyu considered her for a moment, then she turned back to the homeless who remained. They looked on with awe and fear, shying away from the little god. "I could take my Priests from them. They will receive donations for their services. Each will receive a guardian spirit to protect them. And I will see that they are afforded funeral rites." She turned to look at Anya. "You are halfway to being my Priest. You are my wife. Become the head of my Priests, and you will be able to help them yourself as we learn what it means to be my Priest."
Anya looked at her, licking her lips uncertainly. "I don't know…"
"Do not forget about the Lost Souls. Those who failed to find Judgment, and the Heavens beyond. Or, those who were rejected."
Anya lowered her head, looking at the ground before her. "I'll think about it, Lady Bringer."
Biyu put a hand onto Anya's shoulder, reaching up to do so. "Anya, you need something of your own in your life. This does not have to be it, but… you are not happy to be a ritualist, are you?"
Anya shook her head.
"You could be a healer still. Your aspect has changed, but the rituals can be adjusted. You will not accomplish as much. Some will be beyond you. You can still help. I do not mind what you do, so long as it makes you happy. Purpose is part of happiness. Even I can see you are lost."
Anya pressed her lips together. "I was doing so well. Everything I wanted… no, everything I needed was in my hands. I loved my work, I had friends, and people to protect me. And it all meant nothing. I'm afraid to… I don't know."
Biyu gave Anya a hug. "Help Paul with the ritual. See if you enjoy the work."
"What do I even have to do? Say a few words, commend them to you, and call it a day?"
"I like the old rites. They will continue. When you Commend them to Judgment, do so in my name. I will teach you both."
Anya gave a nod. "Thank you… Biyu."
This time when she said the name, a god's attention did not fall on her. Biyu had not restrained herself. Instead, she could tell she was called as a mortal, not a god of her domain. The words did not call her the way they had earlier.
The rites were performed through the evening. Paul performed the Calling of the Deceased. Anya's eyes turned to look at the soul as it came to them. Paul remained blind to it. Biyu considered a moment, and then adjusted the blessing of protection she kept on Anya.
"Anya, touch the soul," Biyu directed. At her touch, the soul changed. It went from a ghost light lingering in the realm of the dead to a ghost of the deceased visible in the mortal realm. He appeared younger than he was. Recognizing him, his granddaughter ran up to hug him, while the others hovered around the otherworldly apparition uncertainly.
From there, the ceremony continued as usual. A small Last Feast was held with more food than most of the hungry homeless had seen in a while. A few more came to join, but the food did not last more than a couple of hours. People visited with the ghost, talking to him directly as he told unfunny jokes and joined in the drinking.
The Vigil for the Deceased was only attended by the man's granddaughter, one of her closest friends, and a close friend of Gary's. The conversations and stories only lasted a short time. Soon they were all huddled around a fire, enjoying the night together, while Anya and her guardian spirit spent their time keeping an eye out for Lost Soul's trying to take the body. One did float by, and Jefferson captured it to present to Biyu.
Biyu inspected the Lost Soul before she sent it into her domain to Bruce. He could take its name and place of origin. They would send a message to the deceased's next of kin, and one of Biyu's servant souls would bring the Lost Soul to Judgment. Either they would pass on, or Bruce would assign them work. Biyu would approve the assignments later.
The night ended uneventfully, and in the morning many of the homeless gathered to hear the Eulogy. The granddaughter spoke it, her grandfather standing at the front of the crowd. A few others spoke, adding their own goodbyes, before Paul stood before them and offered the Final Words as Biyu dictated them.
"I commend this soul to Judgment, and pray the Heavens open to him. I do this in Biyu's name. May Lady Bringer take him swiftly to judgment."
With those words, the spirit was brought to Biyu's domain and a waiting guide to lead him to Judgment. The Lighting of the Pyre was performed by the granddaughter, while the rest watched. They ensured the fire did not spread, but also witnessed the end of the man's mortal remains.
Biyu was relieved when the man was sent to the Heavens after Arliss Judged him. She did not relay the results of his Judgment, although a few looked at her anxiously. Knowing might be a balm, but if she spoke of who ended up in the Heavens, then reports of those who did not could discourage their loved ones. She wanted the living to strive for the Heavens. So, she did not pass on the good news. That way no one would make inferences when she was silent in the future. Those who deserved the Hells, though, she would make an exception for.
Now that she had accepted Paul as a possible Priest, she took him aside to speak with him. "I do not have Oaths ready, so the ones I give you today may not be the ones you swear in a year or two. I will release you from the Oaths, and offer to let you swear once more when I change them. For now, you must make these Oaths if you would be my Priest. Swear you will give funeral rites to all. You may exclude the Last Feast and the Vigil for the deceased if there is no one attending, but you must perform for any deceased you are asked to. Swear you will never take coin to perform the rites, except as a donation after the ceremonies. You may always accept donations and charity, but you will never require them. Swear you will never kill. While I do not think you would, I do not want my Priests to create business for themselves. Swear these things to me, and I will grant you the power to see the dead, and to grant them a temporary body as you saw Anya do."
Paul bowed low. "Lady Bringer… No. Lady Biyu, in your name I swear that I will give all who need them funeral rites. From the lowest beggar to the most prominent citizen, they will be commended to you. I swear I will not demand or request any payment for overseeing a person's rites. I will only accept donations freely offered. From now on, I will not raise my hand against another. I will neither harm nor kill anyone, even in defense of myself."
Biyu heard and accepted the Oaths. Grimacing as she spent even more of her power, she crafted the blessing for the Oath, giving Paul two 'techniques'. One would allow him to see the dead, and the other would allow him to make them appear.
"Finally, you must have noticed that as a god people fear me. They call me a necromancer, and some threaten violence against me. You will be granted a guardian spirit to protect you. In addition," Biyu paused her speech, and removed her face. She turned away from Paul, not allowing him to see her true face. Snapping her mask in half, she replaced the part she kept. It reformed the false face she used. Biyu handed the other half to him. "This mask will act as a mark of your service to me. Do not show your face when you perform my services. You are not forbidden to hold another job. I encourage it. My Priests should, for now, practice discretion. The guardian spirits are powerful, but even they cannot defend you from a sudden knife in the back."
Paul placed the half a mask against his face, and it formed into a full one. For a moment, he wore a plain white mask with no features. He should not be able to see through it, but Biyu knew he could. Then it melted away, showing Paul's face as she knew it. Paul went to his knees, and prostrated himself to Biyu. "Thank you, Master. I will do my best to be worthy of the duty you have granted me."
Biyu leaned over, and placed a hand on Paul's head. "Serve me well, Paul. You may find and train disciples. Choose them from among these, if you can." She nodded at the homeless. "There may be new tasks you will be able to perform for me, and I will call you to commune when I find them. Serve me well, and I will grant you greater blessings. Fail… well, I am kind in my own way. You will lose all power and protection, so long as you do nothing too terrible."
"Yes, Lady Bringer," Paul said, and she thought the man was weeping in his joy.
Anya looked on with a pensive expression. They walked together back to Anya's residence. It was time for them to leave, now that the city had food enough that they could purchase some for their journey. It would be a long trip, the entire summer and into the fall.
Horizontal rules, or section names?