The Penitents

Under the dim shadow of the moon and the flickering light of torches that seemed to make the shadows in the garden dance, the three penintents sat in the cool grass near one of the fountains.

The young Helian huntress could still not reconcile the fact that the nights were so brutally cold in the desert and the days life sapping hot. But it spoke to the duality of the place and that was reflected in the faith too it seemed.

Madaya could not hide how excited and happy she was to be here with Islana despite the fact they had not been apart for long. The young girl was quietly humming a song while her fingers played with the blades of grass. Silina and Islana on the other hand sat in awkward silent.

They knew one of them would soon become the Seer and that in a way made them all rivals. None knew what the coming Trials would entail.

What if they had to fight each other until only one was left standing? What if they two had to die so that Sister Locust chose her next vessel?

Finally Silina asked. "Tell me about you home. Where do you hail from?"