And Part 3
Metamor Keep: Invigorating Faith
By Charles Matthias
Feb 27, 708 CR
The last time anyone other than Father
Hough had been the celebrant at the Breaking of
the Bread in Metamor it had been the late
Patriarch himself. Bishop Tyrion Verdane
provided an equally intriguing spectacle, dressed
in purple clerical garb with a mitre on his head,
a crozier in his right hand, a large yew against
his chest, and an obvious limp as he dragged his
clubfoot with exquisite precision up the main aisle toward the altar.
But the Bishop was the last in the
procession that began the ancient liturgy. First
entered the six seminarians, with the newest
holding aloft a brilliant cross-like yew on the
top of a golden standard. All six were dressed
in the white robes of altar servers and they
proceeded with slow reverent gait toward the
altar coloured by the penitential purple and gray.
Following them were the two young men
whod accompanied the Bishop and who had both
been ordained a few months prior. Fathers Malvin
and Purvis kept their gaze forward as they passed
amidst a throng of Keepers whose eyes, ears, and
noses studied them. They each bore a purple
stole over their white albs, both fine of cloth
and weave but simple in adornment.
Behind them came the Questioner
priest. He alone was dressed in the black of his
order, but the cowl was kept down, and a purple
mantle draped his shoulders and chest, framing
the blood red cross in his cloaks
centre. Felsahs baked skin also set him
apart. He was a lone sentinel of darkness in a procession of light.
Holding aloft the Canticles was Father
Hough who appeared so small in such a fine
procession, yet in him was the trust and delight
of the Followers of Metamor. He too wore a white
alb, but over this hed donned a purple dalmatic
depicting in three brief scenes the condemnation,
the crucifixion, and the resurrection of
Yahshua. His eyes, often the habitation of
weariness, were now host to an expectant hope
that lifted the hearts of all in attendance.
And last of all was Bishop Tyrion, who
as the choirs chanted the morning hymn of
greeting, turned his eyes from side to side to
observe all that had come to celebrate. It was a
far larger congregation than was typical for
Metamor. Not a seat remained in the Cathedral,
and quite a few stood along the clerestory walls
or leaned against columns. Though it was now a
common sight for Lady Alberta the Duchess to be
in attendance, that Steppe-born donkey who had
won the heart of their duke and with it the heart
of all Metamor, never before had Duke Thomas
himself come. And with him he brought his
staff. They sat near to the front, ears turned
to catch the strains of music and the whispering
of exuberant and gossipy Keepers. Alberta glowed
as she laid eyes on the procession, as did one of
the two great scaly beasts with massive
jaw. Thomas remained a cypher. The rest of his
staff appeared respectful but suspicious. Tyrion expected nothing less.
The Liturgy proceeded in the same
fashion that it always did. After incensing the
altar, and leading the congregation in opening
prayers, confession of sins, and a blessing,
Tyrion gratefully sat down. Felsah assisted him
with his mitre and crozier and remained close
like a faithful shadow falling down at his feet
to lay across the floor. Hough sat nearby, while
the altar servers kept their place just off the
main altar space. One by one, Father Malvin and
Father Purvis gave the readings from the
Canticles, both poised and confidant even in the
face of a beastly congregation.
But the time soon came for the Bishop to
deliver his homily. He rose, holding the crozier
in one hand, and walked as straight as he could
to the ambo. Faces of man, woman, child, and
creature regarded him, eyes brilliant and varied
with all the majesty of creation and in all the
variety of Elis pleasure. He was nervous, but a
simple prayer put him mostly at ease.
Good morning. I am your Bishop. And it
is a great honour and joy for me to be here now
with you on this beautiful Sunday. I have come
to learn of you, your needs, your hopes, and to
discern what is the proper action for me to take
to see to your spiritual needs. Father Hough has
laboured with great zeal to ensure that all of
you are able to participate fully in the life of
the Ecclesia. His hands may be small, but he has
held you to his heart with such conviction that
it should shame men like myself who have never
before been made to endure the difficulties he has.
There were many smiles, some of them
rather frightening in appearance, at his praise
of their priest. Duke Thomas and his aides
remained unmoved but he knew that he would never
gain their trust by mere words alone.
Tyrion paused only a moment before
continuing, his voice full of admiration. And
difficulties you have in abundance. Twice in the
last ten years you have sacrificed much to defeat
an enemy from the North who sought to crush you
and make you slaves. Is there any among you who
has never lost a loved one to such strife? I
doubt it. And I am equally certain that there
are many among you who are still waiting for
those they love to return, never knowing if they
are alive in some foul dungeon, chained as a
slave, or tortured most cruelly, or whether or
not they are already dead. And many will never
know. These are the cruellest of torments and the heaviest of burdens.
That youre very bodies have been
warped by evil magic is no burden compared to the
agonies of the heart. For in these new bodies I
can see already that you have found dignity and
purpose, and most importantly, beauty. He smiled
as he said the last. Those I have spoken with
since my arrival last night have not gainsaid
what has happened to them, but they embraced it
and lived their lives as best they are able. I
understand that for many of you it is impossible
to abstain from meat. Father Hough has told me
that he has given you dispensation from the
penitential fast, and I do as well. But I invite
each of you to find in your hearts some little
thing that you can give up, something you can
deprive yourselves of in this time until we
celebrate Yahshuas Resurrection, to better unite
yourselves to the suffering and purgation that
Yahshua experienced in the desert.
Tyrion built from there on the themes of
sacrifice from the Canticles, and the hope that
each of them held, and of the importance to
remain faithful and obedient to Yahshua through
His Ecclesia. Through it all the people listened
more attentively that he was used to
seeing. This was gratifying, but also
humbling. These were people hungering for their
faith, and also, people who still remembered the
agony of Patriarch Akabaieths assassination on
their lands. Tyrion knew he could not heal them, but he hoped to help them.
Now I know that you are all very
familiar with fortitude and long-suffering. I
too know something of this. I was born deformed
and weak. Had my father not been a powerful man
I would likely not have survived my
childhood. Nor would I have likely ever been
appointed Bishop of so large a diocese as
ours. But those advantages could not take away
my deformity and my weakness. You have seen how
I must walk. What you do not see is the pain it
gives me. I have never run anywhere in my entire
life and I never will. But Eli supplies me the
grace I need to endure. I am told that if I stay
here a week or two then I will no longer have to
worry about my foot. There was once a time when
I might have accepted such an offer. But now is not that time.
In a few shorts days I shall return to
Kelewair and to tending my flock there, your
brothers and sisters in faith. In the time I am
here I intend to journey from one end of this
valley to the other to meet with our brothers and
sisters. When I am finished, when I have learned
of you and of your needs, I will make sure that
they are met. I am prepared to ask a great deal
of those who have given me their obedience
because by that obedience they give glory to
Yahshua who gave us the most sterling example of
obedience to Eli that any could ever give. You
will not go hungry. You will not wander
lost. You will not wonder when Father Hough will
be able to come. You will not linger in the
bitter winter months waiting for the hope of the
sacraments returned with the Spring. This is my
pledge to you. As your Bishop, I will serve you.
Bear with me only a few days more that
I may learn your needs for myself. I will not
keep you waiting any longer than that. Now
together let us profess our faith as our fathers
and mothers did before us, and as our children will do after us.
The Liturgy continued as all the
Followers were accustomed. There was more
ceremony out of necessity because of Tyrions
office, but with five priests there was no lack
of helping hands. The sacrifices were offered,
all were reverent, and then each crossed the
railing to present the Eucharistic bread. One by
one the Followers came forward to receive while
those who were not of the Ecclesia remained in
the pews watching or praying. Tyrion wondered
how many were Rebuilders and how many Lothanasi. Father Hough would know.
It ended as it began, with choirs
chanting and the procession leaving the same way
it entered. Only this time, where there had been
a muted uncertainty in the Followers, Tyrion felt
a sense of hopeful excitement. As they walked
past, he could see strange eyes looking to him
and then away. They didnt know what to expect
from him, but it was clear they hoped. As Tyrion
felt the weight of all thousand gazes he felt very small indeed.
His bad leg ached once they left the
nave the chant still ringing in their ears. The
crush of parishioners would be on them
momentarily. Tyrion felt twenty years older and
gasped for relief he hadnt realized he
needed. In a more timorous voice than he
intended, he said, Ready my carriage to head
north. I want to be on our way as quickly as possible.
It will be as you say, your grace,
Father Hough replied with complete simplicity.
----------
Thomas watched his wife enjoy a bowl of
oats and syrup and told his heart to relax for
the tenth time since leaving the Follower
Cathedral. There was no denying how he felt. It
wasnt anything that Bishop Tyrion had said that
set him on edge. It was the young man
himself. He was not that many years younger than
Thomas but he carried an authority that reached
into his lands. A cleric or not, Tyrion would
never escape his fathers shadow. And that made Thomas very, very anxious.
Thou dost not eat, Alberta observed
with a slight tilt to her long ears.
Nay, he replied and spooned at his
oats. I dont think Im very hungry.
Albertas equine brow brightened with
her love. A bit of mirth crept into her voice.
I dost remember that once thou wouldst hath been
overjoyed at a meal of simple oats.
The reminder of what hed desired only a
year past, the simple life of a horse, made him
laugh. A magical spell had compelled him, but
the tenderness with which Alberta had fed him,
combed him, and even spoke to him, had only
contributed to the budding love in his heart. He
had no wish to be a beast anymore, nor did
Alberta have any desire to make him as one, but
they teased each other about it from time to
time. Oddly, it helped sooth their nerves.
It isnt the oats, Thomas replied with
a smile he intended to be reassuring. He lowered
his snout before she could ask him what it was.
What did you think of his grace, Bishop Tyrion Verdane?
Alberta nodded gently, eyes straying
past Thomas to the open windows and the cool air
beyond. A fire crackled in the hearth nearby
keeping them warm, while the window brought a
breeze and the scents of coming Spring. Only the
nearly invisible presence of a young page not yet
under the Curses hold marred their privacy.
Bishop Tyrion didst seem young but very
eager to demonstrate his concern for his
flock. Tis my hope that he wilt be an able
shepherd, kind and compassionate, gentle as a
dove, but wise and clever as the serpent. I dost
believe he intends to bring more priests to
Metamor, he only dost seek to learn how many he should.
Aye, I agree there. Thomas frowned and
tapped his bowl with one hoof-like nail. But he
is still the son of Duke Titian Verdane, and that
man has had ambitions on my southern fiefs for
years. If not for the Curse hed have ambitions on this land.
Alberta frowned and swallowed her latest
bite. I thought that the civil war didst weaken him.
It did. Hed be a fool to try to take
my lands by force. But... Thomas grunted and
resisted the urge to smash the table with his
fist. I just worry what he might intend. No
scion of the Verdane line has set foot within
this Valley in a hundred years. And the last
left with his head on a pike. Tyrion may be the
Bishop and it may be his right to inspect his
flock, but this has me very, very nervous.
Alberta put a hand on his wrist and
gently stroked his fetlock. Hath Andwyn begun spying on him yet?
Of course!
Then he wilt tell thee, my dear
husband, if there aught be any reason to fear.
There was such confidence in her voice
and in her eyes that Thomas felt all the twisted
angles in his heart line up. He sighed and
covered her hand with his. Together, the two
leaned their heads together and kissed with
supple lips. Thomas caught Albertas lower lip
between his two and pulled playfully. She brayed
and drew back, shaking her head. He whickered.
Oh, thou! Eat thy oats! Alberta
brayed again, long tail lashing back and forth with her delight.
Thomas, heart still tender but no longer
troubled, did as his wife bade him.
----------
Sir William Dupré had settled into life
at Hareford as well as could be expected. In the
last two months he had familiarized himself with
all of Harefords defences as well as those of
the neighbouring villages. The villages were
small and would never survive an onslaught, but
there was ample space behind Harefords curtain
wall to house them should it come to a
siege. The outpost itself was well defended both
in arms and in stone. Its weaknesses were its
small size and limited resources. Neither of
those were problems Dupré could solve on his own or in a short amount of time.
So he did his best to learn the strength
and abilities of the men (and women) under his
command. Most were hardened veterans whod
survived the northern assault the previous
winter; these Dupré found highly skilled,
competent, and watchful. Some were fresh
recruits just old enough to serve and he assigned
each of them an older veteran to school
them. Others were refugees from Bradanes who
were so thrilled not to be lepers that they
happily embraced any duty given them.
And then there were the six men that had
escorted William to Metamor and stayed. Of all
those under his command only these six did he
implicitly trust. But the Keepers showed
themselves worthy and none could gainsay their
devotion to their land. But until he learned who
had been sent to spy on him he could trust none of them.
Not even Nestorius the black lion mage
who was titular ruler of this land. He was fair,
thoughtful, and as gracious a host as one could
ask for in this cold and dangerous land. But he
was still Duke Thomass vassal, and as such,
until Dupré felt trusted by the Duke there would
always be a measure of distance between them even
if it was as imperceptible as a soap bubble.
Compared to all of the intrigue and
danger he was now in, becoming a walking, talking ram was a blessing from Eli.
His hooves clattered on the stonework, a
sound he was now accustomed to. He nodded to the
guard standing watch outside Nestoriuss quarters
who waved him through. Inside he found the black
lion bending over a map. His office was usually
cluttered with scrolls, old parchments, dusty
tomes, lanterns that might be lit and just as
often werent, as well as recently poured glasses
of wine that had been half drunk before being
forgotten. Today was no exception.
Nestoriuss manner was always a little
detached, but he never failed to be appropriately
gracious. Ah, William, come in. Can I get you something to drink?
No, thank you, the ram replied with a
slight laugh. It appears you have enough.
Nestoriuss yellow eyes scanned the
three glasses sitting half-empty on various
shelves and tables. He chuckled at his own
forgetfulness. How do you feel about a little
watch duty tonight? I know you like to keep
abreast of what all under your command must do so
I thought I might interest you in this.
Dupré found the suggestion odd but not
unappealing. Ive already watched from the
battlements many nights. You have been there with me for several.
Here at Hareford, yes, Nestorius
agreed. The rams eyes narrowed with interest.
I am speaking of the watchtower at the Dike.
The lion tapped the map with one claw and picked
up the nearest wineglass with his other paw.
Here. The westernmost tower. We call it the
Tower of the Eagle because you can see for miles
north from there. Its built at the top of a
steep defile so theres little chance of being
overrun, but there is always a risk.
How well I know that! Dupré pondered
the suggestion with some delight. With the snows
melted he had been eager to get out of the castle
again. He wanted to feel grass beneath his
hooves (and another part of him wanted to feel it
on his tongue but he tried not to grant that much
leeway). Very well. I will take a detachment of
men and supplies for the night and ride to the
Eagle Tower. I will return tomorrow at this time.
Nestorius smiled broadly. Very good. I
recommend you take the men you brought with you
to Metamor. They should have a chance to see it as well.
Dupré felt immediately suspicious and
apart from his ears which turned upward, he kept
his surprise from his face. A reasonable
suggestion. I will gather them. And leave
behind at least one to try to learn why the
crafty lion wanted him out of Hareford for the
night. He then shook his head, the points of his
horns tracing little arcs in the air. I fear I
cannot take Alexander with me. Hes still
mending from that sortie last week. The
Rottweiler was impulsive but of good heart. Hed
understand and keep an eye, ear, and nostril open.
The lion gulped down the remainder of
the wine and nodded quickly. Ill see that he
isnt disturbed and gets his rest.
Thank you. Dupré bowed his head and
took a clopping step back. I will ready my men
to depart at once. Good day to you. He took the
nearest wine glass and emptied it. He chuckled
and grinned. That is quite good.
Nestoriuss return smile had the decency
of appearing somewhat guilty. I wish you and
your companions a swift ride and safe watch!
Dupré had no doubt that at least was true.
----------
Charles spoke little to anyone on the
journey from Metamor to Lake Barnhardt. The day
was fair with white clouds sliding north at a
stately waltz while the carriage and knights made
good time on the open and mostly dry roads. On
their leaving from Metamor a great throng of
Followers had come out to see them on their
way. Many had been eager just to touch the
barding of the horses or the wood of the carriage
praying and hoping for relief or blessing. But
as the road left Euper and turned north along the
river and the woods that clustered close like
drooping eaves they paused and then dispersed back to their homes.
The ride was pleasant, the cool of the
early afternoon settling into their fur and
keeping the exertion from taxing them. The lead
knight, a man of lithe frame and steely
countenance, whom hed hard one of the others
call Nikolai, kept so a careful eye on the road,
the quickly flowing river, the stones, the little
crumbling walls along the roadside that marked
where a village used to be, and every other
detail of their passage that the rat was certain
the man was aware of more than just the threat of
ambush. Charles wasnt quite sure what to make
of him, but he knew this Nikolai was not a friend to the Keep.
Sir Saulius did try to engage him in
conversation of a lighter nature, but he quickly
saw that Charles wasnt interested and so turned
his attention to the road ahead. Charles wanted
very badly to turn to stone and deaden the sores
Ericks questions the night before had
stirred. But he knew poor Malicons back would
not endure a few hundred pound stone rat and so
suffered in silence. He couldnt even muster the will to seek his Calm.
They reached Lake Barnhardt without
incident. The city nestled against the shore of
a broad lake that was framed to the west by large
hills. The river flowed from its southern
terminus. Mills dotted the rivers western edge
and beyond them sheep grazed before the hills
disappeared beneath the blanket of pines pointing
into the mountains. High walls framed the main
portion of the city including the modest
castle. A solitary tower rose up from the lake,
ice still covering all but the nearest shores
where fishermen plied their trade.
The city gates opened to receive them
and waiting beyond was a nobleman dressed in
bright green brocade that masked his mud-coloured
flesh, along with a company of soldiers and other
dignitaries. A servant carried a large basin of
fresh water next to the nobleman. Standing
nearby was a familiar black-coloured
hawk. Charless heart lifted at the sight of her.
The nobleman stepped forward followed by
his water-bearer. I am Lord Robern Barnhardt and
I welcome his grace to Lake Barnhardt, my
familys ancestral home and the home of the first
Ecclesia church in all the Valley.
Bishop Tyrion was helped from the
carriage and he smiled to the man and the odd
collection of attendants. The trio of priests
whod come with him followed him out. The
knights dismounted including Charles and they
brought their horses forward to frame the
Bishop. Tyrion awkwardly stepped through them
and held out his hand with ring to the newt. I
am Bishop Tyrion Verdane. Dominus vobiscum.
Et cum spiritu tuo, all replied with joyful obedience.
The newt bent down on one knee and
pressed the end of his muzzle to the ring. He
rose and taking a small cloth from the side of
the basin, wiped down the Bishops hand. Forgive
me your grace, but I am afraid my shape is... well... slimy.
We all have our burdens to bear,
Tyrion replied with some modicum of good humour
as he rubbed his hand to rid it of the last of
the slime. Is that why you have a bowl of water here?
Lord Robern Barnhardt dipped the cloth
into the water and then lathered it over his face
and hands. That is to keep my skin from drying
out. I am afraid I must spend most of my days in
the water or I become very sick. At the very
least I can come outside in the winter to greet
you, your grace. My Steward waits inside the old
church for us because he dare not go outside.
Tyrion frowned as he absorbed all of
this news. What has your good Steward become?
He is a copperhead, your grace. Tyrion
visibly blanched at that. Fear not he is a
devout Follower who is anxious to meet you.
Forgive me, but I have had a boyhood
fear of snakes. I will do my best not to recoil
when I meet him. Tyrion took a deep breath,
glanced heavenward as if in prayer, and then
asked, Tell me, Lord Robern, why is it that you
have no priests here? You are the only one of
all the nobility in Metamor Valley who is of the
Ecclesia yet you have no priests.
We use to have three, Robern replied
with much sadness in his voice. When Nasoj
struck eight years past, his armies breached our
walls and laid waste the city. Nearly all you
see here has been rebuilt since then. Our
priests remained in the church to defend and
protect the Sacred Hosts. They were all cruelly
slain and the Hosts desecrated. Until Father
Hough came to Metamor, we have had none and had
to rely on hope in Yahshuas mercy.
The faces of the Lakelanders all fell at
the brief retelling of that sad tale. Tyrion
himself glowered with an inward fire. If it has
not already been done, I will reconsecrate the ground for your church.
Father Hough has done this, but your
blessing would be most welcome. Robern dipped
the cloth in the water basin and doused himself
again. Our church is modest but we have rebuilt
it stone for stone. Our people have gathered
there to wait for us. Come. My soldiers will
see that your steeds are given food to eat and water to drink.
Tyrion started after the newt and said,
My time is limited, do not overfeed them please.
A woman dressed in forest greens with a
sword and bow approached the knights. I am
Captain Naomi. If you would follow me I will
show you where you can tend your horses.
Charles kept his gaze on the hawk for a
moment more and then turned to Saulius. Erick, I
am going to talk with Jessica while were here. Is that all right?
The other rat nodded, his whiskers
twitching but his eyes betraying no thoughts.
Hand me thy reins and I shall tend to Malicon.
Charles did so, smiled to his knight who
had already turned to follow Naomi and the other
knights toward a building that smelled of horse,
and then walked to where Jessica stood. He
didnt see Weyden, but a giraffe, woman, and
child who were with her paused before leaving to
follow the Bishop. Jessica cawed and wrapped the rat in her wings.
Oh, its good to see you again, Charles! How are you holding up?
Charles hugged her back and felt a sense
of relief begin to fill him. It has been
difficult, he admitted and sighed. Its hard not thinking about my boy...
I know, She rested one wing on his
shoulder and her long feathers tickled the backs
of his ears. But youre home with Kimberly and
your four other little children. How are they?
He smiled a bit as he thought on
them. They were a source of light when the
darkness in his heart reared. They are well and
happy to have my back. I love them dearly and
have spent every day with them since. Well,
until Sir Saulius was asked to serve as honour
guard for his grace. He seems a good man though
he is the son of Duke Verdane. Im sure that has
Duke Thomas fretting. The thought of the horse
lord stomping his hooves made him chuckle for
some reason. He looked up into the hawks golden
eyes. And what of you? How are you? I expected to see Weyden with you.
Jessica nodded and glanced at the sky.
Hes on patrol. Volunteered for it. I think he
still feels a little guilty about becoming
Lothanasi. My poor hawk! He is so strong and
confidant most of the time, but hes really quite
tender and conscientious. I think I love him
even more for that. She looked back down at the
rat, tilting her head far to one side as only a
bird could. We are to be married in March when
his tour here in Lake Barnhardt ends. You will
come for the wedding of course.
Of course! Id never miss that!
The hawks plumage swelled. Oh
wonderful! I have even been making some
discoveries with magic, even for the Curse.
Curious, it was the rats turn to tilt his head to one side. Oh?
Oh yes! I saw how it had touched
Lindsey, and I was able to partially discover
some of the secrets. Im still working on
developing the power necessary to keep my spells
active, but Im growing a solution to that as we
speak. The vine twisted against his chest but
she gushed with such excitement that the rat
couldnt interrupt. I can touch people for a
little while with one of the other two curses. I
have already made Maud into a giraffe a few
times, and even made Larssen a little calf! I
could do the same for you quite easily if you want to see.
You could do what to me? Charles asked in a stammering squeak.
Jessica drew him a bit closer with her
wing and she squawked a laugh. I could make a
child out of you for an hour, or... a woman.
Charles stiffened and shook his head.
Uh, I dont think I wish to experience that!
Jessica cawed and nudged the top of his
head with her beak. Perhaps you could understand
Kimberly a little better that way.
Thats perfectly fine, but no thank
you. I have a hard enough time contemplating
what those like Lindsey or Walter feel. I have
no desire to know it for myself! Just the thought makes my flesh creep!
She laughed and stepped back, letting
the rat free from her feathers. I didnt think
you would. Its okay. But I can do this, but
only for a short time. Im still
practising. But once I return to Metamor I may
be able to do this for many others. I could do a
lot of good with this. Husbands and wives
separated by the Curse might be reunited in
form. And who knows, one day I may discover a
way to undo the Curse entirely. Oh listen to me
go on. Ive discovered a new piece of magic and I just cant let it go!
Charles smiled, feeling some of his old
cheer returning at last. It sounds remarkable,
Jessica. And it does sound like you. At least
something else good has come out of all this.
The rat took a deep breath and pushed back the
sudden wave of misery he felt building. Ive
never been to Lake Barnhardt before. Do you
think you could show me around while we wait for
his grace to finish his inspection?
Jessicas beak cracked in a wide grin.
Follow me, Charles. It really is a lovely
little city and I think youll like it. Jessica
led him toward the outer wall, wings pointing at
buildings, her tongue clipping through
descriptions of their history and purpose in such
detail one might have guessed shed lived there
all her life. Charles listened with relief.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4c0e087f182271804284693!
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