The shack stood a good 100 metres from the rest of the encampment. Raggety and weather beaten, it sat uncomfortably close to the edge of a cliff. The rain patted lightly on the ground, as a lone figure approached in the pale light of the early morning.
A quiet knocking against the door was explosion against calm of the room. A playful breeze perhaps, he mused. The man remained seated in the centre of the room, the incense filling his senses as they wandered afar. Lost within his thoughts, his spirit and mind cast adrift from the shore of his body. Again came the knocking. He sighed as he slowly rose to his feet, perhaps the wind wanted to commune with him. Before he could make it to the door the knocking had resumed.
An impatient breeze he said to nobody in particular.
The man stepped outside of his shack, closing his eyes and filling his lungs with the cool mountain air. He slowly exhaled, opening one eye to look at the young priestess who had disturbed his sanctuary. The light from the star making her impossibly white robes shine with a blinding radiance.
The High Priestess co-.. request your presence Captain Ar Junius she said sweetly, her bow low enough to dirty her immaculately white robes.
Captain? said Arr staring out towards the distance ocean I am simply Ar, one must own a ship to be a Captain, Miss?
I am Priestess Torae, Ar Junius. If you would follow me, you are expected Ar continued gazing off in the distance, clearly this girl wasnt going to take no for an answer. It wasnt everyday an outsider was invited to the Temple, much less at the behest of the High Priestess. For 5 years he had lived among them, without anyone ever questioning his presence. He atleast owed them this small couresty.
Very well, I am at the Sisterhoods disposal he said, inclining his head
I shall guide you, Ar Junius
The young women set a slow steady pace, her gracefully movements unhampered by the freshly turned mud. The plateau on which the small enclave was located was frequented, by seemly, whimsical showers of rain. No more then 200 people lived here, several families, artisans, trades people and those that treasured solitude, like himself.
As he walked he became aware that he was walking barefoot across muddy ground. Not that he minded, he just hoped the High Priestess wasnt going to be too fussed.
Abandon hope all ye who enter here.
Lord, Protect me from your followers.