Page 58 of Beyond The Maples
My shoulders slump. I don't think I've heard a sermon since I was a child.
The clergy members are all dressed identically. The only difference is the Overseer's robes are in light cream instead of the dark brown like the others. All the robes have golden compasses stitched onto the shoulders, and above their hearts, four small symbols. The four elements.
The Overseer is the head of the church, the one who still has a direct connection to the Gods and their wishes. He travels a lot, going from place to place, ensuring his flock stays on the right path. I've never actually seen the infamous man. We just had the one priest. There seems to be a definitive coldness to all of them; a detachment in stark contrast to what they are supposed to represent.
Two younger men stand beside the Overseer as he takes the podium. His voice booms through the room with frightening authority.
"I am here today in hopes of drawing the eyes of the Gods back to our once great nation. To you brave folk who choose to live in their light, to protect what once was, in faith that we will once again live in abundance and in their divine grace." He clears his throat, letting his words sink in. There are a few cadets nodding their heads in agreement.
"My children, please rise and close your eyes. Follow me in prayer." He motions for us to rise slowly with both his hands, like we're puppets. His empty smile sends a shiver down my spine. The light reflects off his bald head as his fathomless gaze penetrates the crowd. He has tattoos along the side of his skull, but I can't quite make out what they are from here. Ancient symbols perhaps?
"We promise to fulfill our destiny, aiding you in the great cleansing of this land. We will strive to put back what once was, to ensure that the power is held by those with divine purpose, as you intended. Knowing that we lost our way, that your gifts were used with malice and ill intent, we set ourselves at your feet, forever humble servants of the sacred four, from here until we arrive at Aethur, and are carried through the underworld. We give ourselves to your great mercy, knowing that you will restore the land, when we are worthy."
Silence fills the room, and I wait, peeking at the surrounding cadets who remain bowing with their eyes closed.
"You may now rise. May the Four bless you upon your journeys." He dips his head in respect and then promptly leaves the room, the other two floating behind him like brainless mice.
Captain Kethler comes up and gives us a briefing on the current standings, but my mind can't seem to focus on his words. I'm too busy replaying the Overseer's prayer.
Some of the wording felt "off". Maybe it's only because I haven't been to a ceremony in ages, but cleansing the land? Restoring it to what? I want to know. I thought our goal was to restore it to a time when magic flowed freely and the ground grew things, but maybe that isn't the case, maybe they want to go back further. Wesley spoke about the time before wielders, almost romanticizing this ancient civilization.
I retain only the gist of what they announce for our brief. The border at Soland has been quiet. With the mountains it's always been too treacherous to bother, just like Willow had claimed. What's surprising, though, is that the border with Zaphira is also quiet. The active units are dealing with minor skirmishes, and officers dismantling some defectors raiding the border.
Kethler states that several groups have been taken into custody for ignoring Grow Bans, and I can't help the angry twitch at the thought of punishing our residents for attempting to grow their own food. I'm barely listening by the time he gets to the barrier; claiming some mild instability has been reported but not going into any significant detail.
After we're dismissed, I start walking back to the dorms, deep in thought, when I feel a presence beside me.
Leo lets out a low whistle under his breath. "Yikes, not sure what we did to warrant a royal pep talk from a lead Council member and the Overseer." He grimaces before waving goodbye, veering off in the opposite direction for his wall shift.
Morrosse is well known through Providence. His family helped create the current Council, and he handles a lot of new legislation. I wonder if he's the one who made Willow's medication impossible to get, or if he's the one who outlaws more and more technology every year, to where people were scrambling to function.
The people from the church flash through my mind, swaying lifelessly in my memories. I wonder if that was his call, too. I think of the punishments that seem barbaric and frivolous, and wonder if he's even aware. He seems sophisticated, calm, intelligent even. But then, why couldn't he come up with a better system?
I'm on autopilot when I turn a corner and walk into what seems to be a private conversation between Zander and... Deacon?
I pause, unsure of which way to go. Berkley is beside me and does the smart thing by turning on his heel and jetting away. Unfortunately, I don't get that opportunity, as both men sense me staring and look right at me. Awkwardly, I move towards them.
"Hey Mae, this is Mr. Morosse. Mr. Morosse, this is Maple."
Deacon waves me over as the Councilmen's eyes sharply assess me. Finally, he gives me a charming grin and reaches for my hand.
"Oh please, Zander is fine. Mr. Morosse makes me feel ancient. So, this is the girl you're following into the dust. Nice to meet you, Maple. I may have followed you too, if I'd had such a lovely best friend growing up. I hope you appreciate this young man. He's as loyal as they come."
He's still holding my hand. Still shaking, when he glances behind me. If I had to guess, one of my crew mates is probably standing there waiting for me. Wondering what kind of weird interaction I'm having.
"I hope you'll all welcome him warmly. Also, a friendly reminder to all cadets," his volume lifts as his eyes level behind me. Smooth like honey, his voice echoes off the bare hallway walls. "Keep your noses down. Cadets have been getting into trouble by taking matters into their own hands. Those whose interests align with Providence are the only ones you can truly trust."
He gives us a curt nod before slapping Deacon's back like they're old pals, and strolls down the hall. Hands in his clean, pressed pant pockets, smiling and chatting with people as he passes.
I turn my head ever so slowly, until I'm staring at Deacon.
"Awfully friendly with one of the head Council members, aren't we?" I say it without restraint, my words like knives. He winces.
"Umm yeah, we've crossed paths. More so in the last few months."
I give a nod, and turn, not wanting to hear more with so many ears around. I grab his arm, aggressively hauling him along.
"Let's go for a stroll," I spit out.
