Page 69 of An Archer's Redemption

“Good people of Oliver, you know me now. Your children know me most of all.” This brought a few nervous nods and tentative smiles from knowing parents. “I came here to serve, to minister to each of you in your own time and need. I did not come to fan the flames of rebellion.”

Brows knit in confusion.

“Of course the one who wears the crown is human, like each of us. They are bound to err, some more disastrously than others, as we’ve learned recently. Yet our faith does not teach revolution. Our mortal masters fulfill an ancient and worthy purpose when they serve and lead, rather than conquer. We praise the efforts of our new Queen. Tragedy tested her will and strength beyond what most could fathom, yet she endured to rise and don the vestments of power.”

More nods spread among the crowd.

Queen Jessia had indeed become a popular figure, a beacon of hope following the disastrous war of her mother and father.

“What we believe is that faith and order must coexist, must rule the mind and body and spirittogether. The Crown and the Order should stand side by side in service to the people of this land. The will of mortal men must always be balanced by the temperance of spiritual guidance. Only through faith and good works can we hope to reclaim the mantle of righteousness our Kingdom once possessed.”

An impatient woman in the front row raised her hand and shouted, “I don’t get it. You hate the Crown, then you respect it. You don’t want rebellion, now you preach the faith should rule with the Queen. What are you saying?”

Seth smiled and nodded toward the woman.

“Thank you, madam. We Priests do love the sound of our own voices.”

This drew chuckles and more than a few nods.

“We all know the ancient prophecy that foretells the return of the One. There is no child among us who cannot recite tales of Irina and her return by heart. Yet we now know Irina was a false prophet, a false goddess. She was never the One spoken of with reverence in the ancient texts. She was a usurper who used magic and power to further her own evil designs and drive our nation into the ground.”

The ever-shifting mood flared toward anger once more at the mention of Irina.

“I come before you today, not with a message of anger and despair, but of hope. I come to proclaim the return of the true heir of prophecy, the true bearer of faith. The One returns—”

Gasps spread through the crowd.

The woman who’d spoken earlier crossed her arms and shouted, “What does the new Onewantnow? We’ve got nothing left to give. The old Queen took my sons and husband!”

“My friends, the One comes to us with arms spread wide, inviting us into a warm embrace of love, kindness, and beauty. He comes tohealand usher in a new age of peace and prosperity for our people. He seeks neither land nor riches, nor does he care for conquest.” Seth paused, tapped a finger to his lips thoughtfully, then corrected himself, drawing the crowd further to his words. “No, that is not right. Hedoesseek conquest. He would conquerevery heartand bring every loyal subject thejoyandpeaceonly found in righteous works and passionate, sincere faith.

“Tonight is a beginning. I am but a humble servant sent ahead of his master to prepare for his return. You aremyfamily now. I ask only for your open minds and hearts. Go in peace, and think on my words.”

No one moved for a long moment.

They looked unsure if they should.

Then Seth stepped down from the makeshift stage and made his way through the parting crowd to where I stood.

I gaped as he stood before me.

My mind raced. Barely a family in town remained untouched by the Taker during the war. Brothers, sons, and fathers left with pride in their hearts and songs on their lips. What they left behind were empty, quiet homes with husbandless wives and fatherless children.

Father tried to go, to join the King’s army, but he’d been too old. They’d turned him back. Short of that mercy, Ma and I would be among those still mourning a loss.

Seth struck far more than a raw nerve. He pierced people directly in the heart.

“Was Ithatbad?”

I looked at my hands as my fingers fidgeted. “You spoke well, but . . . it’s just so much, Seth.”

My face held a stricken look, and I struggled to raise my eyes.

“It is a great deal to take in. I understand,” he said. “May a humble Priest walk a handsome lord home?”

I looked around at the dispersing crowd, some casting glances our way, their expressions unreadable.

I nodded and let him hook my arm in his as we began our stroll toward the inn.

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