Chapter 1

Annie tossed a gnarly branch on a towering wood pile, wincing at the lance of pain shooting through her finger.

“I told you to wear gloves,” said Granda, her shoulder-length red hair frizzy in the humidity. “Your hands are soft from inside work.”

Annie knew better than to take offense at her fellow priestess’ gruff demeanor. Despite Granda’s typical bored tone and her complete lack of warmth or friendliness, Annie was very fond of her odd companion. Granda was perfectly suited to a life of seclusion at the Terrestrial Temple, though it was more likely she was more into caring for the animals than prayer and contemplation.

Helion, priest to Father Sun and High Hand of their little valley Temple, said caring for animals was Granda’s form of prayer and contemplation as a priestess to Arista and Anona, twin goddesses of agriculture.

Annie pulled a splinter of wood from her finger with her teeth, spitting it toward the unlit bonfire. “I’ll have to be more careful.”

Granda pulled more logs from a rickety wheelbarrow without a word. Her long face was devoid of any emotion, big gray eyes cold. The smudges of grit and grime on her cheeks and her grubby brown robes suited her. Annie liked to think of Granda as a nature spirit trapped in human form; pretty, but unreachable.

A gust of wind carried the heat of the coming summer as it whipped Annie’s dark curly hair about her face. Chickens pecked the ground by the legs of a dairy cow and her little calf as they grazed in a nearby pasture while three old geldings huddled together along the fence, watching the two women build bonfires for the coming midsummer festival.

Annie brushed her hair back, calling, “I have nothing for you fellas.”

Granda actually smiled.

The pounding of hooves made them turn toward the dirt road that led down to the village at the valley floor. Sir Torric’s long gray hair flew about his head as he rode up the hill. Far behind him, dark smoke billowed up into the otherwise clear sky. War had not troubled their sleepy little valley, but traders had carried rumors of political unrest and turmoil along with their wares all spring. Annie had been praying for peace.

She waved as Sir Torric approached, a warm grin spreading over his haggard face.

“I am glad to feel Father Sun’s heat on my skin, but I admit I prefer the cool of spring and fall to summer.” He climbed down from his saddle and led his brown courser toward them.

“You and me both,” said Annie, her fair skin flushed hot.

He glanced across the clearing, four other massive piles of dried wood ready to be lit. “Where does Helion want the booths?”

“In the center of the field. He’s leery of more broken windows and vegetable thieves.” Annie put her hands on her hips, turning toward the Temple. “Although, I’d like to meet the person who scaled the garden wall last year. Such a feat is honestly impressive.”

The old temple guard chuckled, smoothing his mustache with his fingers. “We could make a festival game out of it. First one over the wall gets all the pomegranates on the tree.”

Annie grinned at the thought of Helion’s apoplectic reaction to such a suggestion.

“I’ll take the Sunstones to Naomi and then I’ll get started with the booths. Where are Herschel and Reuben?” Sir Torric pressed his hands against the small of his back and leaned to his side for a deep stretch.

“Sir Reuben and Sir Herschel went up to the Celestial Shrine to pray.” Granda threw the last of the wood onto the pile and lifted the wheelbarrow by the handles, nodding at the old warhorse. “Bruno looks tired. Would you like me to take him to the stable for you?”

He handed her the reins, patting the horse on the flank. “Thank you, Sister Granda. You spoil this old boy.”

She smiled at Bruno and led him away, the rattle of the cart loud in the peaceful afternoon.

Sir Torric shook his head. “That one’s part horse herself.”

Annie smiled. “These animals are lucky to have her. She treats them better than some treat their children.”

He smoothed his gray tunic, adjusting the sword belt around his waist. “Well, I better find Naomi and then get to work on those booths. Where’s that damn Bendrake? He should’ve been out here helping you.”

Annie brushed bits of wood and bark from her white robes, enjoying the feel of the soft linen as it billowed against her legs in the wind. “He’s singing hymns in the Inner Sanctum with Sister Ilena.”

The old knight sighed. “Healers. They think just because they can bind broken bones and wave an Amethyst pendant over a sickly babe means they don’t have to do anything else. Want everything done for them.”

It wasn’t that Brother Bendrake was lazy, rather that he was grossly incompetent when it came to pretty much anything but healing. Especially physical labor. The man was smart enough to play to his strengths.

“I can take the Sunstones to the High Priestess for you,” said Annie.

Sir Torric snorted, a knowing smile on his lips as he pulled a dark velvet pouch from the inside of his tunic. “You just want to have a look at these, don’t you, my girl? Can’t fool me.”

She gasped, pressing her hand over her mouth in feigned outrage. “Me? Play around with something as dangerous as Sunstones? How could you suggest such a thing?”

He held out the pouch, the fatherly affection in his eyes warming her heart. “If anything explodes, I’m telling Helion you stole them.”

Annie took the pouch and poured several red-orange crystal beads into her palm, marveling at their beauty as she ran her thumb over their smooth warmth. Naomi must’ve been planning to make jewelry to sell at the festival.

Her heart clenched as she thought of the High Priestess with dark curls and features so similar to her own. She pushed her anxious thoughts away and took a calming breath. Sunstones brought joy and confidence. Annie closed her eyes, channeling her spiritual energy through her veins to the crystals in her hand.

A gentle ringing filled the air and her eyes flew open. She’d done it!

Sir Torric backed away, eyes wide. “Careful now, Sister Annika. Those are powerful crystals you have there.”

All of the beads glowed, red and orange light flickering and sparking like embers in a hearth. Courage and vitality surged through her, making her bold. She would confront Naomi. The time had come. She’d put it off for far too long.

The beads began to vibrate in her palm and Sir Torric panicked, falling to the ground with his arm thrown up in self-defense. “Stop!”

A burst of light blinded Annie and a loud crack made them both scream. Annie fell to her knees, squeezing the Sunstones tight as spots slashed across her field of vision. The ringing stopped and the crystals dimmed, cooling in her gasp.

She poured them back into the pouch, pleased she’d been able to invoke the crystal’s blessing, but sorry she’d frightened her old friend. “Forgive me, Torric. I got a little carried away.”

The old man clutched at his chest as he sat on the ground, breathing erratic. Annie hurried forward to help him up.

He forced a smile. “It’s alright, my girl. No harm done. If I’d known you’re so capable, I wouldn’t have given them to you.”

Annie had the good grace to laugh as he took her hands, hoisting himself to his feet. “All those hours of praying and meditating have paid off.”

She hid the pouch in her loose sleeve before he could take it. Delivering crystals was an excellent excuse to disturb Naomi in her quarters.

“You’re a dedicated priestess, sweet Annika. I’ll remember to thank the gods for making you so gentle and kind in my prayers tonight.” He winked at her. “With power like yours, you could be a real terror to behold.”

“It’s easy to be gentle and kind when you’re surrounded by goodness.” Annie dipped her head in a polite bow before hurrying off to find Naomi. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

“If you see that damn Healer, send him out here. I’ll teach that silly fool to swing a hammer.”

Annie chuckled as she jogged toward the stone building, heavy oak doors thrown open wide to welcome pilgrims and parishioners. Normally, she would’ve been excited to watch something as comical as grizzly old Sir Torric attempting to teach limp-wristed Brother Bendrake to use tools, but she had a more important matter to attend to.