After having breakfast with my mother, I set out for the temple slightly before noon. While it was on the other side of the county, the road leading to it was straight and well-maintained, so the carriage was able to travel quickly, and we arrived shortly before sunset, as the sun hung low in the sky, dyeing the clouds red with its glow.

  The priestesses were strangely uncooperative, and the temple knights stood idly by as if nothing was the matter. I’d been standing at the gates for ten minutes now, waiting for an elder to come greet me, and none had arrived.

  “Sister, what is the meaning of this delay? As I said, I’m here to see my wife. If you’re all so busy, you need only tell me where her room is, and I can go see her myself.”

  The young priestess shook her head and crossed her arms. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but outsiders are not allowed within the temple without an escort, even nobles like you. I’m sure if you wait, someone will be out shortly!”

  “How long do I have to wait?”

  “It won’t be long at all, I’m sure!”

  I clenched my fists. “How. Long. Do I have to wait?”

  “Um, no more than a few hours? Maybe less? We’re in the middle of an important ritual, you see, and it can’t be interrupted – I’m only here because I’m too new to participate, so-”

  “Where is my wife’s room?”

  “Once the elder is here, she’ll be happy to escort you there!”

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  “WHERE IS MY WIFE?”

  The priestess recoiled, trying to appear small and insignificant, speaking in a voice that was smaller still. “Um I think it’s in the annex at the end of the hall to the right after you walk past the dining room please don’t kill me I’m very sorry ma’am it won’t happen again I promise.”

  I nodded and walked past her into the main chamber of the temple. The two temple knights who were on guard stood up straight and followed me in. The one with red hair spoke up.

  “Excuse me, ma’am, but you can’t just enter the temple without an escort, even if you’re on important business!”

  I stopped and turned around. “How old are you, brother?”

  He seemed confused by my question. “I’m 27, ma’am.”

  “Do you have any children who will miss you? Or a spouse? How do your parents feel about you?”

  He began to sweat. “I don’t understand the question, ma’am.”

  I turned to the tall knight at his side. “What about you, sister? Do you have any siblings that would attend your funeral? Should I send my condolences somewhere?”

  The two knights looked at each other, then looked at the blade at my side, and the hand hovering over it. The redhead spoke again.

  “I’m very sorry for disturbing you, ma’am. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you need anything while you’re here.”

  I nodded. “Have a wonderful day.”

  The path to the hall to the right in the rear of the annex past the dining room felt as if it stretched on for an eternity. The temple smelled wrong. It smelled strongly of a forest and of a dead thing that shouldn’t have extended its roots this far or this deeply into the world. As the path went on, my pace quickened until I was nearly sprinting. My bruised muscles protested, and my lungs begged for more air, but I ignored them. The mark on my hand itched.

  The smell grew stronger as I approached the rear of the annex. Once I rounded the corner, I saw a small group of priestesses at the end of the hall, attempting to enter a room.

  As I approached, I heard Rosa cursing loudly.

  I drew my blade.