CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  ANYA’S DREAM

  Walking through the small corridors of the temple of Elion where she served, all Anya could think of was sleep. It had been a long day already and her bed called to her, even though it was far from evening.

  Physically she was tired, yes, but mentally as well, having earlier gotten into it with her younger sister. Her sister, Deelah, was always trouble, and no matter what she said to her Anya knew it would go in one ear and out the other. There could be no bigger difference between two sisters, she thought. Then, after sighing, the cleric said a short prayer to Elion for patience and strength.

  Before the quarrel with her sister, Anya had already healed many that day in the growing city of Valtoss, and that, along with her daily meditations and study, had now made her exhausted. The city elders meeting about the rumors of the recent invasion into The Dwarven Mountains from The Barren Wasteland didn’t help either.

  Thankfully, thought Anya, Hemslia would soon be there to assist her in the temple duties, and she could relax a bit. If there was one cleric she could trust to take care of things, it was Hemslia. She may be half the size of Anya, but the dwarf was identical in her love for Elion and the races he had created.

  Finally reaching her bed chamber, the lead cleric of Valtross stepped out of her sandals, took off her outer white robe, and laid her staff against the wall. Seeing her face reflected in the staff's crystal, Anya straightened her long, dark hair that had some strands of gray. Then she got into bed with a big sigh of contentment, and soon she was fast asleep.

  After a few minutes of slumber, Anya’s eyes began to glow and her eyelids snapped open as she began to dream. She saw a middle aged man, a mercenary, by his look, leading a Knight of Providence holding a type of shield she had never seen before. And walking with them, a beautiful elf maiden shouldering a bow. By the mercenary’s side walked a strong black wolf and floating above the elf was a beautiful falcon. Next, they were joined by an old wizard. The man was still strong though, for his age. With his staff, he walked as fast as his new companions, as a squirrel climbed from a pocket of his robe and perched on his shoulder.

  It was an interesting group, no doubt, but when Anya saw herself and Deelah walk into view and join the group, she tossed and turned in her bed. Next to join the group was a dwarf. The length of his his beard was only rivaled by the length of the battle axe on his back.

  As Anya continued to watch the dream unfold, the group walked through fire, and then through what she could only think was magic. After that, a beautiful ornate scepter came into view, placing the group in the background. There was a sound of clicking metal and the scepter transformed into a double edged sword. It was as imposing as the scepter was beautiful.

  Anya tossed again in her sleep, realizing the group had found, or was at least looking for, the ancient Scepter Sword of the King Priest of Danaria! And she and her sister was part of that group! Then the Sword started to fade and Anya reached out for it. Suddenly, the cleric began to hear her name.

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  “Anya. Anya!” came a familiar voice.

  Anya woke with her right hand reaching out above her. Her eyes, once wide and glowing, had returned to normal. Back in reality, the cleric lowered her arm.

  “A prophetic dream....” whispered a calm but excited voice.

  Anya looked up to see Hemslia standing next to the bed, looking down at her. The dwarf took a step back as Anya sat up.

  “I do not truly know yet, but maybe. We will see what Elion has in store,” replied Anya as she slipped on her sandals. Then she grabbed her robe as her mind started racing.

  Hemslia smiled. She had served with Anya for years now since becoming her apprentice, and had heard that phrase before every prophecy, big or small, given to Anya by Elion. Then the dwarf’s smile faded and changed to a look of concern.

  “Whatever the case my lady, I will take care of the temple tonight by myself.” Then Hemslia sighed. “Maxwell would like to see you...”

  Anya’s wonderment at the dream subsided.

  “Deelah,” sighed Anya next, looking down at the dwarf. “How bad this time?”

  “A pick pocket of a mercenary, by the looks of him,” spoke Hemslia quietly and sadly. “He was on to her though. Kept her till Maxwell got there.” Then the cleric shook her head. “But your sister landed a knee to his groin before Maxwell could arrest her. Praise Elion the man would not press charges after Maxwell said who you were.”

  Instantly, Anya sat on the bed and grabbed Hemslia’s shoulder quickly. The motion startling the dwarf. “Was he with others or by himself?”

  “He was alone as far as I could tell. Just coming into town, I assume. I’ve never seen him before,” replied Hemslia, composing herself. “Of course, Valtross is no longer the small town we once knew.”

  “Thank you my dear,” smiled Anya. Then she rubbed her chin. “I will go see the constable now and then contemplate this dream. I know the temple is in good hands when you serve.”

  Hemslia smiled up at Anya as she handed her staff to her. Then together they walked out of the room.

  Oh, I almost forgot,” spoke Hemslia as they took a few steps. “Before you see Maxwell, there is a Knight of Providence who would like to see you. I had come in to tell you, but with all the excitement...”

  “Is he in the sanctuary? asked Anya, her eyes opening wide.

  “Yes,” replied Hemslia. “He said he would be praying until you arrive. Then the dwarf stopped. “He is quite secretive for a Knight of Providence.”

  With that, Anya and Hemslia parted ways. Anya’s thoughts could hardly be contained. She walked quickly to the sanctuary and, upon getting there, saw a man in armor on one knee, apart from the few others who were also praying.

  Anya slowly walked over to him as he spoke softly, “...here now. All I know is I know that you are here now. Still my heart. Elion let your voice be all I hear now. Have your way, because I know you are in this place. Here now. Fix my eyes on the things that I can not see. Till all I see is the glory of your…”

  It was a beautiful prayer, thought Anya. He was a Knight of Providence, for sure. Then out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glint of metal. Leaning against the wall was a shield. It was the shield from her dream! As she realized this, the Knight of Providence felt her presence, broke off his prayer and stood up.

  “Thank you for seeing me, my lady. My name is Elias Romwell and I am on a long journey, a holy quest, and have not seen a temple for days. I travel with good companions, but nothing is better to renew my soul than with a prayer in a temple of Elion and council with its cleric.”

  “Do not fret, sir knight,” smiled Anya, as she did her best to compose herself. “You are no longer without a cleric. Today...or for the duration of your quest for the Scepter Sword.”

  Instantly, Elias kneeled before Anya and grabbed her free hand. “My lady is not just a cleric, but a prophetess!”

  Anya pulled at Elias’ hand for him to rise, and the knight stood in front of her, stoic and steadfast. Then, releasing his hand, Anya placed both hands around her staff and announced…

  “More than that, Elias. I am your new companion.”