Fiat Lux: Part XVI

That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. -Deuteronomy 16:20

In the morning, a strange banner hung from the walls of the White Raven Compound. Heryn had spat out all the story, defiant until the very end, refusing to take any comfort or solace from the Bible or Mother Church. He seemed proud of himself when he described how he had poisoned the food at the shelter after sending the two woman suggesting they meet there to discuss the thefts in private.

Llwyd did not know what Heryn might have said afterwards. A tight-lipped Branwen had politely asked the monk to leave her alone with the prisoner, and after Heryn had once more refused his prayers, Llwyd left to hold solitary vigil in the chapel. A few hours later, the night silence was shattered by a last shout of rage.

Heryn's body swayed slowly in the breeze as Llwyd turned his head away and walked over to a group of riders gathering by the compound's gate. "Leaving, are you, m'lord?"

Ian Blackthorn swung up into the saddle, then leaned over to shake Llwyd's hand. "I'm afraid so, Brother. Odds and ends left on this back at home. And I must let Lord Lerrad know I've finally cleared his name. Not that it will do me any good." He chuckled. "Call me Ian, Brother. You and I have too much between us now for you to ever call me lord. And what of you? Back on your journey for your Father-Master?"

The monk shook his head, a smile now crossing his face. "Timmons did not tell you? I petitioned to be allowed to stay here and serve in Penally. There's a lot of work left to be done here. Branwen and I had spoken of this over the summer. And there are some of her older men that can retire and serve out their last days as servants of God. I may very well have a new chapter house going in a few years! Come back and see if I don't. In fact, just come back and visit, friend Ian?"

"Alright, I shall. Although why you would want to see a bloody killer like myself... "

"You? Never. You, Ian Blackthorn, serve the light! Whether you want to believe it or not, you are its servant, whatever god or goddess you might worship."

The big man started to speak, then just shook his head, rubbing at his neck. "Llwyd, what would you say if I told you one sent me to find justice for those two women?"

"I'd say he had chosen well."

"She, Brother." Ian backed Horse a few paces back, then turned the big bay towards the gate. "Most definitely a She! I'll be back to visit, Llwyd! Keep the Light shining!"

********

That night, in his dreams, She spoke.

"That was the first, Ian Blackthorn, Two more remain."