Dream of Me Read Free Page B

in stone. Fire burned a path through his chest as the lack of justice hit him fully. Arlen was their strongest warrior. How could he of all not do anything?

    Snarling, Kieran called upon his wings before leaping into the air. His leathery wings spread wide above him as he flew toward the direction of the Stronghold. The Stronghold was an enormous stone fortress, home to not only the warrior’s but the Gu’an — their leader, Cian. Like many that had proven themselves strong and worthy warriors, Kieran was one of many that lived within the stone walls.

    Throughout Garmoria there were several villages and it was rare to see any living outside of one. Only one person was known to not live in any village through all Garmoria — Sera the priestess of their mother goddess.

    Kieran’s eyes widened with realization as the knowledge struck him. Of course! If anyone could explain what he had encountered back at the ruined village it would be her. Making up his mind, Kieran changed course and flew for Kalaya’s temple which lay not far from the stronghold walls.

    Spying the temple through the cover of trees, Kieran dropped down to ground. Landing just a short distance from the steps of the temple, he wasted no time. Rushing up the steps, the sound of his heavy boots echoed off the white stone walls around him as he entered the temple.

    The temple was empty save for a long stone alter in the center of the room. Walking to it, he stepped into the moonlight that spilled from the open ceiling above. His eyes were drawn to the mural of the mother goddess on the far wall. Inside his heart he knew she wept for the countless Garmorians that fell tonight.

    “It is a rule of mine that no warrior enters this temple while armed.”

    Spinning around at the teasing voice, his eyes found Sera leaning against the entrance way of the temple. Clothed in the traditional Garmorian garb of females, Sera wore a dress of white torais silk that flowed against her thin frame. Two wide rippling straps over her shoulders held the dress up while the back of the dress allowed her back to be bared. Garmorians never covered their backs for it caused issues when freeing one’s wings.

    Looking upon Sera, Kieran could see she was a beautiful female, like his kind she possessed shiny black hair that flowed over one of her shoulders. A white jeweled crescent moon ornament — a mark of her position, held back the flowing hair on one side of her oval face. His eyes fell on the ivory crescent moon brand above her right collar bone. It was a mark of the Goddess Kalaya — the moon goddess and mother of all creation. It proclaimed her as priestess over Garmoria.

    As priestess, Sera was the vessel of the goddess; to many this meant she was connected to the heavenly mother in some way. This was why many sought out her voice in certain matters. It was well known that the Gu’an actively sought Sera out in important matters of the kingdom. Villagers and warriors traveled to see her for spiritual guidance from time to time. But with the respect of many came her burden. Being the only link to the goddess also meant that Sera could never be allowed to take a mate, not that she had ever voiced regret for that.

    Stepping out of the shadows a faint white light glowed behind Sera as she willed her wings away, causing them to disappear from sight. “It’s good to see you again, Kieran,” she said, her lips curving into a friendly smile.

    “Sera,” he acknowledged with a slight bow of his head. “Kalaya’s blessing onto you,” he replied in the traditional phrase. Lifting his head, he sighed heavily. “I have come to seek your wisdom.”

    Tilting her head to the side in confusion, she slowly approached him. “Did something happen tonight?” she asked softly.

    “Yes, the eastern village has been destroyed. Not a single soul was spared. How do you know?”

    “I didn’t, but earlier I could feel the earth tremble and the trees cracked with power and not by