298 Temporary Stay.
Gale landed on the ground gently, and Valerian finally caught a good view of the building. This place gave him a similar architectural vibe to Throne mountain. He was surprised, and Gale said, “The depictions of the throne mountain adapt the design of this temple. The craftsmen tried to follow the lines as much as possible to make this place resemble the abode of the dragon god.”
Gale had just finished her explanation to Valerian when the young man turned around and found seven people around them, all wearing crimson robes, with a hood covering their heads. He did not know anything and immediately became vigilant.
The dragon nodded at his reaction slightly because lowering your guard in an unfamiliar place could lead to death. She said, “These are the acolytes of the temple. You do not need to be wary of them.”
Valerian nodded, but the vigilance still did not lower. He was not going to trust any human this easily. The seven acolytes bowed to Gale and said, “Greetings, your grace. Her eminence has been notified of your arrival and will be here soon.”
Gale nodded and said, “Very well.”
Valerian asked, “The personage they are talking about is the human guardian?”
Gale nodded and said, “The guardian will be the one to facilitate your communication with the temple of mercy. So, it is necessary to get you acquainted with the person.”
Valerian nodded and asked, “I do have a general idea of the situation in this place, but why is that? These people did not seem similar to the valkyrians.”
Gale said, “Master Valerian, similarities are not the only reason that can lead to chaos. Sometimes, it can be the differences in the innate nature of things that can birth trouble.”
.....
The young man nodded and said, “I have been taught.”
Gale shook her head slightly and wanted to say something when a flurry of footsteps caught their attention—turning around to look at the door in the distance. Valerian spotted a human figure rushing from the inside of the building.
The robe worn by this person was different. While the acolytes had a completely red robe, this person had an inch-wide golden trim running along the edge of the robe. The young man also spotted a few people running toward them wearing similar red robes but with black trimming.
Before long, the group of people had arrived in front of Gale, and the person in the red and gold robe directly knelt on the ground as a wry voice sounded, “I have seen the guardian of the sky.”
This was Gale’s designation. She was the guardian of the sky, the person who was responsible for keeping a check on the enemy approaching in their region. Valerian was aware of it, but what surprised him was this human kneeling on the ground, but the others were not.
Gale sighed and said, “Southern Guardian, raise your head. I have often told you I wouldn’t like all this flattery. You can use it against Cupido. Do not irritate me.”
Her voice was cold. The acolytes and everyone shivered. They were scared by just a brutal threat. The person on the ground stood up and said, “I apologize, Your Grace. Please command me. What can I do?”
Gale said, “Master Valerian, please step forward.”
Valerian stepped forward, and Gale continued, “This is master Valerian. He is bought here to earn merit with the temple of mercy. His real identity is extraordinary, so I suggest you do not bother him too much. However, if he violates any rules, deal with him accordingly. During his stay, give him a treatment like you would to anyone else.”
The people were surprised and curious about who this guy was, and now Gale told them not to bother him and treat him like a commoner. It was all too confusing for them to understand. Valerian saw that the people were sluggish, so he stepped forward and bowed to the hooded guardian, and said, “Greetings, I am Valerian.”
The introduction was simple. He did not sound arrogant as he took the initiative to greet and bow to the guardian. However, at the same time, he did not say weak either. The speech was calm, and the gaze was confident. The human guardian woke from the daze and replied, “Welcome to the southern dragon temple, Valerian. I am Altamash, the southern guardian of the dragon temple.”
Valerian stood up and nodded to the person. However, he could not see the face of the man, so he did not know what to make of it. The southern guardian looked at Gale and said, “Master Valerian, how about you follow one of the priests and see your quarters? I have something to discuss with Her Grace.”
The young man nodded and turned around to look at Gale. He said, “Your grace, thank you for your teachings and help during the journey.”
Gale shook her head and said, “I only did what was asked of me. You do not have to worry. I might still come to you anytime I wish to listen to your music.”
Valerian smiled and said, “It will be my pleasure.”
Gale nodded, and then Altamash assigned a priest to show Valerian around. This person was wearing a red robe with black trim. The two people left the place, and after they vanished inside the building gate, Gale said, “You are only responsible for his welfare, but do not interfere too much. Only if he faces a threat to his life shall you intervene. I know you are curious about his identity. Then let me tell you this, he is the only human who managed to climb Throne Mountain.”
Altamash shivered when he heard this. He mumbled, “The throne mountain. This, this is impossible.”
Gale did not break his shock and said, “Everything I said is a message from the elder.”
This was another shock for the southern guardian. He could no longer keep calm, but the agitation could not be vented. Finally, after a few minutes, he calmed down and said, “Very well, I understand your instructions, Your Grace.”
After a few more words, Gale said, “I will be going back now. You can manage things here. However, do not slack. Someone is always watching, and if anything happens to him. You will be dealing with more than just the elder’s rage.”
Altamash nodded and bowed his head. Then, he said, “You can rest assured, Your grace. I will not let any harm befall him.”
Gale nodded, and then, with a flap of her wings, she vanished from the temple grounds. She was going to rest but not in the human establishment.
...
Valerian followed the priest inside the building. Although he has visited an abandoned dragon temple building, however, this place. It was on a different level. He said, “This place sure is something.”
The remark was made under his breath, but the priest still heard it. The person replied, “The dragon god’s magic protects the entire building.”
Valerian was surprised and asked, “You mean the protection magic cast on the temple buildings comes from the dragon god himself? How is that possible?”
The priest replied calmly, “The dragon god blesses the buildings that depict the grandeur and glory of the dragonkin. There are only four such buildings on four continents.”
Valerian nodded. He observed the tiled walls and marble flooring. The surface was so shiny that he could see his reflection like a mirror. After walking through the corridors, the priest led Valerian to a room and said, “This will be your room. You have just finished a long journey, please take a rest, and someone will come to find you around dinner. In the meantime, I will arrange for an acolyte to send you some light food.”
Valerian nodded and said, “Thank you, it will be nice. I am tired of eating preserved food.”
The priest nodded and left after Valerian entered the room. During the entire process, the person did not show his face. The young prince could not understand why the mystery. However, Gale told him on the way that he was to travel this continent and rectify the biggest flaw in his nature. The flaw was not the partial soul. Gale said, “This is something that exists deep within your consciousness and is like a cloak of mist around your wonderful personality. Only when their are no veils surrounding you, can you go and meet the saintess of mercy.”
The dragon temple was a temporary abode he would stay before the journey began. This was for him to learn the basic situation of this continent and clear every possible doubt he might have.
Turning around, Valerian stood in a room similar to his servant quarter, back in the city palace of the acies city. He smiled, recalling the old memories. He undid his shoes and lay down on the floor. The room was small, other than the bed. There was a table and chair and a small cupboard. He sighed and said, “Let’s see what cards will be dealt.”
Thinking about it, he fell asleep gradually. The journey was going to be unpredictable. He had to catch all the rest that he could before he treads the unknown.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m