‘These matters are beyond us,’ said Endest Silann. ‘I am unbalanced and feel unwell.’

‘Betrayed by your nervous constitution,’ Cedorpul said. ‘Mother Dark cannot be assailed at the very heart of her power.’

‘Mother Dark is not the one at threat here,’ said Rise, thinking of Caplo Dreem.

‘What do you mean by that?’ Endest Silann asked.

The historian shrugged. ‘An idle thought. Pay it no mind. Instead, consider this: it is only when opposed that some things find definition. Few would argue, I think, that Darkness is a difficult thing to worship. What is it we seek in elevating Mother Dark? What manner of unity can we find circling a place of negation?’

‘Contentious questions,’ Cedorpul said, his tone too light for the assertion.

Sensing the strain in the priest, Rise Herat spoke again, ‘Religious practice rises from precedent, after all.’

‘You would argue the matter of religious practice?’

‘If it helps this moment, Cedorpul, then my answer is yes. My point is, you are all starving for guidance. For all of Mother Dark’s power, there is no prescription. What form must ritual observance take? How is proper propitiation to be achieved and is it even desired by the one whom you would worship? In what manner do you announce obeisance? These are the issues occupying your priesthood, and the source of debate.’

‘The resurrection of the river god offers us no worthy answers, historian. The faith died, did it not?’

‘There was a rejection, yes; that much is clear. One need only look upon the determined defacing of the walls in the temple to grasp something of the rage surrounding that crisis. Yet, one could argue that it was the perceived death of their god that so triggered the frenzy of destruction.’

‘What if it was guilt?’ Endest asked.

‘That suggestion,’ snapped Cedorpul, his colour high, ‘displeases me on countless levels, acolyte.’

‘Not all thoughts are uttered to please,’ Rise said. ‘This does not diminish their value. Guilt is a powerful emotion … yes, I can see it gouging faces from walls, words from panels. If the god died, there is cause to ask why. Yet faith alone clearly proved insufficient sustenance, so we need not discuss its veracity, given the persistent presence of the Yan and Yedan Monasteries. And,’ he added, ‘the resurrection of this selfsame god.’

Cedorpul turned to Endest Silann. ‘Acolyte, we have dallied up here long enough. The others will be gathering – they will be looking for me. Before us now is a challenge and face it we must. Historian, fare you well. Oh, will you look in on the child?’

Rise Herat smiled. ‘I shall rattle the lock and demand entrance, and she shall cry me begone.’

Cedorpul’s nod was brisk. ‘That will do.’

* * *