The craft did not dock in front of this gathering, but moved on. Leiard saw armed guards keeping the people from straying beyond a certain section of the dock. After this only a line of priests and priestesses waited and it was toward these people the ship moved.

Solid wooden walkways had been built all along the dock wall. As the boat’s hull settled against one, the rowers drew up their oars. Some secured the boat to the dock, while others set down a carved and painted bridge for the visitors to cross.

Meeran led them off the welcoming craft and up a stairway. At the top of the wall, the priests and priestesses stared at Mairae and Auraya, their awe and excitement strong enough for Leiard to sense it without effort. Two high priests stepped forward to be introduced by Haleed. Looking beyond them, Leiard realized he stood within Arbeem’s Temple. The building was a humbler style than those in Jarime and was built in the same fashion as most of the city structures—single-story and plain.

Hearing his name spoken, Leiard brought his attention back to the introductions. The high priests regarded him with suppressed curiosity and doubt. When all had been introduced, Arleej announced that she must depart.

“I must return to the Dreamweaver House. We are performing the spring link tonight,” she explained. She turned to Leiard. “Would you like to attend, Dreamweaver Leiard?”

His pulse quickened. A link, and a chance to consult another Dreamweaver about his strange memories. “I would be honored,” he replied slowly. “I may be needed here, however.”

“Not tonight, Leiard,” Auraya said. She met his eyes levelly, and gave an almost imperceptible nod. Meet your people, her expression seemed to say. Let them see that you can be trusted. “But we will wish to consult with you tomorrow morning,” she added.

“Then I will attend,” he announced. “And return tonight.”

Arleej nodded. “I look forward to meeting you all again tomorrow,” she said, nodding politely. The others murmured replies. As she turned away, a priest stepped forward and offered to guide them through the Temple.

The Dreamweaver elder was silent as they followed the priest. After a short journey they stepped out of the building into a courtyard. A covered four-wheeled tarn and driver waited nearby.

“The high priest was going to send us out of the main gates,” she said, “but I insisted we leave this way. A crowd was bound to gather out the front, which would have made our exit difficult.”

Leiard nodded. Was she implying that the crowd was likely to be dangerous, or that it would simply block the way? While Somrey was the nation most tolerant and supportive of Dreamweavers, there were always small groups with views contrary to the majority in any country.