Talking to Taed

[Devon]

Christian was in his personal chamber, looking at the ring he wore on his finger now. He had been chosen, and like Taed requested he had opened the doors of the temple for all nearby who sought refuge from the demons. Now he was wondering what he had left to do, getting up he lit some incense and kneeled in front of a small altar he had for Taed, praying to his beloved Force for answers.

[Kender Bard]

After a bit of prayer he felt a presence around him, draping against him like a heavy cloak. Taed spoke in a deep, resonating voice in his mind. That depends on what you feel you are capable of doing, my priest.

[Devon]

"I'm capable of much my lord, just tell me what you want me to do," Christian replied to Taed.

[Kender Bard]

There was a stirring and Taed's voice came across as mildly irritated. I'm offering you your pick of duties and you leave it so open. Very well. Head northeast. Kill demons along the way. Pray over any corpses you find. Stop and consult your ring when you reach Ilyamen.

[Devon]

"Being chosen to help put an end to a demon plight is new to me my lord," Christian replied as he rose to his feet. "Either way I'll be swift in spreading your wisdom and judgement," he said.

Christian was quick to move, calling on four Reapers to assist him in his task and prepare the horses for their journey.

[Kender Bard]

One of the Reapers, Renlo, finished his duties quickly. He was well practiced at it. He sought out Christian to speak with him. "Taed calls on his holy warriors again?" he asked curiously.

[Devon]

Christian put a hand on Renlo's shoulder and smiled. "Yes he does. We're heading northeast to Ilyamen, any demons along the way we'll take care of and any corpses we find are to be prayed over. I trust you'll be joining me Renlo," he said.

[Kender Bard]

Renlo placed a hand over his heart and bowed slightly at the waist. "Of course, my lord. I am your scythe. I go anywhere you wish me to and guard you to my last breath."

[Devon]

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that Renlo," Christian replied. "But I appreciate it all the same. I figure I'll take four of you with me and we can ride out. The rest will be better served protecting Taed's house," he said.

As they were talking a younger Reaper made his way over to them, bowing to both Christian and Renlo out of respect. Standing up straight it took only a moment for him to relax into his usually swagger. "I couldn't help over hearing High Priest, but you seem to be getting ready to leave and if you're taking Renlo with you I'd like to go as well," he said.

"Oh! Excuse my rudeness, but I'm Keith," he added. Keith was one of the newer Reapers and already he had gained a reputation, he was quick, eager, and people around the temple knew him because he was usually trying to liven the place up; at least as far as merriment went with the others.

Christian glanced at the brown haired young man who only smiled back and then the high priest looked to Renlo. "Well do you think Keith here can handle it?" he asked

[Kender Bard]

Renlo studied Keith with a very serious little frown. Then he smiled and gave a one-shouldered shrug. "I think he's untested but a man's got to try himself at some point. As long as the other two you select are veterans, I don't see the harm. It'll be good for him." His smile grew to a small grin. "And I like him. Too many people who come here think it's required to always be so serious."

[Devon]

"Good, then he can join us," Christian told Renlo.

Keith grinned and said, "What can I say? Mother always told me to enjoy life. If you'd like I can go find two more senior Reapers and ask them to come along High Priest."

Christian nodded his head in agreement and Keith left to do that. "I'm going to have to remember to speak with him more, I'm interested to see why he follows Taed," Christian said to Renlo.

[Kender Bard]

Renlo rubbed at his chin. "I suppose we all have different reasons. Some out of honor, or duty. Some from a sense of love or obligation..." He smiled. "Why did you join the temple, if I may be so bold as to high, my lord?"

[Devon]

"Many reasons, in my case it wasn't what got me to join the temple, but what kept me here," Christian replied to Renlo with a small smile.

[Kender Bard]

Renlo was still a little bit curious on what got Christian into the temple in the first case, but if the high priest wasn't going to answer that, he certainly wasn't going to press. He did rise to the bait offered though. "And what would that be, my lord?"

[Devon]

"A woman," Christian said. "She was a priestess here, pretty much the only one before I got here. Thessa helped make me who I am today, she even presided over my ceremony when I became High Priest. Unfortunately she was killed when Efil's temple attacked us, part of the reason I wanted to create the Reapers."