[Novnarwen]

Tarkan

Storing his last belongings in piles on the floor, he let his gaze wander around in the empty room. To Tarkan’s satisfaction, everything had been systematized; he was ready to go. Calling for Pelin with a merry voice, the Priest waited for the young man to join him. It had been about less than a month since he had spoken with the King and received news of the new Temple that was going to be built; a new Temple in the honour of Rae, the Sky God. Already, the constructors and the workers had managed to build the apartments that followed with the Temple. Although it was not far from here, where his current apartment was situated, he thought it only appropriate to move; he was a servant of the Temple of Rae, and should thus live where he could best be at service of his God, Rae. Living here, amongst the petty men and women who adored the sky Goddess, was just plainly wrong.

After a few moments, Tarkan could hear the light steps of his fellow brother in belief. Pelin popped his head inside the door and looked curiously around. The priest eyed him immediately, and gave him an approving sign to enter.

"I see you’re ready," Pelin said, stepping into the Hall-way. Slowly, he went into the small living room, where all of Tarkan's belongings were spread, or stored, out on the floor. With a greatly surprised look, he looked questioningly at the Priest. Tarkan only nodded as to confirm that everything was indeed his. Then, the Priest turned away and looked out of the window, as if ignoring the newly arrived man. Silently, he stood watching the Temple of Rhais, which rose up in font of him. He looked at it with disgust and turned his head slightly to see the new building that was being built in honour of the Sky God. Smiling to himself, he imagined the new building overshadowing the old Temple as is it rose majestically from the ground. Finally, he could be a true servant of the Sky God and he would finally be a, or rather ‘the’, High Priest. Deep in thought, he did not notice that Pelin was moving towards a pile of books that lay on the floor. Seeming rather curious, Pelin grabbed a little brown book and read its title. “Kings of our Time,” he read aloud. “Religious literature?” he asked Tarkan and opened it, reading the first lines.

“Put that down,” Tarkan said instantly, turning brusquely, seeing and recognizing the book that Pelin had found.

“But this is rather interesting, Father,” Pelin said, his full attention turned towards the book. “It says here in the Prologue that the book is filled with historic facts, which still remains to be revealed concerning the Kings of Pasthia! And look, here is a piece of parchment!” he said, while unfolding it hurriedly, his lips moving as he read.

Greatly angered by hearing Pelin read aloud from a book and the piece of parchment he had never showed anyone, he rushed over and grabbed the book from Pelin’s grasp. He looked at Pelin with an almost threatening look, making the man almost jump into the air. Taking the book, Tarkan closed it shut with a snap, put the letter inside and hid both the book and the letter quickly away under his mantle. A horrified look appeared in the priest’s face, but it was most likely outdone by the expression that Pelin now wore. As if frightened by the Priest’s sudden anger, he took a few steps backwards, growing paler and paler. Thoughtfully, Tarkan turned away again, fearing to see the man in the eyes again. He had to pretend as nothing. He realised that he should not have been so rash. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. The task that he now faced was to cover it up with some silly story, or just forget about it. He chose the latter.

“Well, are you ready?” With a smile so false that it almost seemed real, he turned on his heal and passed Pelin on the way out. Entering the Hall-way, he looked over his shoulder to see if the young man was following. To his relief, Tarkan could see Pelin's hesitance and reluctance, turning into willingness. Shortly after, he could hear his footsteps behind him. “Are you expecting a weary old man to carry all his belongings himself?” Tarkan said suddenly, when noticing that Pelin wasn’t carrying anything from the living room.

“Please Father…” Pelin said filled with regret, turning in a hurry.

“Take as much as you can carry and meet me in the new apartments!”