Fears trembled through my body. I would have to help the knight-to-be fight some disgusting monster like a vampire or a drake. Or a hydra with all its heads dripping with slime in some filthy swamp.
I shuddered in disgust.
The door opened and Novice Agnes stepped in. "The Priestesses are ready to purify you."
I took a deep breath. This was it. The ritual would begin soon. I would be tied to this knight, compelled by our Goddess to journey on her Quest. If I balked, I would be kicked out of the temple and no amount of my mother's money would change that.
"I am the daughter of Duchess Catherine," I whispered to myself. "The blood of kings flows in my veins. I can do this."
My stomach clenched in fear.
"Come on," Heather said, taking my hand. "Let's go."
