The Holy Empire of Yunica was bathed in the light of the full moon. As Lucia laid on her bed, she gazed at the chandelier's gold finish.
I'm exhausted, and the people demand an answer. I truly don't know what any of this means. I read through the text all afternoon to see if I would glean any wisdom. Nothing came on those pages. Perhaps I am only the messenger of information and this signal was meant for someone else.
The priestess looked out the window at the softly crashing waves of the ocean. The priest underneath me wants an answer. The people want an answer.What am I to do? Lucia heard a gentle knock on the door as she sat up slowly. "Who is it?"
"It's me," the stern voice said.
"Come in, Elma," the lead priestess spoke.
A woman with short blonde hair and green eyes emerged from the entrance.
"Elma, must you constantly be armed? In this location, we are safe. Emelia, the Goddess, made it so.
Elma looked down at the short saber on her right hip. "Protection does not mean lack of preparation, Lucia," the woman spoke in a stern tone. Elma crossed her arms, looking at the woman before her rolling around in bed.
"What is it?" Lucia sat up from her tumbling in the bed.
Elma snorted a sly laugh. "If the lead priest saw you act like this, I'm sure he would be stripping you of your duties."
"That man can take a week's walk in the desert. I'm still a woman. I daydream and would like to bear my own children one day."
"I agree. Don't we all want to be swell up here, living the good life? Considering this morning's developments, it's impossible. Do you have any plans for addressing the public?"
"The truth is I don't even know." Elma followed Lucia out the door in her robe and slippers.
"You know those men are going to demand an answer. They could take a vote for a one-year summary of your actions." Elma looks over at Lucia with concern.
"It's absurd to imagine they'd want to unseat me. The Statue of Ordination appointed me. My heart was pure as the water washed over me. Pureness was symbolized by the water's tint changing to a solid pink." Lucia walked down the red carpeted steps, deciding to go the take a left instead of head out of the sanctuary.
"Everyone knows that." Elma started giving her a nudge with her elbow.
Lucia giggled slightly, walking around the corner as Priest Maxwell came into view. Oh great.
"Anointed One." The graying man spoke with a somewhat irritated tone. "When addressing the public, I want you to wear something more regal looking."
"This sun dress in yellow is more than enough. It is important to remind the people that I am only a person. The only thing different is that I was chosen to lead them." Lucia put out her hand towards Maxwell hoping to garner some trust.
"A choice that I hope the people will continue to put their trust in," the man said, cutting a glance at Elma.
"Maxwell, keep your mouth shut. There is no doubt in our minds that you believed you were qualified to serve as the leader of our nation." Elma took a stride toward the old priest, arms folded.
"I have no ill will, Chief Ambassador Elma. You are free to keep your feelings to yourself. Each family's head is waiting for you in the Hall of Reflection."
Standing alongside him, Lucia shook her head. "Competitiveness is not a bad thing, Priest Maxwell, but attempting to change the past can force you to age faster than others."
Priest Maxwell jeered as he opened the door into the hall. "Ladies first."
Lucia bowed as Elma followed her into the hall.
A man stood up, pressing his fist against his chest. "All hail Priestess Lucia, the leader of Yunica!"
Rows of families bowed as Lucia went smoothly and quickly towards the enormous golden chair with a soft crimson seat.
"You may all stand," Lucia said smoothly, gazing out at her audience with serene eyes. "All those who desire to be addressed are invited to come forward," she continued, holding out her hand.
"If I may…" A short man with a bald head took a step forward. "What does this imply for the citizens of our country? Are we on the verge of war?"
Lucia smiles, looking down at the man. "We are transparent people are we not. To be frank, I have no idea what the actions of this morning hold for our country. The world is changing, and some great evil does approach."
"We must be ready for battle!" a woman yelled from the crowd.
"This does not mean war is coming to our doorstep. Simply put, the ancient arrow of the Goddess Emelia manifests through the holy text. This could be a warning to all people."
"Did you get any word?" another man shouts from the back of the room.
Lucia looked over at Elma who was crossing her arms. "What's the matter?" she asked and looked at her friend.
Elma leaned quite close to Lucia's ear. "Don't you think it's a little too sudden?" The ambassador lifted her eyes to find Priest Maxwell, who was smiling at the back of the room.
Lucia looked up at her out of the corner of her eye. "I too sense something, but I cannot say what. In time all will be revealed."
The crowd started to over-talk each other as the noise became overwhelming.
"Everyone, quiet down!" Elma shouted, looking out amongst the people. "The priestess is just as in the dark as I am. Before lobbying all these questions, give her a moment to explain."
"Everyone has a right to be worried. I am as well. After receiving the golden arrow and bow, it disappeared. I was not spoken to in mind or body. All I felt was the urgency to make haste to the tower and shoot that arrow. The text instructed me to do so."
"Could you have waited until nighttime and not during the busy hour?" a woman said in a stern tone.
"As the crest on my hand faded, time was of the essence. All I know is that this was a warning to the rest of the world to prepare itself for something. We will do all we can to prepare." Lucia spoke in hushed tones.
The woman bowed, respecting the answer.
Another man went up and bowed in front of Lucia. "Do you have any idea where the arrow was going?"
Lucia sighed heavily. "I have no idea… Only the Goddess Emelia knows."
Elma looked out at the crowd who was chatting quietly amongst themselves.
"Please know that everyone in this city means a lot to me, and our guards will be on the lookout for any threat that comes our way." Lucia rose to her feet. Now onto another matter. Priest Maxwell please step forward."
Maxwell made his way to the center of the room.
Lucia fixed her gaze on the elderly gentleman. "Take attention, all who are in attendance. Jamie Maxwell, I am placing you under arrest."
The audience applauded and mocked.
Maxwell tightened his jaw with a tight scowl on his face. "Under what circumstances?"
"I received another word upon initial review of the first message. I have firm suspicion you are leading a coup."
"That is preposterous!" Maxwell yelled as his right hand started to flicker with electricity.
"Don't even think about it!" Elma rushed forward and slammed her leg into the stumbling old man's right knee.
"Nobody move!" Lucia bellowed. She stood gracefully, walking towards the man straining to break Elma's grip.
"Priest Maxwell, I am not without mercy. My suspicions may not be correct, but a divine word never fails to have some meaning."
"You witch! How dare you put your hands on me." Maxwell tried to stand as he was pushed down into the velvet carpet.
"You'll be detained under close surveillance until then. You'll always have one of the Elder Guards at your side. You and your loved ones will be constantly monitored. You will be sent into the royal prison if you make a single mistake."
"This is illegal! You can't just do this to me. I'm one of the most well-regarded council members. In an upward gaze at Lucia, Maxwell sways his slender neck.
Lucia slammed her foot on the ground. "Let this serve as a lesson to everyone. Those who strive to disturb our tranquility will be dealt with immediately and mercilessly. Your second opportunity to serve Emelia the Goddess has been granted. If, after thirty days, if there are no incidents, there will be a vote to see if you can be put back on council. Until then, your seat will remain vacant."
"You have no place to negotiate," Elma said in a stern voice, twisting his arm.
Maxwell chuckled. "I believe your lackey is taking a little too much pleasure in this. As I have no place to negotiate, I will demonstrate to you that I am not a danger to the protection of our people. Very well," he said.
Lucia nodded at the man on the ground as she looked at Elma.
"You will be given a magic limiter to avoid any problems." His neck was fastened with a type of collar by Lucia.
"It was commendable of you not to fight it." Elma expressed her willingness to let him leave.
"What good would it do me if I was struck down in the midst of this group of people?" Maxwell pushed himself to his feet, shrugging his shoulders. "Lucia, you will soon see that your suspicions were incorrect."
The priestess looked at him up and down, trying not to show her disdain. "Everyone is dismissed. Go to your homes and rest well. Live your lives, and as your leader, you have nothing to fear. Our walls have not been breached in years. I do not intend that to happen anytime soon."
Many in the audience bent their heads while others just looked away.
Elma followed Lucia up towards the large chair near the end of the room. "You okay?"
Lucia exhaled a breath of relief. "Do I look okay? she asked, trying to keep her composure.
As the last of the guests exited the room, Maxwell remained there, his gaze fixed on Lucia.
"You have something more you'd want to say, don't you? Elma talked in a firm and commanding manner.
"Nothing more than staring at the chair I had liked so much before you ruined it." Putting his finger on the collar of his neck, Maxwell felt around for how thick it was. This won't keep me chained… There are plans in motion they cant even understand. Maxwell turned around and left the room, looking back with cutting eyes.
Elma tightened her fist as she began her descent down the stairs.
"Let him be," Lucia spoke softly.
"You have him run his tongue a bit too much," Elma stated, putting out her hands. "He should respect you more."
Lucia sighed heavily. "If there is anything to my hunch, then all will be revealed. The holy text has never guided our leaders wrong."
Elma looked down at Lucia out of the corner of her eye, trying to understand her leader's confidence. "If you say so. There comes a point in your life when you must rely on the knowledge of others. Don't lose sight of it."
"Look at you being all prophetic." Lucia chuckled as she crossed her legs and placed her hands on her hips, interlocking them.
As she twirled her fingers, Elma flushed slightly. "I'll be there for you no matter what happens."
The two women smiled at the other as they left the throne room for their evening meal.