Her frown returned.
“Listen to me, Odila,” he said earnestly, “I came at the behest of the Knights’ Council. They sent me to find out if Mina’s threat to attack Sanction is real—”
“It is,” said Odila coolly.
“I know that now,” said Gerard. “I’m on an intelligence-gathering mission—”
“So am I,” she said, interrupting, “and my mission is far more important than yours. You are here to gain information about the enemy. You are here to listen at keyholes and count the numbers of troops and how many siege engines they have.”
She paused. Her gaze shifted to the temple. “I am here to find out about this god.” Gerard made a sound.
She looked back at him. “We Solamnics can’t ignore this, Gerard, just because it makes us uncomfortable. We can’t deny this god because the god came to an orphan girl and not to the Lord of the Rose. We have to ask questions. It is only in the asking that we find answers.”
“And what have you found out?” Gerard asked unwillingly.
“Mina was raised by Goldmoon at the Citadel of Light. Yes, I was surprised to hear that myself. Goldmoon told Mina stories of the old gods, how she—Goldmoon—brought knowledge of the gods back to the people of Ansalon when everyone thought the gods had left the world in anger. Goldmoon showed them that it was not the gods who had left mankind but mankind who had left the gods. Mina asked if that might be what was happening now, but Goldmoon told her no, that this time the gods had gone, for there were those who spoke to Paladine and the other gods before they left and who were told that the gods departed the world to spare the world the wrath of Chaos.
“Mina didn’t believe this. She knew in her heart that Goldmoon was wrong, that there was a god on this world. It was up to Mina to find the god, as Goldmoon had once found the gods. Mina ran away. She searched for the gods, always keeping her heart open to hear the voice of the gods. And, one day, she heard it.
“Three years, Mina spent in the presence of the One God, learning the One God’s plans for the world, plans for us, learning how to put those plans in motion. When the time was right and Mina was strong enough to bear the burden of the task given to her, she was sent to lead us and tell us of the One God.”
“That answers some of the questions about Mina,” said Gerard, “but what about this One God? So far all I’ve seen is that this god is a sort of press-gang for the dead.”
“I asked Mina about that,” Odila said, her face growing solemn at the memory of that terrible night she and Gerard had fought the dead souls. “Mina says that the souls of the dead serve the One God willingly, joyfully. They are glad to remain among |the living in the world they love.” Gerard snorted. “They didn’t look glad to me.”
“The dead do no harm to the living,” Odila said sharply. “If they seem threatening, it is only because they are so eager to bring the knowledge of the One God to us.”
“So that was proselytizing?” Gerard said. “While the souls preach to us of the One God, Mina and her soldiers fly red dragons into Solanthus. They kill a few hundred people in the process, but I suppose that’s just more evangelical work. More souls for the One God.”
“You saw the miracles of healing Mina performed,” said Odila, her gaze clear and level. “You heard her tell of the deaths of two of the dragon overlords who have long terrorized this world. There is a god in this world, and all your gibes and snide comments won’t change that.” She thrust a finger accusingly into his chest. “You’re afraid. You’re afraid to find out that maybe you’re not in control of your own destiny. That maybe the One God has a plan for you and for all of us.”
“If you’re saying I’m afraid to find out I’m a slave to this One God, then you’re right!” Gerard returned. “I make my own decisions. I don’t want any god making them for me.”
“You’ve done so well so far,” Odila said caustically... “Do you know what I think?” Gerard returned, jabbing his finger in her chest with a force that shoved her backward a step. “I think you made a mess of your life, and now you’re hoping this god will come along and fix everything.”
Odila stared at him, then she rounded on her heel, started to walk away. Gerard leaped after her, caught hold of her by the arm.
“I’m sorry, Odila. I had no right to say that. I was just angry because I don’t understand this. Any of it. And, well, you’re right. It does frighten me.”
Odila kept her head turned away, her face averted, but she didn’t try to break loose of his grip.
“We’re both in a tough situation here,” Gerard said, lowering his voice. “We’re both in danger. We can’t afford to quarrel. Friends?”
He let go her arm, held out his hand.
“Friends,” Odila said grudgingly, turning around to shake hands. “But I don’t think we’re in any danger. I honestly believe that the entire Solamnic army could walk in here and Mina would welcome them with open arms.”
“And a sword in each hand,” Gerard muttered beneath his breath.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing important. Listen, there’s something you can do for me. A favor—”
“I won’t spy on Mina,” Odila stated firmly.
“No, no, nothing like that,” Gerard said. “I saw a friend of mine in the dungeon. His name is Palin Majere. He’s a wizard. He doesn’t look well, and I was wondering if maybe Mina could...—er... heal him. Don’t tell her I said anything,” he added hurriedly. “Just say that you saw him and you were thinking ... I mean, it should sound like your idea...”
“I understand,” Odila said, smiling. “You really do believe that Mina has god-given powers. This proves it.”
“Yes, well, maybe,” said Gerard, not wanting to start another argument. “Oh, and one thing more. I hear that Mina is searching for Tasslehoff Burrfoot, the kender who was with me. You remember him?”
“Of course.” Odila’s eyes were suddenly alert and focused, intent on Gerard’s face. “Why? Have you seen him?”
“Look, I have to ask—what does this One God want with [Tasslehoff Burrfoot. Is this some sort of joke?”
“Far from it,” said Odila. “This kender is not supposed to be here.”
“Since when is a kender supposed to be anywhere?”
“I’m serious. This is very important, Gerard. Have you seen Bum?”
“No,” said Gerard, thankful he didn’t have to lie to her.
“Remember about Palin, will you? Palin Majere? In the prison?”
“I’ll remember. And you keep watch for the kender.”
“I will. Where can we meet?”
“I am always here,” Odila said, gesturing toward the Temple.
“Yeah, I guess you are. Do you . . . um . . . pray to this One God?” Gerard asked uncomfortably.
“Yes,” said Odila.
“Have your prayers been answered?”
“You’re here, aren’t you?” Odila said. She wasn’t being glib. She was serious. With a smile and a wave, she walked back toward the temple.
Gerard gaped at her, speechless. Finally, he found his tongue. “I’m not...” he shouted after her. “I didn’t... You didn’t... Your god didn’t... Oh, what’s the use!”
Figuring that he was confused enough for one day, Gerard turned on his heel and stalked off. The minotaur, Galdar, saw the two Solamnics deep in discussion. Convinced that both of them were spies, he sauntered their direction in hopes of hearing something of their conversation. One drawback to being a minotaur in a city of humans was that he could never blend in with his surroundings. The two stood near the amber sarcophagus of Goldmoon, and using that as cover, he edged near. All he could hear was a low murmur, until at one point they forgot themselves and their Voices rose.