Annev watched until she disappeared into the Academy and only then glanced about for Sraon, but the blacksmith was nowhere to be seen.
Annev shrugged. He’d spoken to Sraon about Banok many times before, while working the bellows for him, and there was only a chance he could have learned more now. The smith had even mentioned Janak a few times, though he had said nothing meaningful about the man. He sighed.
Master of Sorrows, he thought, jogging towards the chapel. Master Ainnevog. Annev de Breth … and Myjun de Breth? He almost laughed at his fantasy of a domestic life with Myjun, first in the village and then on the road, adventuring with Sodar. The two dreams were at odds with one another, yet either future seemed wonderful with Myjun at his side.
Chapter Fifty
Annev stumbled into the chapel, still dazed from his meeting with Myjun but also tired and feeling the lingering exhaustion of the previous day. He saw Sodar had brought out the remaining Regaleus decorations, the best having been reserved for the last night, and he smiled. Bright cloths hung from the backs of benches, many decorated with the Staff of Odar or the Flute of Lumea. Wooden decorations had also been hung from the rafters, each shaped and painted to look like a star or a moon.
Despite the welcoming atmosphere the room was empty. Only the truly pious attended on the third night of Regaleus, and they would not arrive till after sunset. The rest of Chaenbalu’s villagers would be gathering in the plaza for the feasting, dancing and merriment. It was a spectacle Annev had looked forward to seeing now that he was a Master Avatar, free of the chapel for this one night, yet that same responsibility was calling him away from the village for his first adventure beyond Chaenbalu and the Brakewood.
Annev grasped the nearest bench as he felt his knees wobble. He’d only had four hours’ sleep and his body was still recovering from the adventures of the past two days. He’d failed the Test of Judgement, killed a witch and her monsters, learned he was a descendant of Breathanas, become Master Avatar and proposed to – and kissed – Myjun. Now he had to tell Sodar he was replaced as the village priest before leaving on an artifact retrieval mission with the two boys who hated him most in the world. He steadied himself, then strode towards the rectory door where his hand hesitated above the door knob until he forced himself to turn it.
Sodar sat at the kitchen table poring over his Speur Dún manuscripts. His star-speckled ceremonial robes lay folded on the opposite chair. The priest looked up, delight plain on his face and growing stronger as he took in Annev’s robes.
‘Annev! I didn’t think they’d let you come tonight. And what’s this you’re wearing?’
Even knowing the other news he was about to deliver, Annev found he could still grin. ‘He promoted me, Sodar. To Master Avatar.’
‘He did? Annev, that’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you.’ They hugged, then Sodar pulled back to examine Annev once more, his teeth flashing white in his combed beard. He felt the fine quality of the red robes then pounded Annev on the back. ‘The last avatar of your reap becomes its first master. That’s incredible! Congratulations, Annev. A fine way to celebrate Regaleus.’
Annev merely nodded, aware of what he had to say next. ‘I won’t be staying, unfortunately. Elder Tosan needs my help. I’m to lead Fyn and Kenton on an artifact retrieval mission in Banok.’
‘You what?’ Sodar frowned. ‘That can’t be right. Are Fyn and Kenton masters as well?’
‘No.’
‘So who’s going with y— What am I saying?’ He gripped Annev’s shoulder hard. ‘You can’t leave! Annev, we just talked about this, you’re being hunted. I thought we agreed?’
Annev realised the only way out of this conversation was to push through it. ‘I know what we said, but that was before I was made Master Avatar. I thought I had no choice, that it would be years till I was given the chance to become a master.’
‘But that changes nothing. Have you told your companions you might be hunted the moment you enter that wood?’
‘I told Tosan about the feurog.’
‘Did you?’ The priest studied him. ‘That surprises me. Does he also know of your magic hand? Or that an evil god is hunting you?’
Annev scoffed. ‘Of course not. I’d be dead if he did.’
‘You’ll be dead if you leave the village.’ Sodar shook his head. ‘This is utter foolishness.’
Annev’s mouth formed into a flat line as he felt his blood rising. ‘I didn’t have a choice, Sodar.’
‘Didn’t you? Could you not have declined Tosan’s request? Or delayed?’ He paused. ‘When is this mission?’
‘Tonight. We leave in an hour.’
Sodar slumped into his chair. ‘Gods be good. Can you delay? Can you postpone till tomorrow? Even midnight would be preferable. That might give us time.’
‘I can’t, Sodar. I have to lead the mission.’
Sodar’s eyes went wide. ‘Lead it? My dear boy, the Academy has fifty masters and avatars. They can send someone else – anyone else! None of this is important.’
‘And what is important? Some ancient prophecy that no one else believes?’
‘Annev,’ Sodar was pleading, ‘you are important. Listen to me.’
Annev was shaking his head before Sodar finished speaking. ‘I’ll be fine. I was fine in the Brakewood with witches and monsters. I’ll be doubly fine in Banok.’
‘You had Crag with you in the Brake.’
‘And I’ll have Fyn and Kenton in Banok,’ Annev said. ‘Trust me.’ He swallowed, dreading what he had to say next. ‘There is something else. My title … Sodar, Tosan made me Master of Sorrows.’
‘Like old Master Flint, who built this chapel.’
Annev nodded. ‘I’ll be taking care of the spiritual needs of the villagers and reporting back to the ancients. Tosan wants all church services moved back to the nave.’
‘Moved?’
‘Sodar … the Academy wants you to retire.’
The priest froze. ‘Tosan said this? What were his exact words?’
‘That you would be relieved of your duties, and church services would shift to me.’
Sodar’s reaction was immediate. His eyes flicked left and right and he carefully stood up, pulled back the curtain over the kitchen window, and peeked outside. He tugged it closed then cautiously checked the woodshed, closing the door softly. He did the same thing with the door to the meeting hall before sitting back down.
‘Sodar, you’re scaring me.’
‘Annev,’ he said gravely, ‘this is it. We have to leave the village immediately. Tonight, if possible.’
‘What?’ Annev shook his head. ‘Sodar, I just told you. I’m leaving on an avatar mission tonight. I have to recover a dark rod from Janak Harth. They want us to kill him … and the master he captured.’
Sodar hummed to himself as though he were half listening. ‘Yes, Janak has always had a fondness for magic, even before he was injured.’ The priest shrugged. ‘Fine. You leave for Banok and I’ll pack up our things, give the last Regaleus sermon, and come and meet you.’
‘You don’t understand. I’m leading Kenton and Fyn on this mission. I have to do this.’