“To bring about the restoration of the Goddess of Good, as I told you before.”
“Yes, you are a wonder,” said Arutha dryly.
Nakor said, “Yes, I am, aren’t I? But I think my little temple will not be what it needs to be until we find the real head of the order.”
“I thought you were the high priest of Arch-Indar,” said Arutha.
“Only until the real one shows up. Then I’ll return to doing what I do best, traveling and learning things.”
“Well, until this person puts in an appearance, what are you going to do?”
Nakor said, “Do tricks, tell stories, provide food, get people to listen to the message of the Good Lady.”
Dominic said, “First must come belief. When people begin to understand that good flows from Arch-Indar, then they will begin the long task of bringing her back to us.”
“I don’t pretend to understand everything involved with temple politics,” said Arutha. “I have read notes left by my father and Prince Arutha, and I get the distinct impression they were privy to secrets that were not passed along to me.”
Dominic said nothing.
“Very well,” said Arutha. “I will trust that nothing in this poses a threat to the Kingdom, which is my charge and area of concern. Besides, it seems to me that spreading the doctrine of doing good can harm no one.”
Nakor shook his head. “Would that it were true. Men have been put to death for preaching good.”
Arutha said, “Well, at least not in the West while I’m Duke of Krondor.” Looking at Dominic he said, “If I can find this entrance to the old abbey, can you get us inside?”
Dominic said, “I can. The entrance is locked from within. But there is a secret control that will open it from without. Your father found that control.”
Arutha smiled. “He always claimed he was the best thief in the history of Krondor.”
“Skill or luck, he recognized it, disarmed a trap, and activated the entrance. Almost gave one of our brothers a heart attack when he showed up inside our library.”
Arutha said, “The question becomes how many men to bring with us.”
Dominic said, “I know only a little of warcraft. You must bring a small enough company that we are not detected while moving through the mountains and large enough that once inside we stand a good chance of securing the abbey.”
“Can you draw me plans of the abbey?”
“I lived there fifty years, Duke Arutha. I can show you every hallway and closet.”
“Good. I will have a scribe visit with you in the morning. If you can have them finished by the end of the week, I would be appreciative. If we’re going to be in position to get inside the abbey when Owen strikes up the coast at Sarth, we need be on the way up the eastern trail along Nightmare Ridge by then.”
Dominic bowed and said, “I am at your disposal. If someone could show me to a room? It’s been a long journey from Rillanon.”
Arutha rang a small bell and a page opened the door to his office. “Show Brother Dominic to my quarters and bring him whatever he needs.”
“Your quarters?” asked the Ishapian.
“I will not be needing them tonight, I’m afraid. I have many things to do before first light tomorrow. Perhaps a nap after the morning court.”
Dominic nodded and bowed again, following the page out of the room.
Nakor said, “At least you’ve enough sense to put a bedroll behind your desk, if you need to catch a nap.”
Arutha smiled. “You don’t miss much, do you?”
“I’m a gambler, remember? If I missed things I’d be broke or dead.”
“Are you coming with us?”
“No,” said Nakor. “It sounds interesting, but I think I need to be here. Dominic brings a great gift from the Ishapians. They will share the power they gain from the Tear of the Gods with us. When we have found the true leader of our temple, we will send him to Rillanon and there he will be given this power.
“That power will turn my little warehouse into a true temple, where prayers will be answered, and miracles performed. Men will learn of good and then help recreate the Good Lady.”
Arutha said, “A worthy undertaking.” He rose. “If you’ll excuse me, Nakor, I do have work. And if you need anything for your temple and I can help before I go, I will do my best.”
“Thanks,” said Nakor, as he walked to the door. “Come back alive, if you would. A new Duke might not be so willing to listen to me.”
Arutha laughed as he opened the door to his office. “Well, as much as I’d hate to inconvenience you by getting killed, I think I would be even more inconvenienced.”
“True. See, it’s to both our benefit if you stay alive.”
Arutha laughed again as he closed the door behind Nakor. Still chuckling, he sat back down behind his desk and considered the mountain of work before him. The smile faded as he picked up the first report he needed to review and, after scanning it, placed it in a pile to review with his clerk in the morning.
He picked up the next piece of paper.