Canlanma Street Level, Story 1

Story 1

   The holy incense follows the disciples out of the gilded temple hall. The Shepherd continues to swing the burner as he repeats the old mantras of the faith. The last disciple leaves and the burner settles as the Shepherd contemplates the list of rituals he must perform before the sun sets. The ritual implements have to be cleaned, the sacrifices burned, the acolytes of the temple purified, the-

  "Shepherd Thanatos, we have a situation that requires your attention." An acolyte of the temple calls from below the altar. The Shepherd sighs and recites his calming mantra: "What I am about to do has not been approved." The Shepherd walks slowly behind the altar and finds the symbol on the side as he recites "chao regnat" under his breath. The symbol glows and opens a trap door under the altar. Shepherd Thanatos checks for other unwelcomed entities then slips under the altar and down the exposed staircase.

  The acolytes in the room part as Shepherd Thanatos walks to the source of his summoning. He finds the nervous acolyte in an alcove. "Shepherd Thanatos," he stutters, "thank you for coming to my aid."

  "Be blessed, acolyte. What is the problem?" The Shepherd asks.

  "It is the acolyte called Oren. He has gone against the codes of our temple."

  The Shepherd frowns. This isn't the first time that acolyte disobeyed the codes of the temple. He came in as a lost soul and asked for redemption. His gift with machinery makes him useful for the acolytes who struggle with their outreach and performance during certain ceremonies. Lately, his own path brought Oren in conflict with one piece of the code. Shepherd Thanatos shakes his head to clear the drift of thoughts. "Show me where he is, acolyte."

  The acolyte nods and leads the Shepherd through a hidden door in the alcove and down the hallway. Each doorway in this hallway leads to a confessional for the acolytes to confess to each other. At the end of the hallway is a more elaborate confessional. The Shepherd enters the confessional and hears the ragged breathing of the acolyte on the other side. Was something done before he arrived? The Shepherd waits for the acolyte to speak first. "Shepherd Thanatos, I must confess that I have spread chaos." Oren's voice whispers.

  "Speak, acolyte. Your Guide listens." The Shepherd dutifully states. The clink of shifting chains alarms him. Did they have to put Oren in chains?

  "I have harassed a woman and forced my ideology upon her in order to gain influence over her." The answer seeps out.

  The Shepherd recoils. The temple and the Guide he follows has a strong respect for women, no matter their appearance or status. To harass a woman to gain influence is considered a travesty and one of the most heinous things you can do as an acolyte. "Acolyte, do you feel the weight of your misdeed?"

  "Yes, Shepherd." Oren croaks. 

  "Then here is your penance: You shall dissolve your service as an acolyte and return to your family."

  The expected reaction of silence was compromised by sniffling and the rattle of chains. The Shepherd can hear Oren mutter in various languages from older Eras. As sudden as the reaction started, it stops. "As it shall be, Shepherd Thanatos."

  The Shepherd clears his throat and stills his concern. "Give thanks to our Guide, for He is good."

  "And his justice endures forever." Oren replies as he rises and leaves the confessional.