Finding a Healer at the Cathedral - 2A (Mirrored)

Chapter 2A – Putting the Team Together (continued)

They arrived at the Cathedral after a brief stroll through the streets. It certainly made sense that they might find a healer in the largest temple in the city. The building contained a shrine to nearly every god and goddess in the heavens. Upon entering, the three of them paused to make the sign of the heavens before the altar of the crown then moved on towards a nearby priest wearing fancier robes than the others that Kaylen could see.

Tyrell spoke up as they drew near, “Your excellence.” He made the sign of the heavens again. “This is Adept Gallowglass. He is forming a new adventuring party and wants a dedicated healer for his final pick.”

The priest nodded to the three of them in greeting. “It is always good to see you, Master Norrison.” The high priest replied, “We do happen to have two healers in residence who have expressed a desire to join such a team. If you’ll wait here, I will find out if they are available.” Kaylen made the sign of the heavens then watched with the guild master head off past the row of shrines to the door to the living quarters.

The three of them waited in silence for several minutes before the doors opened once again, and the high priest returned, followed by a single priestess in pale blue robes and a white wimple. She was quite tall and slender, with a sharp face, and her pale skin and paler wardrobe gave her an almost ghostly appearance.

“This is Sister Alanthea, a disciple of Mortanius.” The high priest introduced the newcomer. “Alanthea, this is Guild Master Tyrell Norrison of the Adventurer’s Guild, his associate Marius Dantes, and Adept Kaylen Gallowglass, a mage recruiting for an adventuring party.” The girl gave a severe bow, and then straightened, her eyes barely acknowledging Master Norrison and Marius before regarding Kaylen with a somewhat unnerving stare, appraising him silently.

“Gods smile on you, sister.” Tyrell gave a slight bow then turned to Kaylen.

“Gods smile on you, sister.” Kaylen repeated automatically, not entirely certain what to make of this woman who worshipped the god of ****.

“The good sister here is the only priest currently available for the position you wish to fill.” The high priest continued. “All others are either already in parties, no longer in residence, or have withdrawn their interest in such a position.”

“Then it should make this fairly straightforward.” Kaylen nodded, turning his full focus toward the priestess, who was nearly as tall as Kaylen himself though appeared to weigh close to half his weight.

“I’ll need some gauge of your healing skills, both in battle and out, before we proceed.”

“Is that really necessary? You don’t have any other candidates.” She replied.

“Not here, perhaps. But if you’re not a good fit for the team we could go elsewhere to find a healer.”

“I see.” Alanthea considered for a moment before explaining, “Very well. I would employ primarily healing and defensive magics to stave off injury and **** for your team in battle. But I am also quite skilled with medicine, anatomy, and surgery which I could utilize to keep you healthy out of battle while preserving my magical energies. I can also fight, having trained with swords for many years. I have a collection of knives and small swords, as well as two sickles and a kopesh which I drill with daily. I would require you to outfit me with armor, perhaps mail I could wear beneath my robes similar to what you seem to be wearing. I have no money of my own, and so would be relying on you until we receive some amount of income, at which point I could pay you back if that is your wish. Is that sufficient information for you to make your choice?”

Kaylen took a moment to process everything she’d said, and heard the guild master chuckle softly at his reaction. “Yes, I think that is sufficient.” He took a step closer to her and offered his hand, “Welcome to the team.”

She looked down at his hand, then at the high priest, before taking his hand in hers. He closed his grip to give her a firm handshake, but not too strong. After a moment she tightened her own grip and smiled for the first time. “Thank you, Master Gallowglass.”

He almost choked, “It’s Adept Gallowglass, not Master. But just Kaylen is fine.”

“I think I prefer Master, but as you wish.” She replied, still smiling, and finally released his hand. “Do you wish to leave right away? I have a bag packed and set aside, I can grab it and my blades, and change into travel clothes.”

“Before that, I just want to be certain, do you have any reservations about working alongside a mage in battle?”

“No.” She stated simply.

The high priest seemed inclined to add, “The Sister has actually researched arcane magic on her own a little, though she has been admonished for doing so as it is against the precepts of our order. But even though she no longer studies it, what familiarity she has gained no doubt will be a benefit to her working alongside you on your team.”

“I see, well in that case then yes, you should gather your things. I haven’t selected our first mission yet, but I’d like to get on the road as soon as we can.” Kaylen explained.

“Well if you don’t need me anymore, I’ll return to my duties.” The high priest told them. “Gods go with you, Tyrell, Kaylen, Marius, Alanthea.” He gave a slight bow to each of them in turn.

“Gods go with you.” They replied in near unison.

Alanthea departed a moment behind the high priest, returning a few minutes later wearing sturdier robes in a medium shade of blue and a grey travel cloak. She had a pack over her shoulder, a satchel of metallic objects, probably the knives she’d mentioned, over the other shoulder, and a pair of belts around her waist from which hung three short swords, two sickles, and a kopesh. She looked more like an adventurer already.

“Shall we get you that first mission then?” Master Norrison suggested.

“Yeah, let’s do that.” Kaylen agreed.