The Oracle of Xelta

The moaning came from a figure bound with his arms and legs twisted cruelly into an unnatural position by tight bindings. The figure was that of an old man in a dirty robe, but Winlay could see little more than that before Mika and Adam rushed to his side cutting the cords that held his limbs. Winlay realized the man looked vaguely familiar and as he slowly unfolded, she was able to get a better look at who he was.

His face was covered in dirt and his beard was untrimmed, but his eyes were still sharp and as he looked at the three of them Winlay saw both Mika and Adam drop to their knees and make the ‘X’ of Xelta before shifting themselves even closer to the man’s side. The combination of the clear eyes that gazed at her with a profound calmness and the deep bows of her companions converged in one thought that threatened to overwhelm her with both wonder and fear. The man in chains was none other than the Oracle of Xelta.

“Close the door Winlay, and keep a watch out while I work on these locks.” Mika pulled a small leather packet from between her small breasts and took several slender metal tools from inside. While she worked Adam started to bend the Oracle’s stiff limbs, working the joints and massaging his legs to get them to move again. In a few minutes both the heavy locks that fastened the prisoner to the wall were released.

While Mika worked on the locks Winlay diligently peered through the small grate set at eye level into the dim corridor, but her mind whirled in confusion. How could the Oracle be chained to the wall in Telnon, when everyone knew he was on a peace envoy to Cryn? Who was Mika, and where did she learn those amazing skills? And how did she know Adam? The two of them clearly had a close relationship – could they be lovers? A furtive glance confirmed that the red headed Templar was as handsome as she had first thought, a man like him would sweep any girl off her feet with his good looks and confident manner.

If it had been Adam instead of one the clumsy village boys who tried to steal a kiss during the solstice festivals, she might not have been able to resist the temptation. Winlay found the fact that she was attracted to Adam to be vaguely reassuring; her unexpected response to Mika’s sudden embrace had confused her, and even though she was committed to the Church of Xelta, finding Adam desirable made it easier to discount the warmth that flooded her body when Mika’s lips found hers.

If Mika preferred women to men, then Adam and she were probably not lovers. As Winlay snuck another peek at Adam she saw the strength of a warrior in his hands matched by the gentleness of a nurse as he lifted the Oracle to his feet and wrapped an arm around his bent waist.

“Can we get out of here Adam?” Mika asked, still tightly efficient with every word and movement. “Those two guards that were chasing me will be back on duty, and not at all in a good mood by now.”