Taihon's child

Taehon's child secrecy, to keep the morale, but cried when she was finally left by herself. While there were religious reasons for the paladins of A’hiriya to keep their chastity, there was also the very practical reason of avoiding pregnancy. Their sudden lack of a commander could break their spirit, and shatter the slim hope that they still had to defeat Marus.

"Goddess... your daughter is lost without your guidance, please tell me what to do, how can i serve you?" She prayed, and the goddess voice echoed within her, never having left "oh, favored daughter, you are our sword and our heart, and it grieves us to see you so"

"Goddess, all seems lost. I have yet to gain enough strength to attack my enemy's ****, and now I have..." she placed her hand over her womb "... this condition." Mira closed her eyes, and again felt the tears well from her eyes. "Why? why must it be so? What must i do?"

"Plans most foul twisted this turn of events, and you now carry your brother's child. Your Faith will be sorely tested, favored daughter, but there is still hope you mat guide your daughter to light" The voice was gentle, but the words brought a horrible revelation.

"Half brother? but i dont have a ...."

"Taihon. He is your father's wild seed, born of his crimes against helpless peasant girls.
Your suffering redeems your bloodline of his crimes"

"NO! not my father!" Mira cried aloud, tears rolling from her eyes. Her father had always been her hero, a faultless knight errand. But she knew her goddess wouldn't lie to her. She struggled to understand, and the agony wretched her soul.

Warmth began to envelop her, soft arms materialized in an embrace. Never before her goddess was so present for her chosen warrior, but also never before her need was so great. Mira let go of all composure, and let her tears roll freely.

The hours grew long, and an Owl coed outside. The divine avatar told her "Ask for a boon, my favored daughter. Anything, and it shall be yours"