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

Chapter 2 – Putting the Team Together (continued)

The Cathedral was the largest temple in the city with shrines to nearly every god and goddess in the heavens found within. As Kaylen, Marius, and Master Norrison entered they both paused to make the sign of the heavens before the altar of the crown in front of the entrance. Then Kaylen followed the guild master as he approached a priest wearing fancier robes than most the others they could see in the main area of the building.

“Your excellence.” Tyrell greeted the high priest with another sign of the heavens once they’d approached. “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. 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 as the high priest departed 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.

The high priest brought the priestess forward to introduce them to each other. “This is Sister Alanthea, a disciple of Mortanius. 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.”

Alanthea gave a slow bow then straightened back up, briefly acknowledging Tyrell before settling her appraising stare on Kaylen.

The guild master bowed, “Gods smile on you, sister.”

And Kaylen repeated the greeting. He didn’t know much about Mortanius or his priests, except that he held domain over the realms of ****.

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 “All others are either already in parties, no longer in residence, or have withdrawn their interest in such a position.”

“Ah, well that keeps things simple.” Kaylen said with a nod. “You’re confident she can handle the role?”

“I am.” He replied. “You can question her yourself, if you wish more specifics.”

Kaylen stepped towards her, returning her appraisal as he took in her vivid blue eyes nearly level with his own, though she was obviously much lighter than he was. “I’ll require you to fight at least well enough to defend yourself in a pinch until your teammates can come to your aid, and while I presume your ability to heal in combat is top notch, I’m curious if you have some ability to keep your allies healthy outside of combat as well.”

“Well, I am proficient in healing magic, but I haven’t been in an actual battle yet. But I’m also quite skilled with medicine, anatomy, and surgery for out of combat healing. As for personal defense, I have a collection of knives, small swords, two sickles, and a kopesh which I drill with daily. I would require you to outfit me with armor. I could pay you back for it after we have secured some income, if that is your wish. Anything else you need to know?”

Kaylen took a moment to consider the question. “Nothing that could be ascertained purely from questioning you.” He admitted after a moment. “To be perfectly honest, I have some reservations about the possibility of your personality clashing with some part of my team, but I think only time will tell if those concerns are merited.”

She did not immediately reply, but as Kaylen waited then raised one eyebrow at her continued silence, she finally spoke, “I am sorry you have concerns. I am uncertain what else I could say to reassure you.”

“I suppose just being aware of it will have to be enough for now.” He extended one hand to her, and she took his hand with a smile and a firm grip. “Welcome to the team!”

“Thank you, Master Gallowglass.” She said.

“Just Kaylen is fine, or Adept if you must use my title.”

“You sure? I kind of like Master.” She replied, and Kaylen heard the guild master chuckle.

“I don’t feel that would be appropriate.” Kaylen insisted. “But enough of that. I have one final question. Do you have any reservations about fighting alongside a mage?”

“No.” She shook her head.

The high priest interjected, “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.”

Kaylen nodded, “That’s useful information.”

“Do you wish to leave right away?” Alanthea asked. “I have a bag packed and set aside, I can grab it and my blades, and change into travel clothes.”

“Yes, that sounds good. You can come with me to select our first mission then we’ll meet up with the rest of the team at the market.”

“Well, you don’t seem to 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 also departed, 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 suddenly looked less fragile to Kaylen’s eye.

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

“Yes, let us be on our way.” Kaylen agreed, and they followed him out of the cathedral.