The village they stop at the next night is nearly empty, though the streets are clean and the houses scrubbed and patched. The only sign of life is at the Chapter House, where the caravan is welcomed without the usual heavy ceremony by a few overworked and anxious priestesses.
Paia is relieved but curious. “Where have they all gone?”
“Probably down to Phoenix to await your arrival tomorrow,” says Luco. “They’ve planned a huge celebration there in your honor.”
She feels so tired today, so strung out. Another night of dreaming. No God to rave at her this time, but the man with the sword was there again, smiling. Paia hasn’t had much sleep.
“I can’t wait.”
Luco laughs. “Come, walk with me, take a look, before it gets dark.”
They climb to the brow of the hill overlooking the village to gaze down on their most important destination. The town is many miles away to the southeast, but even from a distance, Paia can see its lights glimmering through the lavender dusk.
“It’s big.”
“The God’s favorite town.”
“Really?”
“Where all do his bidding, all live to serve him, and prosperity follows.”
“Sarcasm is the God’s prerogative, First Son.”
“No, I . . . actually, it’s true. He’s exactly the God they desire. Phoenix is the God’s greatest success story.”
“Then yours as well, as the God’s Right Hand.”
Luco shakes out his long hair to let the sweat dry in the breeze. “I’ll leave that credit to him.” Paia glances up at him, but he is turning away. “Better be heading back. We don’t want to miss whatever they’ve managed to scrape together for dinner.”
She reaches suddenly for his sleeve, grabs at the long red folds of his robe. “Luco!”
He stops, turns back. When he sees her face, his blue eyes narrow. “What is it, my priestess?”
Paia isn’t sure herself. Something. A feeling. “I . . . don’t know.”
“You look . . . terrified. There’s no need, you know. Phoenix is devoted to the God. It will welcome you with open arms. Besides, you’re as well guarded as anyone could be.”
“What if it’s something you can’t guard against?” She glances again at the tightly walled town in the valley below. A moment ago, she was sure she saw it wreathed with flame. “That place scares me. Do we have to go in there tomorrow?”
He drops all pretense of formality. “Paia, Paia, what’s this? A premonition? Do you believe in such things?”
She doesn’t know whether to say yes or no.
“Look, I know this trip has been hard on you, harder than you’re willing to admit. But it has served its purpose, and tomorrow’s visit is the most crucial of all. That town supplies a quarter of the Temple income. If you just hang in there for one more night, I’ll give you a rest. I promise.” He holds out his hand to her. “Now will you come down to dinner?”
Paia throws one last shuddering look over her shoulder, then takes Luco’s hand and follows him down the dusty hill like a child.