Ilahidir had once been Margal’s city, but since her death the Naftalians shunned this place. Therefore, it had remained undiscovered that a new group of people had occupied this area. The plain was divided in two by a river. A bit further down – at the cliff face – it went underground. Margal’s white tower, which once had been her home, was situated on the land between the rocks and the water. Now, heavy banners with Jakob’s symbols hung from the windows. They moved a little in the wind, making it seem as if water flowed down the tower.
Kasimirh stopped to enjoy the view. He had designed the banners and was still very pleased with them. Two hands were depicted against a dark blue background. Silver and light-blue water flowed through the fingers and swirled around a green orb. The symbol represented the essence of the faith and everybody understood its meaning.
“We’re home,” said Kasimirh to Ghideon, who nodded and shrugged at the same time. “Don’t you agree with me?” Kasimirh asked.
“Ilahidir is a beautiful city, but it will never be my home. There are too many Naftalians here.”
“Jakobinians, Ghideon. You shouldn’t think of these people as Naftalians any more.”
Ghideon grumbled something and Kasimirh’s mood darkened again. He spurred on his horse, making the animal leap forwards. They rode on in silence.
The city had reached its population limit a long time ago and was bursting at the seems of its natural boundaries. Therefore, houses had been erected at the other side of the river as well. People came out of them to greet the prophet with joy and veneration. There was ample reason for that. The people of Ilahidir lived in opulence, which was in shrill contrast with what they had been used to while living under the pontifices.
Despite the huge population, the city was clean. There were no open sewers running through the streets like in most Naftalian cities. There were acacia trees on the riverbank, as well as vegetation that grew luxuriantly with the help of some magic. No one was starving, because whatever the Jakobinians couldn’t grow themselves was imported by way of the river. The Jakobinians had every reason to be grateful.
As soon as Kasimirh rode onto the bridge, it became clear that his arrival hadn’t gone unnoticed in the city centre. Tokala came riding towards him, accompanied by three soldiers.
“Kasimirh, it’s a pleasure to see you, but knowing you, this isn’t just a social visit.”
Kasimirh greeted him with a nod. “That’s right. I have a very good reason to be here.”
Tokala was in charge of Ilahidir. He was one of the people who Kasimirh trusted most. Over the years, Kasimirh had told him everything about Jakob that he knew. The young man had asked ceaseless question, and early on Kasimirh had discovered that Tokala had a gift for magic. This made him the perfect leader of the city. He could teach the Jakobinians and help the sorcerers learn to use their gift.
They turned onto the avenue that led straight to the temple at the foot of the tower. This was the biggest and most beautiful temple in the city. The bronze domes had turned green. The white walls were decorated with a relief of tendrils and flowers. The big windows gave the building an inviting appearance. The avenue leading up to it was wide enough for five carriages to ride side by side. The tiles formed an intricate pattern of blue and green shades.
“Sometimes I wish I could spread some rumours about this city. The Naftalians live in such poverty.” Kasimirh made a wide gesture. “If they could see all this, they would join Jakob without hesitation.”
“Unfortunately, the pontifices are bound to be the first ones to arrive on our doorstep.”
“I know, I know.”
“My father sent me a letter saying that Yvar is preparing an attack.”
Kasimirh’s face clouded over. Then he nodded. “That was to be expected. Have you started training the army yet?”
“Of course, but I’m worried about the number of soldiers at our disposal. More people need to come to Ilahidir.”
“That’s exactly why I’m here. I have a new plan, but I need the sorcerers for it.”
When they reached the tower, they left their horses behind. Kasimirh and Tokala ascended he stairs that circled upwards through the centre of the tower. They passed the rooms where male and female priests were educated and books were copied. Groups of students – recognizable by their grey stoles – rushed through the halls. A teacher wearing an orange stole turned up in the doorway. Surprise was written on her face as she curtsied. “Lord Kasimirh.”
The students fell quiet. They bowed as well, but at the same time tried to get a glimpse of the prophet through their eyelashes. After Kasimirh and Tokala had walked by, the students whispered excitedly to one another. Kasimirh hardly enjoyed the veneration, he had too much on his mind.
They reached Tokala’s rooms on the top floor. His wife rose to her feet as the two men entered the room.
“Inian, you look amazing.”
“Thank you Kasimirh. How nice that you have come to Ilahidir.”
“It’s always good to be here.”
“Come, sit down and eat something,” Inian said. She invited Kasimirh to take place at the table near the window that was set with food and drink. Kasimirh took a seat and poured out wine for everyone. They were silent for a moment, thanking Jakob.
Chewing on a piece of cheese, Kasimirh looked out the window. Soldiers were training along the riverbank. He was pleased with what he saw. The Jakobinians – from this height he couldn’t tell whether they were male of female – were training with discipline and dedication.
“Why don’t I just take my army and march out of this city? We could wipe out the Naftalians before they even notice us.” He snapped his fingers. “One thing less to worry about.”
Tokala frowned. “Is that your plan?”
“Tell me why I shouldn’t do it. Instead of reforming the world, we create a new world. That would be so much easier than what I’m doing now.”
“You have to give the Naftalians a chance, that’s what it’s all about. You told us so yourself,” Inian said.
Lost in thought, Kasimirh nodded.
Tokala shook his head. “You hang around with the wrong people. Those Purified…”
“I need them. They protect me when I’m out in the villages.”
“But their motives are different from yours.”
“Not entirely. They also worship Jakob. And the fact that they want revenge on Margal’s followers is primarily useful.” He sounded agitated. His fists were clenched on the table. “Every single time, you bug me to sever ties with Seraph and the others. And then what? Will you come with me to throttle those bloody Naftalians?” He gave Tokala a defiant look. The latter bit his tongue. Kasimirh didn’t need a response, he already knew the answer.
Inian touched his arm. “Maybe you should stay here for a couple of weeks and get some rest.”
“That sounds tempting. Too tempting, but I don’t have time.” He shoved back his chair with such force that it fell over. At the window he pointed at the horizon. “Especially now that Yvar is breathing down my neck.”
“You’re right,” Tokala said in a throaty voice.
“However, I will stay for a couple of days. There’s much that I need to take care of.” Kasimirh picked up the chair and sat back down.
For a long time they ate in silence. It was annoying to have someone else point out issues that he was having doubts about himself. Accusations were much easier to ignore when they were entirely unjust. And the fact that it was Tokala of all people to reproach him, made it even worse.
But had he been given much choice?
After he had received Jakob’s lessons, Kasimirh had gone to Naftalia’s capital. Overconfident, he had tried to convince the Pontifex Maximus of the right path. He had been so full of Jakob’s promises, that he was convinced that everyone would follow Him without any questions.
The reality had been a lot less encouraging. Kasimirh should have known better. He had heard the stories about the heretics, hadn’t he? As soon
as it became clear why he had come, he had been arrested. Luckily, he’d been able to escape with Seraph’s help. It had taught him that these people couldn’t be guided gently onto the right path. It was going to take a lot more to carry out Jakob’s assignment. And that was where the Purified men had come in – and later, Lilith. He owed Seraph for that as well, because Seraph had come up with the idea of a dragon and had brought him the baby.
Kasimirh sighed. “I’m sorry Tokala. I’m frustrated with everything that has gone wrong lately, but I shouldn’t take it out on you and your wife.” Relieved, Tokala nodded. “Have you any idea when Yvar is ready to go to battle?”
Tokala shrugged and swallowed a piece of meat. “It will take a couple of months for him to gather his army and carry out his preparations.”
“That should give us some time, fortunately. I have high hopes that we’ll be ready for the confrontation by then. Once we’ve defeated Yvar, Merzia will finally be ours.”
“It would be a shame to have to leave this city.”
Inian was referring to Kasimirh’s plans. Tokala and his wife were to turn Nadesh into a religious centre, just as it had originally been. Ilahidir was only their temporary home, and others were to govern Naftalia. Tokala was to become the spiritual leader of Jakob’s domain, whilst Kasimirh converted new areas. And when his missionary work was done, Kasimirh would enjoy his peace and quiet.
“Nadesh will be even more beautiful, Inian. That’s where the world was created. I’m sure you’ll feel Jakob’s energy there.”
“I know. I’m looking forward to seeing the Fountain of Origin, but we’ve worked on this town for so long that it’ll be hard to leave it all behind.”
“I understand that. Ilahidir will not be lost.”
“Will you conduct the service tonight? It would mean much to our people.”
“There’s nothing I’d rather do, Tokala, but I expect everyone will want to come to this service. So, you’ll have to help me.”
“We’ll ask three more priests,” Tokala nodded at his wife. Inian got up and left the room.
“So, you have come to collect the sorcerers?” Tokala asked. Kasimirh nodded. “It’s dangerous to lead the sorcerers into the domain of the pontifices so soon,” he said somewhat cautiously.
“I realize that all too well. Therefore, I don’t want them to make themselves known.” Tokala gave him a questioning look. “You know that Lilith isn’t back yet, and that the dragon was a great aid in getting people to convert. That’s why I want the sorcerers to create dragons to frighten the people and make it easier for the priests to convert the villagers.”
“It sounds like a risky plan.”
Kasimirh sighed. “I know. But do we have a choice? When Yvar attacks us, we’re going to need a bigger army to stand a chance. I won’t get far on my own, even with a dragon. It’s time to take risks.”
“You’re lucky that the acacias already have seed pods.”
Kasimirh smiled. Without further clarification Tokala had understood his plan. “That’s what I was hoping for. Let’s go somewhere to prepare for the service.”
They descended the long stairs. The rooms were empty now. At the bottom of the tower were the baths that were used for the rituals proceeding a service. Worshippers were standing in line awaiting their turn. There were excited whispers as Kasimirh walked by. The priests who conducted the service had their own bathroom and didn’t need to wait in line.
Kasimirh and Tokala took off their clothes and went inside. The bath was almost as big as the room, and steam reached the ceiling. The scent of eucalypt had a refreshing effect. Inian was waiting with three other priests. Now their group consisted of three men and three women. Kasimirh looked the youngest woman in the eye. She was standing proudly between the other two women, but she cast down her eyes. Her skin was almost black and she wore her hair in tiny plaits. Then she looked up at him. Her green eyes shone with pride.
Kasimirh got himself a jug of oil and rubbed his body with it. He turned back to the youngest priest, who was putting oil on her legs. “Can I help you, Mitan?”
Surprised, she looked up. “You remember my name!”
Of course. You were the first to convert when I came to your town. We secretly spoke for nights on end. I remember your enthusiasm and courage. What colour stole are you wearing now?”
“I completed my lessons just the other week, so I’m wearing azure.”
“So, you’re a priest already!” Kasimirh was finally starting to feel a little better. He wasn’t always there when new worshippers took their first steps on the path to Jakob, and he was proud that this woman, who he had guided himself, had finished her studies so rapidly.
“She was an apt pupil,” Tokala said. “Mitan copied the books with great speed. The teachers were convinced they were full of mistakes, but when it turned out that wasn’t the case, they brought her to my attention. I discovered that she memorized the texts as good as verbatim, so I took her under my wing. She deserves to conduct the service today, together with us.”
“I’m honoured,” Mitan said.
Kasimirh nodded. “Apparently you worked hard for it. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you, lord.”
She turned around and brushed her plaits over her shoulder. Kasimirh poured some oil onto her back and rubbed it in. Then she did the same for him. He enjoyed the touch of her hands on his body. Too often he was surrounded by only men and servi.
After the oil had soaked in, they scraped it off their bodies. Dirt and sweat came away with it. During his lessons, Jakob had been very strict about hygiene, and cleanliness was one of the most important rules in his faith. The worshippers honoured Jakob by taking good care of their bodies and the world that He had given them.
Kasimirh grabbed a bowl of water and poured it over his head. The warm liquid felt like a blessing. He beckoned Tokala and poured water over him. Then it was Inian’s turn, followed by the other priests. Now that they had all washed themselves, they could enter the bath.
Normally, they would immerse themselves briefly and immediately leave for the temple to prepare the service, but this time there was no hurry. Every inhabitant of Ilahidir would want to attend this service, so even the largest temple would be too small. Therefore, it had been decided to have the service in the open air. Other priests had been tasked with the preparations. Undoubtedly, worshippers were already flocking in from the different bathhouses, but it would take a while for everyone to assemble.
Kasimirh sat down and submerged himself. When he came back up he took a deep breath through his nose. The eucalyptus cleared his head.
“I can tell that you’re on edge. Shall I massage your shoulders?” Mitan asked.
“I’d love that.”
Mitan knelt behind him and kneaded his muscles. The other female priest gave her a dirty look. Kasimirh smiled and closed his eyes.
“Lord…”
He opened his eyes again. The other female priest had spoken to him.
“Why are you disturbing him?” Mitan snapped.
She gave the woman another annoyed look. The male priest had been keeping aloof, but now also started to become jealous because of all the attention Kasimirh was getting.
“What is it?’ Kasimirh asked.
“I was wondering when we move into Naftalia. Now that I know so much about Jakob, I want to share my knowledge with other people.”
Mitan’s hands stopped for a second, only to continue with even more skill than before. “I would like that, too,” she hastened to say.
Kasimirh looked for eye contact with Tokala. He nodded. “That moment will come very soon for the both of you.”
Mitan’s hands slid down his back. The water splashed against the edge of the bath as she sat down beside him. She looked at him expectantly, as did the man and the other woman.
“I need three priests and my three sorcerers to help me convert the Naftalians. The three of you seem very suitable candidates for the job. Tokala and Inia
n will of course stay here.”
“When do we leave?” the female priest asked. “What do we have to do?” the male priest asked at the same time.
Kasimirh laughed. “I’ll fill you in on the details later. Right now, we have a service to conduct.”
He got out of the bath. As he dried himself he walked to an adjacent room. A blue caftan was hanging there for him. Silver waves and green fishes were woven into the silk. When he had put on the robe, he draped an azure stole around his shoulders.
The other five priests wore plain blue caftans with stoles that indicated that they had finished their studies. Kasimirh lighted some sage and waved it in his own direction and towards the others. He took Tokala’s and Mitan’s hand and they all formed a circle.
“Lord Jakob, guide us during this service. Let us voice Your words.”
“Laud,” the five priests said as one.
It was late afternoon by the time they left the bathhouse. Outside, a carriage was waiting to take them to the location, outside the city, where the service was to be held. Once there, Kasimirh got out of the carriage, and the first rows of people knelt, quickly followed by the rest of the worshippers. Kasimirh knelt as well. “Let’s indeed kneel to show our respect to Jakob. He brought us all together on this beautiful day.” Kasimirh used magic to amplify his voice. “Lord Jakob, thank You for the opportunities that You give us. You created a world for us and brought us together today.”
Of course Kasimirh knew that the people wanted to kneel for him and not for God. It made him happy that these people looked up to him, even though it was inappropriate at this moment. He rose to his feet.
Tokala handed him a platter with smouldering sage. Together with the other five priests, Kasimirh walked through the rows of people, cleansing them with the smoke. Each priest served their own section of the crowd. They had to walk back and forth a number of times to cleanse everyone.
The Lilith Trilogy Box Set Page 43