The temple was located on a promontory above the town, over which it projected impressively. There was nothing overall evil in its appearance, but there was an undercurrent of darkness that ran deeper than the gorge I'd help slay the Gargons in years before.
At the base of the slope of the mounded hill that the temple was built on, the road stopped being straight and curved around the slope. At last we were stopped. Temple guards stepped forward to block our way threateningly.
One who looked to be in command approached us pompously. He pointed to me with abruptness and said, "Only you are permitted to go farther. The High Priestess Ayaya is expecting you."
Mayrin made to object, but I held my hand up, forestalling any words from her as I said, "You and the others wait here. No, on second thought, I may be a while."
Turning to the guard I asked, "Is it permissible for my fellow travelers to make camp outside the village?"
"Yes, as they by blood are welcome to our sanctuary away from the world, even as your kind are not."
I nodded, taking no offense at the man's insulting demeanor. Turning to Mayrin I said, "Take your group and make camp. If I'm not back after three days assume the worst and head back to the Holy Mountains."
She started to object, but I had already begun to dismount. I handed her the reins for Phalon. I didn't want him falling into enemy hands.
Reluctantly she took the reins from me. Turning to the guard I drew out my sword by the blade and extended it handle first to him. He took it and stood off to the side and motioned me onward.
"You're sure about this Benaiah?" Mayrin asked, her voice a mixture of hesitation and alarm.
"I'm sure that we were supposed to come here, beyond that I do not know. Have faith Mayrin and say a few prayers for me."
She looked as if she would say more, but I turned and started up the path. The time for words was over and the test of wills had begun.
*****
The road curved upward until it leveled out flat with a side entrance to the temple. The accompanying guard halted and I walked alone into the temple.
The outside of the temple, though impressive in size, had not impressed me overly in terms of detail, but not so here. Ornate was not the word to describe the vividness of color and tapestry within the room that I had entered. Gold and precious stones were everywhere.
The pillared halls all around the sanctuary of the temple were empty and I very much felt alone within the place. Just then a voice, ripe with seductive undertones, called out, "Well, if it isn't the mighty hunter come at long last to slay the dragon! Oh my!" The sound of laughter rang out clearly and yet I could not tell where she was as the echo of her laughter made it hard to place her.