Page 43

AERI

THE TEMPLE OF KNOWLEDGE, GAYA

“Y ou are the ones wanted for murder, are you not?” the priest insists, hitting the table again.

I mean…sure, but we could use more specifics.

I turn the poster. There is a decent drawing of me, a very good one of Sora, the same one as before for Euyn, and a good depiction of Mikail.

Royo isn’t mentioned, which is strange. I don’t know whether to be relieved or offended, but the king is offering a million mun each because we supposedly murdered his son, Tiyung.

Sora blanches as she gets to the brutal murder part.

“We didn’t kill Tiyung,” Royo says. “He was locked up in Idle Prison by King Joon. Ty was our friend.”

“We are here seeking knowledge,” Sora adds. But her voice shakes.

Mikail looks relaxed but dangerous. “It’s rather convenient that Seok is searching for the woman he owns, the two people who possess relics of the Dragon Lord, and the only other man who has a claim to the throne of Yusan, don’t you think?”

“I think you are killers who are using a sacred temple to hide from the law,” he says.

“So you heard nothing we just said, then?” Mikail sighs, gripping his walking stick. I’m positive he could kill a man with just the case.

Or his bare hands.

Braya, who’s been standing off to the side listening, claps once.

The sound reverberates through the temple.

Then she claps twice more. The Yoksa, even the one who broke his vow of silence, give her their attention.

She points to the main temple doors. The priests walk with their arms out to the sides.

They’re clearing the space. That means us, too.

We still haven’t finished reading, but Sora and I stand. The priests have been welcoming and helpful…up until now, and we don’t want to abuse their hospitality. We all leave and enter an enormous cavern, three times the size of the repository room.

“Ronlo,” Braya says. “You have broken your vow of silence to the God of Knowledge and are hereby stripped of your status, robes, and access to this temple.”

Two priests hold the man’s arms as another uses a dagger to cut apart the gray robes. Ronlo is left in a shirt and trousers. But he hands over the key.

“Reveal the location of this temple, and you will also lose your tongue,” Braya says. “You are dismissed.” She turns and takes a step away.

“You are the one who has broken your vow, Braya,” Ronlo says. He pulls his arms from the other priests and fixes the collar of his shirt. “Your vow is to knowledge. Not to this island or its politics. Knowledge. Without passion or prejudice.”

“My vow is exactly what I have kept,” she says calmly.

“The vow to the god is one of protection. When one side seeks to destroy knowledge, there is no neutrality. You may comfort yourself by saying that our oath is without passion or prejudice, but that is in the recording and sharing of all information, not in standing idly by while it burns.”

“You allowed criminals safe harbor in a holy place, and the gods will judge you.” He’s red-faced and yelling as he points a thick finger at her face.

She arches an eyebrow. “You really aren’t listening today. See him out.”

Two of the priests take Ronlo’s arms, and they disappear down one of the many tunnels off this cavern.

I stand outside the temple. What now? I’m not sure if we’ll be welcome back, since they know we’re wanted criminals. Well…except for Royo.

“You’d best return to your study quickly and be on your way,” Braya says.

“We’re still allowed in?” Royo asks.

Braya nods. “Knowledge transcends realms, class, or birth. And Ronlo was correct in that it also transcends politics—just not in the way he wished. We don’t bend to the political agendas of the rulers of the realms in form or substance. If you heartfully seek knowledge, you are welcome here.”

“The priest—the one you disrobed—will he report us to the king’s guard?” Mikail asks.

She nods. “Most assuredly.”

“Perhaps I should go stop him, then.” His fiery sword is still by the other door, but Mikail hardly needs it.

The keeper shakes her head. “No bloodshed, Adoros. That is not how you win the hearts and minds of the island.”

He sighs. “How can I do either when people have forgotten who they are?”

She reaches out and cups his cheek in her hand.

“You give them something to remember. And not everyone has forgotten. However, we lost a third of our people that day, and our very identity was stripped from us. Grief has cloaked the island and distorted memories ever since. But the gods spared you for a reason. Go to Jeul. Reclaim your birthright, and the people will follow.”

“That is easier said than done with four thousand king’s guard stationed there,” Mikail says.

Braya smiles serenely as she tilts her head. “Oh, Adoros, they were all called to Yusan weeks ago.”