Firebrand

Chapter 313: Getting to a Nunnery

Chapter 313: Getting to a Nunnery

Getting to a Nunnery

While doing chores in the apothecary and the workshop on Solday morning, Martel felt a tinge of anticipation that slowly grew to excitement. While he figured the party tonight would be different from last – he was not sure what exactly a ritual celebration entailed – spending the evening with Ruby felt promising. And since he still had the afternoon off to practise his Sindhian magic, he did not feel bad about being gone tonight. Especially as doing this task would pay for a lot of herbs and other ingredients, not to mention glass bottles.

At lunch, Maximilian hunted him down just as he was leaving the dining hall. "If I remember, you have no classes on Solday, correct?"

"Yeah, that's true." Martel had a feeling he was about to disappoint his friend.

"Excellent. I suggest we spend the evening in debauchery."

"I can't. I got plans already."

The mageknight gave him a suspicious look. "Not dusty tomes and monotonous spellwork, I trust?"

"No, I'm meeting someone." As much as Martel trusted Maximilian, he had no wish to explain the nature of his engagement, or why he needed money. Born to wealth, his friend would never understand.

"Ah, but you are a cad, Nordmark! That must be why we get along so well. Tell me at least you will make an appearance tomorrow in the Chamber of Earth! I know many are eager to watch your next exploits."

It seemed a waste of time, but Martel did not wish to hand out two rejections in a row. "Sure, if I got time, I'll be there." He made his escape before Maximillian could pressure him further.

***

Wearing his fine clothes, with his cloak wrapped around him to hide said fact lest anyone at the Lyceum wondered at his plans, Martel began his walk towards the bridge district. He carried his shoes in his arms, protecting them from the sludge of snow and general wear of the cobblestones. A light snowfall threatened to make it worse and also weigh his cloak down, so he used his magic to push the wind away from him, granting him a bit of a reprieve from the elements.

Once he reached the Pearl and entered, he shook the snow from his cloak and glanced around. By now, the staff seemed familiar with his face; rather than approaching him with mischievous looks and insinuating offers, the serving girls simply greeted him briefly before resuming their duties.

Martel stood awkwardly for a little while, wondering if he should go look for Ruby, ask someone to find her, or perhaps go and tell Lady Pearl herself of his presence. He was spared making a decision by the arrival of his companion for the evening, her red lips twisted into a smile as their eyes met.

"Master Martel, good to see you. I believe our carriage should be ready momentarily."

The mage inclined his head in greeting, trying not to be obvious as he took in her appearance. She wore an elegant necklace with her namesake as a gemstone, which he had seen before. Her dress was a beautiful cut and looked expertly made from soft fabric, fitting well to her form. "I look forward to tonight."

Her smile renewed itself. "As do I." She glanced to one of the smaller entrances, where a man dressed for the outdoors waved at them. "Our driver is ready. No reason to delay." She took his free arm, his other still holding his shoes in a bundle, and together they walked out to the courtyard of the Pearl.

***

Once underway, as the carriage rumbled on the cobbled roads of Morcaster, Martel exchanged his footwear. Ruby watched him with slight amusement. As he bent down to tie the laces, he noticed her own shoes were reasonably practical as well, clashing a little bit with the elegance of her attire.

"I suppose if there will be dancing, I should appreciate you wearing more nimble footwear," she remarked with a smirk.

Martel laughed a little, feeling too befuddled to make a witty response. Clearing his throat, he decided to go down another path of conversation. "What is this place we are going?"

"A convent for an order known as the Sisters of the Sun. Usually, none are allowed onto the inner premises of the compound beyond the outer gardens, but tonight is an exception. It is a ritual feast held to celebrate – honestly, I don't remember. The doings of some saint long ago, probably the founder of their order."

Martel had barely heard of them before, so he was not one to judge Ruby's lack of knowledge; the monastic orders had little presence in Nordmark. "And you're meeting someone?"

She nodded. "We'll be entering separately. Just walk around on your own, mingling as you see fit, but keep me within your sight. Use your magic as you know best, and when you see me leave, make your own departure soon after. We'll meet back at the carriage and go home."

"Alright. Sounds simple enough." Perhaps if it did not drag out, he could spend some time with her back at the Pearl.

Ruby took out two small objects and handed one over to him. "Your invitation. Just hand this over at the entrance."

Martel summoned a tiny flame to provide some light. He looked at a round token, twice the size of a coin. It felt like metal, perhaps iron. On one side, the sun was depicted; on the other, the bust of a hooded woman. "What should I say if someone talks to me in there?"

"No need to hide who you are. Nothing wrong with a mage attending a celebration. Though you should avoid mentioning me or why you are there. It might ruffle some feathers."

"Understood."

***

The carriage stopped in a small yard nearby. Ruby led Martel through a few winding alleys before they reached a large street. In the distance, Martel thought he saw the spires of the Basilica, though the darkness made it difficult. They continued a little while until reaching a compound with great walls, looking as much a castle as a place for nuns. Yet the main gate stood open, and they stepped right through. Beyond, they found themselves in a garden with a handful of other people; some looked like guests as well, given their expensive garb, while the rest were members of the clergy.

Some of the guests loitered around, talking to each other; others walked inside, one by one, passing through the main doors to enter the compound itself. Ruby nudged Martel in that direction. "I'll follow shortly after," she told him quietly before separating.

Approaching, Martel smoothened his doublet and tried to look, if not noble, at least wealthy enough to belong. Holding out his sun token, he passed through the doors.

He noticed several things in rapid succession. Inside, the hall looked austere; stonework without the decorations or ornaments that any palace would be filled with.

On either side of the entrance stood tall women wearing yellow robes, though not of the typical kind for women; these were shorter, more practical, allowing for better movement. Furthermore, they carried staves, much like the city guard did.

Lastly, a great symbol carved into the ground lit up as he stepped onto it. Looking down, Martel recognised it as the Tyrian rune that revealed magic.