The Alcazar (The Cerulean Duology #2) - Amy Ewing Page 0,31

strange things have been happening in this City.”

Leela could not suppress her smile. “You are very perceptive, Elorin,” she said. “More than I ever realized.”

Elorin shrugged and looked down shyly. “I do not think anyone thinks much of me, or takes me very seriously. It is only because I have trouble opening up to people. It is easier to be devoted to Mother Sun—she listens to me with a welcoming heart and a patient mind.” Her face fell. “At least, I thought she did. Perhaps she has never heard me at all.”

Leela took Elorin’s hand in both of her own. “No matter what the High Priestess may be up to, I am certain Mother Sun hears you and loves you. You need not lose faith in that.”

Elorin looked up, her eyes sparkling with her magic. “I want to help you.”

A lump swelled in Leela’s throat. “I would like that very much.”

“Tell me everything,” Elorin said. “Does Sera’s purple mother know? Was she helping you discover the High Priestess’s secrets? Is that why you stole into the birthing houses?”

“She was,” Leela said. “And I will tell you what I can, though there are some things I must show you, because even if I did tell, you would not believe me until you saw them with your own eyes.”

Elorin’s mouth formed a perfectly round O.

“But first,” Leela said, “I must explain the reason why I went to the birthing houses, because even Kandra did not believe me.” Leela didn’t have the patience to tell her all about the moonstone and the other visions. There were more important words that she needed to say out loud—and be believed.

Elorin sat up straight and her face grew solemn and serious.

Leela took a deep breath. “Sera is alive,” she said. “I have seen her. She did not die in the sacrifice. She is on the planet.”

For a long moment, Elorin said nothing. Leela’s heart was frantic in her ears. Then Elorin nodded slowly. “I believe you,” she said.

Acolyte Klymthe came for Leela the next morning as the bells rang through the City, calling all Cerulean to the temple for the conclave.

“It is time,” she said.

Leela felt a strange buzzing sensation all over her body as she followed the acolyte out of the chamber of penitence.

Sera is alive, she reminded herself as Acolyte Klymthe slid aside the door at the back of the sanctum. No matter what penance they give me . . . if I can bring her back, it will prove the High Priestess is a liar.

They emerged onto the chancel where the High Priestess and Acolytes Imima and Endaria were already standing at the pulpit. Leela’s heart jolted at the sight of the City gathered, so many eyes fixed on her beneath blue hooded robes. She saw her mothers sitting in their usual spot and her chest twinged with shame.

By the Altar of the Lost, she caught sight of Sera’s green and orange mothers, looking so small and sad without Sera or Kandra in their midst. They were holding hands, Leela saw, and there was some strong emotion pulsing in the depths of their eyes as they watched her. Leela did not think it was disgust or consternation; it looked to her like love.

“My children,” the High Priestess said, spreading her arms wide as she addressed the congregation. “We are gathered here today in the light and love of Mother Sun to determine the penance of Leela Starcatcher. For she has broken one of the most precious rules of the City and must bear responsibility for what she has done.”

On the pulpit were four blue candles of varying heights. The High Priestess turned to her acolytes, the moonstone in her circlet pale as bone.

“It is always grievous when a Cerulean defies the rules of our City, never more so when it is one who has always been so true and trustworthy. What shall her penance be, my acolytes? How can we ensure that she does not commit this transgression again?”

Leela’s spine was as straight as the trunk of a polaris tree, and she met the High Priestess’s gaze unflinching. But it was Acolyte Endaria who spoke first.

“She must fast for three days and three nights,” the acolyte said. “To purify her body for Mother Sun.”

She touched the smallest candle with one finger and a purple flame burst from its wick. Then Acolyte Imima stepped forward.

“She must beg forgiveness in front of the City and vow to never commit such an act again.” She touched