Let Me Look On You With My Own Eyes [4/25, Heading to Ryka, Temujin/Vertrauen

[Vertrauen des Glaubens]

It had taken him days to catch up with Temujin's trail. He had been in one of the small towns, furthering the cause of the Kaedori and attempting to stem the flow of Ursai influences that was stinging the land, when he had heard that Temujin had been attacked. The shock had caused him to hurtle straight for the High Wizened Father, not believing that the older man was fine and healthy until he saw it with his own eyes. But there he was, fit as ever. Vertrauen should never have doubted it.

"High Wizened Father." He held his hand to his chest and inclined his head, a formal bow for the most respected man in the entire heirarchy of the Kaedori religion. "I came as swiftly as I could when I heard about the attack."

There was so much going on, so little time to plan and such a gulf between where they had been even but a few weeks ago and where they were now that everything seemed difficult. He was next in line after Temujin, but to know that the Father himself had been attacked? That was beyond the pale. They were holy men.

"I seek guidance, Father. What would you have me do?"

[Temujin Origen]

They had set camp, his tent having been pitched, he now sat quietly within sipping his tea. His soft, blue eyes stared at the patchy ground, taking in the sounds around him. The way the wind sounded against the canvas, the rustling leaves of the trees, the chirping of the birds. It was nearly hard to believe that beyond that line of trees, past the plains of wild horses there was a war. How had it come to this? Men of the gods warring it out over what? Supremacy… Arrogance? He was unsure now what the banner was… He was sure it had more to do with pride than the memory of an innocent killed for a reason far removed from faith.

“Father Origen,” one of the younger initiates called before he entered the tent. “Father Glaubens is here to see you.”

That was… surprising. With a gentle smile, he reached for his cane and got to his feet. Stepping out, he saw him immediately and approached. “Ah! Excellent! Father Glaubens, how wonderful to see you. I take it you were not just passing through?” He nodded solemnly. “It was unfortunate… We buried one of our own before I left. Much too young to meet the gods. But the culprit has been dispatched, and for his soul, I shall also pray”

He frowned and reached out to touch Vertauen’s shoulder. “Guidance? My son, I would have you pray… And walk with me. I seek an audience with our Province Lord. A Kaedorian by birth, but resources have told me he is a child lost, his faith gone. But perhaps we can still appeal to him… It is the one hope we have.”

[Vertrauen des Glaubens]

Vertrauen dipped his head in reverence to Temujin. He would do naught but follow every order set forth by the High Wizened father, unquestioningly. Pray indeed he would, for there seemed little enough faith left in the lands of Svavel.

"I trust to your wisdom, Father Origen." He dropped his voice to little more than a whisper. No other should hear such candid matters between the two of them, especially concerning the liege of Svavel was responsible for their faith being prominent. Such words did not make for a good basis for safety. "They say he takes an Ursai bride. Do you feel he is still within reach of salvation, Father?"

[Temujin Origen]

Temujin’s usual smile flattened ever so slightly. “Word reaches me from Orqua, telling of how the young bride has renounced her faith. I think his salvation to not be so dependent on his union with his lady. Though, I am always reluctant to say that one of our own is ever really lost to us forever. It is just a matter of discovering when he lost his faith and why. That is the tricky part, my son. But it is of the lesser matter, that. It is more important getting his cooperation in keeping our people safe. He does not have to be a man of the Kaedori to be appealed to.”

[Vertrauen des Glaubens]

He was a man wise in his own ways, secure in his ideals, thoughts and personality. Yet, somehow, when he walked with the High Wizened Father, he felt like a fresh eyed boy. Asking questions, missing the big picture, not knowing quite as much. It used to frustrate him, but in recent years he had mellowed out. He treated it as it being a learning curve, a level to aspire to. Someday, he would be that role.

"The Ursai priestess renounced her faith!? The Urson must be furious. No wonder you were attacked, father." His surprise was betrayed in his voice, before he willed himself to be calm and continue. "Do we go for an audience directly with Lord Mallory, or are we to consult with his confidentes first to gather information?"

[Temujin Origen]

“What good is it to go to a sheep for results when it is the shepherd who is in control? If at all possible, we go straight to Lord Mallory… I do not think he would turn us away. He may not be a man of faith, but he is a man of the land and as such will do what is good for it. He would not turn away guests such as us, that is. Not when the Kaedorians still stand behind him.” Temujin clasped the cane in front of him, his eyes darkening. “I once respected the Urson as a man of faith, even if that faith was not Kaedorian. But a man of faith is also a man of peace… and he is that no longer.”

[Vertrauen des Glaubens]

Something about his words rang true, but there was a gnawing doubt to his words. In one sentence he spoke of saving a man once of their flock, who may be no longer, and helping him walk the way. In another, he spoke of no longer holding respect for a man of similar influence and rank as himself, but no words of salvation? The Kaedori and Ursai religions were seperate, but it was easy enough for Vertrauen to see how they should help one another rather than hurt. He was a humanitarian, an honest one, believing that religion was a beacon of hope. To crush one, even for a different religion, would be to cause more and more to lose their way. He just hoped Temujin would appreciate his honesty...

"With all due respect father, you too have only recently had to become a man of war to protect those important to you. Is it possible the Urson has simply lost his way? Might we not be able to help him find his path too? Is that not our way as fellow holy men?"

[Temujin Origen]

Were he in his younger years, he might have been compelled to become defense at the question posed by Vertrauen. It did sound an awful lot like an accusation rather than a genuine inquiry, but even if that was the case, now that he was older, he had learned not to take offense to such silly things. “My transition was a reactionary one. My people suffer and fall by the command of one who I am not certain orders his men to commit these atrocities against our own for the sake of his gods. But even so… all I can do is pray that he finds the path of light once again. Meanwhile, I must also condemn his acts… A loving father is one who tempers love with discipline, one who will not condone acts of hate, mayhem, or selfishness when he sees it in one of his own children. Would you sooner forgive Naetal for evoking war amongst his family? Indeed, I pray for the salvation of his soul, but I pray too for those who have died because of him.”

[Vertrauen des Glaubens]

He knew his words would have crossed the line with any lesser man, but Temujin was not the High Wizened Father for nothing. He had got to that position through grit, skill, determination and a temperament that could not be matched by any other. It seemed he still had a ways to go to be worthy of that sort of level. He just hoped it didn't come before he was ready, or he would do a grave misjustice on the position.

"As you say, father." Vertrauen cocked his head to the side briefly, considering. "I wonder what can change the nature of a man so abruptly...do you think he has changed, or do you suppose he was always like this and hid his true nature?"