Pillar of Yita

In front of the Marlan Temple, there is an ancient square.

The stone slabs on the square are incomplete, covered only by a thin layer of gravel. In the center, there is a stone-built fountain, but it has been dry for many years, with not a drop of water in its spring. In the distance, a few pedestrians pause on the square, conversing and gesturing. Within view, believers in gray robes lie on the temple steps, kissing the earth beneath Lady Marlan’s feet.

This is morning prayer, customs differ by region and styles vary. Colin people prefer to sit in bright, lofty temples to hear the holy sermon. Whereas the Osh people have the Otkarak choir, known as ’The Sound of the Golden Night,’ said to sound like heaven’s melody amid the clouds, unparalleled even by a sea monster—even the Emperor himself only has two to three opportunities a year to appreciate this ’holy chant.’

Within the believers, Mayer Hill was preaching, dressed in a robe, holding scripture in one hand and a holy relic in the other, with Marlan’s Silver Sprinting Wolf gleaming in the sunlight.

The elderly knight saw him, paused for a moment, but did not stop his work, turning back to continue bestowing the goddess’s teachings upon the believers.

Apart from believers, the place is mostly filled with guards. Troops in armor and with halberds patrol the square; although the fortress’s master is absent, it still maintains its look from when he was present. Compared to two weeks ago, the atmosphere seems more tense, as Istania has long been free from war, and the vigilance at Bain Fortress seems to signify something—

Perhaps the plan of King of Sand Barbaltan has reached a certain stage, even Bain has prepared itself.

For a moment, Fang Hong doubted his judgment, but this thought quickly vanished from his mind.

With the sound of a bell from the tower of the ancient temple, the time for morning prayer has passed, and believers are leaving. Mayer Hill then descends the steps, approaching him:

”Why have you returned to Bain, have you found your companions?”

”Yes.”

The elderly knight looked at him, saying: ”Since you’re here, come in and have a seat.”

Fang Hong looked at his counterpart and nodded lightly.

The two ascended the steps, entering the temple.

Fang Hong glanced around, noticing not much had changed in the hall’s decor since his departure—everything in Bain seemed like this, unchanged day by day, the fortress built amidst the gravel invariably adhered to its ancient rules. Just like a stern, taciturn guard, steadfastly guarding the northern gate of the royal capital.

”I’ve seen how people pray in the north, it’s quite different from the customs here.”

”The way of praying is merely a formality, as long as it sufficiently expresses respect for All Saints.”

As Mayer Hill walked, he spoke.

Deities need to establish a faith connection with their believers to guide them to the Divine Kingdom upon their death. A believer’s soul transforms into a pure star form, a state between starlight and life, blinking in the dark world like a beacon, guiding the gods in the heavenly kingdom, to lead astray dead souls.

Every believer has their destiny, those without faith return to dust, and faith in Eteliria is a significant matter; faithless, one’s soul transforms into pure starlight, half entering the kingdom of the deceased, the other half becoming part of nature.

But the Invoker is different.

After the Invoker’s death, their starlight is shared among the gods, as part of the ’Holy Chosen Covenant,’ which is how they got their name. Fang Hong only later learned this from Bishop Tirios, before then he had always thought ’Holy Chooser’ referred to the Chosen One among the natives.

But the so-called Holy Chosen, is the Chosen of the Saints, they do not belong to any single deity, but to the collective gods. So, it’s no wonder that the Holy Chooser can be revived in any temple.

However, if an Invoker declares faith in a particular deity, then after leaving this world, most of the starlight they leave behind goes to that deity, hence the gods accept ’false belief.’ Of course, there is Lady Ameya’s pride—it’s said the Lady of the Forest’s powerful divine strength doesn’t need such trivial false beliefs.

Fang Hong looked at the Holy Icon of Marlan at the hall’s end, immersed in a beam of light from the ceiling, wondering if he himself should count as belonging to the lady’s side?

Though he doesn’t really believe so, the rules among the gods are as such—

Mayer Hill poured him a cup of tea, like last time.

Watching the rising white mist, Fang Hong then asked:

”Did I not cause any trouble for you last time?”

”No, the Earl just sent someone to ask some things.”

”I’ve reconciled with him.”

Mayer Hill only nodded.

”I didn’t have the chance to thank you for last time—”

”Just the goddess’s guidance.”

”But you also helped a lot.”

”You’re welcome.”

The hall was quiet for a while.

Fang Hong came across this place, unintentionally wanting to return and look again. When he left last time, he was in a hurry, indeed unable to properly thank the elderly knight—

Though he arrived here partly due to Marlan’s guidance, the old knight’s calm handling helped him a lot at the time.

Furthermore, a goddess doesn’t need his gratitude, but a mortal does.

After seeing him drink the tea, Mayer Hill then asked: