Riftan gave a curt nod of approval. “And the hierarchs?”
“Two of them are all set to depart.”
Riftan and the knights once again donned their armor. As she watched them prepare to leave, Maxi felt a gaping hole in her heart. She had known that sending Riftan off would be difficult, but the anguish she felt now was far greater than what she had been steeling herself for.
Unable to even bid him or the knights farewell, she dumbly watched them file out of the room. Riftan, who had been talking to Duke Aren in the doorway, turned to look at her.
“Maxi, the duke will introduce you to the high priest. Come.”
Only then was Maxi able to move. She silently followed Riftan out of the building. They passed through the gardenand entered the basilica, where they were greeted by a middle-aged cleric. His pale, almost white hair curled just above his shoulders.
Duke Aren stepped forward to formally introduce Maxi to the high priest. “Reverend Father, this is the wife of Sir Riftan Calypse.”
Maxi executed a stiff curtsy. “I-I am Maximilian…Calypse.”
The high priest bowed back. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Calypse. I am Sam Mordecai, a servant of our divine master. I have been told that you will be staying with us for a while. Please, consider this place your home during your stay.”
“I leave my wife in your care,” said Riftan, respectfully bowing his head to the high priest.
Maxi’s eyes flew to stare at Riftan, an icy dread seeping into the corners of her heart. Did he intend to bid her farewell here? Like this?
Riftan straightened and turned to her. “If anything happens, inform Duke Aren. He will look after you.”
Maxi’s lips quivered, unable to manage any words. The impassive face looking down at her was as cold as steel, devoid of any emotion.
“Be well.” Riftan’s voice was as frigid as his expression.
Maxi felt her throat constricting. She could not believe this stony farewell was happening.
Riftan brusquely turned away from her and walked out of the basilica. Maxi stared after him, frozen with disbelief. It was as if the intimate time they had shared aboard the ship had all been a false act. The knights waiting nearby gave her curt nods and followed their commander.
Ulyseon was at the rear. He paused at the entrance to offer her a final, confident reassurance. “We will return to take you back to Anatol, my lady, so please do not worry.”
Maxi numbly accompanied the clerics out of the church to see them off. At the foot of the steps, dozens of baggage wagons and armed soldiers filled the square. The Livadon and Remdragon Knights stood to attention at the front, their banners flapping in the brisk wind. Maxi felt her heart hammer against her ribs.
She looked on miserably as Riftan mounted his horse. He pacified Talon’s furious snorting and turned him around to check on the formation. When all was set, he lightly spurred Talon to trot ahead. The knights began to lead their horses out of the square in unison.
Maxi watched in a daze as Riftan suddenly pulled his mount to a halt. The knights abruptly ceased marching and murmured in confusion.
Oblivious to the knights’ muttering, Riftan barked something to Hebaron, jumped off his horse, and sprinted back toward the basilica.
He bounded up the steps and seized Maxi’s forearm.
“Come…”
Before Maxi could say anything, he pulled her over to a large tree. Bewildered, Maxi stumbled after him.
“R-Riftan…wh-what are you—”
“I know that I’m being a damned fool, but…” he murmured, his words making no sense to Maxi. He whirled around to look down at her.
Maxi’s eyes grew round when she saw the conflict raging on his face. Riftan stood immobile, hesitating, then pulled something out from beneath his armor. Maxi blankly lookeddown at his palm. In his hand was a shekel coin. It was slightly dented, and one of its sides was blackened.
“I want you to hold on to this,” Riftan said gruffly.
Maxi blinked. It was a copper coin used by peasants, one she had never touched in her life. When she looked up at him quizzically, his jaw stiffened. Without any explanation, he grabbed her hand and thrust the coin intoit.
“Be sure to keep it with you always.”
