Temple of the Raven Sisterhood

By Ann Marie R. Harvie

                Neptune stepped out of the boat and onto the rocky shore.  She looked up and marveled at the floating islands above her.  The guide smiled at Neptune.  Her gorgeous ebony complexion contrasted beautifully with her white temple dress.  Neptune smiled back and the guide turned and placed her staff into a crevice in a rock near the water.

                Soon Neptune heard a creaking sound.  She glanced up and saw a wooden staircase begin to emerge from the mist.  After a moment, it’s decent ended at their feet.  The guide silently began to climb the stairs and Neptune followed.  She breathed in the cool, misty air scented by the surrounding mountain range and felt a peace and contentment that hadn’t been present in years.

                The women continued to silently ascend the staircase.  Neptune could hear the sound of the waves lapping onto the shore grow fainter the higher they went.  She licked her lips and could taste the salt on her lips and feel the mountain mist dampen her face.  What a stark contrast to the choking smoke-laden battlefield she had left only 12 hours earlier.  The only smells in the air then were of burnt flesh and freshly splattered blood.

                The Temple of the Raven Sisterhood lay situated on the larger of the two floating islands.  A long stairway of cobblestone led up to the large but simple temple.  On either side of the stairway were levels of greenery where Raven Sisters tended various types of vegetation.  As Neptune walked up the stairs, the sisters briefly stopped their work to gaze at the stranger, only to resume their gardening after she passed.  The scent of mint on one side and basil on the other wafted through the air as Neptune approached the temple entrance. 

                Neptune’s guide went no further and silently motioned her to enter the temple.  Neptune turned to look at the other small island that connected to the Temple Island with small foot bridges.  Simple huts stacked on pillars that covered the island.  Neptune smiled as she heard children’s laughter coming from the huts.

                Glancing out over the mountain peaks, Neptune now knew that the battle between the Federation Chain of Life and the Wardon Empire to save the work was worth it.  She stepped into the temple and walked across its stone floor.  Images of ravens in various sequential scenes of battle and serenity decorated the otherwise plain slate walls.  She stopped at the bottom of another stone staircase and glanced up.

                A woman with ebony skin dressed in white and gold robes sat in a high-backed chair sat at the top of the stairs.  Neptune took the long, thin parcel she had been carrying on her back to the front and unwrapped it.  When the woman saw the golden staff with the raven on the top, she let in a quick breath.  She made her way down the stairs to meet Neptune, who bowed and reverently offered the staff to the woman.

                When the woman laid her hands on the staff, great black wings emerged from her back.  A high priestess ruled over the land once again.  Neptune straightened. Sadness washed over her face.  “I’m sorry the other high priestess was killed on her way to petition for membership with the Federation Chain of Life.  We fought long and hard to get the Staff of Power back to where it belongs.  I hope now that you are ruler you too will consider membership.  I hope this proves that we are on your side.”

                The high priestess’ wings expanded and contracted.  “You are a worthy ally.  What will your reward be for returning this to me?”

                Neptune shook her head.  “No reward necessary.  Coming here even for just a short while is enough.”

                With another deep bow, Neptune silently left the temple.