🌬️ Chronicles 01. “MOTHER PRIEST”
RoOLZ“We exist in the world to make choices,” said Akino, pointing her sword at a figure groaning against a tree.
Standing and stretching, Hoshino laughed. “You imitate your mother well. Next week, when she returns, we can debate choice. Now? Pick pears. Fight practice is over.”
The seven-year-old saluted. “Yes father.” Her wooden weapon was good for nudging branches to shake fruit loose.
🕯 In the flickering shadows of a cave three days ride away, Akino’s mother Hope was one among dozens of robed figures chanting around a vast statue of a strong, proud man.
Ceremonies lasted hours, until at least one acolyte received communication from RoOlz.
Wandering pilgrims hailed the stone idol as the region’s truest, fiercest representation of the creator. But in the three years Hope had been a priest, she’d not been granted a message or vision that would help her family and community. Frequent bandit raids and poor harvests only made life more difficult. If she left the priesthood, Hope would also abandon the prospect of divine favor.
🐷 Hoshino and Akino walked from the orchard.
“Let’s go to the pen - you can take the pigs swimming.”
“How did you know I swam with the pigs?”
“They told me.”
The girl’s eyes widened.
“Your mother and I met because of a pig.”
“Let us duel. If I win, tell me truly how you met. If I lose, it was just pretend. Like RoOlz.”
Hoshino’s voice was severe. “Every day your mother faces hazard a farmer could never imagine.”
By the time they reached the pigs, Akino’s tears had stopped. Her hand felt safe in his gentle charge.
🌩 In the final seconds of the day’s last dance, Hope heard a rumble in her mind.
“Are there other gods, is there other power, before me, your creator?”
She trembled.