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The two men did not have to wait long for the doors of Ivelda’s throne room to open in front of them. A serious looking Asher stepped out of the room. Even though the healer was wearing a high heel, he was tiny compared to the size of Benedicto. As Asher nodded, Benedicto made a small bow to acknowledge his respect. ”Nice to see you, brother Bolton.”
It may have been overdoing it, but he would be a fool not to show proper respect to another of Ivelda’s servants while standing inches away from the room she was in. His bow was a short one, coming straight up to look into the room for the first glimpse of the Empress.
As Asher’s steps echoed through the hallway, Benedicto stepped forward, immediately greeted by his favourite person in the world.
"Benedicto, welcome home. I trust you're travels were safe? And how are things in town, Sir Roderick? I am done with Asher so you'll both have my undivided attention. Let me get you two something to drink first. I'll be right back."
Her voice was like the beautiful song of a rare bird. It stroke his eardrum, enticing him with the sound as well as the words she chose. Her smile was radiant and welcoming. Every moment with her was worth a painting to make it everlasting.
”My travels were very safe my Queen, I thank you for your concern to such a humble servant. ”
Ivelda left the room quickly. There was no doubt in his mind that she would return with the drink. He silently licked his lips, feeling that the drink was way overdue, something he would never tell Ivelda, of course.
”We were correct brother Rock, it does seem we can enjoy the brew we so desire. And I don’t just mean meeting our beloved Majesty.” He scampered a laugh, getting as close to humor as he ever would.
After less than a minute the door opened again, and they once again were in the presence of the highest, most intelligent and most beautiful presence in all the lands.
She handed Benedicto one of the cups in her hand, which he accepted with the deepest of bows. ”I am honoured once again, glorious Empress, with your presence and your gift.”
She had given the cup to Thaddeus and moved back to face the both of them before he got up from his bow. He put his lips carefully on the edge of the cup. He took the drink as he always had, with small sips, trying to savour the moment, savour the taste. At the same time he wished he could gulp it up in an instant. He could not forget the exciting, tickling, stinging feeling it left in the back of his throat if he would drink it quickly.
But no, he had learned to appreciate it as a fine wine. He stuck in his nose, smelling each of the separate herbs in the drink, although he had never been able to distinguish them. Even if I would be so unwise to try and recreate it, it will never be the same as hers.
"Now, tell me Benedicto, did your trip to Angalais prove fruitful?"
He didn’t know if it was the drink or because she was talking to him directly. His body filled up with warmth, a feeling like none other. His eyes closed for a second, savouring the moment.
”Your Highness, I must thank you again for your everlasting wisdom in sending me to Angalais. Your exemplary guidance is a gift straight from heaven. It is with the utmost humility a distinguished honour to do the work of a true Goddess.” Benedicto halted for a moment, making another bow and again taking a sip from the royal goblet in his hand.
”My trip commenced in a very pleasurable way. I made my way to the utmost South of Angalais. I can report that the main cities are thriving under your rule. I’ve held lectures to masses of people. All of the attendees felt compelled to make a financial donation to your Empire. The monks joining me in my travels were able to collect and bring it back here. I can only express the extreme gratitude I feel in spreading your word. The main focus of my lectures was on the creation myths. Many people seemed to interpret the holy texts differently and needed to be enlightened on the role you played in creating our existence. I must speak my heart, your Majesty, it is still a shock that I was one of the first to realise the true meaning of the holy texts and prophesies.”
Benedicto took another sip, trying not to show disappointment in his face when he realised he drank it till the last drop.
”Although I greatly miss being by your side, especially for these extended amount of times, it truly is valuable for me to travel the lands to educate the people.
Where the cities are thriving, I passed small communities where your word is not at all followed. I am ashamed and disgusted by this fact, but we went through a village where your superior state of being was not properly acknowledged. By your grace I have tried to remedy the situation best I could. The village elder has been arrested, and the village priest has been elevated and recognised as the one true leader of the community.
A sin had been committed which has produced an offspring. I had to take the infant. It will need to live a life in servitude of you in order to try and remedy the sin of the parents. My monks would have taken it to the orphanage. In a few years I might be able to adopt it into the church for proper education.”
He was truly disgusted by the parents and the village elder. The burden and guilt they had put on the infant was immense. Eventually the child would be blessed in servitude, but it would never be able to reach his level, due to the condition in which it was born. The injustice and stupidity made Benedicto mad all over again, his eyes getting watery in rage. He pinched his own hands in order to find an outlet for his anger, fighting back the tears.
”I weep for the non-believers, my immortal Empress. I weep for their soul.”