The White Citadel was bathed in moonlight; the bluish hue gave the capital’s bastion an unearthly aura. It was an unnerving sight of an evening, its vastness and grandeur dominated the cityscape of Cellador. Rising high above the towers of the temple district, and stretching the breadth of the inner city, it was a symbol of raw power.

They say that from its highest point, the west tower, you can see for hundreds of miles. They say you can see the Crystal Peaks to the West, the frozen wastes of Niflheim to the North and even the isle of Uesegi to the East. The King of Mercia could survey his neighbours as well as his own holdings from here.

The city of Cellador itself was a metropolis. One million souls dwelled in its streets and traded in its market places. Cosmopolitan were its people and immeasurable were its tales. The flavour of Cellador was varied, yet unified. From simple, rustic hovels on the outskirts, to the white stone dwellings of the city proper, to the grand white estates of the nobles, there was nowhere else in Mercia quite like Cellador. Nowhere on the continent could you find a broader range of creeds, trades or cultures.

The courtyard was quiet at this time of evening. Not a soul stirred across the waxen, stone paved yard, its blackness scarred by strips of light from the slow burning lanterns. A robed figure, with his hood up and across his face quickly paced across it; carrying a bundle of rags.

Bors was his name, and his cargo was precious. He swiftly made his way through the main gate and into the temple district of Cellador. He stuck to the shadows; ducking into a niche or doorway when he sensed a passerby approach. Hastily, but cautiously he found the Temple of Gaia.

(In the primary religion of Mercia and its surrounding countries The Three Fathers were the gods who raised the Earth when it was young. Gaia the mother of the Earth, died giving birth to life in the Universe, but her spirit lives on in the stars. The Three Fathers were represented by The Sun, The Moon, and the Eclipse. There are several more minor deities that are honoured but the most important are Gaia and The Three Fathers.)

Bors, a large man with an unkempt appearance, yet nice enough manner, briskly walked through the grand entrance hall of the temple and into one of the private prayer booths.

A priestess, dressed in her traditional garments of pale blue silk robes, was knelt at the altar silently meditating. Bors breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

“My lady, pardon my intrusion.” He said.

Despite the sudden interruption in her concentration she did not startle or appear flustered.

“Yes my lord? How may I help you?” She asked.

She turned to face Bors; she mustn’t have been a day over sixteen years old. Priestesses are gifted to the temples at birth by particularly pious families, or by those seeking religious favour.

“I have something for you.” Said Bors “And I have a task that requires the upmost secrecy.”

“What do you require of your priestess?” She smiled at him; the girl was remarkably calm.

“I need you to take this bundle to The Priory to the west. Present it to Eiric.”

She looked puzzled. “What would Sir Eiric want with these?”

Bors lifted one of the rags to reveal a small pink face amongst the bundle. He was sleeping!

“Oh my!” She exclaimed “Who…”

“Eiric will explain. You must leave right away. Take this.”

Bors handed the girl a money purse. It was plenty for her journey. “Make your way to the outskirts of the city on the West Road, you will find my squire waiting for you with a fine white horse. In the baggage you will find food and water, and milk for the baby. But I beg you not to rest until you are out of the city. Now go.”

The girl’s mind was spinning, the only word she could think of uttering were:

“I don’t even know your name…”

Bors put a reassuring hand on the young priestesses shoulder.

“I’m sorry my lady. It’s best that we do not exchange names, for both our sakes. Now God’s speed to you, and may The Three Fathers guide you.”

The girl left the booth, carrying the bundle. Bors paused for a moment and took a deep breath. He composed himself and made his way back to the Royal household before he was missed.