Warrior Priest

By Kate Hill

What happens when a warrior priest from a strict religion meets a free-spirited priestess from a new age commune? Jade and Selena are as different as two people can be, but to facilitate an alliance between their worlds, they engage in a cultural exchange. With their galaxy in danger from a planet that wants to conquer or destroy all others, they realize the importance of their assignment, but it is difficult for a warrior priest and a nonviolent priestess to understand each other. Selena is both attracted and appalled by his old school masculinity, and Jade is tempted to break his vow of celibacy until marriage due to his powerful desire for her. Will this unlikely pair not only find common ground, but unconditional love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Hill
• Release date: Aug 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005235147

Kate Hill

Kate Hill is a vegetarian New Englander who started writing many years ago for pleasure. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, watching horror and action movies, working out, and spending time with her family and pets. She also writes under the name Saloni Quinby.

Book preview

Warrior Priest

by

Kate Hill

Copyright 2021 Kate Hill

Smashwords Edition

Cover art by bookcoverzone.com

This book has sexual content, strong language, and violence. It is for those 18 and over.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places, and events is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Characters You Will Meet

Part One:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Part Two:

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Part Three:

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Part Four:

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Author’s Note

About the Author

Also By Kate Hill

Sample Chapter from Angel’s Kiss

Characters You Will Meet

Ari Jade - The hero

Selena - The heroine

Warrior Priests of Covenant

Ari Asa - A medical doctor and friend of Jade

Ari Brent - Leader of the warrior priests

Ari Lyle - A young, recently-ordained warrior priest

Ari Marc - Former leader of the warrior priests and Jade’s adoptive father. A ghost?

Ari Shayne - Friend of Jade

Ari Tobias - Second in command of the warrior priests

Nuns of Covenant

The Abbess

Sister Judith

Residents of the Refugee Camp

Alex - The camp director

Keene - A doctor’s aid

Lorry - A refugee with a secret

Manda - A teacher

Parker - A soldier in the Covenantite army

Reed - A soldier in the Covenantite army

Residents of Lemo

Drea - The village head’s wife

Garth - The village medic

Genna - A servant in Stone’s house

Harris - A foreman

Lynette - A villager

Soar - A Tirips monk (Pronouns: They/Them)

Stone - The village head of Blue Fish Bay

Warrin - Lynette’s husband

Kimbrian Soldiers

Allen

Buck

Holdings

Neil

Mick

Priests and Priestesses of Neidress

Amber - The high priestess and Selena’s confidant

Bryce - A priestess assigned to the shelter

Delia - A priestess

Elspeth - Selena’s friend and partner during the Covenantite assignment

Gabe - A priest who dislikes warriors

Ned - A builder

Rayne - An accountant and friend of Selena

Residents of Neidress

Dr. Ashley - A medical doctor who works at the shelter

Franklin - A soldier in the Neidress army and Selena’s guard during the Covenantite assignment

Gina - A student

Grant - A soldier in the Neidress army and Elspeth’s guard during the Covenantite assignment

Hannah, JJ, and Betsy - Children at the shelter daycare

Jayden - A suicidal man

Liana - A volunteer

Part One:

Covenant

Chapter One

The cultural exchange between the spiritual leaders of Covenant and Neidress began harmlessly enough. Two unassuming Covenantite nuns dressed in simple cream-colored robes greeted Selena and Elspeth and their guards at the shuttle base. The nuns provided a brief tour of the capital city, introduced them to the world ruler and his wife, and then brought them to the convent where they were assigned to a small, plain room like those of the nuns.

Life on Covenant was more rustic than on her home world, but Selena looked forward to learning more about the nuns and sharing the ways of her people with them. Unfortunately, she and Elspeth wouldn’t be spending their visit with the nuns.

Our ruler believes that for you to truly know us, you must observe our most powerful spiritual leaders, explained the abbess when she met with Selena and Elspeth that evening in the garden. They embody the heart and soul of our people. That’s why our ruler has arranged for you to meet our warrior priests. In the morning, we’ll escort you to their temple where you’ll be invited to watch their training and worship.

We’re going to their military base, said Franklin, one of two guards from the Neidress army assigned to accompany Selena and Elspeth.

The abbess stared at him calmly. Perhaps in your world it would be considered a military base, but the warrior priests are dedicated to our religion. To learn from them is a great honor.

Selena glanced at Franklin and the other guard, Grant. By their stony expressions, they didn’t quite believe the nun.

It will be fine, Elspeth told the guards. Selena and I are prepared to meet the warrior priests and try to understand their ways. As priestesses, we’re open to learning from all cultures.

You will each be assigned a warrior priest who will be your guide during your visit. As agreed by our governments, the priests will then accompany you back to your world where they will observe your ways.

That’s what we agreed, Elspeth said. But I admit I’m a bit uncertain about what will be expected of us. You see, in our world, spiritual leaders and soldiers don’t generally share duties.

That’s why our ruler wants you to meet our priests. They are the most respected and highly trained of our people. They can teach you the essence of who we are. Please don’t be concerned about what’s expected of you. The warrior priests ask only that you observe and feel free to ask questions.

We’ll do that. Elspeth forced a smile.

I understand the warrior priests are all male, Selena said.

It has been that way since the beginning.

Selena studied the abbess carefully. Does it bother you that women aren’t allowed to join their ranks?

It doesn’t bother them that they aren’t allowed to join ours. To be honest, I wouldn’t want to be a warrior priest.

Selena couldn’t argue with that. I suppose that’s understandable. We’re pacifists as well.

Just you, or your entire world?

We have military, of course, but we prefer peaceful negotiations whenever possible. We focus more on medical technology than on warfare.

Which is why our worlds wish for an alliance. You need our strength, and we can benefit from your medical advances. Our warrior priests will prove that this alliance is useful to you.

Our government is already impressed with your military power, Elspeth said. We’ve been grateful for your protection over the past year when Kimbri threatened us.

Ever since Queen Opal of Neidress supported the revolution on the planet Timbri, the Emperor of Kimbri had a vendetta against them. Covenant had aided that same revolution by sending warrior priests to fight alongside the rebels on Timbri. Without them, the rebellion would have most likely failed.

And we’re grateful for the vaccine you provided for the illness that might have destroyed our world. Now, I suggest we all retire. We’ll be expected at the temple early in the morning. You’re very lucky to have this opportunity. The warrior priests rarely let anyone outside their Order enter the temple. Sleep well.

Have a blessed night. Selena smiled before she, Elspeth, and their guards left the garden.

I still say that this temple will turn out to be a military base, Grant said.

He and Franklin escorted the priestesses back inside the convent. Though men weren’t generally allowed in, they had been given a room to accommodate the cultural exchange.

Selena glanced at him. Regardless, we’re here to be open-minded.

Their duty was to learn from and understand the people of this planet, not rebel against their hospitality.

Franklin raised an eyebrow. With all due respect, we know something about these warrior priests. They’re military special forces working under the cover of religion.

They’re both. I know something about them as well, since I researched them after I was informed about this assignment, and their religion isn’t a cover.

I also did my homework, and from the little I was able to uncover about the warrior priests, I suspect they’re fanatics, Elspeth said quietly. Zealots.

If not for those Zealots, Timbri wouldn’t be free of their former dictator, and during their last attack on Neidress, we would have sustained far greater losses. Selena defended the warrior priests because she wanted everyone to remain open-minded.

I agree they’re damn fine soldiers—pardon my language, Franklin said.

We agreed to meet with representatives of their religion, Selena reminded them. The warrior priests definitely fit that description as well.

Just remember, even though this is your mission, we’re in charge of security, so we’ll do whatever is necessary to keep you safe. If we feel you’re in danger at any time, we’re taking you off this planet.

Selena smiled. I don’t think they’re going to put us in chains, Grant.

We just want you to know that you’re safe with us. Grant paused outside the door to the priestesses’ room.

Thank you, Elspeth told the guards.

We have faith in your devotion to duty. Selena spoke sincerely. Have a blessed night.

Selena and Elspeth stepped into their room and closed the door. They contacted their High Priestess, Amber, to let her know that they had arrived safely on Covenant.

I remind you both to continue your assignment with an open mind. Amber gazed at them through the communicator screen with a strong but serene expression. You know how much an alliance means to both Covenant and our world.

We’ll do our best, Selena replied before Amber ended their communication.

Warrior priests. Elspeth unwrapped her robe and prepared for bed. I’m with Grant and Franklin on this, Selena. I believe that their temple will turn out to be more a military base than a place of worship.

Well, if we want to learn about this culture and they feel this is the best way to do it, we need to be flexible. That’s the basis of our beliefs, right? Think outside the box. There’s more than one path to the same destination.

I know, but you have to admit that some things we’ve heard about the priests are more than a little unsettling. They’re dangerous, Selena. They’re special forces. Cultists. Is this really what we want for Neidress? I mean, helping each other during crises is one thing, but creating a formal alliance is—

Smart. For all our advancements, we don’t have enough defense. I hate the idea of violence, too, Elspeth, but we need this alliance. I’m sure the priests want to get along with us as much as we want to get along with them. They’ll respect our ways as we respect theirs.

And if they don’t?

It’s not like they’re allowed to try anything with us, right? Don’t they take a vow of celibacy?

I hear they can marry after they’ve killed certain number of people in battle.

Selena snorted with laughter. That’s just a rumor, isn’t it?

I’m not sure. I also heard that if they do marry, they have to sacrifice their first born child.

That’s crazy, Elspeth. Don’t tell me you actually believe that?

I don’t know what to believe. You heard the abbess. They don’t usually let people into the temple. They rarely talk to reporters or share any information about their training. I heard that if they disclose anything, they’ll lose their tongue.

Then I guess when they let us in tomorrow every priest in the temple will lose theirs. Be realistic, Elspeth. These are rumors about an elite group of men. Aside from such rumors, there are documented cases of warrior priests sacrificing their lives without hesitation to save others during wartime as well as during other disasters.

That’s true. They have saved many lives throughout the galaxy, and they were instrumental in helping Timbri overthrow the dictatorship that nearly destroyed the planet.

Also they’re letting us inside their temple, so obviously they want to address the rumors so we can form this alliance. Amber selected us for this assignment because she trusts us to place our biases aside.

Elspeth looked a bit guilty. I know. I guess I got a little carried away, and you’re right that we need to keep an open mind. I admit I’m scared, but there’s something fascinating about these guys, too. Something tells me they’re not going to be like the priests back home.

Selena couldn’t argue with that. Just how different would the warrior priests be? After all, though from a different world, they were all still human.

* * *

After breakfast the next morning, a reserved nun named Judith accompanied Selena, Elspeth, and the guards across the city to the warrior priests’ temple. They took two shuttle-buses to reach it. The people of Covenant didn’t seem much different from the ones at home. The buildings and shuttles were plainer and sleeker than the flowing architecture and vehicles of her home world, but people talked, laughed, shouted, and went about their daily business just like they did on Neidress.

More time to explore would have been nice, but most likely that would come later. Despite her apprehension about the warrior priests, Selena looked forward to meeting her guide and learning from him.

When they reached the temple, a wave of uncertainty broke over Selena. It looked more like a prison than a place of worship. Enormous and cylindrical, it was completely black—even the windows. A tall iron fence surrounded it. Two guards armed with modern laser pistols as well as machetes—the traditional weapons of warrior priests—stood at the gates. Their high-collared black uniforms somehow managed to show off their strong physiques while concealing them completely. They wore their long hair bound in single tight braid reminiscent of a reptilian tail.

Military base, Grant said under his breath. Temple my ass.

Selena cast him a stern look. Grant, please.

At the gate, the guards questioned Selena and her companions, scanned them, and checked their identification. As a sign of good faith, they allowed Grant and Franklin to keep their weapons. They were about to enter a temple that housed about two thousand warrior priests, so even armed, Grant and Franklin weren’t too threatening.

A shiver ran down Selena’s spine now that she faced the reality of their potentially dangerous situation.

The guards allowed them to pass. Another warrior priest met them at the gleaming black door. About six feet tall and blue-eyed, he looked in his late thirties or early forties. Like the other priests, he wore his long, blond hair braided down his back. A red symbol and a white one were embroidered on the collar of his uniform. The white signified his high priest status. He studied the women with cool detachment.

He didn’t smile, but his expression wasn’t unpleasant. Welcome. I’m Ari Tobias. I’ll give you a tour of the temple and training grounds.

I’m Selena and this is Elspeth. These are our guards, Franklin and Grant. It’s a pleasure to meet you. She smiled warmly, and Ari Tobias’s lips flicked upward almost unnaturally.

His gaze traveled carefully over the priestesses and the guards before he glanced at Judith. Thank you for delivering our guests, sister.

You’re welcome. Judith nodded and left.

This way. Ari Tobias turned sharply.

They followed him into the building.

Chanting male voices echoed faintly in the enormous foyer. A gray stone staircase stood to one side and an archway to the other.

The high priests’ barracks are upstairs. Ari Tobias pointed. The ones for the field priests are on the other side of the training ground and there is yet another with homes for priests with spouses and children. I’ll take you to the prayer hall. A session is about to start, if you would like to join us.

We’d be honored, Elspeth replied. Her gaze hadn’t left Ari Tobias for a second.

They passed through the archway and down a long corridor lined on either side with several closed doors. At the end of the corridor, they stepped into a large room. Dozens of black-garbed priests stood at attention on a floor of dark, polished wood. The priest leading the ceremony faced his brothers from behind a stone altar on a raised platform toward the back of the room.

A black bowl, incense, and several white candles rested on the altar. The lead priest clapped his hands once sharply, and then he lit the incense and candles. He conducted the ceremony in an ancient language exclusive to the priests, therefore unfamiliar to Selena. She and Elspeth had been selected partly because they spoke Covenant’s main languages fluently, however none outside the priesthood were allowed to learn this particular language.

Selena tried to follow them, kneeling and standing along with the priests.

Finally, the lead priest clapped his hands sharply again and they started a unified chant. A priest approached the altar and extended his hand over the bowl. The lead priest carefully washed the other man’s hand with a white towel.

Selena’s stomach clenched when the lead priest picked up a gleaming dagger and cut the other’s palm. His blood dripped into the bowl, and their chanting grew louder. The lead priest washed his brother’s hand again, leaving the white towel stained red. He efficiently bound the wound. The two bowed to each other before the priest who had made the offering knelt at the altar, rose, and returned to his place among his brothers.

The ceremony ended moments later.

Selena turned to Ari Tobias. What was that about?

We worship daily. Don’t you? The hint of accusation in his tone took her by surprise.

Yes, of course. I’m talking about the blood-letting.

It’s an offering—a sign that we willingly give our blood to protect those in need. It’s a very old custom, one that outsiders sometimes find difficult to understand.

Elspeth’s brow furrowed. It seems rather…brutal.

Ari Tobias held Elspeth’s gaze. Life is often brutal. We’re here to make it less so for our people. You don’t offer sacrifices in your ceremonies?

Not blood sacrifice, Selena said. During certain rituals, we collect offerings.

Such as?

Food. Clothing. After the ceremony, we distribute them to those in need.

You collect for charity.

Yes. Don’t you? Selena deliberately used the same words and tone as he had moments ago.

Ari Tobias didn’t appear affected by her attempt to goad him. Our lives are devoted to lending aid. You’ll see more of what we do after you meet your guides. That will happen after the Ceremony of Honor this afternoon. It’s fortunate that you’re here for it.

This stirred Selena’s interest. The Ceremony of Honor. I’ve read about that. It means you’re recognizing priests for outstanding service in battle.

Another odd smile flickered across Ari Tobias’s lips. Yes. Now, we’ll go to the training facilities.

During the rest of the tour, Ari Tobias brought the guests to shooting ranges where they witnessed warrior priests firing a variety of weapons with astounding accuracy. They watched them pilot shuttles, and complete obstacle courses on land and water. Using both technology and raw physical strength, the warrior priests were clearly a force to be reckoned with. Selena guessed that she and Elspeth saw merely a portion of the skills and weapons they possessed.

Grant and Franklin studied the priests carefully, no doubt measuring their skills against those of Neidress’s military.

The servant of a peaceful religion, Selena found the priests’ ways unsettling to say the least, but if her world needed protection, they were certainly the ones to provide it. With their love of battle, they could definitely benefit from the medical advancements of her world. This was clearly the match their leaders desired. She only wished they had sent her and Elspeth to observe the nuns. The military leaders of her world were better equipped to judge these priests. What did she know about warfare?

This is our last stop before the ceremony, Ari Tobias said.

They walked through the courtyard to where dozens of priests engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Some wrestled, others kicked and punched, and others dueled with machetes.

They paused in a circular area where three priests attacked one.

That’s Ari Jade. Ari Tobias nodded toward the priest who fought the three. He’s among those being honored at the ceremony today.

Tall and broad with long limbs, Ari Jade moved like a predator. His braid lashed behind him as he defended against the attacking priests. The severe hairstyle did nothing to hide his remarkably large ears. His high-collared black uniform clung damply to his lithe, powerful body. A red-haired priest grasped him from behind, and he easily tossed the man onto his back and struck him in the stomach just seconds before spinning and kicking the second priest. The third lunged at him and for several seconds they traded blows before the redhead kicked Ari Jade’s legs out from under him. He landed with a grunt, partly breaking his fall with an extended arm. He kicked two priests and twisted to avoid a punch from the third.

Is something wrong, Elspeth? Ari Tobias asked, a smirk in his voice. His gaze fixed on the dark-haired priestess.

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand how all this bloodshed fits with religion.

Probably because our religion is quite different than yours. Whereas you’re upset by this, your companion seems fascinated.

It took Selena a moment to realize that he’d been referring to her. For some strange reason, she couldn’t keep her gaze from Ari Jade. There was something almost savage about him. Some might consider his heavy features ugly—except for his eyes. They were dark, almond-shaped, and more intense than lasers. A faded scar—like a slice from a dagger—cut across his right eyebrow. He both frightened and fascinated her.

A gong sounded and the priests stopped training. At that moment, Ari Jade turned and stared directly into Selena’s eyes. A shiver ran down her spine again, but this time it was as much from desire as from fear. Ari Jade unsettled her, but she wouldn’t allow him to intimidate her. She stared back at him, refusing to break contact no matter how much she wanted to look away.

The red-headed priest punched Ari Jade amiably in the shoulder, drawing his attention away from Selena. Grateful for his distraction, she released a pent-up breath.

It’s time to prepare for the ceremony, Ari Tobias announced and led the way back to the temple.

Elspeth followed close behind him, but Selena hung back for a moment, her gaze fixed once more on Ari Jade. He turned to her. His dark, almond-shaped eyes narrowed and his lips twitched in an animal-like snarl. To drive off her fear and discomfort, she again noted the size of his ears and decided that she would now think of him as Ari Donkey. She couldn’t keep from smiling, and Jade scowled, their gazes still locked.

Selena! Elspeth called.

Coming! Selena hurried to join the others.

* * *

Ari Tobias brought the guests to a small room or cell as they were called so that they could have an hour of privacy before the ceremony.

This has been an interesting morning, Selena said, Ari Jade still on her mind.

Elspeth looked distracted. Yes. I admit I’m having trouble understanding these priests. Their beliefs are so different than ours.

Examining his sidearm, Franklin nodded. Because, like I said before, they’re military under the cover of religion.

Their persistent mistrust annoyed Selena. How can you say that after what we’ve seen? They clearly have strong faith.

All soldiers have strong faith, Grant said.

It’s called brainwashing, Elspeth murmured. The violence—

I know. Selena sighed. Historically, religions of many cultures have committed violent acts in the name of their beliefs. Earth was known for it, and people from both our worlds are descended from Earth humans.

Not long ago, much like Kimbri, Covenant used their power to conquer worlds. I doubt they’re above it now, Franklin warned.

But unlike Kimbri, they learned from their mistakes, Selena argued. Now they only use violence if they’re threatened. They’ve never tried to harm us, though they could probably conquer us and take the knowledge they want. And we’re here because we need them as well, not despite their military prowess but because of it.

Grant exchanged glances with Franklin. She has a point.

I know, Franklin said. They obviously want us to see these priests for a reason, but is it to show you that they have something to offer, or because they want to threaten us if we don’t choose the alliance?

What do you think about Ari Tobias? Elspeth asked Selena.

Grant responded before she could speak. He’s a smart, arrogant prick.

Say it a little louder, Grant, Franklin snapped. Do you doubt they’ve got this room bugged?

Elspeth turned to Selena. What do you think of him?

He’s very…uh…

Handsome. Elspeth’s eyes shone and she smiled faintly.

Both Grant and Franklin lifted their gazes toward the heavens.

Selena grinned. I was going to say stern. He reminds me of my grandfather, may his soul be at peace.

Franklin snorted with laughter.

Elspeth’s eyes widened. He doesn’t remind me of any sort of grandfather.

I wonder if he’s killed enough people in battle yet to be free to find a wife, Selena teased.

That’s a rumor, Grant informed her. But they do have to meet certain criteria to marry.

Elspeth curled her lip. I didn’t say I wanted to marry him. I think I pity any woman bound to one of these guys.

Finally some good sense. Franklin chuckled. If you want a soldier, go with one from the Neidress army.

Selena raised an eyebrow in his direction. That’s an unbiased opinion, right?

I’m just going by what my girlfriend tells me.

Well, she’s got good taste. Selena offered him a sisterly smile.

She didn’t doubt Franklin made his girlfriend happy. He and Grant seemed like decent men. They were capable without being creepy like these warrior priests. Because an alliance between their worlds was so important, she needed to understand the priests, yet it wasn’t easy.

She recalled Ari Jade—Donkey—with his fierce eyes, snarling lips, and the way he tossed around the other three priests. She shouldn’t be aroused or intrigued by such a violent man.

Selena reminded herself to be flexible and unbiased. Part of me agrees, but maybe we shouldn’t judge them so quickly. I wonder who our guides will be?

I imagine we’ll find out after the ceremony, Elspeth said. I hope there won’t be any more blood letting. I can’t believe that an advanced society like this still engages in such an archaic ritual.

We can’t judge. Some of our rituals and teachings have been practiced for generations.

Not violent ones.

Elspeth, we have to remember these are warrior priests.

That itself should be a contradiction. Elspeth shook her head, and then she bowed it. I’m sorry. We’re supposed to be open-minded, right?

Selena smiled slightly and nodded. She sympathized with Elspeth because she found this cultural exchange difficult as well. Hopefully, when she met her guide and spent time with him, she would understand the priests better.

A short time later, Ari Tobias came to escort them to the ceremony. Over his uniform, he wore a black hooded robe, belted at his waist with a length of black rope.

It’s time, he said.

They followed him out of the temple and to the courtyard where hundreds of priests were already assembled. It looked like a sea of black robes. Men, women, and children—no doubt families of the married priests—stood in another section. In the center of the crowd, a black marble altar rested on a stone platform with wide steps leading up to it.

Ari Tobias led them toward the row closest to the platform. Crude medical supplies were arranged on a sterile tray. Selena wished to remain open-minded, but couldn’t fight her apprehension.

She glanced at the priests around her, noting that the nearest ones had, like Tobias, red and white symbols on their collars. A gong sounded, and the priests snapped to attention. A choir of priests that stood behind the altar chanted while a tall priest with a silver braid and darker gray beard approached the platform. Ari Brent—leader of the warrior priests—ascended the stairs, knelt briefly at the altar, and then he stood behind it and raised his arms in a welcoming pose.

He alternated between chanting and speaking in the priests’ ancient language. Behind him, the choir continued chanting. Their voices ranged from soft to thundering. In its own strange, masculine way, the ceremony was quite beautiful.

Selena was starting to enjoy it when the chanting ceased abruptly. The rhythmic sound of a gong echoed through the courtyard. Two priests in robes, hoods covering most of their faces, strode from the back of the assembly and ascended stairs to the platform. Unlike the others, they were barefoot and Selena wondered if they were naked beneath the robes.

In perfect unison, the two priests knelt at the altar, pulled down their hoods, and bowed their heads over folded hands. Ari Jade’s aquiline nose looked like it might have been broken a time or two. His irregular features gave him an almost bestial quality that she found oddly compelling. His dark eyes remained downcast, as if he’d fallen into a state of meditation. Selena couldn’t imagine relaxing among these priests. Though so far they had treated her and Elspeth with respect, they were still like a pack of wolves hungry for blood.

Ari Brent approached Jade and the other priest. They straightened, but remained kneeling. Two more priests joined them at the altar and stood behind the men being honored. They pulled down the robes of Jade and the other priest. The black material, still bound by their rope belts, hung at their waists.

Selena swallowed, staring at Ari Jade’s bare torso. Her religion didn’t demand a vow of celibacy, and like most healthy women, she admired a well built man. Ari Jade wasn’t merely built well. He was perfect—broad shouldered and powerfully muscled without being overly bulky. Some dark hair dusted his chest and forearms. Probably because the priests generally remained covered from neck to toe regardless of the weather, his skin was pale. Several scars stood out starkly on it. Most were healed cuts and injuries from firearms. His upper arm was covered in round burns from his shoulder almost to his elbow. The marks were arranged too meticulously to be random battle wounds.

Tearing her gaze from Jade, she glanced at the second priest being honored. His body was scarred as well, though his were a bit harder to see since a down of chestnut hair covered him from neck to waist. Strangely, his head was completely bald. At least his ears weren’t as prominent as Jade’s. With his smooth head and hairy body, he resembled the Tawny Desert buzzards Selena had seen while serving in that arid land during the early years of her training.

The donkey and the buzzard placed their folded hands on the altar and leaned into it. Again the chanting started, and Ari Brent spoke above it, this time in the world’s common tongue.

Today we honor our brothers Ari Shayne and Ari Jade. Ari Jade protected a village of two hundred fifty and provided life-saving aid to two severely injured brothers while under attack by Kimbri. He fended off the enemy, while wounded, until Ari Shayne could shuttle the villagers to safety. During the final flight, Ari Shayne’s shuttle was attacked. He took down the enemy, but his shuttle was struck. He managed a water landing during which he and several villagers were wounded, but no lives were lost. It is our sworn duty to protect those in need. Our brothers Shayne and Jade are examples to us all. We honor them with this ceremony and with a token of their bravery.

Hearing about their courageous acts, Selena felt a bit guilty about the cruel and childish nicknames she had given Jade and Shayne. She vowed not to use them again—at least not intentionally.

Ari Brent and his assistants pulled on black disposable gloves. The two assistants took cleansing pads from the medical tray. They cleaned Shayne and Jade’s upper arms, and one of the assistants shaved a portion of hair from Shayne’s.

Ari Brent picked up a long steel rod from the tray. He uncovered the round tip and clicked a small button on the