Chapter 57: Heavenly Troubles (1/2)

Ania waited until the villagers offered their prayers and vacated the temple before showing a soft smile to Bjorn. The latter returned it in kind before making his way towards her. He stopped but a few steps in front of her and performed a polite bow. Ania's face turned a bright shade of scarlet at Bjorn's behaviour. But she kept her mouth shut so as not to appear rude.

”Lady Eraldsen, Oracle to our Divine Lord, it's a pleasure to see you again so soon.” Bjorn kept his head bowed a moment longer before raising his gaze to meet hers.

”Ehm, thank you?” Ania stammered, as her mind was still spinning from the elder, showing her the deepest of respect that was usually saved for a king.

”You're welcome... May I ask? Has Exile communicated with you recently? I wish to know if our sacrifices appeased any anger that he may have had for us not dealing with the problem sooner.” Bjorn frowned with concern as he searched her eyes for the answer he so desperately craved.

”I'm afraid not...” Ania sighed dejectedly, making Bjorn's heart skip a beat. ”However, I was just about to try contacting him. Would you like to wait for his response?”

”You're too kind, Lady Eraldsen... Since you have offered it would honour me to accept.” Bjorn performed another deep bow as he waited for Ania to approach the altar.

Bjorn's eyes flashed with excitement as he watched Ania clasp her hands and place her forehead on the stone structure. This was the traditional Skardian pose for asking for anything from the gods. He nodded in approval as he waited for the slight golden glow that had shimmered from her body the last time.

'Exile, hear my prayer...' Ania waited. It had taken several minutes the last time for Exile to respond.

However, time passed and there was no answer. A frown appeared on Ania's face as she began to wonder if something had happened. 'He is a God... I can't expect him to answer every time, right?' She let out a soft sigh and was about to give up when she suddenly heard the familiar static in her mind. A slight smile appeared on her face before disappearing!

[I'm going to kill you Donna!]

A confused expression flickered across Ania's face as she heard the hostility in Exile's tone. 'Lord Exile?' Ania questioned while wondering about the affairs of the Gods.

[Hm? Ah? Ania? What's the matter? Is Eraldsfen under attack?]

'No, everything is fine here...' Ania's face darkened as she heard the urgency in Exile's voice. It was clear she had caught him at a bad time, but his early words and then his question of Eraldsfen's wellbeing put her on edge. 'Is there something we should be preparing for?'