Archolia Chapter 15 - The Peteran Priest

Queen Chalyela declared Bloodletter Gavin’s cure a miracle from the Watcher.  She, along with the citizens of Archolia, felt the need to give thanks to the Watcher for her mercy, so the queen had a Peteran Church built.  Now the people of Archolia have a place  where they can worship and revere their merciful Watcher and protector.
Queen Chalyela appointed Sister Ermine to serve as priest of the new church.  Sister Ermine was often seen in the village preaching and giving testimony of the many blessings that the Watcher  has bestowed upon her in her life. The Queen thought her a great fit for the new church of Archolia.  So she agreed to head the church. But sister Ermine has one small problem…
Sister Ermine curls up on her tiny bed after drinking her naptime tea, praying that the Watcher allows her a few hours sleep.  For as long as she can remember, Ermine has been an insomniac.  She cannot remember the last time she had a full night’s sleep.
Her faith is strong and she knows that the Watcher will show her the way.
While Ermine is resting, the church is active with people coming in and out seeking to help with running the church…
…or longing for guidance and prayer.
While resting, Sister Ermine has a vision.  It is the vision of an ancient fountain.  In this vision, the sparkling fountain is in a forgotten glade.  A voice  speaks to her from  the fountain,  “I know your troubles.  Seek me and I shall provide  relief!”  The vision disappears  and suddenly Ermine finds herself in a very deep sleep.
However, the deep sleep is short lived.  Sister Ermine wakes, but finds comfort in the vision…
The funny thing is, this is not the first time this fountain has appeared to her.  Even in waking, Sister Ermine has seen this fountain, but has always thought it just one of her sleep deprived hallucinations.  Now she believes it to be a vision from the Watcher.  She must seek out this fountain.
Sister Ermine enters the sanctuary.  There she meets Krista the Spinster. 
“Pray pardon me, Sister Krista.”

“Yes your Worship.”
Ermine is not sure how to proceed without the risk of sounding crazy. “I…um…heard story of an ancient fountain…that um…has healing powers.  Do you perhaps know of such a fountain.”
“No your Grace.  I do not know if such a fountain is real, but I have heard tales of such a fountain in the village.  I believe it to be just that…a tale.”

“Who have you heard telling this tale?”

“Well there is one a fabled peasant who knows the tale of the fountain, but your Grace it is just a silly child’s bedtime tale.”
Sister Ermine disagrees.  She believes the fountain to be the key to solving her wakeful nights.
She will ask others of this tale, but for now, duty calls.  She decides that now is a good time to attempt to convert Sister Krista to the Peteran faith.
Sister Krista reveals that she has heard the calling of the Watcher.  Sister Ermine prays with Krista for the Watcher’s guidance and protection.
Sister Ermine has her first convert.
Ermine decides to ask one more potential parishioner of the fountain.  “My good sister, I wondered if you have heard tale of an ancient fountain with healing powers?”
“Aye your Grace.  Yes I have heard this tale.”

“From where did you hear the tale?”

“From a monk in the village.  I think he goes by the name of Blessed Donston.”
Ermine attempts to convert this citizen to the Peteran faith, but she resists. 
“Thank you good sister.  Please keep me in mind once you hear the calling of the Watcher,”   Ermine says hoping to convert this soul at another time.

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