She struggled to sit up as the regeneration continued itself, feeling weak and trembling. She wouldn't feel up to par for weeks, she knew that from past experience, but it was mostly done now. Again, she remembered nothing from her death experience. Maddening. Though she had a vague recollection that it was nothing to fear- that she had been with friends- that she had been with Validor- that she had a new task. New Task. That much she knew. She would have to rebuild the Order. NOW? Why NOW? Tolan was kind enough to lend her an arm, which she leaned upon as she tried to refamiliarize herself with walking again. They had tried to explain to her what had happened, though she could hardly believe it. She'd jumped in front of an arrow? Impossible. Such a thing would violate every vow she'd ever taken. Her vehement denials were hardly music to Tolan's ears, but he was courteous enough (after all, deny it as she might, she HAD saved his life).
It was harder to deny the evidence on her book, though- the last marked page was torn and bloody and marked with a large glyph by a hand other than hers. Her new task was spelled out beneath, in no uncertain terms. It chilled her and warmed her to see it, the writing by the divine hand of her god.
Most clerics would have spent the morning in prayer upon such events. Zakiyah smiled at the thought. No, she would honor him best by getting herself back to her task immediately, for she'd learned from experience that Validor considered lengthy prayer sessions merely excuses to keep from doing the work he'd assigned. He did have a sense of humor, that one...
"I must...speak with Diana....then....I must go to Macula," she said, her breath coming fast after the exhertion. "I have delayed...far too long."
