A week passes. The Icefian fall seems as if it will give way to winter with little resistance. The wind blasts the city with nearly frozen sea air in the mornings and as the sun sets often turns and howls from the north. The ship captains are thrilled with the weather as they hope to make one more run before the ice moves to cut the sea lanes. Many in the city, however, seek shelter earlier than one would expect in the dusk. The north wind has a foul feel and seems to bite more deeply than it should.
The residents of the city, at least those that have lived there since before the blockade was lifted, react quickly to the events outside the temple. The followers of Han Sui and Gruweas set a watch around their temples and patrol the areas inhabited by their followers. For the small minority faiths, and cults, they look to the followers of Tfop and Stasis for protection.
Rumors of the events inside the temple race through the city and are further reinforced by the arrival of a steady procession of Falan's clerics. The clerics mostly come from the cities and towns of Icefia, with a few ship chaplains added to their number. Nearly all of the clerics have a dazed look about them when they arrive. Most make their way directly to the temple regardless of what time they arrive or how long their journey had been. A few linger in the city for a day, seeming reluctant to trek up to the temple.
At the end of the week, with no word from either Wilar or the Marshal, the first of those clerics that arrived depart from the Temple. Most seem elated and book passage out of the city with no regard for cost. A few others leave with the same dazed look they wore when they entered. Fewer exit than have entered in the first week and new rumors spread of dark rituals being performed within.
Kerkley is advised of these things and asked by Adux to return to the city to advise Ari after five days. The Vale seems more tense than usual. Tania, Acure and Cynias Curath are always seen together and only for the midday meal. Weapons instruction is handled by the senior bladelords rather than Cynias, which Kerkley and Rubius have not seen in their time there.
On the eighth day, Ari, Shaar and Kerkley return to the temple of Tfop to find Wilar Tel'cu waiting in the warmth of the fireplace. Ari and Shaar have seen more than a few Sakor'Aki in their lives. Most keep their wings pinned back completely. A few, like the Marshal, wrap their wings around themselves like a cloak. Wilar is the only one you can recall who keeps his partially unfurled at all times, making his tall, slim frame appear much larger. Wilar's wings appear like tough leather, rather than a supple membrane, and are crisscrossed with scars and healed punctures. His light green scales have a muted quality and his dark scales resemble thousands of forest green emeralds. His war mask is adamantium, engraved with a detailed battle scene. His white sword, a cross between a great scimitar and a bastard sword, is sheathed between his wings.
"May I sit my lord?"