Free In Her Name: The First Empress: Book 01 - From Chaos Born by Michael R. Hicks

Anin-Khan saluted, then left him in peace.
    Standing there amid the blooming flowers, breathing in their heady scent, Ayan-Dar could hear the child’s spiritual voice now as clear as if he were holding her and she was singing to him. He had been on many a fool’s errand in the past, and would not be surprised if this turned out to be another. But he knew he would never regret having made the trip to see any child who had such a voice in her heart.
    He sensed a pair of warriors approaching, and turned to face them as they entered the garden. They knelt and rendered a salute
    “Greetings, priest of the Desh-Ka,” the male warrior said. “I am Kunan-Lohr, master of Keel-A’ar.”
    “And I am Ulana-Tath, his First and consort.”
    Ayan-Dar returned the salute, and the two warriors rose to their feet. “My thanks for your hospitality, my lord. Your welcome was most gracious.”
    Kunan-Lohr glanced at the first row of pendants that hung from Ayan-Dar’s collar, proclaiming his name. “We are humbled and honored by your visit, Ayan-Dar. May I ask what brings you here, great priest, and how we may serve you?”
    “I seek a child.”  
    Kunan-Lohr and Ulana-Tath blinked at his words, unsure how to interpret them.
    Ayan-Dar bared his fangs in a smile. “Fear not, master of Keel-A’ar. I do not come to rob your creche, but to pay homage to one who inhabits it. You see, a female child was born here a single moon cycle ago under the shadow of the Great Eclipse, a child whose voice echoed in my blood like no other. It is that child I seek, simply to pay my respects and rejoice in the purity of her spirit. It is a personal quest, a simple whim of an old fool. Nothing more.”
    For a moment, neither warrior spoke, but looked at him with expressions that betrayed surprise and bewilderment. Ayan-Dar could sense a tremor of excitement in their souls. And of fear.
    “Our daughter was born just as the great moon darkened the sun.” Kunan-Lohr told him, a tinge of uncertainty in his voice.
    “And she is…different.” Ulana-Tath added.  
    “I would see her, if you and the wardress would permit.”
    “Of course, Ayan-Dar.” Kunan-Lohr bowed his head. “Please, forgive us. It is just that our child, Keel-Tath, is special to us in a way that few would truly understand. Come, we will take you to her.”
    Kunan-Lohr and Ulana-Tath walked on either side of Ayan-Dar through the city, with a small group of retainers following behind. Keel-A’ar’s inhabitants lined the streets, kneeling, their left hands over their right breasts in salute. All had seen a Desh-Ka priest or priestess at the kazha that stood not far away, but very few had ever seen one within the city walls.  
    Ayan-Dar suspected that a Desh-Ka priest walking the streets of Keel-A’ar was as much an event for these kind folk as the Great Eclipse had been.
    Beside him, Ulana-Tath’s fear had broken and fallen away. A smile now graced her beautiful face.
    “Does my presence entertain you?” Ayan-Dar asked with good humor.
    “It does, my priest.” Ulana-Tath had no qualms in answering so, sensing the playful nature in the priest’s heart even as Kunan-Lohr shot her a look of disbelief. She ignored him. “You also greatly honor all who dwell here. Many cycles have passed since any of the pennants have been raised, least of all that of the Desh-Ka.”
    “Then my trip has been worthwhile.” Looking around, he nodded in approval. “Your city is beautiful. I was the master of the kazha some cycles ago, likely before either of you were born, but never set foot inside the city walls.” He snorted. “Such a pity.”
    “The city would be more beautiful still if the builders were able to focus more on what lay inside the walls, rather than on simply maintaining the defensive works.” Kunan-Lohr had long had visions of making Keel-A’ar the jewel of all T’lar-Gol. But it would never be anything more than a dream.
    They walked in silence for a moment before