Dragon's Archon - Ch. 24 - Temple of Rebirth - Alpha (Patreon)

When the fire died down, I picked up Ophelia and carried her home. I set her on my bed and covered her before disappearing into the library. After activating one of the musical scrolls, I grabbed several inkwells, a pen, and a lot of parchment.

“Master, what are you doing?” Malice asked.

“I’m making notes,” I said. “I’m going to outline everything I’ve discussed about our next phase. We’ve got the temple and the kingdom. For the temple, we’ve secured the land and license. I’ll obviously need to build it. But I’m going to need Yda’s help to plan its layout. I’m sure we’ll need a ton of supplies and furniture. Not to mention all the training we’ll need to do for the staff.”

I let out a heavy sigh. Hearing my own words left me a little disheartened. I wanted to start work on the kingdom. Part of me was already ready to leave.

I wanted to jump to the Bulwark the next day. However, I knew I couldn’t leave Yda here alone. Even though Nubia was likely the safest place we could establish our sect, we still had plenty of enemies who’d love to see us dead.

Instead, I put my free time and energy into planning. If I wasn’t going to be able to start the kingdom for months, I wanted to be as ready as we could. My plan was to hit the ground sprinting once we departed.

With no windows and an endless loop of music, it was easy to lose track of time. My only indicators were the times Yda would come to work. After she and Cartha handed out all the coin and supplies to the captive women, we wished them well on their journey. Out of the forty-three hostages, only six decided to take Yda’s offer to become Acolytes of Rebirth.

They stayed with us in the tower, learning from Yda. While it wasn’t much, obtaining our first official followers outside of my immediate companions lifted both of our spirits. I saw a spark of determination light inside of my head priestess after the women took their vows. Much like me, she absorbed herself in her duties. The time where she wasn’t training her acolytes, she spent it with me and Malice, drawing up build plans for the temple.

Our only restriction was height, required by the queen, given no other building built could be taller than the palace on the hill. Ophelia’s tower was the exception, given it wasn’t built there. Looking at the other temples in Nubia, it was clear they all still matched the local aesthetic of white sandstone with pastel mosaics. Given I was no artist, we planned to match it.

When everyone else eventually slept, I spent my evenings walking around the city. It gave me an opportunity to see the new plot for our church. The queen had ordered several buildings to be crushed down to rubble and cleared. It was amazing to see how fast the crews worked around the clock to prepare the spot for our initial foundation. I spent hours just watching, relaxing, and staring at the stars. I even shared a few nights with Nyla as she snuck out of the palace walls.

Several days after our return, an alarm rang through the tower. Yda pranced into the library, full of excitement. “Your Holiness, it’s ready!”

I looked up from the endless scribbles of parchment. “What’s ready?”

Yda rushed over and threw herself into my arms. “Our land! They’re ready for us to build!”

“That’s wonderful!” We both laughed, swung, and danced.

When we came down from our victory high, she wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed tightly. When she pulled away, her eyes glanced between my eyes and lips. Her cheeks turned a slight pink.

Yda lunged for my mouth with pursed lips. When she connected, she sat there unmoving. I couldn’t help but feel I was her first romantic kiss. As not to overwhelm her, I took it slow.

I slid my hand up her back and around her head, pressing her tighter. Her taste was intoxicating. Our lips folded over one another. She elicited a short, cute moan as I suckled the bottom.

The build up of everything we’d worked for, finally within our grasp, came rushing through our lips. I had to control myself. There was so much that I wanted from her, but her innocence kept me from pushing further.

When our lips parted, we stared into each other’s eyes and smiled.

“Ugh… finally,” Malice groaned. “I was wondering when this was going to happen. The long hours in the library watching you two stare at each other when one of you wasn’t looking.”

“Malice…” I said, sternly. While Yda giggled, I asked, “What brought that on?”

She coiled back and frowned, “D—did you not like it?”

I cupped her cheek and kissed her again. This time, I bent her backward and didn’t hold back. I caressed her lips with my tongue. When her mouth invited me in, I massaged and suckled to my heart’s content. Her arms pulled back. Each kiss brought small whimpers as we leaned into our lust.

Her breathing grew heavy as she pressed harder into my lips

When I pulled away, her wide eyes sparkled. She stared at me like I was the most important thing to her. Her hands softly stroked my hair as we shared a smile.

“Does that answer your question?” I teased.

She nodded quickly. “Yes, Your Holiness.”

“Should we go see the plot?”

She nodded once again, speaking in between each embrace. “Yes. But let me. Kiss. Your lips. Some more.”

I could help but laugh in between each peck. It seemed with the dam of her reservations broken, the small, rounded-horned girl was insatiable. Once she had her fill, I set her back down.

I grabbed my stack of plans for the temple before extending my hand to Yda. She grasped two of my fingers and we walked into the portal. Ophelia, Cartha, and the acolytes all stood waiting for us.

We ventured through the city together in one big, cheerful bunch. Seeing everyone’s spirits high filled me with a joy that I couldn’t describe. They all joked and giggled. Even Cartha cracked a smile or two.

When we turned onto the last street, we passed the last cart of stone that was hauled away from our temple’s new home. Yda tugged on my hand and shouted. “Come on, we’re almost there!”

We raced to the eventual sight of our temple. Once we reached the smooth plot of land, we slid to a halt. Everyone stood gawking at the lone table and chair that sat in between the wide area of nothingness.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Yda asked.

“This is it?” Cartha asked, pointing to the ground.

“What do you mean, this is it?”

“I don’t mean to sour the mood. I knew you said the queen was clearing the buildings, but I’d assumed they were leaving something here.”

“Just like everything with our sect, we’re literally starting from the ground up,” I said, grinning. “Malice and I will be spending many nights here building until it's done.”

“I’m looking forward to it, Master,” the elemental purred.

“It’s not just a blank lot, Cartha,” Yda said, extending her arms. “It’s more about what this means for all of us than just the land. It’s the first step toward a new beginning. No more running. No more hiding. This will be the first permanent spot where we can spread Heluna’s word. The first planted seed for our tree to grow. The point of our foundation.”

“I get it,” Cartha said. “I’m happy for you all.”

“We wouldn’t have been able to do this without you, Cartha,” I said, reaching out and resting my hand on her shoulder. “You’re just a major part of this as anyone else. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Cartha gave a slight smile and waved her hand. “Yeah, yeah. No need to get all emotional on me.”

After we all shared a chuckle, I turned to the group. “I guess I should get started.”

“Is there anything you need from us?” Ophelia asked.

I shook my head. “Not really. Maybe something cool to drink every once in a while would be nice. But other than that, it will just be Malice and I working until she gets tired.”

“How long do you think it’s going to take you?”

I leaned over and pointed at the plans. “Malice and I were able to construct the lighthouse in a day, but I pushed her hard to get it done. The temple is probably going to be as wide as eight of those and nearly as tall, judging by the six columns that will run the length of the interior. Most of the space is going to be open, but we have the residence building connected off the side as well. Then I’ll have to craft Heluna’s statue.”

“It sounds like a lot,” Cartha said.

I shrugged. “It all depends on how quickly Malice can recharge. We’ll start with four hours on, four hours off and see how things go. If we can keep that pace, it shouldn’t take maybe a few days. Otherwise, we’re probably looking at a week or longer.”

“I’ll do my best for you, Master,” the elemental said.

“I know you will, Malice,” I said, rubbing the end of my bandana. “But we have plenty of time. There’s no need to rush.”

“Since it sounds like you’re planning on staying here for the majority of the time, I’d like to set up a small rest station for you,” Ophelia said. “I could acquire a tent large enough to house all of us and any guests that might visit. I’ll furnish it with chairs, blankets, and pillows. It should provide a much needed reprieve from the sun if you get too exhausted.”

“That sounds amazing. I’d love that. Oh… but somewhat related, did we ever receive the delivery from Queen Sekhet? I never heard the alarm except for today.”

“Yes, we did. I actually was at the Temple of Ikkala getting our coin counted when I met with a priestess who was preparing our delivery of the queen’s payment. They delivered it under armed guard yesterday.”

“So, how are we looking?”

“Pardon?”

I chuckled. “How much money do we have?”

“Oh! As of this moment, we have twenty-eight thousand and two hundred platinum, ninety-seven thousand eight hundred and thirty gold, eight silver, and seventy-three copper. I had the bank round the lower coins up to gold for ease of spending.”

I nodded my head from side to side. “So… about three hundred and eighty thousand gold?”

“That’s correct, Your Holiness. I also have my savings should you require that as well.”

“No, we shouldn’t need that any further. Now that we have a treasury, I want us to start calculating and setting aside funds for payment to those we employ.”

Cartha slapped her hands together and rubbed them. “I like the sound of that. I also wouldn’t mind getting paid back what I spent carrying Yda around.”

“Hey, I thought we were friends!” Yda huffed.

“We are.” Cartha crossed her arms and shrugged. “I said I wouldn’t mind. I still have to eat.”

“I’ll make sure you are well compensated for everything you’ve done, Cartha,” I said, chuckling. “Just let Ophelia know how much we owe you and she can get you paid out.”

“I don’t mind issuing these onetime payouts,” the sorceress said. “But finance is not my expertise, Your Holiness. As more comes under your fold, it’s going to be ever more imperative that we find a suitable treasurer.”

“Have you found anyone yet?”

“Not yet. I asked for some referrals at the Temple of Ikkala, and sent inquiries, but haven’t received any responses yet.”

“How do most places handle job openings?”

“Depends on the position, but most people put up signs, ask around, or seek out someone specifically.”

“And if someone is handling all of our coin, I definitely want someone we can trust, complicitly.”

“That’s why I suggest we find a follower of Ikkala. Stealing would be sacrilegious to them.”

I glanced between Ophelia and Yda. “It wouldn’t be a problem for a follower of Ikkala to work for another sect, would it?”

“It shouldn’t,” Yda said confidently. “Ikkala gets along well with all the other gods and goddesses. Mostly because they keep to themselves and their horde.”

“Most of the royals that I know all employ followers of Ikkala as their treasurers,” Ophelia said. “The Chalice does too.”

“Very well,” I said, nodding. “I guess we’ll just have to be patient. In the meantime, I want us to focus on our grand opening and plan for that.”

“Did you have ideas, Your Holiness?” Yda asked.

I scratched my chin as I took a moment to think. My eyes navigated to the bundle of parchment I had in my hand. A smile crested my lips as the spark of an idea took hold.

“Why don’t we do flyers?” I asked. “We want a big showing for our grand opening of the temple, won’t we? We’ll plan for a large celebration with food and drinks, all provided by the sect.”

“Me and the acolytes would love that, wouldn’t we?” Yda asked, turning to the girls. When they all nodded with glee, the Head Priestess pointed over her shoulder. “We can head back to the tower and get started. Oh! We could also begin preaching Heluna’s word during the permitted hours, starting tomorrow.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea, Yda.”

Yda rushed up and hugged my thigh. “Yay! I’m so glad you think so.” When she let go she waved for her peers to follow. “Come on my acolytes. Let’s go prepare the pamphlets.”

As the priestesses started off down the street, Cartha backpedaled after them. “I’ll go keep an eye on them.”

“Please do,” I said, chuckling.

“I should go too,” Ophelia said. “I’m going to go purchase the tent and supplies. Should I also coordinate with a local inn to help with the food and drink?”

“That would be great,” I said. “Let’s do something bulk and affordable. I don’t want to spend all the hard earned coin we’ve acquired to have the city bankrupt us trying to feed them.”

“You’ll definitely win the locals through their stomachs,” Ophelia said, laughing. “But I understand. I have someone in mind who has done big meals like this before. It might be short notice, but they owe me a favor. I’ll also swing by the Temple of the Horde and see if there are any other recommendations.”

“Thank you, Ophelia. I really appreciate it.” With a slight curtsy, the sorceress departed, leaving me and Malice to lonesome. “Well, should we get to work?”

“I’m ready when you are, Master,” Malice said.

I walked toward the table and chair that sat in the middle of the yard. I picked them up and brought them to the edge of our land. Once I set them down, I laid out our plans on top of the surface.

“Okay,” I said, grabbing two rocks to set on the unraveled parchment. “I think we should carve out the undercroft. We’ll need to build up the walls for support, along with the columns for the primary structure.”

“If we’re going to keep the same aesthetic, can you give me a piece of the sandstone?” Malice asked. “A piece the size of your fist would do.”

After grabbing a sizable chunk of stone, I held it in my hand. The Magma Spray triggered, and I watched the rock melt and absorb into my hand. Even before Malice spoke, I had a keen understanding of the density, shape, and structure of the material.

“Okay, we should be able to manipulate the magma to form that same kind of rock now,” my lava-haired companion said. “If you need any guidance, just ask me.”

“Thanks, I will,” I said.

Over the next few hours, I sprayed molten rock all over the ground. My goal was to create a soupy mix to make the ground more malleable and easier to carve out. The ground was devoid of any moisture, making it extremely hard and compact.

I started with a ten-by-ten section to make sure my idea worked well enough. After that was successful, I expanded that down fifteen feet to give plenty of people like myself plenty of headroom and expanded outwards.

I lost myself in my work. The only breaks I took were to stop, see where I was according to the plan, and then carve the next area. Breaking the job up into smaller chunks made it more manageable. I had tons of short little wins that would end up with a beautiful final product.

As I carved out the ground, I put the extra molten rock and earth back into the walls and the massive columns that would hold up the structure. By the time we reached our first break, we’d cleared out the entire basement, built all the underground walls, and had formed the base of each column.

To my surprise, I found a small crowd gathered nearby, watching me work. Most were elderly and small children. My guess is that seeing magic was a spectacle for all those without powers.

In the hours of my work, Ophelia had returned and set up the tent on the corner of our land. She, along with the Yda and the acolytes, stood speaking with the onlookers, informing them of our sect, and handing out fliers. I left them to their job as I rested from mine.

As I entered the tent and took a seat on the plush floor, I immediately recognized the investment was well worth it. The shift in temperature was noticeable. I poured myself a drink, chugged the first one, and then poured myself another. The cool liquid coating my throat was a welcome reprieve from all the dust and heat.

“Great job, Malice,” I said, sipping on my beverage. “We got a lot done.”

“Thank you, Master,” Malice heaved as if out of breath.

“Are you okay?”

“I am. I’m just exhausted. I’ll be good in a few hours.”

“Take all the time you need. We don’t need to rush this.”

“Thank you, Master. I will.”

I laid for as long as I could before I started getting stir crazy. I found that the lack of tiredness was both a boon and a curse. Since I couldn’t go to sleep and then wake myself up, I found myself not wanting to waste my time.

I got up and joined the others, mingling with the commoners that approached. When I introduced myself as the sect’s archon, the crowd surrounded me. Random hands touched and prodded my body as if examining if I was real.

The mob shouted questions about my magic, wanting to know how it worked. I kept my answers vague to what they’d seen, given I didn’t know who was listening or asking. When I’d had my fill, I waved goodbye and headed back into the pit.

Over the next few days, my work became my routine. Malice and I worked for four hours, took four hours of rest, and then began again. The crowd grew larger and larger, only waning in the late hours of the night. However, there were always at least a few people gathered, watching.

Once Malice and I finished the basement, we built the stairs and covered the floor. From there, we built up, adding size and weight to the columns before starting on the exterior walls. I shaped the walls smooth and colored the sandstone as white as I could make it.

The structure was boxy in its design, with a triangular point above the front entrance front that was cut in the middle to give it a unique aesthetic. We built the roof with enormous domes that extended down its length. Once those were finished, I had Ophelia hire painters to color them turquoise and gold to match the local customs. For added flair, I molded small draconic gargoyles to sit perched on the roof around the building.

With the exterior done, I focused my work on the interior and residential building. Inside the sanctuary, I shaped long pews for seating that we covered in cushions for comfort. The living quarters for the staff and priestesses were as comfortable as I could make them. With everyone’s help, we fully furnished them a kitchen, private bedroom.

My last task was to craft the statue of Heluna. It took me almost an entire day in and of itself. While I was doing it mostly from the memory of the brief hours spent with her, by the time I finished, I stood in pride with my ultimate creation.

I welcomed everyone to visit for our final walkthrough and inspection of everything. We used the occasion to move in the acolytes. I felt uneasy leaving them alone, but had to remind myself that was always the intention. We’d stay long enough for Yda to train them, but eventually we’d be moving to the Bulwark to found our kingdom.

At least this will give us plenty of time to see how they do, I thought.

We concluded the evening, gathering in the sanctuary under Heluna’s statue. Yda led us in prayer, blessing the location. When she finished, we feasted, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. It was the last celebration before the big day.

Tomorrow was our grand opening.