Chapter 30

NATALEE

The sun peekedthrough the curtains on Saturday morning, rousing us from sleep. Birds chirped in a tree outside the window as we readied ourselves for temple. After a quick breakfast, we walked hand in hand down the street. It was just before nine, the time Knot had promised the mayor and a few others the service would begin.

Males, females, and children headed through town wearing their temple best. It appeared as if everyone in Faircross was headed to the temple, even a few sirens and others from the tavern, including Lottie. As we passed the rectory, someone started ringing the temple bell. The clanging reverberated through town. It also seemed to rouse Dhomyss, as the great dragon was spotted soaring overhead a bit earlier in the day than usual.

Knot and I greeted those who were gathered near the entrance of the temple. Though nerves flitted through my stomach, I still felt hopeful that this was the right course of action. Faircross had been in need of a priest since its founding, and the townspeople standing nearby seemed eager and receptive to accept Knot. I hoped that acceptance would extend to me.

The moment the bell ceased clanging, a woman called out from the crowd. My stomach flipped when Mrs. Foxthorne approached me. Was she here to cause trouble? Was she here to speak out against Knot or me?

All the murmuring voices around us quieted. The only sounds came from the birds chirping and the clopping of horses being ridden down the main street. Knot put an arm around me, and I felt him stiffen.

Mrs. Foxthorne pointed at me. “This woman,” she yelled, “has been greatly wronged.”

Gasps went up in the crowd.

“Mrs. Natalee Thazurok is a good, kind woman, and she’s as gods-fearing as they come. I want all of you to know that,” she continued, gazing around the townspeople. Several males and females who’d already been inside the temple moved to linger in the doorway and watch the scene unfold.

Tears burned in my eyes and my throat became clogged with emotion. The nerves that had been flitting around in my stomach started to calm. I couldn’t believe Mrs. Foxthorne had come to make some sort of confession this morning, for all the town to hear.

“I spread a vicious rumor that Natalee tried to seduce my husband, but it was a lie.” More gasps. “The truth is that my husband tried to hurt her, and when I caught him in the act, I didn’t want to believe he would… that he would do such a thing.” Mrs. Foxthorne moved closer to me. “I’m here to set the record straight and tell the truth today, and I’m also here to beg your forgiveness.”

“Mrs. Foxthorne, are you well? Has something happened?” I asked, keeping my voice low so the entire town didn’t hear. Perhaps the rest of this conversation should be held in private.

“When I went to visit Angus at his claim…” Her voice trailed off and her lip quivered. “I caught him. Again. The miners in his employ have two females living with them.”

“Mrs. Foxthorne, of course I forgive you.” I put an arm around the old woman and guided her through the crowd and into the temple. I could only imagine what she had walked in on when she showed up to surprise her husband. “You needn’t say anything else. Just come sit with me.”

Mrs. Foxthorne smiled through her tears. “Thank you, Natalee. I would like that very much.”

Once everyone was seated, Knot moved to the front of the temple. You could have heard a pin drop, it was that quiet. He was visibly nervous, and when he caught my eye, I smiled at him encouragingly. I believe in you. You are called to do this.

He stood taller and seemed more confident in the next moment, and I breathed a sigh of relief, though I wished I could take all his jitters away. It had been over two years since he’d led a ceremony, and I couldn’t fault him for his nerves.

“Ladies and gentlemales of Faircross, I want to thank you for joining me today for what I hope is the first of many Saturday services. This temple will be a place where everyone is welcome…”

Mrs. Foxthorne put a hand on my shoulder and whispered, “I suppose this means you’ll be moving into the rectory and staying in town.”

“I suppose so,” I whispered with a smile. “I suppose so.”

I gazed at my handsome orc husband, admiring how perfectly suited he was to orating as he continued the service. When his eyes caught mine, a moment of understanding passed between us. We not only belonged together as husband and wife, but we both belonged in Faircross.

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