ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Turn Of The Wheel

by Ellianora

Rating: this tale would be gen/alt/uber

Disclaimer: The characters are of my own creation an as such my property. Even though the two main women resemble a pair we all know and love they do have some differences.

Violence: The story does contain violence and some of it can be quite graphic so be warned.

Sex: Not too much here only a little hugging and kissing. A developing relationship between a person who is attempting to discover who she is and one who is hesitant to trust another with their heart and soul

Feedback: I have been working on this project for sometime and any comments would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank Trisha and Lesley for their time and patience in reading my work and putting up with my artistic tantrums.:)

Chapter 21

"Hurry up," Ellie snapped at the priest examining the ring and credentials. The rogue lifted her hand to her brow, impatiently adjusting her official Archeon income assessor's cap she had only recently constructed.

"I… apologize your emissary," the priest greeting her spluttered. "We were not informed of any inspection today this is all highly unusual."

"You think the Empire has nothing better to do then inform you have an inspection," Ellianora continued haughtily. "That's the seal of the royal house of Archeon on that ring, and those are my papers what more do you need?"

"Yes," the priest admitted, but procedures…"

"Procedures are what I set," Ellie interrupted him. "Dragperg, I am a busy woman I don't have time to deal with subordinates. Get me someone in charge!"

"Is there something we can do for you?" a man in a white tunic with a gold band around the collar asked, approaching the entrance. Taking advantage of the disturbance, the acolyte quickly vacated the white marble hall serving as the entrance for the temple of Mitra, thankful to be out of the presence of the Archeon official.

"There most certainly is," Ellie replied, pushing past the two guards marching up to the priest. "I've been sent here to determine the tax level of the temples in this gods-forsaken town. As you know, the great Empire of Archeon has a most tolerant view of religions through out all the Empire."

"As long as the tariffs are paid," the aged senior priest muttered.

"What was that?" Ellie demanded, pulling out a scrap of parchment and a writing stick. "Did I just hear you question the polices set by our Emperor?"

"Not at all," the priest replied hurriedly. "I only stated all our tariffs are paid." Ellie glared at the priest as she slowly replaced the scrap of parchment. Her disguise was nearly perfect, though it had taken her most of the night to find just the right dye for the olive skin tone of an Archeon native. The only discrepancies were her eyes. However, a little judicious shading around them helped give the right reflection to mask even that. It also helped few ever looked an Archeon tax person in the eyes.

"Very well," she stated purposefully. "Now as I informed your subordinate, we understand that the income level of this city as been increased so I've been sent determine if a new tariff needs to be set for the privilege of maintaining this temple within the Empire."

"I can assure you our offerings have not increased," The senior priest replied nervously.

"Do you presume to do my job for me old man?" Ellie shot back.

"No, of course not."

"Look," Ellie commented in a more congenial manner. "I still have three more temples to asses before I can return to Archeon proper. I assure you I have no more a desire to be here then you then you wish be, but as you can see that is the signet ring of a member of the royal family. I fear my hands are tied in this matter."

"I understand," The senior priest answered, now seeming a little calmer.

"So if you will please cooperate, it will make that much easier on the both of us."

The priest nodded in agreement, leading Ellie down the white hall flanked on either side by stoic bronze statues of soldiers guarding the entrance. She had heard rumors that these figures could become animated to defend the Temple of Mitra. The rogue was hoping to avoid putting that rumor to the test if possible.

Ellie felt oddly assured the elven mage Zafrina had insisted on waiting for her outside the massive temple. She had even attempted to convince Ellie she should join her. The rogue however, had remained firm in her decision. She didn't want to put her in peril as well in such a risky venture. Finally, they compromised. Ellie would attempt to gain entry alone while Zafrina remained outside of the temple in case of any problems. Not that there would be much she could do against the followers of Mitra. They were skilled in magik and arms, a very lethal combination.

The priest opened the massive carved door leading to the large chamber of the temple. The massive pillars supported the huge dome ceiling inlaid with precious gems. Instinctively, Ellie began to estimate the value of the precious stones. How many times had she sipped on a wine in the Rumor Monger tavern, scheming of a way to gain entrance into the Temple of Mitra, the patron deity of all guardians and artificers? "No!" she chastised herself. She had to keep her mind on the task. If she failed to get the shield Venom would be lost.

"I will be happy to escort you through our grand temple," the priest continued, leading her past an exquisite altar.

"So you can steer my investigation, possibly away from any omissions in your ledger," Ellie observed, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.

"No not at all," the priest assured her. "Our temple is vast and I only wished to make sure you do not become lost among the many halls and antechambers."

"I am not a child," Ellie sighed. "I can find my own way around well enough, oh yes and take your guards with you," she continued eyeing the two temple guardians disdainfully.

"They are only for your protection," the priest argued. "If an official of the empire should come to harm in our temple it would be most regrettable."

"You think a representative of the Empire is unsafe in your temple," Ellie retorted, raising her voice slightly. "That's it!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air in a show of exasperation. "I am going to leave and get a contingent of soldiers. Perhaps then I can complete my assignment in peace without these insufferable interruptions."

"That won't be necessary," the priest replied, motioning the guards to follow him. "We will leave you to your work. Just please inform the acolyte at the door when you have completed the assessment."

"Very well," Ellie replied calming down slightly. "Rest assured when I am done I will let the priest at the door know so we may discuss my figures. From what I see here so far," she added eyeing the gold inlaid ceiling, "we will have much to discuss." Ellie acknowledged his departure with a silent nod, heading off down a long hall.

She managed to gain entry, now all she had to do was locate the priceless relic, obtain it and depart with no one being the wiser. "Someday," Ellie admonished herself, "I really try and plan these things out better." It occurred to her she had no idea what the shield would look like, let alone where it might be. Then again, a precious relic like that should be easily recognizable.

Fortunately, the halls were practically devoid of others. She gave those she did see a nasty scowl, sending them scurrying on their way. Perhaps, she could stop some poor acolyte and bully them into revealing the location to her.

"Not a bad plan," a deep male voice remarked behind her. "Though I feel you should be aware there are few problems with it."

Ellie spun around, caught off-guard by the observation. She had not been aware priests of Mitra were capable of reading thoughts and this was not the time to discover that revelation.

Standing behind her, was a tall muscular man encased in bright azure blue armor that shone so brightly it appeared there was a halo surrounding the figure. Most of his rugged face was covered by a thick blonde beard and mustache. Strapped to his back was the biggest sword she had ever seen, rivaling even Venom's in splendor. The man also had a large battle-hammer on the left side and an impressive axe on the right.

"Who are you?" Ellie snapped, regaining some of her composure. She reasoned that her best strategy was to continue with her disguise. "How dare you interfere with an Archeon representative in performance of her duties."

"And what duties are those Ellianora Bladedancer?" The man asked calmly. "First, let me assure you followers of Mitra are not able to read minds."

Ellie placed her hand against the wall to steady herself. Whoever this person was he knew who she was.

"So what are the problems?"

"Well I should point out though you managed to intimidate your way into the temple, the priests here would never reveal what they felt was a priceless relic even under penalty of death."

"And what else?"

"They don't know its here?"

"Then how did Censor know," Ellie wondered.

"Most likely from his associate Tenaria," The man answered her thoughts. "Being a high priestess she may call upon her goddess Malice directly or one of her avatars."

"And they would know," Ellie concluded.

Ellie was about to inquire how the man was able to read her mind, let alone knew whom she was when she espied an acolytes walking towards them. Immediately she started to resume her role, pulling out the parchment. "So are you certain that is all of assets available?" She interrogated the man in blue.

"They can't hear or see us," the man assured her, smiling. "However, if it will ease your mind we can enter one of the small alcoves away from what you perceive to be prying eyes." Ellie could only nod in agreement. This individual was filled with surprises.

The pair entered a small open space past an exquisitely sculpted arch. The room was filled with shelves, holding statues of great beauty.

"First," Ellie demanded spinning about glaring at the self-assured man. "How the dragperg do you know who Iam?"

"I know the names of all those who are defenders," the man replied enigmatically.

"Not a good answer friend," Ellie replied with a grin. "I am no defender. If you haven't guessed by now I am a thief."

"Really?" The man asked nonplussed. "Did you not help defeat the horrible creature called up by the priest of Schetwine here in this city?"

"I was blackmailed into it," Ellie shot back.

"What of the young girl you saved from the Black Legionaries?"

"If you know so much you know I was robbing them at the time," Ellie replied defensively. "I don't like being interrupted when I am working."

"And then there was the time…"

"Look," Ellie interrupted, "are you going to go through the list of every bad decision I've made."

"Not at all." The man agreed. Though why are you here if not to help the sea-bitch, Venom."

"None of your business, "Ellie snapped, "and don't call her that."

"Quite right," the man apologized. "She deserves that title like you deserve the one thief, defender."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Are you not defending Venom in both word and deed," he observed.

"That's different," she replied somewhat flustered. "It's personal."

"Defending what you care about is perhaps the noblest act of all." The man stated.

"All this is well and good, "Ellie said, attempting to regain her control. "You still haven't told me who you are."

"Who do you think I am?" The man inquired, crossing his arms.

Ellie studied the figure before her with his erect posture and strong determined face. The glistening armor was perfectly fitted to his bulging muscular form. Even the weapons were beyond any she had ever seen in all her travels. "By all the gods," Ellie muttered in disbelief.

"Not gods," Mitra corrected her. "Just one."

The rogue was still recovering from the realization she had been having a conversation with a deity. Not just any, the deity of the very temple she had come to steal one of their most precious artifacts. She was certain this could not be good. "So now what happens?" Ellie asked unsure of how to proceed further.

"Do you still want my shield?" Mitra asked, smiling at the fidgeting half-elf.

"Yes, if that is still possible. I need it to save Venom."

"Of course," Mitra replied. "And I will give it to you with but one condition."

"And what is that?" Ellie asked suspiciously. She was uncertain how wise it was entering into a pact with a god, even a benign one like Mitra.

"You must not tell anyone of our meeting or discussion under any circumstances." Mitra informed her sternly.

Ellie considered the proposal before her. She had just promised Venom she would not keep secrets from her. No more games. To agree to this bargain would mean she would need to betray that promise. To lie to a god, especially one who could read her thoughts was unthinkable. Her agile mind twisted the problem around in hopes of discovering an angle she could possibly exploit. Sadly, she realized there was but one conclusion.

"I can't do that," Ellie sighed resignedly. "To do so would mean I must break a trust, and that I will never do."

Mitra beamed her an approving smile. "If you would have agreed," He stated. "I would never have given you the shield. As it stands now, you are worthy of receiving the item." A magnificent shield of gold encrusted with precious gems materialized in Ellie's hands. The rogue couldn't help but stare open mouthed at the sheer beauty of the relic.

"Thank you," Ellie replied, uncertain whether or not she should bow or perhaps curtsey.

"Take this and save your companion," Mitra announced. "Your partner needs a defender with your unique talents?"

"Partner?" Ellie queried.

Mitra gave Ellie a knowing smile. "As I said Venom needs a defender, especially from herself."

"I don't suppose you could tell me where the sword is?" Ellie asked hopefully.

"I am afraid not," Mitra laughed heartedly. " I can't make this too easy for you. I will allow you to remain concealed from sight till you depart the temple."

"I thank you for your help then," Ellie stated, kneeling before the god. She had decided it seemed to be the best action to take.

"We will meet again defender," Mitra replied acknowledging her bow as he vanished.

Deciding to take the god at his word, Ellie strolled boldly through the corridor with the shield wrapped in a blue cloak. She passed the sentries unhindered. Exiting the temple, the rogue breathed a huge sigh of relief. This had been a most unnerving experience. One, which she had, no doubt, she would be reflecting on for quite sometime.

Chapter 22

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