"You don't look like a priestess," said the man.  "Lots of people have been asking..."

Inaaya sighed and took her robe off, revealing her priestess garb.

"Is that better?"

"Forgive me, holy one," he said bowing.  "Yes, strangers were here; I know that one had a power to not die, no matter how grievous his wounds.  Is that the one you seek?"

"Yes. Where are they?" Inaaya asked.

"I believe that they left town," he said.  "This small village is too small for a hero of that stature."

"Do you know where they are headed?" Inaaya asked.

"A city further south," the man said.

"Thank you for this information," Inaaya said as she headed back to the ship, filling her guards in on what she learned along the way.

A voice called out as she approached the ship.

"Excuse me, are you a Holy Mother?"

"Yes? Can I help you?" Anaya asked.

"Please, Holy Mother," she said.  "My mother is sick, dying.  Can you offer a prayer for her?  She's through here."

"Please, Holy Mother," she said.  "My mother is sick, dying.  Can you offer a prayer for her?  She's through here."

Inaaya headed inside, being careful in case.

...well, it appeared to be true.  There was an old woman lying down there, breathing raggedly, her eyes glazed and distant.  She clearly didn't have long.

Inaaya hurried over to her side.

"...find her,"  the woman said, reaching out a hand to Inaaya.

Inaaya took her hand.

"I'm here, I'll give you your final blessing."

"T-take... take her..." the woman was trying to say.

"Hush, mother," said the younger woman, firmly.  "Save your strength.  Be serene.  Be at peace."

"I will," Inaaya said, as she began the prayers.

The woman started to say something, to reach up her hands, but the effort was too much.  She lay back, at peace.

The young woman looked at Inaaya expectantly.

"I'm sorry, I have some questions," Inaaya said. "What did she mean by take you?"

"She always told me that this village was not my place," she said.  "That my destiny was for something greater, and she gave me this strange key."

She held it out-- it was bronze, and oddly shaped.

"She said I needed to find the lock that this key opens."

"I will let you travel with us, if you want," Inaaya said.

"Thank you," she said.  "I am Nahla."

Inaaya nodded,

"I am Inaaya, please pack quickly."