Sos'umptu's Unwanted Assistant ch6

It was apparent to Sos'umptu that Zariel had arrived at the Baenre chapel in a very bad mood.

On arrival, the young priestess kicked off her shoes awkwardly and stormed barefoot through the chapel. She aggressively grabbed a bucket of water and began mopping the floor immediately.

Sos'umptu had never seen the girl so eager to start work. Clearly there was a lot of aggression in her system that she needed to work off. Sos'umptu could tell from the Drow's face and eyes that the girl had been crying.

"What is the matter, child?" asked the Baenre chaplain.

"Nothing, mistress," snorted Zariel.

"It's useless trying to lie to a Baenre, girl," insisted Sos'umptu.

Zariel broke down and wept.

"One of my sisters has been murdered. Trezfin, the Third Daughter of my house! She was killed by rivals at Arach-Tinilith!" she wailed.

"I am sorry, my child. We Drow are a murderous race," said Sos'umptu solemnly.

"I have to go to Arach-Tinilith! I have to take vengeance on the one that killed her. But they won't let me leave here! They are keeping me prisoner here with you Baenres!"

So the girl had finally realised that she was a prisoner and a hostage. Sos'umptu suspected that the murder of Zariel's sister was another of Triel's machinations.

Zariel continued to shed bitter tears.

Sos'umptu laid her hands on her assistant and held her close. She kissed the girl softly and hugged her tight. She had held her sister Triel like this so many times. Showing weakness was not something Drow females were prone to do, but something in Sos'umptu made them more willing to confide in her. Perhaps because none ever saw her as a rival.

"I'm so sorry, my child," Sos'umptu whispered.

"I cannot bear this," said Zariel.

"It was only yesterday that I told you to hold everything lightly," said the Baenre. "The Spider Queen will give you the strength to bear this. Remember that the webs she weaves are complex. Now you are in jeopardy, but her plans are unpredictable. You may yet rise again and bring down your enemies." Sos'umptu was aware, of course, that her own family were Zariel's chief enemies at present.

"Why are you being so kind to me?" asked Zariel suddenly. "You are a Baenre. Not even my mother talks so kindly to me."

"You are a Drow priestess, child. Though we may be from different houses, we both serve the same goddess. Put aside your work for now. I want you to kneel down and pray to Lolth. She knows your suffering and she can aid you in your struggle."

Zariel nodded and gently knelt down besides the chaplain.