Chapter 444 : Denial (4)
Instead of guiding them toward the village entrance, the woman led them toward the village’s back entrance.
Before they stepped a foot into the village, the woman took off her cloak and pressed a finger against her lips.
"Don’t speak," she whispered. "Stay quiet until we arrive in front of the High Priestess. All your questions will be answered then."
After navigating a labyrinth of trees and low-rise buildings, they secretly slipped into one of the village’s highest towers. Despite the abundance of windows adorning its outer walls, the tower’s inner chambers remained shrouded in darkness.
In the deepest chamber, veiled in an icy silence, she awaited their arrival. Clad in a crimson ceremonial robe woven with black and silver threads, she sat motionless on a sitting cushion by the smoldering hearth.
A stark white blindfold, embroidered with swirling runes of forgotten magic, shrouded her eyes, lending an air of otherworldly serenity. Her snow-white hair, spun like moonlight, cascaded down her back, a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of her garb. This was no ordinary woman. This was the High Priestess of the Banyue tribe.
She turned her head toward the door before her servant and her guests even came within ten steps of her chamber.
"High Priestess, I brought them," the servant bent her knees before the High Priestess.
"Thank you, Malina, please leave us alone."
Qiao Wei was taller than the High Priestess, but when the latter rose to her feet, she filled the entire room with her presence.
"Welcome, travelers," she said. "You came from a far, distant land to bring back one of our own. I am grateful for your kindness."