The garden at the back of the high priestess’s home was an explosion of vibrant colors, neat, orderly columns of flowerbeds, plants, trees, and narrow cobbled pathways for people to walk on when admiring the scenery. The light chirping of birds, the gentle breeze, and the soft fragrance of crushed green leaves were a calm, relaxing experience.
A wooden table guarded by two chairs hosted both Priestess Tara and me. I waited silently as one of my earlier escorts” placed two mugs of chai tea in front of us, irrespective of my earlier decline. Taking down anything past my throat was the last thing on my mind, but Priestess Tara had waved away my refusal and insisted.
I was actually grateful to have something warm, contrasting the cold atmosphere down that dark basement that separated the ou
