The Power for Revenge
by Mrs. Fish


T'lera made her way through the temple -- checking each body -- desperately
hoping that one of her sisters was left alive to tell what had happened. But
it was not to be. Still, there was hope. Three of the acolytes were
missing -- either taken for the raider's pleasure, or to be sold to slavers.
She said a silent prayer that they would survive their journey until T'lera
could track them down. But first she needed to tend to the dead.

A terrible sorrow filled her as T'lera gathered the bodies and laid them
carefully upon the wood she had gathered. And as the flames spread across
the pyre, so did her anger. "I will avenge you, my sisters," she whispered.
"This I swear."

*****

The full moon hung above T'lera like a naked bulb, its brightness only
momentarily dimmed by an occasional passing cloud. She raised her arms above
her head and cried, "I beseech thee, my Goddess! Grant me the power to
avenge the senseless slaughter of those who served you." She waited a
moment, desperately hoping for some sign that her pleas were heard. But
there was nothing. So she shouted again. "Oh, most powerful Goddess. Allow
me to exact revenge upon those who have taken your faithful ones for their
sinister purposes." Still, nothing happened.

T'lera didn't understand. The Goddess had never turned her back on her
priestesses before. She had to try one more time. "My Goddess, hear me. Give
me the strength to track down those who defiled your temple and murdered
your faithful servants. I beg thee!" All at once a surge of power shot
through her body, nearly toppling T'lera with its intensity. Lightning
flashed from her fingertips -- a power no raider could withstand. She calmed
herself, drawing a deep breath, then dropped to her knees. "Thank you, my
Goddess. Vengeance shall be yours."

*****

The next morning T'lera rode out, following the raider's tracks. She had
sufficient supplies to last for several days, but would hunt if necessary.
She had her bow and sword and a small knife. Spurred now by the fire of
revenge, T'lera urged her mount forward as a slow grin spread across her
face. It was going to be a pleasure finding the raiders.

Only not for them.

The end.