Hederick The Theocrat Read Online Free PDF Page A

the flames for some time. No one saw or suspected Hederick. “Thus the
     New Gods protect their own,” he told himself righteously. After the funeral, life
     continued almost as it had since Tarscenian's arrival. The priestwhen he wasn't eating and
     drinking or leading worship sessionstold stories and sang loud songs about redemption and
     glory and freedom from sin. He continued to lead Hederick in study several hours a day,
     praising the boy for his diligence and encouraging him in his labors. A week after the
     Synd funeral, he and Hederick sat alone on the thick rug of the prayer house. Tarscenian
     regarded the boy with thoughtful gray eyes. “Have you considered taking priestly orders,
     son?” For the past weeks, the boy had thought of little else. The magnificent Tarscenian
     was only ten
    years older than Hederick. He'd been a wandering priest since he was fifteen, and Hederick
     was nearly thirteen. The priest offered a piece of bread to the boy, a dollop of butter
     plopping onto the braided rug. “It's a good life. There are no ties but those to your
     gods. You wander freely, bringing words of joy to people who need them. The people feed
     and house you. There's much to recommend this life.”
    The priest stroked the steel candlesticks. “As a Seeker priest, you bring them hope and a
     chance for a future. Do you realize the people of Krynn are worshiping hundreds of 'gods'
     now that the Old Gods are gone? And all these new ones are fakes, lad! All but the Seeker
     gods.” He wiped his mouth and continued. “Imagine: I, a mere cooper's son, could bring
     thousands of souls to Omalthea and her pantheons!”
    The great Tarscenian, son of a barrel-maker? Certainly Hederick, son of visionaries, could
     do much better. Tarscenian leaned closer until Hederick could see flecks of dark green in
     his eyes. “You could lead people, Hederick. You have the insight needed for the Seeker
     priesthood. Imagine it, lad!” Hederick saw himself robed like Tarscenianonly more
     richlystanding before scores of people, looking down upon them as he bestowed a blessing.
     “You would show me the secrets of the miracles?” Hederick asked. “The explosions? The
     fire?”
    Tarscenian caught the boy's astute stare. “You know that they are my work? And you still
     believe?” “Your 'miracles' help the people believe in the New Gods,” Hederick whispered
     reverently. “The New Gods are the truth. Therefore, anything done to further their cause
     cannot be a lie.” Fervor warmed him. “How we compel people to turn to the New Gods doesn't
     matter, I think. What does matter is that they do turn. It is their ultimate salvation. I
     would commit any number of crimes to ensure that!”
    The priest put a hand on Hederick's shoulder. “You speak like a much older and wiser man,”
     he said. “There are miracles that only Seeker priests can perform, and the demonstrations
     with the red and yellow fire are of that sort. I will show you all these things, and more.
     You will do the priesthood proud, Hederick.”
    “I'm invited?” Tarscenian nodded. Hederick cleared his throat. “I have no wealth to give,”
     he stammered. Tarscenian shrugged. “You have considerable talents. I have seen you use
     them.” He knew, then, about the poison? “And . . . that is acceptable?” Tarscenian's brow
     wrinkled. His voice grew curt. “Of course, Hederick. Not everyone has material wealth to
     share with us. Some people's gifts must take other forms.” “I have begun to use these
     talents,” Hederick admitted. “You approve of my ... gifts to the faith, then?” A bushy
     eyebrow curved upward. “Of course, Hederick.” Hederick raised a silent prayer of thanks to
     Omalthea, Sauvay, and the rest. At that moment, a cry went up outside. The villagers had
     found Kel'ta's body. Upon Tarscenian's orders, the villagers dined in the square to honor
     Kel'ta's passing. Once again roast