23
The atmosphere in the temple was hushed and somber. Each long bench was filled with people in colorful dresses and robes, their heads bent in prayer.
Daniel tried to ignore them, but he could feel their eyes boring into the back of his head as he paced in front of the healing chamber. The constant susurration of the prayers was making him twitchy.
Loki was across the vaulted chamber, taking everything in with worshipful eyes. Noomi, his self-appointed guide, was with him, whispering and pointing as she answered his endless stream of questions.
There was an altar at one side, but no painting or statue of any god sat on or behind it. Instead, there was a huge tree. He didn’t know what species it was, but it appeared ancient. Each limb dripped with delicate white flowers. Their scent f
