PELAIR. The Gems of the Golden Serpent.

11. Magyar

"I know it seems inhospitable, but you'll get used to it," Balin said to Aela, noting the girl's dismay at how bleak and inhospitable that region seemed.

"It won't be long until we get to the abbey so, you'll take your well-deserved rest," Rinna said in turn, trying to encourage Aela.

The journey from the country of Kersia took them about three months, as they had to traverse the snow-capped peaks and high valleys of the Ansíen range, effectively separating and isolating the Magyar region from the rest of Pelair.

Magyar was certainly a wild and rugged territory, dominated by a great mountain range running through it. Except for some protected valleys between the great mountains, the entire territory was covered by a great blanket of perpetual snow. The few roads that crossed it passed through high cliffs and deep precipices, which made the journey extremely hazardous. Few dared to visit those places. The climate was generally cold and rainy, and a thick mist that originated from the perspiration of thousands of trees almost always covered the forests, making their journey particularly difficult.

The region was not governed by a central authority but was made up of independent enclaves administered by family clans, who controlled the scattered and distant valleys. Each family had a representative before the Sisterhood of Noor, which although did not govern those lands, however, directed the rites and dogmas that governed the worship of the Goddess Noor. Everything in this mysterious country had as its north, the worship of the Goddess.

Here the cult had been brought and installed in ancient times apparently from a very distant territory to the north beyond the sea, and here the flame that directed and watched the growth and expansion of the devotion to Noor in all the confines of Pelair was kept alive.

The headquarters of the sisterhood was in one of the most remote and inaccessible valleys, surrounded by thick and lush forests, and crossed by torrential waterways. A large stone building built on top of a mountain in the middle of the valley served as the residence of the priestesses, and as the main temple.

"It's warmer than it looks," Rinna said when they finally sighted the imposing structure of the abbey. Let's just hope the welcoming committee is more receptive than the building's appearance" she said, looking at Balin doubtfully.

A grim old sister of the order opened the door for them. "Welcome back to your home," she said, addressing Rinna with no further sign of contentment or affection.

"Thank you, sister. I see you were waiting for me."

Rinna's return to the bosom of the order after so many years of absence was really welcomed and was conditioned upon her acceptance of all the directives and provisions that sisterhood imparted to her. This had been, in principle, one of the reasons for her resignation from the order and her subsequent exile many years ago.

"The return of a sister after so many years of absence is always a cause for rejoicing". The nun pointed out in a grim manner. "I'll guide you to your rooms. Later the Mother Regent will receive you."

"Balin, why don't you come over?" Aela asked, noticing that the dwarf wasn't following them into the building.

"Come on daughter. Later you'll find out about the rules," Rinna told her, as the old woman closed the entrance to the abbey, leaving the dwarf outside.

Aela noticed that the abbey was a rather gloomy and cold fortress, with long narrow corridors surrounded by high walls of bare stone with oil lamps attached to them. The ceiling was made of wood, while the floor was covered with terracotta tiles.

The cells in which the novices lived all had wooden cots covered by a double cotton blanket filled with moss. A narrow closet and a small table with a stool made up the rest of the furniture.