Oathtaker

Gardens, benches, alcoves and statues covered sanctuary grounds. Even at this early hour, hundreds of people milled about. Families wandered around, hand in hand. The more business minded stood in groups, in quiet conversation. Gaggles of young people, dressed in the carefree common manner of students, were engaged in animated discussions.

“It’s beautiful,” Mara said. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“It was the first here in Oosa,” Ted said. “When the Select came to these lands, this was the first building they and their Oathtakers, built. You might say it was the center of their new venture. As you probably know from your childhood history lessons, others exploited and used the Select in their old country. Their service to Ehyeh made them prosper. Those envious of the blessings the Good One bestowed upon them, enslaved them.

“Eventually the Select fought for and won their freedom. They wanted a new life for themselves and their children. This land became their sanctuary, and they built the main building here as thanks to the Good One. They intended for it to represent the covenant between Ehyeh and the Select, and to serve as a continual reminder that the people should serve Him and follow in His ways.”

“It looks like sanctuary in the City of Light,” said Dixon.

“Yes, sanctuary in the City of Light was modeled after this one. It’s larger to be sure, but its designers based it on this campus right here. And of course, contrary to popular thought, this is the only one that was built with magic.”

“Magic!” Mara exclaimed.

“Yes, I’m afraid much of the history has been lost, but many old writings indicate that this sanctuary was built with magic.”