Divine Yolanda

Yolanda sat cross-legged in an isolated corner of the Sacred Temple of Dawn. The complete silence was interrupted only by the rhythmic noise of her breathing as she focused her mind inward in deep meditation. Her spirit might as well have been in another world and, in a very real sense, it was. “Oh Light of the Dawn that I love and serve with all my heart, your most loyal follower pleads for your help! Our land, which has already endured much torment, is about to be struck by a fresh disaster of extraordinary brutality. I humbly ask for more power to withstand the Chaos and protect Aurelica.” Yolanda strained anxiously to hear whatever answer may come. She was sorely pressed.

“What power you have is enough.” A pure, gentle voice drifted into Yolanda’s consciousness with the unmistakable signature of the Goddess of the Dawn herself. “Is it enough? I feel completely helpless against the raging Chaos.” “Yolanda, you are a practitioner of the highest order in Light magic. You are a wielder of sorceries powerful and terrifying. They carry not only the power to save but also purge the evil of Chaos.” “Yet how do I make more effective use of such powers?” Yolanda replied in her mind’s eye. “You need not seek beyond the borders of what you have, Yolanda. Your powers are sufficient. You have styled yourself as the protector and healer of others until now. Perhaps you have forgotten you are more than a trustworthy guardian, but a fearsome warrior. Remember, the Light can both save and destroy.”

“Do not fear the all-consuming fire channeled by your Inner Light. Release it in full! And you will become a Sword of Judgment.” Yolanda suddenly became aware of the air against her face, the hardness of the floor, and her own breathing as she felt her spirit return, answer gained. The Goddess had revealed an alternative pathway Yolanda had little explored. No longer should Yolanda feel obligated to serve as the protector of all life. She must listen to what her Goddess had said. Clearly, the Holy Light had tremendous destructive power too. She must seek to become not just Aurelica’s protector, but Judgment Incarnate of the Light in the great war to come!