Chapter One

Feathers From the Sky

It is said that God sits on high upon His throne in the heavens surrounded by His concourses of angels with the earth as His footstool. Far but near, close but distant, nowhere to be seen yet His presence can be felt by all. And in His omnipotent glory and everlasting grace He sends his blessings upon all mankind as the exalted dove or the laden swallow may impart of their feathers which slowly drifts from the firmament until exacting their destination upon the ground.

It was in these days during the march of St. Ruvenhaigen, hundreds of years prior to the meeting of Holo and Lawrence yet nearly a millennia after the ascension of the Holy One and the death of his twelve witnesses and the elders of seventy, that a grand monastery was erected. A time when the church of Ploania thrived in the far east among the land of pagans and large beasts.

The state of the church was considered waining by some regarding it's infantile influence among the lands westward, for the east is where it was dominant. But little was it known that the church had long fallen away in its greatest way.

Since the time of our first parent's expulsion from paradise, God called prophets, seers and revelators to hear His voice, to see His face and know that He was. When God spoke to them, this was revelation, when they wrote God's word down, these were scripture. When the people rejected these teachings and cast them out, this was an age of darkness. Many scriptures were destroyed but many were preserved by the hand of Lord. Because God loves all of His children He would call upon a new prophet, seer and revelator to restore that which was lost and reestablish the authority to act in His name.

This cycle continued until the prophesied Holy One entered the world. He performed miracles, established his church, did the will of the Father and paid the price of our transgressions. When his earthly task had met its end he left charge of his church to his twelve chosen witnesses who reigned over seventy elders called by divine inspiration to lead the followers onward. These men, having been called of God and ordained to the offices of His authority were the foundation of the original church and with it the church flourished. But just as there is a God on high there is a devil below who seeks to blind the children of men and lead them down strange paths.

With great cunning he whispered hate and malice into the ears of those who would hear. The hearts of wicked men reviled against that which was pure and true and one by one the twelve witnesses alongside the seventy elders were smitten, exiled and done away with along with revelation from on high.

The church was crippled and the leadership the Holy One had foreordained, lost. Those who followed the teachings of God were forced to flee furthering persecution by the pagans and other enemies of the church. As they began to settle the question began to arise, 'who will lead us now?'

The saints and scholars attempted to recreate the structure as it had been established but questions began to arise concerning the doctrine. With no revelation the people relied on human wisdom to interoperate the scriptures resulting in arising dissensions which led to misinterpretations of doctrine becoming common practice and false ideas being taught as truth.

Ere the people were aware, they were left unto themselves to fall into darkness with each generation inheriting the dissent passed down by their forefathers. Though they loved the Lord and erected great monasteries in His name. And tried so desperately to worship and serve Him the apex their knowledge would allow, they did not have the foundation of the original church, they did not have God's authority.

Thus the state of the church was in greater peril than ever realized. Why should the reader be aware of this history? Because how else to explain why the people of God chose their conduct as we shall see in this story.

Nearly one thousand years elapsed since this age of darkness began and in the land far east of Ploania established the holy city of Hebruhm. Its history was simple, it was founded by the earlier followers when fleeing persecution thus becoming at this time the capital of the church throughout all the land. It was one of the first to have a major wall surrounding it for the scorn of pagans followed the believers to where they roosted. During the early centuries of its construction the people fell prey to many attacks therefore, naturally inclined to defend themselves, they followed the directions of the saints to have a wall built and have them lead their militias which eventually grew to armies. The most revered among them at this time was Saint Ruvenhaigen who proved to be a great force in beating back opposition and keeping the peace keeping people safe.

And the crowned gem of Hebruhm was the grand monastery, crafted with the greatest care of the early settlers who dedicated all their time and labor to the Lord, for nothing but the best was considered for the God they worshipped. The construction lasted over forty years with very few of its originators living long enough to see its fulfillment. Thus serving as the greatest inspiration to all who believed.

Grand monastery had many other fine institutions surrounding it. Schools, convents and parishes, the go-to for any worshipper to study and advance through the offices of the church and dwell in harmony. And one such young man had so in fact advanced through these offices of which he dedicated his life to obtain.

In the brown robes of the presbyter he knelt humbly before the archbishop dressed in white and gold. The choir sang deeply as angels announcing the coming of the Lord God. For in its own way it was, the coming of the Lord was as to come by the spreading of the gospel which this young man was about to venture upon.

The cardinal, holding his staff of gold, revered him with the tenderest of care, "Lorenzo Rubini, do you accept the responsibilities of the holy priest which include tending to the sick and afflicted and poor in spirit?"

With shimmering eyes Lorenzo said, "I do father."

"Do you make an oath with the Holy Father that you shall stay diligent upon the holy path and vow to never have other gods before Him?"

"I do father!"

On either side of the archbishop was a priest and a deacon of which they were asked, "Do you find him worthy?"

They answered unanimously, "We do father."

Dabbing his fingers in a cask of oil he traced the sacred symbol across his forehead.

"Lorenzo Rubini, I anoint you as priest of the church in the name of the Holy Father, the Holy Son and the Holy Spirit. And lay upon you the blessing of the Holy Mother that she may guide your path and exempt you from the powers of the devil."

The cassock then placed his staff upon the forehead of the ordinate lengthwise and recited the prayer of rites.

"Adjuva nos, Domine, sanctae Pater, omnipotens aeterne Deus. Det servo tuo hanc dignitatem sacerdotalem experiamur affectum. Sit fidelis esset, et in ministerium.

Amen "

"Lorenzo Rubini arise as a priest in the brotherhood."

The young man, filled with the spirit, lifted to his feet then with an encouraging smile embraced the archbishop with tears flowing down his eyes and said with a weep, "Grazie Papel!"

The cardinal remained kindly and said, "Go my son, reclaim the lost sheep."

The newly ordained priest was then handed a new set of robes that signified his higher calling and took them joyously. Once garbed in the holy cloth he went down the steps while beaming in the face of the sun and could not rid himself of a broad smile.

He looked down upon the note given him by the archbishop prior to his departure which depicted a set of instructions. He followed them through the convent leading him to a stone cottage and wrapped on the door.

A few uncomfortable moments later the door unlatched and there stood a rather staunchly fellow who, by first impression, appeared as one who makes a comfortable living by clinging to the hems of another's ambiguity. With a tone only used when stronger allies are present to support his coarseness he asked rather rudely what it was that was wanted.

Lorenzo bowed and sought to sand down this rough character with a smile while presenting to the monk the letter, "Father Rubini, as ordered by his eminence is here to enter under the kindly fold of Bishop Escero."

The pitiful little man sneered like a little terrier attempting to ward off threats above and beyond it's power, took the letter, examined its authenticity then validated the request.

"Come this way then."

Entering with perceivable caution, Lorenzo inquired, "May I call upon him who leads me to his grace?"

"Friar Pishta, and long time friend of Bishop Escero." said he abruptly.

"I look to serve in the same capacity."

Pishta took that gesture as a challenge to his tenure. Eventually they were brought to a antechamber with a long oaken table positioned lengthwise in relation to the door. Two men were positioned at it, one at the far left corner seen writing and dipping his quill with speed and precision unmatched while the other sat in the middle who, when hearing the door open, raised his eyes with a gaze so profoundly penetrating that Lorenzo felt it inflame his veins.

"Bishop Escero' introduced Pishta in a manner just as appropriate when he greeted Lorenzo, 'this priest has been ushered into your care by decree of his eminence."

The young man stumbled forth, struck out his hand and declared with fleeting confidence in the presence of this imposing figure, "Lorenzo Rubini!"

Escero extended his hand but only in the gesture for him to take a seat opposite him while Pishta sat beside the bishop as though he were a lapdog. Lorenzo took sit were instructed and conducted himself as if politely unsure how to proceed.

It was remarkably silent giving Lorenzo adequate time to examine the scribe sitting far left, a young black haired man able to give a warming gesture while writing which gave the inclination to be all the more gravitated to his more preferable conduct.

Alas, Escero spoke, "I have not seen you among the other brethren in the parish before father." he sounded oddly suspicious.

"Forgiveness my lord, I am but moments old among the men of the cloth. I have but taken my vows and was ordained this morning."

"Very well, and why have you chosen this life?"

"Signore?"

Pishta answered as if to defend his cohort, "Why did you become a priest?"

Feeling as if arrows were upon him Lorenzo answered, "Why else but to serve God?"

"And your expectations regarding how this service is to be carried out?"

Lorenzo shifted in discomfort, "To minister to the people within a church of course…"

Pishta let out a cunning pshaw, while Escero dinted his eyebrows almost in bad humor, "Have you even the foggiest idea of a location of which your ministry is to take root?"

Lorenzo's palms began to sweat, "Again, forgiveness your grace, I am but ignorant on the matters of which you speak."

"The brotherhood is strong but it's reach is limited, as your bishop I appoint you to travel under God's direction to find an area where a church can be constructed and you the minister of it."

"I see father…"

Catching wind of his discontent Escero was quick to refute, "You did not think a church is just given to one so newly ordained did you?"

"I confess father those were my expectations."

"Beware of pride and vanity my son, for it shall lead you to covet that which your fellow brethren have rightfully earned."
"Y-yes father I understand." Lorenzo then caught an expression on Pishta's face, he appeared to be smirking.

The scribe continued to write, most likely documenting this exchange for church records.

Rubbing the diaphoresis off on his robes Rubini inquired, "What task do you charge this newly ordained servant of the Lord your grace?"

Escero leaned back as if enthused by his blind optimism, "Tell me, you wish to minister among the people and serve God, yes?"

"Most affirmatively."

"To serve His Holiness, what is His first commandment given to men?"

Lorenzo answered without hesitation, "I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before me."

"Why do you suppose this is the first of all given commandments?"
"Because no other god can lead a man to that which is correct, nor can salvation come by any other god except He who dwells on high."

"And what becomes of those who violate this commandment?"

Lorenzo answered with an utmost surety, "They are most surely damned."

Escero clasped his fingers together and held them under his chin, "Therefore, who are in the most desperate need of the one true God?"

With a bit more hesitation, for fearing where he would be led, Lorenzo answered, "Most logically in this day and age…those who have other gods before Him."

Raising his finger as if to remarkably praise the man, Escero sounded off, "Precisely, as you know there are demons that dwell upon the earth who take the shape of great animals, can manipulate nature and walk among the masses as a man would walk among another. The people have chosen to worship them as gods and have committed an act of great heresy by doing so. It is your duty as a priest to turn the hearts of men away from theses demons, and towards the one true God."

"You mean father,' trembled Lorenzo, 'you wish for me to venture into the pagan lands and minister to the people there?"

"And to also reveal any demon to the church so they may be burned and cleansed from the earth."

With a heart that seemed to flutter in his chest like a canary in its cage the young priest asked, "How am I to discover these false gods?"

Escero then issued the scribe to retrieve an album which depicted the shapes of large animals in the forests.

"This is their true form,' said the bishop who then turned the page showing an illustration of men dawning animal body parts unnatural to the human frame, 'though they can take the form of a human, not all can hide their true nature. Some have horns of a ram, others the tail of a wolf, the ears of rabbits and even the eyes and fangs of serpents."

Lorenzo examined them closely, "You say some, are there others who do not bare such resemblance to their animal counterparts?"

"Yes there are few who can conceal their true nature entirely, making them more difficult to detect, however all demons share one defining trait, they do not age and can live forever."

Lorenzo became offended, "Life eternal is a gift only granted by God!"

"Not only this, but some have commanded their followers to attack the true believers, and they have obeyed. These demons are not only blasphemous in the face of the Lord but they also pose a threat to the church and the brotherhood."

"What would you have me do?"

"Go forth among the pagans and teach them of the one true God, those who accept shall receive your blessing, those who reject you will dust your feet and depart leaving God to judge, and for any demon you uncover you are to immediately report them to the saints of the church."

Lorenzo appeared unwavering, arose and said, "I shall serve the Lord in the capacity you have instructed,"

Escero appeared satisfied, extended his hand which brandished the ring of the higher priesthood to impart his blessing upon the priest, who gently seized it and bestowed upon it a kiss. But as the young man was about to depart Escero called out to him.

"Father Rubini…"

He abruptly turned to address his superior, "Yes my lord."

"Before you begin I must require of you penance."

"Signore?"

"Earlier you displayed covetousness and false expectations before your bishop. A priest must be blameless before the Lord at all times."

Lorenzo, feeling the justice of that reproach, quickly drew the sacred symbol across his chest in a like fashion to the signum crucis and recited, "Parce mihi domine mi transgressiones factas."

Escero let off an eerie smile and commissioned him to leave, by which he quitted the cottage without delay.

The following hours were committed to the packing of provisions and necessities required for his exodus. When all affairs seemed to be in order he made way for the stables for a horse and small wagon. As he was going along his way a strange voice stopped him, "Be careful, you ought not to become Escero's favorite."

He turned to see the young scholar present during the meeting. Relinquishing his bags the priest extended his hand as is custom among the grounds of ceremony, "Forgive me amico, I was not permitted an opportunity to meet you formally. Lorenzo Rubini."

Shaking in return the gentlemen responded, "Benedetto Alemori."

"Tell me, Benedetto, have I done something wrong to invoke the ire of God's chosen?"

Waiving his hand and nearly laughing the scribe replied, "On the contrary, I do not think the bishop ever warmed up so quickly to anyone before."

Rubini chuckled in relief, "Tell me dear brother, why is it you have sought me?"

"I have a request father if you will hear it."

"Tell me my friend."

"Whenever a priest establishes a new church he may call upon a man to be a chronicler within his ministry. I humbly ask that I be considered when you erect a church of your own."

Lorenzo rubbed his chin, "Tell me fratello, is it your wish to serve God, or get away from the monastery?"

Benedetto bowed his head, "I have been in the presence of Bishop Escero for nearly two years."

"Ah say no more."

"Is it a sin to seek new heights, even if the height I am at is in the presence of one of the highest offices of the brotherhood?"

"God wishes us all to be happy, but still I am unsure…"

Benedetto raised a finger, "What say you to a trade?"

"Perdono?"

The scribe gestured to the stables, "So long as the records are documented correctly, the hierarchy shall have no qualms over the steed you prefer."

"Bribery?"

"Mon Dieu no! An act of kindness that can be repaid later. Capici?"

Giving in humorously, Lorenzo sighed, "Very well, show me the horses."

…

The full accounting of Lorenzo's journeys could be recited all in all but for the interest of time a summary of his early ministry is ideally more appropriate. He departed Hebruhm that warm summer day in the afternoon with a few sacks, a single man wagon headed by a young saddler named Rapigro. To his relief the pagan lands were not as hostile as he assumed, but contrarily to his dismay in some areas the notion of a godless people was far from exaggerated, in fact he found the tales and conditions to be understated.

He found more division among the concourses than full scale commitments and rejections. At times his heart grew heavy upon pondering if creating a sect of believers among the pagans had done more harm than good. He was generally accepted, rarely went hungry and could secure lodgings when the nights fell. He was however, not without tribulation. He had been run out of town, robbed, beaten and imprisoned on a number of occasions only to come out of it all triumphant. He praised God continually despite hardship and considered his trials as no greater or worse than that that had happened to other holy messengers in the past.

It was until he ventured further west adjacent to the Roam river that the terrors expressed to him were more fully realized. When entering the woods and forests of St. Rostov, or as the pagans called it Fanghorn (there were disputes over the name) Lorenzo always felt as though the eyes of great pursuers were upon him. At times he would stop Rapigro's stride and feel great vibrations throughout the earth, as if footfalls of a large animal, that suddenly stopped when he did.

When the moon was full he could hear howling so great it would fill him with dread and cause him to grip his pendant to the point of bleeding his palm. In the mornings he would find animal tracks in greater diameter than the wagon. Once he came across the giant corpse of a stag with great shreds in its neck, as if chewed to death. He would praise God that he was not involved then put Rapigro into a canter.

But through it all, the greatest mystery Lorenzo could not justify while in the territory of St. Rostov was the strange sense he was being watched from above, not by some omnipotent, incomprehensible personage, but an actual tangible being in the natural world. Gusts of wind would come and go from the high trees without indication and he would find large white feathers along his path and considered them the work of angels.

It all came to a head during the end of the first week in Rostov when he came upon a dejected woman kneeling by the roadside cradling something in her arms. Alarmed with a modest heart he reached out to her.

"Signora, what causes you grief?"

The sobbing woman, wincing and gnashing her teeth, presented in her arms her child, or what remained. Stricken with dread the preacher asked, "What evil has befallen you?"

She pointed down the road and wept, "Turn right at the fork…"

Slapping the reigns the hooves of the saddler was put to a gallop. He followed her instructions, came up a ridge and found a small village in ruins. Many corpses lay riddled about with viscera and entrails strewn all over. Those who lived were either clinging desperately for life or mourning over their fallen comrades. The signs were simple, it was a massacre, but by whom?

Lorenzo assisted in the best ways he could; helping dig a mass grave, fill it with the dead, pray for the living and dedicate the tombs. Those who remained were most grateful for his assistance and soon a meeting with the village leader was arranged.

The leader introduced himself as one Heinrich Mienore who, considering Lorenzo's service already considered him close friend, especially after this slaughter.

"Dear brother,' said Rubini with a heavy heart, 'what has happened to this village?"

Heinrich collapsed on a chair near the table, "A great serpent."

"Such as the ones the pagans worship?"

"Yes, Fanghorn has many animal spirits who for many years seemed to have ignored us, until now."

"This one in particular, was the attack random?"

Heinrich hid his eyes behind a sheathe of unkempt hair then reset them towards Lorenzo's, "No, this serpent has forced service upon us for many years."

"Forced?"

"Yes, he would ward off all other animal spirits who would seek us harm, or that is what he claimed anyway."

"Did you ever see him protect you from outside forces?"

"No, we grew wary of deceit for he demanded our gold and silver in exchange for his protection. Finally we refused and now this…"

Lorenzo kept his gaze steady and objective, "Suppose you he should return?"

"Undoubtedly, for now I see that the gold and silver were to only protect us from him."

The good priest then requested a quill and paper and began writing the pertinent details to the events down and informed, "Your people are in luck, for I worship a God who does not walk down such paths and am His messenger. If you have a courier to spare, run this letter to the city of Hebruhm and an army of the Lord shall be dispatched to assist you."

Heinrich protested, "The gesture is more than deserving Father, but we have no way of repaying this kindness."

Lorenzo waived him down, "Just as the Lord shall give freely, so shall his servants give freely too."

Upon finishing the transcript Lorenzo inquired, "This devil's serpent, does it have a name?"

"Yes, Terusilan."

Lorenzo finished the letter, sealed with wax and imprinted it with his ring which bore the sacred symbol to guarantee authenticity. A young man was selected to be the bearer of the letter and was even sent out on Rapigro for he had the stamina of many steeds. Once sent off Lorenzo was bidden to stay in the house of one of the deceased which he accepted gladly.

The night came and before he retired to bed, he prayed to the Lord to protect the village from this awful power. Yet even though he perceived all to be well in the near future a restlessness stirred within his bosom. He washed his face in a cask and as he began wiping down he heard a slight weep that ran his blood cold and stopped him immediately.

He listened harder and heard what sounded as a poor soul in the woods, possibly another survivor of the attack! Snatching the lantern, for current lighting conditions were not acceptable to his eyes, he rushed out while waiving it around to dispel the darkness. The gentle and faint coughs and sobs were coming from within the thicket. Shaking at first, Lorenzo said a quick prayer of protection and put all his faith into his stride to find this sufferer.

The first few moments were in vain but then, to his astonishment he beheld white feathers on the ground making a trail. Were the angels guiding him while preserving another?

Nevertheless he followed them until coming to a small gulch. Within the earthen pouch he beheld a tortured figure, gnarled and bruised from an attack and clothed only in small portions of sod and leaf. Rushing to the figure he turned it over when all time stopped in his mind.

It was a woman with beautifully white and fair skin, black hair and slender limbs. She was seriously abused sending Lorenzo into panic stricken grief.

"Signora! Signora! Can you hear my pleas?"

She opened her eyelids just wide enough for Lorenzo to see the radiant sapphire in her eyes before shutting them once more. Wrapping her exposed figure in his robe he began carrying her up the hill while yelling for Heinrich.