Chapter 20 – Faith

"An aristocracy?" Reina questioned.

"Officially, yes." Maria stated.

On their way through the city, Maria informed Reina on some of the specifics of this nation.

While technically an aristocracy, the nation of Keston was a theocracy in all but name. It had the largest amount of land out of all the other countries in the world, or at least the countries Reina ever saw on maps. The territories that made it up before Keston became an empire have largely intertwined with one another.

After the fall and death of the imperial family, the nobles that remained vied for power between one another. However, since most of the common people viewed each other as countrymen, no major wars were waged. The various churches, which were heavily spread out in these territories, gained much influence.

Their destination, the palace, was home to the prime minister. It also functioned as a senate hall of sorts. The land-owning nobles would send trusted representatives to act in their stead. Or, they would come themselves and leave their lands in capable hands during important discussions.

Mostly, however, it was competing for favor from the various churches, each of which had a representative in the 'senate'. Since they were the largest sources of magic users, the churches effectively ran the country. Of course, it wasn't like they all agreed on every matter, so there was competition there as well.

Reina couldn't really grasp exactly how this country functioned as it was. Maria didn't spend much time in Keston, so her information wasn't comprehensive. Since it was the largest country—and arguably the strongest—they must be doing something right.

"Is that the palace?" Reina asked, pointing out a rather large building.

Maria shook her head. "That's the Wizard College."

Reina looked over at the wizard. "I thought mages weren't as trusted as priests."

"They aren't, but Keston used to be a mage kingdom about 130 years ago. That was before a Spirit Forger came and introduced the idea of bringing together spirits in a single institution. Or, rather, multiple institutions." Maria explained.

"It's nice to know one of my predecessors helped to form such powerful religious groups." Reina thought blandly.

That was the reason for the church plaques surrounding that statue, and why she'd seen several more statues with various beings around them. One that stood out was the one in front of the Crimson Blade Church. The being next to the Spirit Forger was a knight. Of all the creatures that the forged spirit could become, she didn't think something so relatively plain was possible. That did give her some ideas on what other Forge abilities she could unlock.

Also, it wasn't entirely that Spirit Forger's fault that these religious institutions came to power. The last power base being crippled would leave a vacuum. Truthfully, Reina hadn't seen anything particularly negative about the churches. Them being a sign of the old empire, and thus an enemy to people like Vyrdrun, was enough.

"I'm surprised it's still being used." Reina gestured to the Wizard College. "With so many churches, you'd think all the magical needs are being fulfilled."

"There's so much more a wizard can do with knowledge, experience, and the right spirit contracts, something the gods don't quite allow." Maria added.

"And the people are okay with these mages?"

Maria smirked. "A state-run institution where applicants are verified by trusted members of the government."

"Ah." Reina nodded. With properly vetted mages, the people wouldn't have to worry as much about crazy wizards.

Reina did make it a point to visit the Wizard College some time. If nothing else, she wanted to meet an archmage and see what they were about. Derdir, the Demon Lord, was apparently one. Hopefully, meeting one would give her an idea of what kind of person she was up against.

"We're here." After another 10 minutes of walking, the priest showed them to another large building.

Reina didn't doubt this was the palace used by the imperial family 20 years ago. It was a huge structure, but it didn't look complete. Even without much knowledge of architecture, Reina could see there were parts added on that weren't there originally. Some sections that should have continued on came to an abrupt end.

"Well, if the first Demon Lord attacked here, I'm not surprised there was a lot of damage." Reina surmised.

"Now then," the priest turned to Reina and her party, "if the Gromnar would wait here, we can see about getting you a meeting with the prime minister." One of the guards had run ahead earlier, so their presence wasn't unexpected.

"I thought part of the reason for coming here was so Vyrdrun would be able to move around freely." Reina said, crossing her arms.

"Yes, that's true…" The priest let out. "However, allowing a Gromnar into the palace would be problematic."

Reina could only let out a sigh. She saw the looks the people they passed had given them, but chose to ignore it. A hand on her shoulder caught her attention.

"I'll stay out here with Vyrdrun and the cart. Nothing'll happen." Maria gave her a wink.

With a nod from Vyrdrun, Reina looked back to the priest. "Alright." Before she left, she glanced at Vyrdrun. "We should talk later." She didn't forget what she discussed with Maria before. The timing to talk about it just didn't feel right.

The priest walked toward the palace with Reina, leaving her party with the templars, the guards having left to return to the Adamantine Gate. She already didn't like this place and was beginning to regret coming here, needing to fight the Waves notwithstanding.

The royal knights, for lack of a better term, opened the large doors and allowed them entry. Seeing the size of them, Reina knew there was no physical reason Vyrdrun couldn't have entered as well. That was compounded by the size of the hallway.

The pair walked through the halls before coming to a small meeting room. "Please wait here. I'll see to finding the prime minister."

Just like that, Reina was left alone.

As far as meetings with leaders went, this was the coldest reception. Then again, Savia was the place that summoned her. Of course they were expecting her. And in Lespax, King Tarik was a bit…eccentric, she supposed. There was about the same amount of notice in Lespax and Keston, but Reina could see King Tarik putting whatever he was doing on hold to meet with a hero right away. That was especially true given that their Wave was the next day. Keston still had a few days, if memory served.

Really, Reina didn't want to leave Vyrdrun outside in the capital of a country that hated his kind. Maria being present or not, it wasn't a good feel for her, especially not with those templars waiting around. She really hoped no one tried anything. Vyrdrun felt assured of his safety, but Reina wasn't convinced. He was only 14 years old, after all, and didn't have as much life experience as her. Maria seemed confident as well, which is where Reina placed her trust.

After what felt like forever—though it was likely 15 minutes or so—the door to the room opened. In walked a very well-dressed man with a pair of knights at his back.

"Greetings." The man said with a slight nod of his head. "I am Prime Minister Heiner."

"Reina Suzuki, the Spirit Forger." Reina stood and gave a light bow of her own.

"I welcome you to our country. Please." He gestured to the table and the two of them sat. The knights stationed themselves outside the room and closed the door. "I understand you've come under unusual circumstances. The priest of the Azure Star filled me in on some of the details, but I'd like to know more."

With a nod, Reina began to explain. She told him of how they traveled from Lespax into Gathana and the state the city was in when they arrived. Heiner bristled when she mentioned making a deal with the Gromnar, but otherwise kept his features schooled.

"It's a relief to know you were able to survive your encounter with them." Heiner said with a relieved tone.

Reina folded her hands together. "I see the priest didn't mention this. Vyrdrun, the Gromnar with me, saved my life before."

Heiner nodded. "Very admirable, but highly unexpected."

Reina had to resist the urge to scoff. Instead she asked, "Do you have many encounters with Gromnar."

The prime minster sighed sadly. "I know you are new to our world, so your knowledge is limited. Have you heard of Mist Mountain?"

Reina shook her head.

"It is a place inhabited by humans and Gromnar alike, all of whom are savages. They come from the north to raid and pillage our lands. If not for the churches' templars and priests, I'm sure Keston would be less than half of what it is now."

Admittedly, it did seem like there was a reason for the hatred of Gromnar here. In fact, it probably worsened the idea of getting along with Gromnar, seeing as humans worked with them to do these things.

"What about other tribes?" Reina asked.

"Little better." Heiner shook his head. "Not that many people are willing to try. The general consensus among the churches is to not engage in any diplomacy with them, since they're more likely than not to attack any dignitaries we send."

This was a battle Reina knew she was ill-equipped to fight. Making peace between humans and Gromnar wasn't why she came here. The most urgent thing at the moment was one Gromnar specifically.

"Look, I just want to make sure my friend won't be harmed by any templars, knights, guards, or anyone else." Reina said plainly.

"While I can inform the knights and city guard not to engage with him, I can't speak for anyone else." Heiner said.

Reina was starting to realize how little power the prime minister actually had. The title implied a better sense of control than he was showing. Of course, the churches held more power and sway.

"Then I'll have to make sure he stays safe." Reina concluded before shifting topics. "To better prepare me to fight the Waves, I'd like to visit the different churches here. I'm able to copy the tools they use in their ceremonies to gain power and abilities."

"That may be problematic." Heiner said the word Reina was quickly growing tired of. More like the concept of it, but the feeling remained. "The churches will likely wish you to join them before allowing such a thing."

"You aren't able to issue a decree or something to help.

Heiner shook his head again. "The churches have their own rules for how they conduct themselves."

"I see." Meaning Reina would have to speak with each of them to get what she needed.

"In the meantime, please visit the Cathedral of Unity. The Dragon Hourglass is housed there, so you will be able to register with it to fight against the Waves." Heiner said.

A place where all the different churches and sects could congregate peacefully. Maria gave Reina a short description of the building. Based on what Reina heard so far, it sounded more like a place the churches could discuss topics without the lords and ladies of this country nearby.

"I will wait until after I've spoken with the churches." Reina informed him.

King Tarik's words did give Reina some idea of how to act, especially with people who didn't seem as open to helping her. If she held out on registering, the churches should be more willing to give in to her demands. It was something Reina hoped she wouldn't have to do, especially since she had no real experience in the field of diplomacy and politics. Maria could probably help her out a bit.

"The cathedral is where many ranking members of the churches congregate." Heiner added. "You will be able to discuss your desires with them there."

"Then I'll make sure to visit when I can." Reina offered a non-affirmative to his unsaid request.

~Forging Legends~

The meeting with the prime minster continued on for at least another 20 minutes. During that time, Reina lost more and more respect, both for him and the position he held. Despite her lack of political experience, she was quickly coming to the conclusion that Heiner was more of a figurehead than anything else.

They'd spoken about a few more topics, mostly centered around getting what Reina would need and for her party's well-being. The responses were noncommittal and at times vague. Maria was right. This country really was more of a theocracy than anything else. Even the priest of the Azure Star said this was a "holy nation".

Reina made sure to press the importance of speaking with the various church leaders. To that end, Heiner said he would put forward a request to meet with the high priests and priestesses in the palace. It was the only request he gave a concrete answer to, and even then the meeting would take a day or two to set up.

With the 'meeting' concluded, Reina was escorted back outside the palace gates. There she found a situation she wasn't all that surprised to see.

Like mentioned before, the common people of Keston viewed each other as countrymen first and foremost, even extending beyond the borders of Keston into former imperial territories. Obviously, the farther out one goes, the less powerful the feeling, and it's mutual with those living in those other lands. Those countries were more likely to war with one another or the more 'core' imperial countries. Some band together to fight the more tight-knit imperial countries for one reason or another. But that's a digression.

The churches have their own dogmas that range from complimenting or conflicting with one another. That didn't usually lead to bloodshed, but Maria said it was known to happen. When it did, it usually happened outside the confines of a city, much less the capital. Only extraneous circumstances would bring about conflict in the capital itself.

As such, seeing the templars of the Azure Star lined up in front of another group of templars was within her expectations. The ones without polearms kept their weapons sheathed, but they had their hands ready to draw them.

"Hey, Boss~." Maria casually waved at her, floating next to Vyrdrun and their cart. "I think you're needed over here~."

That was an understatement if Reina ever heard one. As she approached, she noticed the symbols on the new group of templars. It looked to be a purple cloud. Reina had a few ideas on what the name actually was, but a priest bearing that symbol stepped forward.

"Spirit Forger." He held his arms out wide, a crosier held in one hand. "I welcome you to our city. My name is Valais, Bishop of the Violet Storm Church."

"Um, good to meet you." Reina gave a light greeting.

"We would like to invite you to stay at our church during your time here." He offered.

"For what reason do you make this offer?" The Azure Star priest asked before Reina could speak.

The bishop smiled, dropping his arms. "Why, to make the Spirit Forger's stay here more hospitable of course!"

"And not to initiate her into your ranks and bolster your own standing here? I doubt your intentions, bishop." Reina could practically see the animosity between the two clergymen.

"Under the circumstance, I merely thought our church would be more to her liking." The bishop replied.

"This won't go the way you think it will." The priest warned, clutching the amulet around his neck.

"So you say." The bishop continued to smile.

It felt like a fight could break out at any moment. Despite the Violet Storm bishop's demeanor, the templars with him were ready to do battle. The templars of the Azure Star looked to be of the same mind.

"Maria." Reina got closer to the wizard and whispered. "What is their church about?"

"Well, from what I've heard, they have good relations with a few Gromnar tribes…" She offered hesitantly.

That was already the best news she got since arriving here. It also ran counter to what the prime minister implied. "Vyrdrun?" She asked the Gromnar.

"I have heard of this sect." He responded. "While I haven't met any of them in person, it is said they are the only group that don't openly antagonize the tribes they come into contact with."

"Good enough." Reina thought. She walked closer to the two groups of opposing templars. "If we come with you, can you ensure the safety of my party?"

"Of course!" Bishop Valais immediately said. "Even your mage will be allowed." Already, Reina didn't like how this was going. "Despite her chosen path, she is friends with a Gromnar shaman. At the very least, her presence will be tolerated within our halls."

And there was the downside. Gromnar are good, mages are bad.

"I would also like to copy your religious tools for my weapon." Reina added.

In response, Valais took off his amulet and held it in his hand in offering. His crosier was also tilted forward. "Such a thing can only be expected of those of every faith. To aid the Spirit Forger in her entrusted endeavors should be the highest calling, regardless of what can be gained for themselves."

Two things were completely apparent to Reina now. The first was that this church was likely the safest option for her party as a whole. Welcoming for a Gromnar and tolerance for a mage versus disdain for a Gromnar and differing levels of potential tolerance for a mage. Most people probably wouldn't even blink if Vyrdrun was found dead, while Maria being a human would lead to trouble. Combined with the fact that the Violet Storm Church likely wasn't exactly viewed positively would keep them from doing anything to Reina or her party, lest they find themselves on the receiving end of any misfortune.

The second was something Reina was less happy about. This was clearly a political move. Even with her lack of political knowledge, Reina could see it plain as day. This bishop not only offered her exactly what she wanted—leading her to believe her meeting with the prime minster was spied on—but his action would also help in shaming the Azure Star and other churches into helping. It's not like there weren't plenty of ordinary people watching this whole spectacle right now.

"Then we would be more than happy to come with you." Reina adopted her most politically focused expression and spoke.

"Excellent!" The bishop returned his eyes to the Azure Star priest. "I take it we have no further need to discuss the issue?"

The priest ground his teeth together quite audibly. "No, the matter seems to be resolved."

With a wave of his hand, the Azure Star templars eased their stances and backed off. Reina's party passed between them and joined with those from the Violet Storm. Together, they walked through the city.

~Forging Legends~

They arrived at the church of the Violet Storm. It wasn't as grand as some of the other churches they neared on the way, but it certainly wasn't run down. The cart was parked and the nipeigh was taken to be fed and watered by one of the acolytes of the church. Reina carried in the egg with them.

They entered the building without much fanfare, though they did gather the attention of all they passed. The lower ranked members were equally divided on looking at Reina, Maria, and Vyrdrun, all for different reasons.

"Brother Rolf." Valais approached one of the members before speaking. "I hereby put you in charge of seeing to our guests' needs.

"Yes, Bishop." Rolf gave a light bow before looking at Maria. "But, that woman…"

"She is a friend of the Gromnar shaman and thus welcome in our church." Valais said kindly, leaving no room for argument.

"Y-Yes, Bishop. I will prepare refreshments immediately." Rolf scurried off, allowing the group of four to enter a room with a rather large door.

Inside was a large bed with an equally large padded mat on the floor. A table with a few chairs around it and a sturdy-looking stool were the only other highlights of the room.

"The high priest is busy at the moment, but I will be able to answer any questions you may have." Bishop Valais said.

"I think we should have a talk." Reina said politely, though she let her intent fill her voice.

Valais smiled at her. "Yes, I believe we should."

They entered the room, each of them taking a chair with Vyrdrun on the stool. Maria's staff and Valais's crosier were leaned against the wooden bedframe, with the dragon egg itself resting on the center of the bed. The three party members looked to the bishop, who kept a peaceful smile on his face.

"So," he began, "let us get the obvious points out of the way."

Reina nodded and folded her hands. "You used me in a political maneuver."

Valais closed his eyes. "I was quite overt in that regard, wasn't I?"

"Any particular reason, other than trying to increase your standing against the other churches?" Reina asked.

Valais looked over to Vyrdrun and gestured to him. "I wished to know why a Gromnar shaman came through the Adamantine Gate, in the presence of the Spirit Forger no less."

Reina looked to him as well. She let out a sigh and lowered her head. "I…wanted to know that too. You said you were a nomad, but with what I know about shamans now…"

It still didn't feel like the time or the place to talk about something like this. Whatever happened was something private and shouldn't be discussed—

"My tribe was slaughtered by humans." Vyrdrun spoke in an even tone.

Reina tightened her knitted fingers. It was as bad as she assumed it was.

"How did it happen?" The bishop asked, seemingly uncaring about what the event meant to Vyrdrun.

Reina wanted to speak out and chastise him, but Vyrdrun went on with his explanation. "We just warred with another tribe and emerged victorious. Our numbers were reduced, even with those we defeated and allowed to join our tribe. Our shaman, my master, was killed in the fighting, but theirs survived and was to become my new mentor. To aid in recovery and treatment, I went with one of our warriors to a nearby glade for ingredients the next day. When we returned, hundreds of humans were attacking."

Reina swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat.

"I wanted to fight, but the warrior told me to hide. I did what I was told and went to a cave to wait for the battle to be over. Night came, but no one came to the cave to retrieve me. When I went back, I saw only the burned remains of my tribesmen and the homes we lived in.

"With nothing left for me there, I took what possessions I would need and set off." Vyrdrun concluded his story.

"I see." Valais nodded. "The humans knew your tribes were fighting."

"They caused the conflict." Vyrdrun corrected. "We were visited a week before by a group of humans wanting help to attack that tribe. There was some resource they wanted to mine out of the earth, copper I believe was said. It was close to their village and the Gromnar didn't want to let them."

"Copper." Reina hissed. "They killed two tribes of Gromnar for copper?"

If it was gold, Reina could understand the greed. Maybe even silver. But copper? It would need to be a huge vein to justify doing something like that.

"It doesn't take much for humans to want to kill Gromnar, especially in this country." The bishop lamented. "Where was your tribe located?"

"Barad Galegal."

"A country just outside Keston, close to Savia. I'm not surprised at all." Valais nodded.

Reina unknotted her hands and reached over, placing one on top on Vyrdrun's. "I'm so sorry that happened to you."

"It's not your fault." He simply said.

"No, but that doesn't mean I can't have sympathy for you." Reina responded.

She couldn't imagine losing everyone she knew over something as simple money, and what might be a small amount at that. In a way, it felt even worse for him. Gromnar lived shorter lives. That meant he lost the smaller amount of time he had to be with them.

"If it would help, I can send someone to look into the matter." Valais offered. "Perhaps we can find who is responsible. Any retribution, unfortunately, would be up to you."

"Oh~?" Maria gazed at the bishop. "You'll send one of your shimmers for it?"

"Shimmers?" Reina asked. "Savia's secret service agents?"

She remembered what she heard from her old party about them. It was hard to forget. Derdir snapped his arm and threw him to the waiting maws of his monster army.

"They are originally from the Keston Empire." Valais said. "Many stayed within the core territories, but some joined the other nations. If a country was once occupied by Keston, there's a decent chance shimmers work for whoever is in charge there now."

That could have been who was spying on her meeting with the prime minister. The shimmer she saw before was invisible at first. It was also possible that one was following her for the Demon Lord, though at a distance beyond what Vyrdrun could sense.

"But in answer to your question, yes." Valais told Maria. "We have a few in our employ. To help the Spirit Forger, one can be dispatched for this task."

Reina could practically hear the expectation of reimbursement in the bishop's voice. Still, this was for Vyrdrun, the man who saved her life and became her first true companion.

"If that's what Vyrdrun wants." Reina let him decide.

"My tribe is gone now. Vengeance will not bring them back." Vyrdrun stated with some hesitation in his voice. "However, if it means the same thing won't be repeated against more tribes, then those responsible should face judgement."

A conflicting feeling entered Reina's mind from Vyrdrun's response. It wasn't that she wanted him to be filled with thoughts of vengeance or anything like that. It had more to do with the likely reason why he wasn't, what he went through to become a shaman in the first place.

Valais smiled. "I'll have a shimmer dispatched then."

After they were found, the question would become how they'd handle things. Reina doubted she could just go up to whoever was responsible and accuse them of murder. Gromnar were savages to humans, after all. That was for later.

"With that settled, I want to copy whatever items you have that I can use." Reina moved on to the next topic. "I also want to know more about the churches and their beliefs. It'll help for when I speak with them."

Maria gave her an overview before, but a more in-depth explanation would be better. Sure, it would be colored by this church's teachings, but any bit would help.

"Once the high priest is available, we can set about getting what you need." Valais said, gesturing to the crosier against the bed. "As for the churches, there are four that hold the most sway out of them all. The Azure Star, the Golden Hammer, the Evergreen Sickle, and…"

~Forging Legends~

Mark had done it. He'd really done it!

Raised in the church of the Crimson Blade, he worked tirelessly to prove his worth. When he showed potential for magic at the age of 12, he was inducted as an acolyte and granted his first spell. When he demonstrated his martial skill, he was trained in the art of the sword at 14. When he showed his valor in fending off monsters to protect a wounded citizen, he was taken as a squire to one of the templars at 15. Now, at a mere 18 years of age, he was to join the ranks of the templars, his loyalty having paid off.

No one in his order had ever achieved this rank at his age. Even more than that, no one of his heritage attained the rank of templar in this church. That wasn't to say only nobles were templars in the Crimson Blade. There were a few commoners who showed the same valor as him, but none were bastards abandoned at the church. He never knew his father, and could barely remember his mother's face.

Mark wasn't resentful for what she did. If anything, he was grateful. He didn't know what her circumstances were or what she went through. This may very well have been the best option she had for him. Considering where he found himself, he would agree.

He straightened out his armor and sword as he steeled his nerves. Tomorrow would be the last day he wore this armor, before he was anointed and presented with the armor and blade of a templar. Gently, he knocked at the door he stood in front of.

"Enter." The voice on the other side called out.

Pushing open the door, Mark found himself in the private quarters of the high priest of the Crimson Blade.

"Your Grace." Mark crossed an arm over his chest and gave a bow. "Thank you for inviting me."

"Please rise, Sir Mark." The high priest said from behind his desk, placing a quill down.

"Sir!" Mark had to hold back his glee at his soon-to-be-title.

Doing as he was told, Mark stood tall, pushing his red locks from his face. With an indication from the high priest, Mark closed the door and stepped further into the room. He sat in a chair opposite of the high priest, who smiled warmly at him.

"You've come a long way, Sir Mark." The high priest said in a fatherly tone, letting his hand run over a small statue of a red knight on his desk. The ring on his finger seemed to shine in the candlelight of the room. "When I first met you, you were a small boy, barely a year old. Look at what you've accomplished."

"I have your guidance to thank, Your Grace." Mark bowed again in his seat.

"You've demonstrated utmost loyalty to the church, stood steadfast against temptation, and showed valor time and again when called upon." The high priest held a hand to his chest. "I couldn't be more proud of you."

"Y-You are too kind, Your Grace." Mark could barely contain himself at his father-figure's praise.

"There is one matter we must discuss, however." The high priest's tone became somber.

"Is there something wrong?" Mark asked, worry filling him. "Have I committed some sin?"

"You've done nothing wrong, my son." The high priest assured him. "But for you, I have one final test before you enter into our church's templar order."

Mark didn't know what kind of test he needed to complete, but he was sure he'd pass it. He'd worked hard to get where he was now. He wouldn't fail the high priest.

BANG BANG BANG BANG!

At the abrupt and violent slamming on the heavy door, Mark jumped to his feet and drew his sword. No one in the order would knock like that. He didn't know who it was, but they were certainly trouble.

"Calm yourself, Sir Mark." The high priest lightly chastised, rising from his seat. "Your test giver has just arrived."

Mark lowered his weapon as the high priest slowly walked to the door. He pulled it open, revealing a man with long, black hair wearing a long, black coat. What pulled Mark's attention was the piercing golden eyes that seemed to stare right into him.

"Ah, Lord Derdir. It's good to see you again." The high priest said in greeting.

"Hm." The man grunted in response, easily stepping into the room. The high priest looked into the hall and then closed the door behind him. "This is him?"

"Yes." The high priest gestured to Mark, who sheathed his blade. "Sir Mark, who was left here 17 years ago."

The man, Lord Derdir, walked over to him and gave an appraising look. "I see." He said, slightly tilting his head as his eyes passed over Mark's head.

"High Priest?" Mark looked to his father-figure. "Is there something I should be doing?"

"No, my son." The high priest shook his head. "This test requires nothing from you. He is merely looking at your inner qualities."

"A mage?" Mark thought. Though not on entirely friendly terms with mages as a whole, their order has worked with members of the Wizard College often in the past.

Lord Derdir reached into his coat and pulled a violet gem attached to a thin chain. He held it up to Mark, the gemstone shining brightly. Nodding, Lord Derdir returned the gem to his coat.

"He's the one." Lord Derdir stated to the high priest.

"I see." The high priest let out a sigh.

"High Priest?" Mark questioned. "Did I pass the—"

The wind was knocked from his lungs. Mark stood still, not quite grasping what just happened. His eyes moved back to Lord Derdir, trailing down the man's face to his shoulder, then his arm. Mark's vision continued on until he was looking at his own armor-covered chest.

Lord Derdir's hand was stuck inside his chest.

"I'm sorry, my son." The high priest's voice sounded muffled. "You passed the test."

Lord Derdir removed his hand. Mark could see it as he lost his balance and fell to the ground. His hand took on the shape of a claw, completely covered in black scales.

"You've done well, High Priest." Lord Derdir's voice sounded off as well. Mark could barely make it out as he lay on the floor, his blood seeping into the rug beneath him.

"Sir Mark was an exceptional young man. Losing him will be quite the loss."

"You will be heavily compensated for your loyalty."

"I thank you for your generosity, Lord Derdir."

The words began to lose all meaning. He tried to look up at the pair through his mess of red hair, but his vision began to fade. The noise around him finally ceased.

Up until his last moment of consciousness, Mark only wondered what he did wrong.

Author's Notes:

Well, now, really. Anyone who's read my other fic knows I kill characters by the barrel full. (That's the reputation I seemed to have gotten on the Shield Hero server, at any rate.)

A bit fast paced, I know. I didn't get to the scene I wanted to. If I did, it would have been even more rushed. It should be next chapter though, and the set up for the rest of next chapter works well here.

Instead, I got to flesh out Keston and the churches a bit more. Admittedly, I hadn't given them much thought before. I had a few ideas, came up with a few more recently, and I think it worked out well.