A stone paved path led from the plaza towards the cathedral, snaking through the beautifully kept gardens. Weeping willows, cypress trees, yews and poplar trees cast cool shadows on the snaking path, drowning out much of the city’s noise. The ground was covered in dark green moss and patches of flowering clover.
“I never liked this place very much…” Cait muttered as she hastened her steps. “It always make me feel like I’m at a funeral… and like someone is watching me.”
A soft breeze rustled the leaves around them. Nothing broke the solemn silence reigning over the cathedral grounds, it was serene and beautiful. Without many more words spoken, they continued walking until they arrived at the Cathedral of the Sun and the Daughter.
Not a single surface on the outside of the grand structure was just flat stone – every bit of it was covered with sculptures and the like. Detailed shapes of figures and creatures were carved into the walls. The flying buttresses were decorated with statues of serpents coiling around them. Gargoyles decorated the eaves.
While none of the stonework even resembled anything related to the Sun and the Daughter, the rose window depicted her offering a rose to a ray of sunlight.
“I assume that was added later,” Arwen stated with a sour voice, pointing at the beautifully crafted rose window.
Cait nodded. “Yeah, the old window was long destroyed when they added that.” She hesitated. “Besides, I don’t think it’s wise to keep depictions of an Old God around nowadays – there are enough problems around the world anyways.” She paused, stretched her arms with a long sigh, then brushed her hair back in an attempt to seem more proper. “Right, come on. This shouldn’t take too long.” With that said, she walked up the wide steps leading to the grand door of the building.
“I certainly hope so…” Arwen’s voice was but a whisper, carried towards Midhir’s ear with the soft breeze. Her expression was a stiff, diplomatic smile as she followed the enforcer. Had he not known better, he’d think she actively disliked the Sun and the Daughter.
A heavy silence reigned inside the cathedral. The rows of pews were empty, with not a single soul in sight. The interior was just as breath-taking as the exterior of the grand cathedral – the walls were covered with friezes depicting the wars of long-forgotten tribes. Reliquaries were put up against the walls between the half-columns, while the pillars supporting the vaulted ceiling were made to resemble serpentine creatures rising.
“Beautiful…” Midhir absentmindedly breathed out, drawing an odd glance from Arwen, and a scoff from Cait.
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“Isn’t it?” A calm, gentle voice sounded, echoing in the silence and startling them. Arwen gasped, pressing her hand on her heart, while Cait’s head jerked to the side as she whirled around to see the owner of the voice.
It was a man with whitening hair, wearing old, somewhat tattered robes. His youth was clearly behind him as lines appeared around his mouth and on his forehead when he smiled. “My apologies for startling you.”
“Father.” Cait let out a sigh as she shook her head and pressed her palm against her forehead. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.” She paused, then glanced at Midhir and Arwen. “This is Bishop Richard, he tends to the Cathedral grounds, and helps those in need who come here.” She narrowed her eyes. “He also has this weird and disturbing fascination with the Old Faith, so take whatever he says with a few grains of salt.”
Bishop Richard chuckled. “We must respect those who came before us, Cait. We must study them, learn from them, so we do better than them.” His gaze turned to Arwen. “Did I make you uncomfortable, young lady? You needn’t stay inside if you dislike this place quite so much.”
Arwen clenched her jaw. “Then I will wait outside, if that’s alright,” she curtly said before turning around and marching out without a second thought.
He watched her leave with raised brows and parted lips. What had gotten into her? She did seem somewhat uncomfortable since they stepped into the cathedral grounds – even when walking through the gardens, but to just leave like that, and so rudely… A sliver of doubt – a thought that hadn’t crossed his mind since the incident in Bareon gnawed at the back of his mind, demanding attention and consideration.
“It’s not unusual to be disturbed by imagery of the Old Faith.” The bishop shook his head with a wry smile. “Even you are, Cait, so please don’t be angry with the young lady.”
“I’m not angry.” Cait finally stopped watching Arwen. “I’m just thinking.” She then took a deep breath. “This is Midhir Induen, a student of Solus – the girl who left is called Arwen Maloid, his classmate.” She folded her arms. “They’ll help me set up, so let’s get to work.”
The bishop’s expression stiffened for a moment before he nodded. “Of course.” He took a deep breath. “I protest against your decision to involve students in a dangerous matter though.”
Cait rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Please – they’re more than skilled enough.” She extended her hand and wiggled her index finger back and forth. “Give it to me so I can get this over with.”
Bishop Richard’s shoulders dropped as he rummaged through his pockets. A few moments later, he pulled out a piece of folded paper and handed it to her. “Please make sure it’s done correctly. This is important.”
Cait nodded. “I’m well aware, Father. It will be done properly.” She took the folded piece of paper and handed it over to Midhir. A small pouch appeared in her other hand, which she also gave to him. “There are statues of three-eyed serpents coiling around a basin in the locations marked there. You and Arwen are to make sure a crystal from this pouch is placed in each serpent’s third eye. I’ll join you in a bit.”
Midhir nodded, though as he left the cathedral, he couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder. What was Cait talking with the bishop about? She clearly disliked being in the cathedral, so what could be so important for her to spend more time in there?
And why was Arwen so uncomfortable in there?