“Today, we strike at all ends, and burn the blighted roots of this infestation for good. Something long overdue I would think.” Passing by the faith militia, they all saluted at the Bishop’s every glance.

Gardinal stared at the tall, graceful man. Could this nightmare finally be over? Could Celeste finally return home to the temple? Finally, a weight pressing upon him these past weeks seemed to lighten ever so slightly. He had to help.

“I wish to join you.” Gardinal said impulsively. “I wish to be part of this attack.”

Father Shelezan halted, giving Gardinal an uncharacteristically sharp glare. “Absolutely not. Your duties are clear.” The Bishop responded firmly. He stared Gardinal down for a moment before resuming his elegant gait, the long gliding strides and straight back of his aristocratic breeding forcing Gardinal to keep up with him.

“Your Grace, I have been a part of this investigation since the beginning. I believe it is my duty…”

“Your duty is to do as I say.” The Bishop whispered to Gardinal as he looked at the spear of one of the soldiers. This soldier was a woman, wearing the symbol of Feren upon her tabard, several black pins with gold painted weapons on them fastened a red cloak around her shoulders. A Spear-Sister of the Ferenic order? Looking behind the woman, he saw at least a dozen more like her. The Bishop truly had called in more than a few favours for this strike. Shelezan commended the Spear-Sisters for the pristine state of their armaments, then strode away. “Your duty, is to look after her.” The Bishop finally said.

“I have defended her well these past weeks.” Gardinal insisted. “I could prove a valuable resource in this attack. I have faced their Chaos powers before and…”

“Silence.” The Bishop actually snapped. “Do you intend to make these men lose their stomachs?” The old Sherya man nearly hissed at Gardinal. “They can not know what they face today.”

Gardinal looked around at the soldiers nearby, a few daring to glance at the two of them. “Let me help.” Gardinal whispered low, struggling to get closer to the Bishop’s ear. “I can make a difference.”

The Bishop’s gaze bore into Gardinal, the intensity in the old man’s aquamarine eyes bearing every ounce of authority bestowed by his Arrahunya bloodline. “Your duty is of utmost importance. That must always take priority.”

“I agree.” Gardinal responded. “But my duty is safe, and I need to see this through.”

The Bishop stared at him for a long while before nodding. “Fine. You may join my honour guard.” The Bishop once again began to glide away in his long robes and Gardinal had to hustle to catch up. Damn Sherya and their long legs.

“Your honour guard? You mean you are joining the men?” Gardinal asked with concern.

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“I believe that one of the sewer locations we will be storming harbours this Summoner himself. The supposed second in command of their leader X. If he is there, then my ability with the Mother’s light might be invaluable.” The Bishop studied Gardinal then nodded. “As too might yours, Brother Gardinal. A prospective member of the Council of the Pantheon might prove of great use.” His long, slender fingers motioned for Gardinal to follow along.

So he did know. The Bishop and the Golden Hammer were known colleagues, if not exactly friends. Still, the announcement of a new Council member was usually a hushed affair. But if anyone in the kingdom was to be privy to such knowledge, it would be the Bishop of Life Shelezan. The man who had once ruled the kingdom in all but name, and gave it up.

“Come Brother Gardinal, today the Pantheon’s Light cleanses the filth of these heathens.” The Bishop announced, and the soldiers cheered. Gardinal swept his eyes over them all. They didn't even know what they were getting themselves into. He knew how that felt, knew the surprise of combat against powers you couldn't understand. Yet now he would be on the other side, part of the command. Was this how they had felt in the war? His commanders? Sending men to die?

“Brother Gardinal, is that you? What are you doing here?” A vaguely familiar voice pulled Gardinal from his bad memories. Looking up, Gardinal saw him.

“Lord Derenath.” Gardinal said in surprise. “I would ask the same of you?”

The member of the Council of the Pantheon shrugged, quite the sight in his black armour with gold trim. “Father Shelezan over here asked for some support from the Council. Figured I had some free time today.” Derenath flashed a handsome grin, then narrowed his eyes. “Now I may have been drunk, but didn't I say something about you calling me lord?”

“You did?” The Bishop stepped in, no small amount of distaste in his voice. “You know Brother Derenath, titles of nobility are gifts from the True Father himself.” The Bishop gave the man a levelled stare.

“Well, I don't know about your title, ol'Shelezan you, but mine was given to me by an old, dying Sherya man who didn't particularly resemble Seratos.” Derenath chuckled at his own joke then took a swig from his flask. Gardinal had read somewhere that the powers of Loosenyun priests were stronger when inebriated, but did the man really need to be perpetually drunk?

“Brother Derenath.” Gardinal cut in, figuring he might play mediator. “It is well that you are here. Any assistance with these heretics we face shall be highly valued.” Gardinal eyed the Bishop, who simply nodded and walked away.

“Nice one there Brother Gardinal.” Derenath whispered, wrapping a strong, armoured arm around Gardinal's shoulders. “I'll be honest, I haven't the faintest idea how your whole order puts up with a stuffy sort like him.”

The Bishop wasn't terrible. Well, he wasn't when he was in a good mood. Which was rare enough, Gardinal had to admit.

“With the Mother’s patience.” Gardinal reluctantly admitted. That got a deep belly laugh out of Derenath and more than a few looks from the soldiers around them.

“Good man.” He said through his deep chuckles. “It will be good to have you by my side in combat. Have you figured anything out about that shield of yours?” Derenath asked, reaching out to tap the shield on Gardinal's back before apparently thinking better of it and pulling his hand back.

“Not yet, my lord.”

“Well then,” Derenath said with a glint in his eye. “I guess today we'll get to see the thing in action, won't we?”

Gardinal nodded. Today he would see what Jösef Silverarm had left for him, and he prayed it would prove enough. No more having to hide your light away, Your Radiance. Today the Cult would end.