Viktor didn’t have an answer when he went downstairs, but he was happy when Nadia grinned at him. “Well, look who decided to dress like a normal person. I love being able to see your arms!”

“My arms?” Viktor stared at the limbs in question, making Nadia laugh as she hugged him. “I feel naked without the longer sleeves of my robe… And you saw everything last night.”

“I did, and you’re not. Your body is used to being covered most of the time. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Viktor watched as her hand glided up his arm before resting inside his sleeve that ended above his shoulder. Nadia continued smiling as she asked. “Would you like to dress like this more often?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t dislike this, but I feel cold…” He frowned when Nadia laughed and gently flicked her forehead, causing her to squeak and stare at him.

“Viktor?”

“That’s what you get for teasing me. Is breakfast ready?” He couldn’t resist smirking as Nadia’s confusion turned to excitement. I hope she never stops acting like this. I won’t know what to do if she does.

“Not yet. I thought we were going to eat in bed. It was going to be so romantic!”

“Beds aren’t meant to be substituted for tables, and I have no intention of making a mess to give vermin the wrong idea…” He kissed her cheek and whispered. “There are many ways to be romantic without making a mess, you know?”

“Maybe, but sometimes you can’t help but get dirty. Like when you were”- Viktor covered her mouth and glared.

“Have you no sense of decorum, Nadia?” She shrugged and gently tugged her face away but continued holding his hand.

“Why should I have decorum when we’re alone? I feel like we’ve talked about this, but I don’t think you’re paying attention.” Viktor shook his head and went to the kitchen, pulling Nadia behind him.

“You’re the one who doesn’t pay attention, you crazy girl.”

Viktor sat in the middle of the graveyard, watching the sky as he pretended to meditate. If they wanted me to stay inside, they should have locked the door and posted guards. He couldn’t stop from looking at the gate leading to the city. It wasn’t large. Viktor could climb it easily when he was a child.

But he’d never been told to stay in one place like this. Would I feel differently if the spirit orbs were still here? He doubted it. Viktor had forgiven Nadia at some point, though he couldn’t figure out when. He didn’t know how he’d react if she decided to keep sacrificing souls to Zug, but that wasn’t his main concern.

Ivan said he’d keep me notified of his progress, yet he hasn’t visited since we got rid of the ghost… What was his name again? Viktor knew Ivan would ask him, and he wanted to make his friend happy, but he couldn’t focus on that man. It was like his mind refused to hold the information for more than a few seconds.

I’ll tell whoever Ivan sends about it. He promised as Nadia sat beside him. “What kind of meditation involves staring into space, Viktor?”

“I’m sure they exist… I’m bored. And I don’t like it. I need to be doing something, not lying around waiting for things to happen!” Nadia giggled, earning an annoyed scowl from Viktor as she stretched out on the grass.

“That might be the silliest thing to complain about. Why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of this?”

“Because that’s not who I am. I like having a schedule, a routine. It helps…” He trailed off and stared at the sky but Nadia poked his cheek.

“It helps?” Viktor sighed, knowing she wouldn’t give up and that he needed to talk about it regardless.

“It helps keep me occupied. I can’t remember ever being given a day where I could do whatever I wanted when I lived with Dmitri. Except for the festivals, but even then I still had chores and practice to do… And it helped me avoid thinking of things I need to forget.”

“Like the man who killed Dmitri?” He nodded.

“And other things. I need to fix whatever’s wrong and find a way to reclaim my duties. I refuse to let one death take everything away from me.”

“That last part sounds good but, Viktor. Isn’t it possible that there’s nothing wrong with you?”

“What?” Is she joking? Viktor stared at her, but Nadia’s face was thoughtful instead of teasing. “How can you say that? I don’t regret what I did!”

Nadia frowned and rolled onto her side so Viktor could only see her back. “I think I know what one of the problems is… Have you noticed we keep having the same conversations?”

“Do we?” I know I talked about some of this with Ivan, but am I really repeating things? Nadia nodded but didn’t turn around.

“It’s like you’re caught in a loop, Viktor… We need to save you from it if we’re going to move forward.”

“And how do you propose we do that?” Viktor felt a small sense of satisfaction at not repeating his stance on causing genocide. He didn’t want to prove Nadia right, but if this was connected to his memories of that man…

Nadia shrugged. “There are a couple of things I’d like to try. Were you thinking about that man when we were in bed?”

“I wasn’t thinking of anything besides you.” How could I think of him when I’m with you? Nadia turned, showing an amused grin as she kissed his cheek.

“That sounds promising… And I wasn’t thinking of that, but I would love to give it a try!” Viktor raised an eyebrow feeling his mouth turn into an amused grin as he looked at her.

“Oh? It’s nice to know the woman I’m living with hasn’t turned into a pervert,” he joked before asking. “So, what did you have in mind then?”

“A mix of training, and investigating!” Viktor blinked. I wasn’t expecting that.

“I’m all for training you, Nadia, but”- She tapped his nose and wagged her finger.

“Not training for me, silly. We need to train you.”

“Me?” She nodded and Viktor shook his head. “What do I need to be trained on? I can use my mana and perform my duties just fine.”

“This isn’t about work, Viktor! You need to learn how to relax. You’re only human, you know. You need to put yourself more into doing things you like, not just what you’re expected to do. Don’t you have any hobbies?”

“I live for my work…” Wait… He smiled when she frowned and asked. “Does gardening count?”

“It does! What do you like to grow, Viktor? Flowers? Vegetables? I’ll gladly go into town to get you some seeds and whatever else you need!”

Viktor chuckled and looked at the sky. “I had a small garden behind our cottage. I used it to grow potatoes, mostly… Hopefully, the carpenters leave it alone.”

“Have you grown anything else?”

“Not really. I tried growing flowers to decorate the Spire once, but I could never get the flowers to bloom. Dmitri told me not to worry too much about it and focus on what I’m good at.”

Would he still tell me to do that? If I do nothing, the best I can hope for is being relocated or banned from the other graveyards. The Life Clerics have already proven they can take care of the dead and the living. And now that Nadia is here, they can just request Father Lena to send a replacement and wait.

Nadia leaned over him, eyes squinting as she glared. “You’re doing it again.”

“I know. I’ll work on it,” Viktor promised as he gently pulled her face to his for a kiss. He didn’t hear the gate open, or the footsteps until someone coughed above them. Nadia sighed as Viktor sat up… and jumped to his feet in shock. “Father Lena?”

He nodded, still looking old enough to be Viktor’s father, with his black turning silver around the temples, to the web of lines circling his blue eyes, hinting at being easily led to laughter. But the newest addition was the neatly-groomed bird that covered his cheeks and chin.

Viktor couldn’t remember seeing that before, and his mind struggled to process this as his leader looked him up and down. “It’s been a long time, Brother… I see you’re doing well.”

Viktor blushed, wishing he was still in his robes as he opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Nadia hugged Viktor’s arm as she bowed. “Greetings, Father Lena. Our apologies for not hearing you sooner.”

How can she sound so calm at a time like this?! Father Lena turned to Nadia and returned the bow. He reached for Nadia’s hand and kissed the top of it, and chuckled. “And you must be Nadia. I’ve heard many things about you, my dear. I’m all for young love, and the Paths know Viktor needs it, but a graveyard is hardly the place for such things. Do you agree?”

Nadia shrugged and said. “The dead shouldn’t be bothered by something that promotes life, Father.”

Viktor didn’t think his face could get hotter without bursting into flame as he shouted. “Nadia!”

“What are you getting so mad about, Viktor? You’re the one who pulled me down. I assumed that’s what you wanted, and you didn’t push me away until Father Lena arrived.” She bowed again to Father Lena who, much to Viktor’s dismay, was watching them with rapt interest as she continued to act like nothing is wrong. “Did you come here because of Viktor’s letter, Father? He’s been waiting to carry out Brother Dmitri’s Final Wish for so long!”

Viktor felt like someone had thrown a bucket of ice water on him. The heat from the embarrassment was nothing compared to the numbing void that now ensnared him. Has he already greeted the other Cleric leaders? How much time do I have before Father Lena decides my fate?

Father Lena’s expression grew solemn as he nodded. “I received the letter about Brother Dmitri’s death a week ago… I’m sorry to hear about his passing. He was a good man.”

He turned to Viktor and placed his hand on top of Viktor’s head, causing the younger cleric to freeze. Is he going to cast a spell on me? It’s his right to punish me as he see’s fit, but… But nothing happened as Father Lena removed his hand a second later. “You’ve been through a lot, Viktor. I’ve been hearing many things about your actions since Brother Dmitri’s death. I’m not pleased to see there was some truth to the tales.”

Viktor nodded, more to remind himself how to move than in response to Father Lena’s words. He knows. Did he come to hear my last words? Father Lena turned to the cottage and said. “We have some time before the others arrive. I wanted to meet with you and see how things stand… You don’t have to don your robes, Brother. But you should clean yourself up. A hot bath will calm your nerves… I’ll help myself to one of your chairs until things get started. You two take your time.”

He didn’t look back even when Viktor asked. “Others?”

I guess that answers one of my questions… What should I do now? I don’t want Nadia to be dragged down with me! Nadia gently hugged Viktor’s arm and hummed. “I like Father Lena. He seems very wise.”

“Is that all you have to say?” She shrugged and leaned her head against his shoulder.

“What else is there to say, Viktor? We know you’re stuck in a loop, and can’t or won’t remember anything about the one you killed… And isn’t it interesting that one of the few who can punish you happens to show up right when we’re talking about our situation?”

Viktor opened his mouth to retort, but stopped himself. If Father Lena had shown up at anytime before this. I would have said it was a coincidence. But now… “Do you… think he’s a fake?”

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“Father Lena? No, he’s human if that’s what you’re worrying about. I don’t know him well enough to know if someone is impersonating him. Is that possible?”

“Anything is possible with enough mana and the proper training…” Viktor shook his head and sighed. “I’m going to make myself explode at this rate… I’m going to do what he says and take a bath. What are you going to do?”

Nadia grinned. “I’d love to take a bath with you”-

“Not going to happen. I can’t focus with you distracting me.” But the thought of sharing a bath with Nadia wasn’t unpleasant.

“You need to stop focusing on things you can’t control, Viktor. We just talked about this, remember?”

“And I have yet to hear anything to help… And I don’t think we should push our luck right now.” Nadia giggled, hugging him before planting herself between Viktor and the cottage, hands clasped behind her back as she bent her knees slightly to look up at him.

“Hay, Viktor?” She said in a sing-song voice. “Did you notice what you just did?”

“No? What are you talking about?” She laughed again, clearing enjoying Viktor’s growing confusion.

“You didn’t give me an order just now. You asked what I wanted, and you also said “our” luck instead of just yours!... You’re starting to get the right idea. Keep it up and we’ll break the loop so much it’ll look like an infinity symbol!”

“That’s even worse than a loop, Nadia.” She shook her head, but stepped toward the gate instead of the cottage. “Nadia?”

“Viktor.” She looked back, wind blowing through her hair as she smiled. “Don’t be afraid of eternity. It’s not the same as being in a loop. I know it seems scary now, but don’t worry. You have everything you need to free yourself. You just need to have the courage to do it. I believe in you, Viktor. Have a good long soak. I’m still sleeping with you, by the way!”

“I know. I want you too.” She couldn’t have said that any louder… I’m sure I’ll get used to it, eventually.

Viktor kept his head high while Forgemaster Ivan, Mother Anya, Father Gregor, and Brother Mikail gathered around the dining table. Nadia sat on Viktor’s right while Father Lena's claimed the head of the table for himself. There were no guards, no demands, not even the basic courtesy of greetings to start the meeting.

Father Lena was not known for wasting time. Instead, he stared at everyone and calmly asked. “Begin.”

No one spoke for several moments, though Ivan did look at Father Gregor to see if he would speak. But it was Mother Anya who spoke. “We have two matters to discuss, and Brother Viktor is… connected to each. I shall start with reports made by one of my clerics to give us a frame to work with… I ask that I’m not interrupted or questioned until I have finished.”

She didn’t look at them, but Ivan quickly nodded while Father Gregor said, “I have no complaints. And I shall speak after Mother Anya with the same conditions in place.”

Ivan nodded, a rare coldness in his expression as he faced Father Lena. “Then I’ll speak after him with the same conditions.” He looked apologetically at Viktor before adding. “Is it proper for Sister Nadia to be here? She won’t be given a turn to speak.”

Nadia frowned and looked at Ivan. “Why not? I helped fight the ghost. Doesn’t that make me a witness?”

Ivan smiled briefly before shaking his head. “Yours and Brother Viktor’s actions against the ghost are not relevant. Only the actions leading to that fight are.” Ivan looked at Brother Mikail and raised an eyebrow while the young Life Cleric. “Which grants this one the right to speak. But his actions are not going to be swept aside, I assure you.”

Father Gregor scowled. “And Brother Viktor’s will be? I understand you two are close, Foregemaster. But that doesn’t mean you get to play favorites. Only one person lost his life, and his killer was never brought to justice.”

The air turned chilly as if a grave was opened prematurely, causing everyone to stare at Father Lena in shock. No one needed to sense mana to understand the threat. Yet Father Lena did nothing more than calmly state. “I believe you are mistaken, Father Gregor. Two people lost their lives, and both deaths are the cause of current events…”

He looked at Brother Mikail with emotionless eyes as he announced. “Brother Mikail will be allowed to speak after Foregemaster Ivan, and Brother Viktor will speak after him. We will question each Brother when they have finished speaking, and there will be no lies in front of me. Is that understood?”

Everyone nodded and Viktor felt Nadia shift closer to him. He turned his head slightly to smile at her and placed a finger against his lips. She nodded, but she didn’t move away from him. The time for soft conversation was over. Father Lena leaned back, allowing the air to return to normal as he nodded to Mother Anya. “You may begin.”

Mother Anya pulled several bundles of paper from her sleeves, and passed them to everyone including Nadia. “Thank you, Father Lena. I shall start by having everyone refresh themselves on how this situation began. Please, take your time and go through them carefully.”

Father Gregor scowled, but Father Lena stared him down. Despite being the oldest cleric, and the most favored by the king, Father Gregor picked up his copy and dutifully began reading. Viktor looked through them, but found nothing that he didn’t already know.

Is she trying to point out without saying that her underling isn’t to blame? She has the right to demand retribution from Brother Mikail for the potential loss of credit. There was little need to involve the Water Clerics from the beginning. Mikail could have used any house he was familiar with to cast the ritual.

Viktor reread enough to keep the basics in mind before looking at Mother Anya. He wasn’t the only one who took that approach, but Nadia continued reading. Mother Anya looked at Father Lena who nodded. They would wait for her to finish. It should have been a comforting sight.

Viktor knew he deserved punishment. And Nadia wouldn’t be allowed to speak, regardless of her role. Viktor looked at Father Gregor, noting the man was staring at Nadia and tapping his finger impationetly. She didn’t look up. Is this a power play? Father Lena took control of the situation, and hasn’t relinquished any of it. Surely, it’s not against the law for Father Lena to do this since he’s the leader of my Path?

Fortunately, Nadia only took a few minutes to finish reading. If she was embarrassed that she was the last one to finish, she gave no sign. Nadia placed her hands on top of her bundle and nodded at Mother Anya. The older woman nodded back and turned to the others.

“I shall now tell you about Sister Mai, the Water Cleric in charge of inspecting the home in question. Sister Mai has been inspecting and purifying homes and other forms of property for over five years. She’s never missed signs of a ghost lingering on a property, though she does sometimes confuse the kind of spirit in her reports. Sister Mai is an excellent cleric and a fine businesswoman. She handled the property with the utmost care and has been unable to sleep due to recent events.”

Mother Anya smiled at Ivan before continuing. “Thanks to the Forgemaster’s discreation. We’ve been able to keep most of the details hidden. But some rumors have leaked… And I refuse to lose Sister Mai to them.”

She looked at Brother Mikail coldly. “I will see reperations for these actions. My Path represents flow, and this has disrupted Sister Mai’s needlessly.”

Mother Anya bowed to Father Lena and neatly folded her hands to brace her chin. “That is all I have to say. You may begin, Father Gregor.”

Father Gregor drew in a sharp breath and rose. “Thank you, Mother Anya. Please, rest assured that Sister Mai will be properly compensated and counsled as well.”

Mother Anya raised an eyebrow but kept her skepticsim under control. Father Gregor looked at Viktor before turning to Father Lena.

“I shall begin with what I know of the two Brothers in question. As, unlike you, Father Lena. I have been around both far longer than anyone else in this room.”

Ivan snorted but Father Lena merely waved for Father Gregor to continue. “Let me be frank. I have nothing but love in my heart for Brother Viktor. I’ve seen how hard he works, and I’m often thinking that he works himself too hard, especially after Brother Dmitri’s death.”

Father Gregor continued to address the room, but Viktor felt like each word was being shoved between his ears and into his heart. “We’re all grieving for him, and the city is a colder place without his guidance… I’m certain Brother Viktor’s pain is still very great, but that does not excuse him for killing Brother Mikail’s older brother, Vlad.”

He shook his head sorrowfully, the picture of a kind grandfather disappointed in a favorite grandchild. Viktor didn’t think he’d ever been angry with Father Gregor. Not at the extant he felt his rage building now. Calm down. You knew he would be like this. You’ve known him for most of your life. Don’t let him get to you now!

Viktor hadn’t realized his hands had formed into fists until Nadia gently placed her hands over his. He stared down at them in shock before turning to her. Nadia mouthed the words, I’m here, and smiled. It would have made Viktor laugh. She can’t speak, but no one said she can’t communicate. When did she get to be so clever?

Viktor nodded, returning Nadia’s smile as he focused on Father Gregor again. The older cleric had continued to sing Viktor’s praises, either not caring about Viktor’s brief diversion or too far gone to notice. But no one missed the moment Father Gregor switched tactics and placed his hand on Mikail’s shoulder.

His tone was the same, still speaking like a beloved grandfather chasitising unruly children. But the words were pleading instead of praise.

“Young Mikail joined us during his twelfth year due to his family’s beliefs. He studies hard every day, and I’ve no doubt he’ll continue to do us all proud! But the death of his brother has affected the boy.” Father Gregor shook his head and held up his hands, as if saying boys will be boys and what can you do.

It made Viktor sick, but he couldn’t decide if he needed to leave the table. It still wasn’t his turn to speak. Father Gregor continued. “I’m not here to claim Brother Mikail is blameless and doesn’t deserved to be punished. The Temple of Life is thorough in our teachings, and he knew he was breaking the law. He’ll tell you himself! I will, of course, obey the law and this council’s desicion.”

Father Gregor bowed to Ivan, but didn’t wait for the Forgemaster to react as he stood behind Mikail and said. “Brother Mikail will pay for his crimes. I swear it by the Paths and on my authority as the leader of the Temple of Life. I end now, not with a plea of mercy. But for understanding. All of us have lost someone dear, the war hasn’t been so long that it’s only disscussed in the history books! Leave Brother Mikail’s fate to me, and I’ll see everything is set to right!”

No one spoke for several moments as Father Gregor resumed his place at the table. Father Lena raised an eyebrow as his lips formed a small smirk before looking at Ivan. “You may begin, Forgemaster.”

Ivan nodded, slowly rising and placing his hands behind his back with his feet spread as he survyed the table. “Apologies, but I am a lover of order and discipline. And so, I shall begin at the heart of this matter.”

He looked at Viktor and smiled sadly before looking at Father Lena. “I shall begin on the day of Brother Dmitir’s death. I too, have several reports that I want everyone to read.”

Ivan nodded at the door, prompting Sister Katya to enter. She didn’t look at them, beyond giving a quick bow before leaving. When did she get here? I wasn’t aware they could invite others. But the size of the documents spoke for themselves. They were thick, even sandwiched between plain leather covers with a series of numbers along the top that meant nothing to Viktor.

I don’t want to open it. He knew. He’d read the report Ivan had brought him over and over again for what felt like hours. Viktor didn’t need the details of Dmitri’s death to remain fresh. They always were. Unlike when Viktor had killed Vlad, Viktor couldn’t forget preparing Brother Dmitri’s body for burial.

He couldn’t forget the way people came to the ceremony, how Ivan and Mother Anya had tried to comfort him. Even Father Gregor had been kind to him that day, and many others. But those days of kindness are gone. If they decide I’m to be executed while that bastard was allowed to walk free…

Viktor wasn’t aware of moving until he heard a couple of soft thuds, and a gasp from Nadia. He blinked, seeing his hand was raised, the space where Ivan had placed the folder containing Brother Dmitri’s death empty. Ivan picked up the folder and turned to Father Lena.

“As you can see. Brother Viktor is still grieving himself… I’ve added notes on his behavior near the end for clarification.” Father Lena nodded, but Viktor only heard a ringing in his ears. He placed his hands under his chin, trying to focus in Ivan’s words. But it felt like he was lost in a fog.

Is this going to accomplish anything? Father Lena can make the same promise that Father Gregor did on my behalf. But is that what I want? How am I going to help Nadia if I’m in prison or worse? What do I do if I can’t break this loop? He didn’t remember closing his eyes.

The darkness didn’t banish the ringing, but it felt nice. He belonged to it as surely as he belonged to anything. The darkness wasn’t something to fear. It was everything else, and Viktor felt no need to open his eyes until he felt a hand on his shoulder. “Brother Viktor, are you still with us?”

Viktor’s eyes snap open, revealing a collection of concerned faces. Nadia, Ivan, Mother Anya, and Father Lena. To the indignant face of Father Gregor, and the fury of Brother Mikail. How long have I…? Father Lena squeezed his shoulder. “It’s your turn to speak, Brother. Unless you wish to question Brother Mikail? It is your right.”

Brother Mikail opened his mouth to protest, but Father Gregor stopped him with a glare. The silent reprimand shouldn’t have made Viktor smile. But it did, and he was glad to see Brother Mikail’s face twist in anger again. “My apologies, Father Lena. But I wasn’t listening.”

Mother Anya nodded knowingly and turned to Father Lena, who hadn’t taken his off Viktor. “You expect Brother Mikail to listen when you didn’t give him that courtesy?”

“I don’t expect him to do anything.” Did I just say that? Viktor thought he heard Nadia sigh, but as it was his turn to speak… He bowed to Ivan. “My apologies for not listening to you, Forgemaster. I meant no disrespect.”

He waited, just as he was certain the others waited to see his next move, but he didn’t look at Mikail even after Ivan had nodded. Instead, Viktor sat up straight and looked out the window. He could see their confusion in the reflections, taste the growing unease as Father Lena squeezed his shoulder again.

“Brother Viktor, it’s your turn to speak.”

“I’m aware, Father.” Was that too brash? Father Lena has done nothing but show me kindness since he arrived. Why am I speaking to him like this? Father Lena’s reflection turned thoughtful as he nodded.

“Are you refusing to speak? You are still bound to answer our questions. You realize this?”

“I understand, Father Lena. But if I say what I wish, then I’m afraid I’ll be wasting everyone’s time.” Father Lena slowly withdrew his hand and said.

“Turn around.” It wasn’t a request, yet Viktor didn’t move until Father Lena continued. “Turn around and face the real world, Brother Viktor. You set yourself on this Path. Now, see it through, for Brother Dmitri’s sake if not your own.”

Viktor turned, looking at Nadia, seeing her love, and… something else for him in her eyes. There’s a game being played, but if she’s the one moving me, then I’m glad to be on her board. He promised himself to ask Nadia about it later, if he wasn’t taken to the Fire Temple in chains.

A part of him wondered if he would let them chain him without a fight. A different part that was growing immediately dismissed the notion. Viktor wasn’t sure which was in control as he opened his mouth.

“Everything I’m about to say has already been said. I repeat myself only because most parties in this room weren’t there.” He nodded at Ivan and continued. “I killed a man because he killed Brother Dmitri. I tracked him down, slew him, and left the body behind. I don’t care about the family he left behind. I don’t care about the pain Brother Mikail is feeling.”

Viktor looked at Mikail then and coldy stated. “When you take a life. You have no right to complain if someone tries to take yours. I don’t care that you want me dead. You’re free to try as often as you wish. But I will defend myself. And you’ll lose.”

He leaned back in his chair and bowed to Father Lena. “That’s all I have to say. I’m ready to answer questions now.”

Nadia buried her face in Viktor’s shoulder, but he didn’t look at her. He waited, eyes flicking from one cleric to the next as they looked at each other. Ivan shook his head and softly broke the silence. “I believe this confirms what I’ve written about him. Do we really need to continue?”

Father Gregor snorted. “Of course not. We all heard him. Brother Viktor has admitted to being a murderer and shows no remorse. There’s no need to waste time. Do your duty, Forgemaster, and lock him up.”

Ivan shrugged and calmly agreed. “I will certainly do my duty, Father Gregor. Kindly keep Brother Mikail in place while I bind his hands.”

The silence stretched while Ivan stood and pulled a rope covered in small silver bells. Their soft jingling was harshly disrupted as Father Gregor stood, blocking Ivan’s way with a glare. “Now wait just a minute, Forgemaster Ivan. What do you think you’re doing?”

Ivan’s expression didn’t change as he held up the rope. “My duty, of course. We have two criminals who just confessed to breaking the law. I trust Father Lena is more than capable in keeping Brother Viktor in place, and I brought enough restraints for both of them. What is it that’s bothering you, old friend?”

Father Gregor coldly growled. “We agreed to leave Brother Mikail’s fate in my hands”-

“No, we didn’t.” Ivan smiled as Mother Anya spoke up again. “You asked us leave his fate to you, but no one has agreed to do so. And besides, Brother Mikail could have killed someone by now if Brother Viktor and Sister Nadia hadn’t performed their duties. Why should a necromancer be allowed to sit amongst friends while the killer is the only one to go to prison?”

She turned to Father Lena, but his face was as blank as a freshly-polished mirror. “Do you consent to leave Brother Mikail to Father Gregor, Father Lena?”

Viktor wasn’t sure what he preferred. If Ivan puts us in the same transport, then… Father Gregor didn’t wait. “Brother Mikail is not a necromancer! There have been plenty of cases where those not belonging to the Paths have”-

Father Lena raised a hand, silencing Father Gregor instantly. Viktor raised an eyebrow and fought the urge to whistle. Was that a spell, or is Father Gregor afraid of Father Lena? He couldn’t imagine why the two would act like this. They’re equal in rank, despite Father Gregor having the king’s ear.

But there was a tension between the two men that Viktor couldn’t decide if he was comftorted by it. Father Lena rested his hand on Viktor’s shoulder and said. “We have their confessions, and a great deal of evidence against Brother Mikail.”

He looked at the younger Life Cleric with pityless eyes. “I’ve never known anyone foolish enough to leave forbidden texts out in the open, especially when two Death Clerics would be able to read them, and understand their contents… You need to instill more common sense into your lessons, Father Gregor. You were the one who assigned this one and his friends to this graveyard. You’re not blameless here.”

He turned to Viktor and softly said. “You will go with Forgemaster Ivan, my Son. You know what you’re duties are, and what the right thing to do is.”

Viktor wasn’t certain of the last part, but he bowed to Father Lena. “As you wish.”

A flicker of emotion rippled across the older man’s face as he squeezed Viktor’s shoulder. “Do not worry for Sister Nadia. I shall oversee her training and help get to the bottom of this. Keep your head high, and do nothing that Brother Dmitri wouldn’t approve of.”

Viktor frowned, but Father Lena had already turned away. There was no risk of Viktor running. He’d been raised on stories about the Leaders of the Paths, and he wasn’t about to give Father Gregor anything else to work with. Nadia hugged Viktor and whispered. “Please!”

He shook his head and raised her hand to his lips. “Obey Father Lena, and remember what I said before.”

She nodded but refused to let go until Ivan had escorted a bound Brother Mikail to the door where two Fire Clerics waited. Ivan left the door open, staring at Viktor until he was in front of him, and pulled out another rope.

“Place your hands behind your back and turn around, my friend.” Viktor has to gently tug Nadia’s arms free, but he does obey. No one says anything as the rope is wrapped securdly around Viktor’s wrists, binding them together, and preventing him from tapping his mana.

Ivan searches Viktor’s robes, but his empty pockets don’t reassure the older man. Nadia tries to follow them out of the room, but Father Lena calls her back. “Do not make this any more difficult for him than it needs to be, Child.”

Viktor doesn’t have the courage to turn around. He doesn’t hear if Nadia responds. A dull throbbing has begun in his skull, and Viktor can only focus on putting one foot in front of the other. He doesn’t know if Mikail is already in the carriage when Ivan opens the door.

Viktor can only see darkness as he’s guided up the steps, and he climbs into its embrace willingly.