Beldan can use him for now.

The Templar Warden stood silently, his eyes staring at a spot on the polished table before Beldan. He must have been aware of how precarious his position was at the moment. The Lord Warden need not fear.

Beldan had already decided to let him live. There could be no public trial for this Templar Knight, he knew far too much about the activities of the High Priest to ever speak to any judge or jury. No, if Sir Werner was arrested he would be have to be charged with church treason, this would place him directly under the jurisdiction of the very men whom he commanded for the past five years. It would be safer to have an assassin visit the Lord Warden sometime after this crisis was over.

“My son, take faith in Xelta and his ways.” Beldan words were smooth and encouraging, “Do not fear, you will find these assassins and the old heretic who fled with them.” Beldan could see the Templar straighten slightly and his eyes lifted to meet the High Priest's. “I'll need your experience and wisdom now more than ever.” Beldan continued reassuring the knight with more encouraging words.

“I won't let you down Your Holiness!” Werner's words were fervent if still slightly hushed. Beldan smiled at him warmly and offered him a drink as they waited. It took several minutes for Master Sergeant Gymble of the Temple Guard and Brother Louis to return to the High Priest's private office and just a little longer to provide the Templar with the name of Winlay's companion.

"Mika Saunders, your Holiness." Brother Louis informed in less than a minute upon arrival. "And yes, you are correct,she was a known associate of Sister Winlay."

"Brother Louis," snapped Beldan "take a pair of guards and bring Sister Winlay here immediately." Brother Louis left the room briefly and Beldan felt a brief moment of satisfaction at how deftly he had handled the situation. The was no need at the moment for either Werner or Master Sergeant Gymble to know that Sister Winlay had spent the night in his bed.

While Brother Louis was away Beldan had Sir Werner brief Gymble on the disaster. Of course no mention was made of the identity of the heretic rescued in the raid, but in all other ways the summery was accurate and complete. The Master Sergeant was Beldan's personal chief of security, but even so there was no need for him to know that particular detail. No one in the room doubted that it would be Gymble's job to report to the High Priest any lack of effort on the Templar's part, but if Sir Werner resented having a Temple guardsman overseeing his efforts he was politically astute enough to keep his reservations to himself. He saluted smartly and nodded in obedient compliance when Beldan ordered Master Sergeant Gymble to assist the Lord Warden and coordinate the Templar's efforts with the church's search for the fugitives.

“Go with Xelta and find those damn heretics.” Beldan sent the two on their way with a final reminder “Don't forget, I want the assassins alive at my feet in chains.”

Only minutes later Brother Louis returned from his assigned task. Two guardsmen at his side but no one else. Beldan felt cold sweat on his brow and the tightness in his chest as he realized there was no sign of Sister Winlay.

"Where by the Seventh Lander is Sister Winlay?"