Journey to the Citadel of Light

You felt it when you left the domain of The Order. You didn't lose your power, that wouldn't fully happen until you reached The Citadel of Light and were formally divested, but it was weakened. You were now in the land of the Thorns. You'd visited the domain a time or two, usually when a quarry had sought to weaken you by going over the border, not realizing that knights knew when a fellow order passed the line and were usually curious enough to go looking if they weren't expecting them.

Roland of the Thorns had been quite the temptation.

As if summoned by the thought a trio appeared on the horizon, their green banners flowing with the symbol of their order. A laurel of golden thorns surrounding a tree. You waited as they grew close. Giving your mount a reassuring pat. They stopped at a respectful distance.

"Grandmaster Delis, welcome, Grandmaster Tulus sends his regards. I am Knight-Captain Lucius and have been granted the honor of escort. These are my squires." He didn't name them, you knew that the Thorns were a bit more strict on hierarchy. He was trying to be polite, not wasting a Grandmaster's time with the identity of simple squires.

"Thank you Knight-Captain." You accepted the escort, there was no need to step on any toes. Not your lands, not your traditions, not your rules. You'd be setting those soon enough.

The journey went quickly and the conversation was sparse. The squires kept a professional distance and the Knight-Captain took the lead to look out for any possible threats. While there were few who would willingly take on what looked like four knights monsters weren't exactly known for their intelligence. In just a few days you'd reached The Citadel of Light. The Knight-Captain bidding you farewell at the border where two of The Nameless awaited. They said nothing, simply parting and letting you take the lead for the final part of the journey.

The Arch-Priestess was waiting. You'd never met her, you'd once seen a cousin of hers at one of the rare banquets at the Fortress but hadn't spoken with her. Still from what little you did know the Arch-Priestess was a calm and composed woman, a true scholar of the faith, her will unshakable.