The Eastern Church

Inside, the Cathedral was even more grand than the outside. Dozens of rows of pews led up to a huge altar from which a preacher would speak. On either wall was a massive pipe organ. There were alcoves raised on each wall on either side of the organs for a choir and band to perform music from. Stained glass depictions of Lady Esther lined the back wall, but a few details weren’t exactly...accurate. A nearby nun came up to us.

“Blessings of Lady Esther upon you,” the nun bowed respectfully. Lucille bowed back. “How may I assist you all today?”

“We are the adventurers tasked with being the bodyguards for one of your Clerics,” I said.

“And I’m here with the supplies for the coming ceremony,” said Flora.

“Ah, that is most fortunate. Wait here. I shall go bring Bishop Arlo,” said the nun, walking off.

“So, Lucille. You grew up in a place like this?” I asked.

“Indeed. I spent my teenage years at the Southern Church headquarters in Aedon. Though it is not quite as sublime as this one is, it is the Church where the paladins receive their training,” she said.

“Welcome my children,” said a man, presumably Bishop Arlo, as he was accompanied by the nun from earlier. “I see that both our brave adventurers and our merchant have arrived together. That is most pleasing.”

Arlo was a man who, by Lucille’s account, was 39 years old. He didn’t look a day over twenty. His pure white hair was clearly not from old age, as his skin showed no signs of aging at all, not a single wrinkle. His gentle eyes were a deep amber shade. His robes, while practical, showed off his title and grandeur.

“Yes, Bishop Arlo, it is an honor,” said Lucille, bowing. She glared at the rest of us and we followed along.

“Please, you needn’t force yourselves to adhere to the formalities. I once acted as an adventurer too, after all. I understand how you three must feel in such a place,” he smiled gently.

“Thank you,” I said, put at ease. “When can we meet this Alice girl?”

“All in due time,” he replied. “After tomorrow night’s ceremony, Cleric Alice shall join you. Until then, enjoy the city. We have arranged for you to be granted room at the city’s finest inn. We will also arrange to have the necessary cargo unloaded from you cart, Madame Merchant. You shall receive payment after the ceremony’s conclusion.”

“Um, thank you, Bishop Arlo,” said Flora, nervous in the presence of a big shot.

“If that is all, please leave. We have many preparations to attend to,” said Arlo.

“Thank you for your time, Bishop,” said Lucille, bowing once more before dragging us out of the Cathedral. She let out an exaggerated sigh, clutching her chest. “I was so nervous!”

“Huh!?” I exclaimed, surprised at the outburst from the usually stoic Paladin.

“He’s one of my heroes. I admired him when I was growing up in the Southern Church, though I only met him once, and I doubt he remembers me,” she said.

“Glad to see the whole ‘never meet your heroes’ saying isn’t always true,” I said, patting her on the shoulder. I looked back at the wagon, and sure enough, four priests were busy hauling the cargo in through a side door.

“Flynn! Flynn!” said Sofia, excited. “Magic shop! Let’s goooooo!” She tugged on my sleeve.

“Alright, alright,” I said. “We’ll meet you guys back here in like an hour. Sound good?”

“That’s okay with me,” Said Flora.

“I am certain we shall find something to do,” said Lucille.

“Then it’s settled! Cmoooonnnn,” Sofia pulled me off towards the shop.