Aftermath

Winlay was lost in her sorrow, and only Beldan's voice seemed to pierce through to her. She wasn't the only one in tears. Across the Cathedral people were wailing and crying. But still Beldan's voice somehow reached every one of them.

"This news came to us from one of the Templar guarding the Oracle. The Cryn navy attacked the ship he was on. Cannons disabled the ship by destroying their mast and then blowing holes in the hull. They boarded the ship, killing most of the sailors and Templar. Only the Oracle and a handfull of our people were taken hostage. They were torchered and beaten for days. When the Oracle passed, our men began a riot in the prison they were held in. Four of our men made it out, but three died on the way."

Winlay pressed her head into Falc's chest, her tears falling onto his robes. He wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her. Grand Templar Baen stepped forward to speak.

"The man was in shock when he arrived late last night. It took us all night and most of this morning to get anything out of him. When he finally told us the entire story, he passed peacefully. Our beloved Oracle is gone, taken from us in a cruel fashion for no reason other than that the Cryn wanted to show us they could. That man's bravery for bringing us the news of the Oracle's death shall always be remembered!"

The Templar in the room began shouting in agreement, some even yelling for the Cryn to be attacked. The Keeper stepped forward and put a hand on Baen's shoulder. Bean nodded and took a step back, giving Xander the floor.

"We have matters to attend to, even if this doesn't seem like the good time. A new Oracle must hold office now, and decide the fate of out people. Lord Beldan, you have served well as High Priest. I nominate you."

"Here here! I second," Called Baen.

"Then without the Abbess here to give her opinion, Xelmar, will you speak for her."

"I third the vote Keeper."

The Keeper nodded and then looked up at Beldan.

"Then it is decided. Lord Beldan, at this moment you are now the new Oracle. Please guide us well through this storm."

Beldan nodded and cleared his throat.

"My children, I elect Falceris as my new High Priest."

The announcement was met with thunderous agreement and Falc flashed a sly smile to Winlay. She would now be his Voice. That meant that until Beldan made her the Seraph, he would be using her night and day for his pleasure. But then Beldan continued.

"Also, in light of this dark time, I am creating a new unit, the Angels. Their leader will be another High level Cleric. Their job will be to travel the country, winning hearts and minds to Xelta. Winlay Grace is serving as the Voice, but her dedication and prowess, I nominate her for the position of Seraph. I will personally see to it that her Angels are recruited quickly if you will support this."

Once more Beldan's announcement was met with agreement. Beldan smiled down at Falceris.

"I am sorry to leave you without a Voice for now Lord Falceris, but Winlay will have other uses. Which reminds me, the golden net will stay with her, as a symbol of her new position."

It was then that Winlay knew for certain. She was free from Falceris's orders, but she was still going to be used as a whore. She was now the Seraph, a "Whore of Xelta." And she couldn't be happier.