Twelve
The Tabernacle, Myst City
Among the vast candle-lit halls of The Tabernacle, Gladius sat silently in contemplation; he could feel a cold draft in the halls that night. He sat in his white monk's habit; his weapons and armor were left at the entrance. Weaponry was forbidden in this sanctuary.
A small silver amulet hung around his neck, the shape of a shining sun, a mark of his station as a Purist brother.
He had been praying for Marin's cause, for humility and patience. He felt a degree of shame for his fiery behavior around Umbra in the woods.
He was torn over this case, he harbored an intense hatred of heretics, yet he knew Marin would be heartbroken to see Umbra hang. It didn't seem right to him that Marin favored a maleficus; there were many noble families that would gladly marry their sons to her.
After all, she was a wealthy ward of the most powerful wizard in the city. In her few years in Myst City she earned a popular reputation, she knew the etiquette of the nobility, the healing arts and was a powerful member of Gladius' order- The Golden Sun.
Why she fawned over a ragged, dark heretic made no sense to him, but then again, The Tabernacle was beginning to disillusion him also.
Marin was like a daughter to Gladius. Is Umbra just a part of a rebellious phase she's going through?
In truth Gladius' faith in The Tabernacle had been shaken long before Marin had arrived in Myst City all those years ago.
Hypocrisy and corruption had seeped into the affairs of the faith, but First Cleric Maria seemed blind to it. He held onto the hope that her inaction was due to ignorance rather than collaboration.
Bishops, Priest and Monks at every level were now suspected of accepting bribes to further the questionable interests of their donors.
Time and time again the name 'Medici' appeared during his private sleuthing. That noble family kept the public facade of simply being well-meaning members of the aristocracy, but their aspirations for more money and power were easy to recognize.
Now one of the Medici, the Patriarch's son- Judd Medici was a member of King Pious' inner circle of advisors acting as a liaison for issues concerning the nobility.
Fortunately, the other two advisors, the honorable Militia-Captain Loman and the wise elder Bishop Integra rounded out the council.
When Gladius had tried to warn the King about the Medici or The Tabernacle he was soundly dismissed, much to his frustration. He could tell conspiracy was afoot even if nobody but his fellow Knights would listen.
His deep thought was interrupted as he sensed Marin enter the sanctuary and ushered her over to the pews.
"You smell like booze. You know alcohol is forbidden in The Tabernacle," he scorned her. Lately it seemed to be his default behavior whenever they spoke.
"I was visiting Fletcher," she sighed and sat down next to him.
"I fret for him, but around this time of year he gets like this. It's the sixth anniversary of that incident at Lily Pad Lake. He likely won't ever get over that loss."
Marin had been so preoccupied with Umbra's predicament that she'd totally forgotten.
"The pain of loss leaves the deepest scars" Gladius recited the holy passage from memory. He put a hand on Marin's shoulder. "The Maker won't let an innocent man suffer unjustly," he assured her.
It was of little comfort to Marin. "I was wondering if you could talk to the inquisitors for me."
The inquisitors were performing self-whippings and chanting Holy Scripture that night. Gladius was devout, but he believed such behavior was insane and far too extreme. But he was just a monk and the inquisitors far outranked him.
Gladius had considered appealing to King Pious. But the King rarely involved himself with courtroom matters; he was usually feasting or meeting with his advisors.
"I bet Fletcher offered to break Umbra out of jail," Gladius smirked softly.
"Of course, he did," Marin forced a smile.
The mood quickly saddened again. "You love this boy, don't you?" Gladius spoke softly.
Marin nodded.
"I'll appeal for His holiness, the First Cleric, to be present at the hearing, since this is now a Tabernacle affair," Gladius assured her.
The First Cleric was the voice of The Maker, the highest rank in the Purist faith; her influence was unmatched in Turbulus. Her grace had no love for maleficae but Gladius could push for a conditional release.
Marin crossed herself quickly and marched out of the chambers.
Umbra's case seems so hopeless.
He was obviously a maleficus, but Marin could see into his heart.
Deep down, Umbra was still the odd little boy from Brie whom Marin had shared her first kiss.
She swept her cloak over her shoulder and walked out into the windy night.