Eastern Torrs, Noon.

The female Blade Officers, with Sayfuro behind them, had arrived to Eastern Torrs. Sayfuro was quite shocked at the scenery while the women were already meters away from him.

Eastern Torrs was indeed a melting pot of intercultural exchange. Influences from former kingdoms before Corrvin's uprising are still present with Jappon weapons, Aura art pieces. and Branshaldo tapestries sold in the market place. However, slums were also situated near the outskirts. For being an assassin, Sayfuro's emotions are beginning to take effect that for a city of wealth and leisure, poverty is shoved to its outskirts to maintain whatever impurity and mask there lie within.

Upon entering the inner city, Star gestured for her companions to follow her to the East Torrs Cathedral for the regular inter-faith dialogue with the High Priest Veda Augustine. Clara was walking along with full confidence as called upon by their disguise. Jinzy however walked with a bit of apprehension, fearing that she may be exposed at any minute. 

Clara:  - whispers to Jinzy - We have to not be ourselves first. I know it will be hard. For the mission we have, we must act accordingly. 

Star: Friend Jinzy, this will be difficult but do not fret. In time, you will be with Liger upon accomplishing our mission.

East Torrs Cathedral

High Priest Veda Augustine was suddenly freed from his chains, but in his conscience, he felt his temporary respite was borne from a deal with the Devil.

Eastern Torrs Dungeon, Eastern Torrs Tower, Minutes prior to release

Governor Don Patricius had received word that Huo Lan had failed to take over Tamaran. He knew he needed a plan to snuff out the rebels. He approached the cell containing the High Priest and said, 

Don Patricius: Veda Augustine, how goes your day? 

Veda:  - greets coldly - What need do I have in your eyes, impure one? 

Don Patricius: Oh so you call me impure just because for you pulpit chained puppets who speak so strongly against giving these people pleasure and entertainment, that are by the way tangible, your dogs cannot fight with their fists. But anyway, they provided my men and the men of Corrvin with sport and practice in fighting better against the Blade Empire. 

High Priest Augustine is not pleased at this disrespect, but the Governor changed his tone, 

Don Patricius: But 'dear father' I do have a role for you. I will free you and allow you to preach again, just to give these people some semblance of hope. So long as you DO NOT speak out against Lord Corrvin or me. Also, I know you have these inter-faith dialogues with the Tamaran. What I need you to do, given how an ally lost his bid as chief priest, you need to aid us in protecting the Corrvin Regime. Think of it as your so-called god giving you a second chance, to protect your so-called templar mutts and your own pathetic life. In exchange for this, provide me information of the whereabouts of the rebel Blade empire."

High Priest Augustine was aghast at the audacity of the Governor, but at this point, he seems to be the most powerful of all the Governors thus far, claiming to have brought in more jobs and money to the East. Apart from the backing of the Corrvin Empire, he also has his own men and mercenaries whose loyalty is pleased so long as compensation is given. But High Priest Augustine was conflicted by his conscience and dared ask, 

Veda: What if I refuse to play along? My conscience cannot and will not be able to bear the impure acts that you so request should I accede to your demands.

The Eastern Governor laughed at what he saw as a weak attempt of threat, 

Don Patricisu: Good you asked, because I have here some mercenaries who will ensure you say what you need to say. Luckily I got some of your idiot ally's templar gear after slaying them so you best be careful of what you say. But let me repeat myself for the last time, Will you be willing to give to my demands? Think of it, I am giving you a chance to clear your name. To anoint Lord Corrvin's rule as one favored by the Gods to strengthen his public image and clamor so no fool like the Blade Empire will re-try their pathetic attempts to claim this area easily. You save your lives and the lives of your sheep by siding with the most powerful who can clear your name and secure your life. I don't think the Blades will even promise you anything grander, loftier or even safer than what I can give. So what say you?

In his mind, Veda Augustine said, 

Veda: (mind) My God, forgive me for what I am to choose as your servant. I hope in Your mercy that in what I do once I am no longer bound by these chains, I be able to still remain a reliable steward of your Word. 

High Priest Augustine then said, 

Veda: Governor, I accept your demand. To save the people, I must do my part, for God. 

The Governor then gleefully said, 

Don Patricius: I am glad that after all this time of you speaking out against us, you've finally cracked and seen that this 'god' you harp upon is a farce. We can guarantee our own safety so long as we have the means to ensure this and not through some invisible fantastical bywords and sentences. - turns to the guards - Release this man and send him to the Cathedral.

Veda before release wrote some passages to bring with him for the inter-religious dialogue to come that day....

Present day

High Priest Veda Augustine now stood sat in his chambers, expecting company for the usual inter-faith dialogue. Usually, these dialogues would be between the envoy and the High Priest, but as part of the terms of his release, this was to be done with "Templars," Patricus's mercenaries wearing Templar gear that was looted from fallen Templars. Then came the Tamaran contingent, Star and the 2 others entered the chambers and they greeted each other.

Veda: Lady Star, of good tidings and bountiful blessings. What brings you here today? 

Star: We need to speak on the situation. 

She notices the templars moving with unease, 

Star: Is it truly advisable that we continue talks with these... Templars? 

Veda: Gentlemen, if you may? I need to speak with the maiden alone. 

"Templar" 1: No, High Priest. The talks must continue by orders of the governor. As mentioned, this was part of the terms of your relief from captivity.

Star: This is a matter for both chief priest and emissary. No one else is to know of our conversa...

Then the templars began to strike Clara and Jinzy on the midsection with the blunt end of the halberds and restrain them with the halberds nearly choking them. Star was appalled at the scene, 

Star: Explain this High Priest! 

High Priest Veda Augustine came clean

Veda: Look here Lady Star, I was made aware of what occurred in Tamaran. By virtue of that, my people need me. This is why I was released from chains. But what is important is that I must know, are you allied or know the whereabouts of Patriarch Blade? 

The Tamaran was caught off guard with the interrogation, 

StarL Is this a matter of faith? What does this have to do with anything? 

Veda: Answer the question or I may not be able to shepherd my flock!

Star was worried, she could not see any harm befall upon either her newfound allies or the High Priest. 

Star: Yes! Tamaran has allied with the Blade Empire. 

Clara: - shouts - Star, what are you doing? 

Veda: Good, that is all that is needed to be made known. I will turn my back and you will leave.

Star was then given a piece of paper by High Priest Augustine and saw what it said, "Take me with you." 

Star: We shall make our leave... 

But a templar was pointing his halberd at her, 

"Templar" captain: You're all heading to the dungeon. Let your so.... 

Before he finished, the "templar" was knocked dead by Sayfuro coming in. He stabbed the "templar" on the neck and said, 

Sayfuro: Milady, now you make your escape. 

Star then gestured Sayfuro to leave the room first. She told the High Priest and her two companions, 

Star: Close your eyes.

As they did this, Star casted Blinding Flash, which conjured a bright light that momentarily blinded the false templars, releasing their grip on both Jinzy and Clara. After the flash had dissipated, the women fled from the Cathedral along with the High Priest. Sayfuro would be left to dispose of the fake templars. The fake templars' bodies were disposed somewhere outside the Cathedral after Star and the others had left.

Star, Jinzy, Clara and High Priest Augustine were able to flee from the Cathedral unscathed. Sayfuro met up with them thereafter. 

Star: Are you okay High Priest?

Veda: I am fine. Thank God and your Goddess that we have been let free. But what is your business here?

Star: We were sent here by Lord Patriarch Blade to scout on the situation with Eastern Torrs 

Veda: I see. So it is true that the Blade empire has rose from the dead under a new leader. I do apologize, but I wish to offer my information but now that for sure I am once again a fugitive and will not be given anymore mercy by Governor Don Patricius... I can bare some truth from my side. This tyrant will be nothing you have all ever faced. He has soldiers and men who will willingly sell their principles all for compensation and material wealth. He has already turned most of the temples into brothels and pubs. 

Upon the mention of brothels, Jinzy was severely at unease but Clara placed her arm on Jinzy's shoulder to reassure, even as it pained her as well.

Veda: My fellow brothers of the cloth have already been reduced to only me as the only consecrated priest left as the Governor had them killed under the guise of having the priests fight his soldiers unarmed for sport. The governor here is truly demented and must be removed. Sadly, with the backing of the emperor, he is virtually invincible. 

Star: I do understand the gravity Lord Patriarch has faced before this one, but may I ask if you know where the other Templars are, those who were under or are allies of Zo Virtue?

Veda: He lives? 

Star nodded in affirmation. 

Veda: Then all hope is not lost. Some were sadly slain, others are still being hunted down by Dino Corrvin and some ogre-like champion who rampages the town. 

Upon mention of the ogre, they all knew it was Tierria Rizing, the same fiend who injured Pattou. 

Veda: As to where they are hiding, luckily, we have catacombs in the Cathedral. They are hidden there and will love to hear that news. However, this will mean I must return to the Cathedral to face the music.

Star: I shall guard you first in the Cathedral. Jinzy, Clara, you ladies must look into your former dancer troupe companions. 

The two dancers understood and nodded, which then led to High Priest Augustine feeling shame for his statement earlier. Star then told the High Priest, 

Star: Not to worry, these are allies of ours too. We are all wishing and working to end the barbarism and impunity caused by Don Patricius.  - then turns to Sayfuro - Kindly assist our dancer allies. They will need all the security that they can get. 

Sayfuro: Understood Lady Star. 

Before they leave, Lady Star mentioned, 

Star: Once you three are done, we shall gather at the Cathedral steps. Jinzy, Clara, keep the garb on for the meantime. 

The three left for the entertainment district of the region.

Eastern Torrs Governor's Mansion, Eastern Torrs Tower, Eastern Torrs, Night.

Don Patricius: HE'S GONE? HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? 

Governor Don Patricius furiously asked his scout. 

Scout: Sources say that the templars we were able to have as insurance to the High Priest were dispatched accordingly 

Governor Don Patricius: I thought I had him by the neck. I gave him his freedom. Already made him doubt his idiotic god. Now this happens? - motions his other scouts - Find out what happened and have one of you head back to the Cathedral. 

They left but the scout who had made the report was shocked that he was not given an order. Don Patricius then stabbed the scout with his own sword in the chest. 

Don Patricius: Stupid idiot!

Dino returned and saw that Don Patricius was enraged. 

Dino: Hey Governor, mind explaining the ohh..dead body, 

Don Patricius: He is useless anyway. Plus there are more ways to get scouts so long as the price is right and there are a lot of desperate mongrels who are more than willing to sell their souls to ensure we stay in power. So long as we in power feed these people, provide everything for them, they will be indebted to us to do anything for us. Even if it is at the cost of their lives. That gives us the advantage should the Blade empire dare strike us.

Dino: This is why you and Shann are the more dependable governors than those two. 

Don Patricius: Don't you compare me to that oaf and fool! What they lack in numbers and common sense, I have both in spades. But not to worry, Patriarch will be left to survive for Lord Baron to slay him by his own hands.

Chapter 28 folks.

Chapter 29 will be out next weekend. Also, slight lemon warning. Had to give the heads up as early as now. Not too heavy but a slight one. 

Keep safe and stay awesome!