Eastern Torrs Cathedral Catacombs, Eastern Torrs Cathedral, Eastern Torrs, Night.

Star and High Priest Veda Augustine were able to safely return tothe Cathedral with no threats to their safety. Star joined High Priest Augsutine below the Cathedral to find some templars were using the catacombs as their quarters. The templars then greeted their High Priest, 

Templars: May God's blessing be with you, High Priest. You are now free from chains. 

Veda: My children, I thank you for keeping yourselves alive and taking refuge in the house of our Father God. But now I bring you as well Tamaran's envoy and also an ally in our crusade against the Corrvin rule and Patricius Regime. 

Lady Star then steps forward and High Priest Augustine said, 

Veda: Lady Star Fierrio, daughter of Chief Priest Solaris Fierrio has long been visiting us as part of the inter-faith dialogue. Apart from the dialogue, she is here on behalf of the Blade Empire.

Templar 1: The Blade empire? You happen to know a templar of the name Zo Virtue by chance? 

Star: Thank you for having me here friends. And Zo Virtue, one of your compatriots is in my region of Tamaran and has allied with Lord Patriarch Blade. 

Templar 1: Thank the heavens. Our captain is safe and has found a worthy ally. 

Star then continued on, 

Star: At this time, I know there are more of you in hiding but we will be needing all your help. You see, we need more information on the defenses and also your numbers.

Templar 2: Milady, we are unable to leave our hiding places as the Governor of the East is more elusive and dangerous than the other governors your empire was able to topple. Add to it that the governor not only has the backing of Baron Corrvin but also the financial means to buy loyalty off the people. This will be the biggest hurdle that young Lord Patriarch Blade and your other allies may face.

Star was rather surprised that the templars were driven to the point of hopelessness and defeat. She then asked, 

Star: I thought you are all servants of the High Priest, how are you all driven to this point of demoralization? 

Veda then responded on behalf of the templars, 

Veda: You see, Lady Star, I held my tongue when I spoke against how the present governor had favored money to the point that pubs and brothels number more than the temples with your companions who may have some connections to those dens of sin. Some of those brothels were once upon a time, temples dedicated to our God. Don Patricius, upon rising to power as Governor by the graces of Emperor Baron Corrvin, had felt that power and wealth mattered more than the matters of the spirit and soul.

Templar 3: Actually High Priest, there is more to that. 

Veda: Fenix, if you may explain further. 

The templar called Fenix continued on, 

Fenix: Don Patricius was once a merchant who had wanted his businesses to flourish. He used to be one who believed in hard work to get to a station of wealth. His methods would then be one of ruthlessness where for him, there is no space, no quarter for faith as he found it as a farce, a scam if you may.

Star was shocked to hear all this, 

Star: But that is all a lie! Faith with works should be the basis of all good and order... 

Fenix: Lady Star, Don Patricius is a man who has turned his back to the faith and would depend on power and wealth. Seeing this led to his appointment as Governor. Having Corrvin's blessing for lack of a better word gave him license to increase his ruthlessness and persecution for those who will defend the faith. Upon the beginning of the persecutions, we templars have been the shield of the ordained and by association, our numbers dwindled to the point that some have even defected to Don Patricius's side and would rather be bought than to die for the faith.

Star stood there without anything to say. Fenix continued on, 

Fenix: So you see milady, only a few of us remain armed but know that even if we die for the faith, it will all be for naught. This foe of ours will be able to spin the truth for people to remain loyal. This is as if he always had his hand full of food to us who are starving. Either we lick the hand that feeds us to ensure our safety and a tomorrow will still come, or we bite it and the light of our days will end. Should we succeed, it will not be as clean or as easy a victory as the previous liberation of the South and West.

Star then said on behalf of her betrothed, 

Star: We need to end this. I know it will be difficult. Your numbers and ours will not suffice but allow me to say that I have been in a similar situation.

Fenix and High Priest Veda Augustine were surprised as Star pressed on with what she had in mind, 

Star: In the Sacred War that we had days ago, Lord Patriarch's numbers were far less against Huo Lan, a now-exiled Tamaran who wanted both my hand in marriage and my father's post as chief priest. I sided with Lord Patriarch despite the lack of numbers but somehow we succeeded. I know you know the terrain of the East and so does your compatriot. I ask as both an officer of the Blade Empire and as one who is a person of faith, shall you join our crusade to liberate the East?

Fenix pondered along with High Priest Veda Augustine with the decision. Fenix then said, 

Fenix: At this point, I know that our God has taught us never rise our pikes in jest. But this time, it is not for jest. This is for a future that God will approve as he taught that we need to act upon bringing forth change. This may be it. 

Star was pleased with the response from the templars gathered in the catacombs.

High Priest Veda Augustine then asked Star, 

Veda: I recall that you have companions who are dancers. 

Star nodded in agreement High Priest Veda Augustine then asks, 

Veda: Shall they be allies in this as well? I fear that spiritually this will be in conflict of our faith to associate with harlots. 

Star: - angered - With all due respect High Priest Augustine, if you still view them as harlots who are unclean and defile the houses of your God, you need to realize that it was not they who wanted the defilement to occur but by orders of Governor Don Patricius. Let me tell you this, this is a fight beyond cleansing of faith or allowing the dancers and that sector you call harlots remain with their craft. This is a fight to end a regime that only seeks to reinforce corruption of morals and the people. These people you denounce as harlots, let me tell you this, they are people who we both see as those who may have lost their way but are repenting for what their craft may entail. Jinzy and Clara may be viewed as dirty but they go beyond this. They aid us in the Blade Empire to liberate and ensure right will prevail, justice prevails. Is not seeking justice, order and peace the common roots of our faith?

Veda: - nods - You are indeed correct. My apologies as for long we have been looking down upon the dancers and those who work in the entertainment district and our temples which became dens of sin and pleasure. I will assure you the templars will join the dancers, should they agree, in our alliance to liberate the East. 

Star smiled as her plea did not fall upon deaf ears, a plea not only of her own but of her allies.

Minutes later....

Star, High Priest Veda and Templar Fenix would go to the Cathedral Patio to wait for Sayfuro, Jinzy and Clara. They would meet up and exchange their gathered information. Star and the Church members were informed of the plight of the dancers working in the entertainment district. Clara and Jinzy were also informed of how the other brothels were put up, which were actually former temples and churches.

Star had also informed Sayfuro and her dancer allies, 

Star: Friends, we have agreed into an alliance with the Templars. Have the two of you gained allies as well? 

Clara: Lady Star, we have some dancers who are more than willing to join our cause as the pub leader will be the one to shelter them before the liberation may begin. For now, we need to return to Lord Patriarch to inform him of all we have gathered. 

Jinzy: Uhm, Lady Star, I see a templar, are you sure they are okay with...our kind siding with them? 

Star was about to answer but Fenix responded on behalf of the Church, 

Fenix: : Lady Dancer, you need not worry. We do not see you any lower or dirty than what our Church had preached previously. I on behalf of our High Priest would like to seek forgiveness for those attacks from the pulpit. But the times now call for our differences to be set aside, and I know it will be a long road to forgiveness. We have come to the decision that our path to atonement will be through this liberation that our forces must rally behind the Blade Empire.

Clara: Templar, we appreciate your understanding and do know, we will do all and what we can to end this reign. 

Fenix then reaches out his right hand towards Clara, High Priest Veda does the same towards Star. Both women would shake their hands, with Sayfuro and Jinzy witnessing the formation of an alliance between templars representing the Church, and the dancers representing the marginalized and exploited workers, who will throw their lot behind the cause of Lord Patriarch Blade.

Star then relayed to Sayfuro, 

Star: I know this will be taking liberties from the orders of my beloved, but will you tell him to meet us at the Cathedral once he reaches the East? I feel that the Governor may return here to seek reprisal for his failed attempt of capturing us. 

Sayfuro: - nods - Understood milady. 

Jinzy and Clara then began to leave for the slums with Sayfuro behind them.

Little did they know, a scout was able to see Star return to the Cathedral with the High Priest. Not only was this scout the one to see it, but a disciple had seen this too.

Unknown location, Eastern Torrs.

The disciple had returned informing his masters, 

Disciple: Lady Star is in Eastern Torrs. She is alone but in the company of the Cathedral ordained minister and templars. 

Master?: Oh Star, had you gone with me, you could have stayed in Tamaran as royalty. Now you're made to being an errand runner for that imbecile. I can give you better than that fake royal. But now, I got myself a way to win back the good graces of the Governor and Emperor Corrvin. - turns to his lieutenant - we head to the Governor's mansion. Now!

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

The scout was able to return to Governor Don Patricius with good news. 

Scout: Governor, I have spotted a maiden accompanying High Priest Augustine. They are both at the Cathedral 

Don Patricius: - smiles - Like the rats that they are.

Suddenly, someone barged into the mansion. Governor Don Patricius saw the person and said,

Don Patricius: I am surprised that you would show your face here. After your humiliating defeat against the Blades.

Visitor: Listen here! You and I both want the same thing. You want to end the church that opposes your rule. I want the maiden hiding with that High Priest. I can try once more to win the hearts of my former people

Dino Corrvin then entered the room, 

Dino: You sure are confident in your ability, huh, Master Huo Lan? 

Huo Lan: Think of it as we all get what we want. Your brother's rule to still continue. Governor Don Patricius to also remain in power. Myself being chief priest and having Star as my wife by hook or by crook. We all have the same thorn in our sides that we want to remove. If you allow me, I wish to be assigned to the unit that will cut off the Cathedral. Personal reasons and I have my own men who have been loyal to me since the war.

Dino: Since the war which you squandered our men for your humiliation towards your woman and your own people? 

Huo Lan: Take that back you... 

Huo Lan was about to strike at Dino but Don Patricius was stretching his arm to distance the two, 

Don Patricius: Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Relax. We all can use this to our advantage you know. Lord Dino, if you can spare me some men, I can assure you that you need not lift a finger as you will witness what the other 2 moron governors were unable to do." 

Dino can only nod. 

Don Patricius: As for you, Huo Lan. I will allow it. I will ensure you end up with your woman and we end that idiot church and you influence your people that Corrvin is the true just and right leader with the Mandate of your Divine Being. I will keep my end of the bargain and decimate all our common enemies. Agreed?

Huo Lan and Dino looked angrily but saw that they will get what they both wanted should they succeed and shook hands, with Governor Don Patricius's hands above their hands. He adds, 

Don Patricius: And no matter what, win or lose, I will always be seen as the victor and anyone who stands against me will remain and forever be called unworthy and the ones to lose in this. You all must understand that so long as I feed them and clothe these dogs, they will be unable to think for themselves as they are now and forever indebted to me. We just need to ensure that their loyalty will be bought.

Slums, Eastern Torrs Outer area, Eastern Torrs, Morning.

Jinzy: You can't have me leave on my own. What will become of you?

Clara: Jinzy, I have faith in you that you can return here immediately. You and Sayfuro must inform Lord Patriarch of all that we have heard. The dancers will need someone who can protect them and at least with you two safe in Tamaran until the charge, Star and I will hold down the Cathedral and the entertainment district. I will care for Amethyst's child as well while she is at work or resting.

Jinzy still had her doubts but Clara reassured her, 

Clara: Jinzy, I know you may sometimes be a klutz. A bit forward if I may. But these times call for some of us to step beyond ourselves. You've done a lot of that yourself. More so with Liger. Sayfuro is here to help to ensure no harm comes to you. You can also fight off any interloper on your own. Don't discredit yourself. 

Jinzy was teary eyed then said

Jinzy: Please Clara, please be in one piece when we come back for you and Lady Star." 

Clara then hugs her sworn sister

Clara: I will. Don't worry.

Jinzy then wiped the tears from her eyes and exited the slums with Sayfuro to make the journey back to Tamaran. 

That was Chapter 30.

[UPDATE: Chapter 31 will be not be out this coming weekend as per the announcement. This book will be on hiatus. Apologies for the inconvenience but hopefully, more chapters will be written and updated in the foreseeable future]

Keep safe and stay awesome!