The Scarlet Temple, City of Loedenia
A lone figure kneeled before the shrine. The light of a hundred candles danced on her armor as she whispered her prayers. Prayers for the fallen, prayers for the living, prayers for herself...
The sound of creeping door and a flood of sunlight caused the woman to turn.
" Forgive me sister for disturbing your prayers but a letter arrived from the capital...From the Patriarch." Spoke the man that entered.
"Nothing to forgive dear brother" assured the woman as she stood with a smile. She took the letter opening it...
To Sir Sarah Morgane, Knight-Commander of the Scarlet Order:
We extend to you our apostolic greetings and our thanks that you now, at this war's conclusion, have of your own free will sought the sanction of the One True Church and are prepared to submit an explanation for your actions. You are hereby welcomed to the Capital where you may speak before Us and His Grace, King Brynjar, King of Byrdain and Protector of the Realm. We heartily look forward to your arrival.
His Excellency,
Julius Gadfael
Patriarch of the Church in Byrdain and Chancellor to the King
She looked to her brother " He will meet with me....Tell my honor guard to make ready we must leave at once" she said moving toward the door.
"Sarah wait! You can't go before speaking to father and you will not go without me!"
" Marcus we have gone over this with Daniel's death in the war you are all father will have if I parish on this quest."
"No! I can't sit here knowing you are in danger!"
" Enough! My word is final now to gather my guard!"
Marcus knew more words where worthless so the siblings parted...
Sarah blinked at the light as she walked though the city bows and calls of "my lady" came from all around. She nodded and kept on until she came to her father's house. The ragged man smiled as he saw his little girl embracing her. Sarah returned the love.
" I leave for the capital father" Sarah said.
" Your brother said as much be safe my girl.. and worry for yourself and not for me" her father replied
A sound of horses... The honor guard. "We are ready when you are Ma'am"
Sarah mounted her horse " farewell father and tell Marcus.."
" Of course.." her father said with a knowing smile.
Sarah turned riding off her guard behind. All but one guard... one that first nodded unseen by Sarah to the old man...To his father.