Chapter 126: Deadly Night (6)
Alius and Belton, along with about a dozen other priests and over a hundred soldiers, marched through the castle village. The villagers watched from a distance, their expressions wary, and avoided getting too close.
"What are the priests doing so early in the morning?”
"And why does the atmosphere feel... tense?"
The group’s expressions were grim. It was no wonder, considering the fierce battle fought the previous night. They passed through the village, ascended the hill, and arrived at the gates of Grental Castle. Their objective was to persuade the castle’s knights and soldiers to cooperate and uncover evidence proving Hudel’s ties to the cult. The castle gates, however, were firmly shut.
Belton studied the structure and muttered under his breath, "This is odd. There’s no reason for the gates to remain closed at this hour."
Two gatekeepers cautiously peeked over the ramparts above the gate.
One of the priests shouted at them. "In the name of Saisha, open these gates at once! Grental County stands accused of collusion with cultists. Delay any further, and you too will be accused with heresy!"
The priests expected the gatekeepers to panic and comply immediately. Accusations of heresy were a terrifying prospect in the empire. However, the reaction was far from what they anticipated.
“Hah!"
"Filthy pagans!"
The gatekeepers unleashed a barrage of arrows instead.
"What the!”