Chapter 23: Fighting the Priests
I backed away as the circle of priests tightened, forcing me back against the cold, unforgiving wall. I was caught between a rock and a hard place, with nowhere to run and no one to rely on. A few of the priests I remembered seeing around the Divine Throne, which itself was remarkable considering the population of over ten thousand.
A sharp metallic ring filled the air as a burly priest drew his sword. A small lump formed in my throat as I stared at the grith of his arms, which dwarfed even my thighs. Priests like him were known as paladins, knights who channeled their magic power to improve their martial abilities and gain an advantage over the enemy.
"May the gods judge your true nature," Davin cried, casting a second-circle spell, "Holy Star!"
The darkness fled as a small sun-like ball of burning fire appeared above his outstretched palm. The priests relaxed, as though bathing in the warm summer sun, but the light sent chills throughout my body. I trembled uncontrollably as it ate away my strength and suppressed my mana. I panicked as the familiar warmth slipped away, grasping at the mana with all my might, but ending up drained and dry. Weakened by the sudden departure, I leaned against the wall for support.
"W-what did you do?" I asked. I tried to keep the tremor from my voice, but the unfamiliar magic put a seed of anxiety deep within me. Selena had never mentioned something like this!
"The light of the Divine punishes only the guilty," the priest said solemnly. "It is time for you to receive retribution for your sins."
I reached for my mana again, grasping desperately but coming up empty. Unable to muster the will to resist, I was grasped by the Paladin and thrown to the ground. The impact shook me, the cold stone of the floor bruising my shoulder. I groaned, looking up to find myself in the middle of their encirclement.
Suddenly, I was in the warehouse again, curled into a ball on the floor. The taunting priests rained kicks and insults onto my trembling body, continuing until I continually cried out in pain. Davin's hard leather boot pried under my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes.
"This is where you belong," he smirked, "In the dust beneath our feet."