Chapter 26: Judgement
Trishe led us through the Divine Throne until we came to the chapel where I first met the Pope. The upper echelon of the church often met here for important decisions and discussions, using it as a sort of conference room. The massive doors were open allowing us to enter unannounced. Several dozen people milled about, locked in earnest conversations, with the Pope and his attendants seated on the far side beneath the towering sheets of stained glass. The sun shone brightly through the colored display, sending reds, blues, and yellows spinning through the room.
People paused as we entered, turning to stare. Their prying gaze sent chills racing across my spine and down my tail. There was no love in their faces, only blatant condemnation. I took strength in Soltair's presence, quickening my step to keep pace with his confident stride. Trishe remained behind, watching from just outside the doors.
"Soltair, present your slave," the Pope said. I gulped anxiously. In all my interactions with him, the Pope has never been this visibly upset.
"As you wish, Holy One," Soltair said. he stepped aside, allowing the full weight of their attention to rest on me.
I bowed my head as the council of priests silently observed me, intimidated by their presence. Although none of them unleashed their auras, I could feel each of them possessed monstrous amounts of mana.
The realization reminded me of the strange golden light that covered my vision. but before I could ponder it any further, the Pope spoke.
"You have committed grave crimes, slave. Because of your actions, several of our brethren, devout followers of the Divine, are slain. Were it any other case, we would have no choice but to offer you blood to appease the gods."
Hope wormed its way into my heart. Did that mean they wouldn't kill me? I quickly considered the possibilities but came up empty. The idea I wouldn't be fighting for my life had never crossed my mind.
"The Pantheon has declared their will for you to be spared, as unfathomable as it seems. However, we cannot simply overlook your sins. This council has decided that you will be stripped of your luxury and privilege, and forced to live with and like the other slaves. Access to our holy institution of knowledge will be forbidden, as will your presence with our brightest minds at the training grounds."