“At the very top of the church is what is referred to as the Council of Peers. It consists of representatives from each of the six sects. They vote one of their members to become the Primus, the person in charge.”

“Is that for life?”

“No, a five-year term,” continued Cyric, “but the peers are only the representatives of each sect. The real power lies with the Patriarchs, of which there is one of each order, in my case, Saint Mathew. Beneath the Patriarch of each order are two rival organizations. One is the lay brothers, led in each region by an Archprior, the other is the order of Temple Knights, they report to a Grand Master, rather than an Archprior.”

“But surely they’re the same church?”

“You would think so, wouldn’t you,” offered Cyric, “and you’d be right, up to a point. The fact is they still follow the same doctrine, but the Temple Knights must deal with protecting their flock, rather than seeing to their spiritual needs.”

“So the lay brothers preach,” said Athgar, “while the Temple Knights protect.”

“A very succinct, but accurate description,” agreed Cyric.

"Then what is the difference between the Mathews and the Cunars?" asked Athgar.

"My order looks after the poor and injured," offered Cyric, "while the Cunars form the Holy Army."

"Holy Army, I've heard that before."

"Yes, the might of the Church, if you will."

"I thought the Saints preached peace between the races?"

"We do," the brother responded, "but people are still people. It is one thing to say that peace should reign, but quite another for people to actively choose that path. The Church plays the role of peacemaker, stopping the Petty Kingdoms from devolving into war. Think of us as arbitrators, if you like."

"I'm curious," said Natalia. "We were told that the Cunars maintain a large presence in Corassus. Why is that? Surely there are no enemies there?"

Cyric smiled, "In addition to forming the army, they command the fleet. Its main purpose is to ensure the safety of those travelling to the birthplace of our order."

"Your religion confuses me," confessed Athgar. "My people worship the old Gods, and it's much easier to understand. What is this birthplace you speak of?"

"Herani," replied Cyric, "said to be the birthplace of humankind. No one really knows if that's true, of course, but it was definitely where our Church originated. I, for one, would certainly like to see it one day, but I doubt that will happen."

"Why not?" asked Natalia. "Will your order not let you visit?"

A shadow seemed to cross the Temple Knight's face. "It lies in the hands of our enemy," he said at last.

"I didn't think the Church had any enemies," said Natalia.

"Officially, it doesn't," Cyric responded, "though we've been at odds with the Halvarian Empire for years. I fear it won't be long before war erupts once again."

"Again?" said Athgar. "When was the last conflict?"