"When I boarded their ship, I found slaves manning the oars. One of them was a Therengian, a hunter from my village. He confirmed that Temple Knights were responsible for the attack."

"And where is this witness?"

"I'm afraid we couldn't release him from his shackles, nor anyone else, for that matter."

"By the Saints," uttered Cyric, "what a horrible way to go."

"I made their death quick," said Athgar quietly. "There was no hope for them, so I let out my inner fire. It was a tremendous explosion, I doubt anyone survived."

"Yes," added Natalia, "and it also blew a hole in the hull, that's what sunk it."

"It sounds like it would have burned away to nothing anyway," observed Cyric. "It was regrettable, but at least you're safe."

"We need a place to hide," said Athgar, "at least for a day or two. Lady Arabel is working with the Cunars."

"How do you know?" asked Cyric.

"We went back to her estate. She was waiting there with several Temple Knights. I overheard part of their conversation."

"An unfortunate development," observed Cyric. "We shall have to be careful."

"We?" said Natalia.

"Of course," said Cyric, "I'm a man of my word. I promised I would do what I can, and I intend to keep that promise."

"But the whole Church is against us," she said.

"I doubt it's the whole Church, I suspect, rather, that it is a small minority. The big question will be how many make up that group. If we were to approach the wrong people, it could be trouble. Did you catch anyone's name?"

"Yes, now that you mention it," offered the Therengian. "Someone named Brother Septimus, do you know him?"

"No," admitted Cyric, "but it gives me somewhere to start. In the meantime, we shall put you up here. You'll need a change of clothes, of course. I'm sure we can find something for you."

"And what will you do?" asked Natalia.

"I'm going to go and visit the Archprior of my order and lay out what we know. Don't worry, I won't mention your names."

"And if he refuses to help?" asked Athgar.

"Then I have other options available to me," Cyric said cryptically, "but I must ask you to take no action until you've heard back from me. Can you promise that?"

"Of course," said Natalia.

Cyric looked at Athgar. The Therengian was about to argue the point, but relented, nodding his head.

"Good, then it's settled," the Temple Knight continued.

"When will you see him?" asked Natalia.

"This very evening," said Cyric.

The Archprior

Autumn 1103 SR

Cyric pondered his attire for some time before making the trip. As a Temple Knight, he certainly had the right to wear armour during the performance of his duties, but that might be seen as intimidating to the Archprior, and so he chose, instead, to wear the simple cassock and tabard of his order, leaving his armour and weapons behind.