"Let me introduce Brother Renaldo of the Temple of Saint Ansgar. These are his men," he swept his arms wide to indicate the blue and white-clad knights.

"Saint Ansgar?" said Athgar.

"Yes," said Cyric, "the order was formed to investigate corruption and the like within the Church itself. When I took my concerns to the Archprior, he was less than enthusiastic about looking into them, so I decided my best course of action was to contact Brother Renaldo here. Members of his order can be found throughout the kingdom, in virtually every major city. They have broad powers to carry out their duties, and no one is immune from their questions. When I told them of my suspicions, they launched an immediate investigation."

"So all this was for naught?" said Athgar.

"No," said Cyric, "you have revealed the duplicity of Commander Morvus, and for that, the Church will be eternally grateful. They have rounded up his colleagues. The rest of the order has been cooperating fully."

"And that Fire Mage," asked Natalia, "who was he?"

"We were hoping you could shed some light on that," said Brother Renaldo.

"He must have been a Sartellian," offered Athgar, looking to his companion. "He definitely recognized you."

"True, and he certainly knew how to wield fire," admitted Natalia, "and yet I thought they wanted me alive. He didn't appear interested in catching me."

"Perhaps somebody wants you silenced?" suggested Cyric.

"But why?" she asked. "I'm nothing but a peasant girl."

"We may never know," said Cyric, "but you'll have to watch your back from now on. He may not have been working alone."

"I'll look after her," promised Athgar.

"We'll look after each other," corrected Natalia. She took his hand, holding it gently. "What of the slaves?"

"The Cunar slavery ring is broken," said Brother Renaldo, "and I have no doubt that without Commander Morvus, the Church will order the temple fleet to eradicate the pirates that have plagued the coast for so long. They’ll likely attack them from land and sea, hoping to rescue as many slaves as they can to make amends for allowing this tragedy to take place under their very noses. The Pirate Coast will also no longer bear that name."

“So that’s it?” said Athgar. “We’re free to go?”

“You’re in no shape to go anywhere just yet,” warned Natalia.

“Agreed,” said Cyric. “Let us heal you first, my friend, then fit you out with horses and supplies, or would you rather take a ship somewhere?”

“No, thank you,” said Athgar, rather hurriedly, “I’ll keep my feet on solid ground for a while if you don’t mind.”

“What about you?” asked Natalia. “Surely the Archprior won’t look kindly on you going behind his back?”

“I’m sure he won’t,” the temple knight admitted, “so I sent a letter to the Grand Master of my order asking him to move me elsewhere to avoid any repercussions.”