The chapel was very small, perhaps half the size of the room they had just left. As the opening closed behind them and Duncan moved to the other end with the light, Kelson was able to see that the side walls and ceiling were painted with frescoes depicting the lives of various saints. Gold leaf had been used to highlight the paintings, and it caught and reflected what little light there was, making the scenes stand out as though illuminated from within.

Behind the simple altar, the wall had been painted a dark blue, spangled with tiny gilded stars. To the left, a single vigil light hanging from a long chain cast crimson highlights on an ornate ebony crucifix suspended from fine wires, so that it seemed to float against the starry sky. As Duncan lit the candles on the altar, the added illumination was reflected from the highly polished surfaces.

There were two small prie-dieus in the center of the room, and Kelson and Morgan took their places there as Duncan inclined his head toward the altar, then bowed his head in silent meditation.

Morgan put the Lion brooch and vial on the floor between him and Kelson, then slipped his sword from its hangers and laid it quietly on the floor, motioning Kelson to do the same. Morgan doubted that the action was really necessary, but there was no sense taking needless chances. The tradition of coming unarmed into a House of God was an old and strong one. Somewhere, sometime, there had been a good reason.

As Kelson laid his sword on the stone floor, Duncan finished his meditation and joined them.

“I think we should begin,” he said in a low voice, dropping to one knee in front of Morgan and the boy. “Alaric, if you’ll prepare the brooch . . .” He gestured toward the vial.

“Kelson, I’ll start by reciting a short series of prayers at the altar, with you and Alaric giving the responses. You’ll know what they are. Then I’ll come back here and give you a special blessing. After that, I’ll return to the altar and say, Domine, fiat voluntas tua. Lord, let it be done according to Thy will. That will be your cue.”

Morgan wiped down the clasp of the brooch with cleansing liquid and covered it with a piece of protective linen.

“What about me?” he asked, taking Kelson’s left hand and wiping it also, palm and back. “Is there anything I should do besides watch?”

Duncan shook his head. “No. And whatever happens, you mustn’t touch him or attempt to aid him in any way until the reaction has run its course. We’re dealing with enormous levels of power here, and if you interfere, it could kill him—or you.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Any questions, Kelson?”

“No, Father.”

“Very well, then.”