Vespers stood. “Indeed we do, Supreme Mage. Our apologies for the delays you’ve endured.” Walking quickly, he left the room, the door closing slowly behind him.

China noted the way Drang sighed. He had no time for religion, and even less for religious leaders.

The door burst open.

A large man strode in, dressed in frayed trousers and an old, stained shirt. He was muscled, his head shaven, and reminded China of her brother. This took her by surprise. The last time she’d seen this man he’d had long hair and a filthy beard. His eyes, though, glittered just as brightly as they had that day, decades ago.

Like her brother, Creed’s strides were long, and Vespers had to hurry to keep up.

“Supreme Mage,” said Praetor, “may we present Arch-Canon Damocles Creed.”

Creed stopped before her and bowed quickly.

She bowed in return. “Arch-Canon, so very good to see you again. My sincerest congratulations on your appointment.”

“If the gods will it, I obey,” Creed said. He’d lost his accent since the last time they’d spoken, and his voice was rougher, like he hadn’t used it in a long, long time. “Although Eliza Scorn could not have been happy with your ruling.”

China nodded sadly. “Unfortunately, I just couldn’t allow the Church of the Faceless to be led by someone as flawed as Eliza. In too many instances, she has allowed her personal agenda to interfere with the teachings of the religion I once held so dear to my own heart. If the Church truly is to flourish, then I, and the Grand Mages here with us, firmly believe that it can do so only under the leadership of a new Arch-Canon.”

“I have no love for Eliza Scorn,” Creed said, “but it’s as if she didn’t have any choice but to step aside.”

“I’m sure she understands, wherever she is. And her decision to leave meant that construction could be completed on the Dark Cathedral. Isn’t it a marvel?”

“Its magnificence is only surpassed by the opulence of the High Sanctuary.”

“We live in more enlightened times,” China said. “Our people can worship who, what and how they want to worship, so long as they do so in peace, and obey our laws.”

“A faithful people will always obey the laws of a faithful society,” said Creed.

China smiled. “Quite.”

“Supreme Mage, you must excuse me. I have travelled far, and I am tired, and there are already a hundred people standing at the steps of the Cathedral, waiting for guidance.”

“Of course,” said China. “Your flock needs you.”

He bowed again, and strode quickly away. She waited until he was gone.

“You’re sure about him?” she asked.