Elite by Maclaw

Chapter 2

St. Michael's Basilica /Eldoria


Rain poured down in heavy sheets, turning the ground into a muddy quagmire. Under the eaves of the old stone church, Father Ambrose and his son, Victor, stood watching as a group of men hauled crates of food supplies from a carriage into the chapel. Behind the altar lay a hidden staircase, leading to a basement where the food would be stored.

"God bless you," Father Ambrose called to each man as they passed, his voice full of warmth and gratitude despite the cold, wet weather.

Once the supplies were safely stored, Father Ambrose and Victor retreated into the warmth of the church. The two of them knelt in the dimly lit chapel and recited the last line of the Hail Mary before retreating to the priest's private chambers.

Father Ambrose watched Victor closely as they entered the study. The young man had been quiet, his books open in front of him, but it was clear his mind was elsewhere. Ambrose's heart ached at the sight. He had taken Victor in as his son when the boy's mother had died, and he felt a deep, paternal love for him.

*Oh Lord, give me the strength to help him,* Ambrose prayed silently.

"Victor," he began gently, his voice breaking the heavy silence.

Victor looked up, his eyes unfocused at first, then sharpening as he met Ambrose's gaze. "Yes, Father?"

"Do you want to know something?" Ambrose asked, a hint of intrigue in his tone.

Victor nodded, clearly eager for a distraction.

Father Ambrose settled into his chair, drawing in a deep breath. "Let me tell you about our city, about how it all began."

Victor leaned forward, his interest piqued.

"A long time ago," Ambrose began, "this land was little more than wilderness. A small group of missionaries settled here, drawn by a vision of a place where people could live in peace and worship freely. They built the first church with their own hands, but they struggled to sustain themselves. They prayed to God for help, and in His grace, He provided."

Ambrose's voice grew softer, more reverent, as he recounted the tale. "It was then that the Thorntons arrived. They were a wealthy family, but even they needed the support of the government to build a city,that's when the elders came in .

Ambrose sighed deeply. "Corruption has crept in over the years ,Despite everything,God continues to provide for His people. Even now, in the midst of danger and darkness, there is hope."

Ambrose reached out, placing a comforting hand on Victor's shoulder. "Remember, my son, that God has a plan for all of us, even when we cannot see it. Trust in His grace, and we will find our way."

They sat in silence for a moment, the rain still pounding against the windows, but inside the small study, there was a sense of peace and understanding.
**************** ************** ***************

BACK AT THE THRONTONS MANSION.

Maeve wandered through the dimly lit hallways of the Thornton estate, her footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. As she turned a corner, she nearly collided with Emile, who seemed to be waiting for her.

"Ah, the newcomer," Emile remarked, a smile playing on her lips. "Allow me to show you around. It's a large place, easy to get lost."

Maeve hesitated but sensed a genuine offer of kindness and nodded, following Emile.

They strolled through the opulent corridors, Maeve admiring the intricate tapestries and elegant chandeliers that adorned the estate. "This place is stunning," she said, her eyes wide with awe. "I've never seen anything quite like it."