Soulfire: Knightfall

Chapter 6

When one accepts a prestigious position in the knights, we are required to show that we are worthy of our newest position. Not by a trial of mind, or body -as we have already proven these things- but of the soul. The test is proctored by a prophet of the Devine who will instruct you on what to do, and your actions during the test, along with the Devine's revelation, will demonstrate to the church and to the knights that one is deserving of such a title.
No one is ever told what to expect. They say that the test is different for everybody. It's possible that I don't even survive the process. The Great Devine is the one who judges the person being tested. He looks into their heart and allows them to pass or fail based on his great will. My faith will be my guide during this test.

    Minutes pass as I wait in the Great Chapel. I try to relax and await the prophet to arrive and initiate the test. My thoughts seem to wonder back and forth over the past several months. The investigation looks pretty straight forward looking at it from an outside perspective. But right now, we barely know what we're dealing with here. Just a few leads.

    A week has passed since I met Vyris at the Mate's Galley. She's off hunting any other leads that she can on the origins, nature, and purpose of the statue. So far, it's been little more than a few glyphs, symbols and an occasional word that manages to get translated into our modern Kel. The only thing we know about it is that it was a collaborative creation for some deranged cult that worshiped powerful magi. We also know that references of something called "Mournal" in various ancient languages on the base of the statue. We have no idea who or what Mournal is.
If I get this promotion, it would definitely be worth investigating further. But If Skye knows something about the statue, or can help us figure out the missing pieces here, then she takes priority. That is, assuming that she's even alive.
I need answers, though. I need to know if I put an innocent woman to death. I need to know if Sema Surik deserved her demise. I won't relent on this investigation until I know the answers I seek, and nothing will stop me from getting them. That's why I'm here. Even if it means loosing my current way of life. Hopefully it won't be so bad...

    What's really concerning about the church's portion of the investigation is that suddenly the council doesn't seem to care about the anomaly any more. When Colin was raving about the end of the world, he made it sound like the council was who put him up to finding this rock and its power. They don't seem to think that it is a threat as of yet. Even if it is not, it's better safe that sorry.

"Sir Keith Shad Cassius of Kalsimor, Knight-Investigator of Purity?" I hear the tired words of a bored priest reciting my full title coming from the direction of the alter. A man in a flawless white robe and hood that covers a portion of his face extend his arm out towards a door at the side of the room. I know that it leads to a small chamber that usually remains locked. It is usually for people in special circumstances to pray and petition the Devine. I will either come out of that room the same man that I am now, die by the Devine's power, or be fully prepared to take on my role of Inquisitor. The suspense just might kill me.

"Thank you, hierarch." I say, then pass him by. It feels odd to be amongst the clergy outside of my armor and also outside of my noble garments. I don the robes of clergymen, as entering the sanctum in apparel of war or apparel of affluence would be sacrilege against the Devine. Thus, my white raiment.

    "Just remember, it will be a test between you and the Devine in here." The prophet says as he follows me to the door. "I will know if you passed the test merely by looking upon you as you exit the room. May God light your path, Sir Cassius."

    I nod and enter through the threshold of the door and enter the room. there's nothing in here. I don't smell, see, taste, hear, or feel anything. It's like being in a void. It's what I imagine nonexistence as being. Every second in here feels like an eternity.