ANGEL OF JUSTICE (2014 revised)

Chapter Six.1 - Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Jarron appeared in the Star Chamber's portal and was greeted by a weary smile that betrayed the underlying sadness he saw flicker across Thomas's face. "High Priest Thomas."

"Welcome, Jarron. I have begun invoking the ward and had hoped to see you before I leave. There is a task I wish you to do while I am gone."

Jarron took a seat opposite Thomas. "Whatever you have need of, Thomas, you know I will do to my best ability."

"As always," Thomas stated. "Although I see by the frown on your face the meeting with Van, did not end as you hoped."

"I can understand why he must shut the gates to the citadel, Thomas, but I can not accept abandoning our people to become victims to the slaughter they were coming to the citadel to escape in the first place."

"It is a heavy burden we all must shoulder. I too have questioned my heart and my soul over whether I am doing the right thing in invoking the ancient ward. If we had more time to prepare, things would be different. But the enemy has taken that small luxury from us."

"Surely there is something else we can do, Thomas?"

Thomas shrugged. "I know not, my son. But if you have any ideas, I would hear them."

Jarron shook his head, his blue eyes revealing the hopelessness he felt. "If only I did I would not feel so empty right now."

"Then what I'm to ask of you will occupy your thoughts for some time, I'm sure."

Jarron looked up. "I take it by the use of our private link in the meeting room, there are matters you wish to speak of that are not to be discussed among the other brothers?"

Thomas nodded lightly.

"In what way can I be of assistance?"

"What we speak of must not be repeated to anyone except Lady Eren, since as the Prince's shield and the third part of the Trinity, she is as much a part of this as you."

"Of course, you have my trust, Thomas."

"I have never doubted it. You are the son I've always wished for from the day you were abandoned on the abbey steps, twenty-two years ago. I know some of the other priests are not overly fond of my affection towards you, much less the privileges I have flaunted by initiating you into the Pantheon order. But the others never knew you would be among us, whereas the prophecy had revealed I would receive a gift from the gods. And that you are indeed. Before I go, I wish there to be no secrets between us."

Jarron's frown deepened. "My time in the order has not always been pleasant, but I have no complaints, giving what my alternatives could have been if not for your generosity."

"It is to you, Jarron I leave the daunting task of finding Prince Darric. The goddess Delnor knows of our needs but dallies with the prophecy and his judgement intentionally I am sure. But I wish to know why, to what avail?"

Jarron stared at Thomas with mouth half opened in shock. "Thomas, what you ask is not daunting, it is impossible! Not too mention pushing the boundaries of the gods tolerance."

Thomas shook his head. "It is not altogether impossible, son. I have already spoken with the Death Goddess, Delnor. She has not given any details of Darric's soul quests but said that if successful he will be delivered to the one who went before him. Which has to be Keltin."

Jarron stared with disbelief at the implications of Thomas's plans. "Dealing with the Death Goddess, Thomas? That is insane. What on Aria, were you hoping to achieve exactly?"