The Spirit of Wrath

Chapter Three: Into the Sanctum

The Sanctum of Zigildrazia rose high over the entire city. When you stood on top of a rooftop, you could see it from anywhere between the three gates of Zigilus. But it had never dawned on Narcissa how huge it was under she came beneath the shadow of the immense cathedral. The enormous black double doors were more than three times her height. Dozens of statues were on the steeples and towers. They were shaped like posing succubi with huge breasts and wide hips.

Just looking at the temple made Narcissa's heart flutter. "Look at this, Alkela. It is huge!"

"Have you never been here?" asked Garacel.

"Zarana always kept us on a close leash," said Narcissa. "And after we ran away, we were kept out of this district. We weren't well dressed enough."

"It isn't the dressing by which it is determined who can enter," said Garacel. "In any case, stay quiet. And stay close. The Sanctum of Zigildrazia could be dangerous for you. At least, if you are separated from me before, you are well known.

"We'll take the back door." And he began to walk.

Narcissa and Alkela walked behind him, feeling a bit disappointed. She'd wanted to make a grand entrance, but that wouldn't happen now. "Why the back?"

"Mass is in session, I believe," said Garacel. "Though Her Radiance often changes the times and days on a whim."

"Mass?" asked Narcissa. "I remember Zarana never took us there. She said it was for degenerates."

"Yes, well, that remains a matter of perspective," said Garacel as they approached a side door. "I will admit that including exotic dancers may have been going too far.

"Come."

And he rapped on the door. For a moment, he waited. Then the door slid open, and a thin old man looked through. He wore concealing black robes and had wispy graying hair. Garacel somehow looked surprised, even if he had no facial expressions. "Illaryus, I see you still live."

Illaryus cracked a smile that revealed crooked teeth. "Yes, for the moment. However, I'm afraid my days as Battleluster of Zigildrazia are far behind me. Who are these you bring with you?"

"They are Narcissa and Alkela, twin sisters," said Garacel. "These are those I sought. The temple did receive my message, did you not?"

"I did, of course," said Illaryus. "It a pleasure to meet the two of you. I'm Illaryus, the Head Battleluster of Zigildrazia."

"I'm Narcissa, um, aren't you a bit... uh... old?" asked Narcissa. She'd always been told Battlelusters were immensely handsome and beautiful without flaw.

"Yes, well, time catches up with all save Her Radiance," said Illaryus. He turned and motioned for them to follow. "My glory days are behind me, but I can still drive a sword home. As for my age, there are spells to make one's features appear younger, but they are superficial.