Crusade

“You should be aware that Richard Archeron has a connection to the three dukes of the Sequoia Kingdom,” the pope pointed out, “And with the power he’s shown, it’s quite possible that he has a legendary being or even demigod backing him.”

Having started on this, the cardinal could not back off. “His being an invader from another plane would explain everything.”

The pope opened his eyes, lightly thumbing through the report on the table. After thinking it over for a while, he asked calmly, “The same report will have been sent to the popes of Cerces, Runai, and Lutheris, yes?”

The cardinal dropped to one knee with a thud, “Ah! I… I really didn’t know. This report was… It really was…”

The pope flapped his hands downwards, silencing the cardinal immediately, “Remember, we are servants of the Lord. In front of His glory, we must take responsibility for every word we utter. If you haven’t yet thought it through, go back now and look for me once more when you have come to a decision. Go,...