Siege

A simple prayer ceremony had just taken place within the Saint Louis Cathedral, a soft white glow suffusing the eyes of the statue upon the altar. A dozen priests stood up and were bathed in the light, at their lead a surprisingly young man who only looked to be in his twenties.

The youth had a dazzling smile that seemingly brought joy to everyone around him, a holy book in red and black that was bounded by golden chains perched into his armpit. Unlike the other priests, this man’s robes were adorned with red lapels, complementing the red ribbons on his waist and cuffs. This was a cardinal!

Cardinal Martin was a famous existence within the Church of Glory, second only to the pope and widely regarded to be the chosen successor of the papacy. A bulk of the grace from the prayer landed upon...