The large bronze doors closed behind the hooded figure as he stepped into the cathedral. Atreus stopped for a moment in the narthex to take in the sight. He raised his hand and placed his splayed fingers across his heart as he gave thanks to Verengaard for his safe journey. He had been gone away so long, and the Temple warmed his soul. He passed into the nave and knelt in supplication before the golden disc that hung down from the vaulted ceiling over the transept. Atreus whispered the traditional greeting, but his were more then just words.

“Ego gratias ago thee Verengaard , pro lux lucis meus semita quod regimen meus steps domus.” (I thank the, Verengaard, for lighting my path and guiding my steps.)

“Nos es laetus vos have reverto Atreus , quod sollicitus quid novi vos addo nos in illa turbatus vicis,” (We are delighted you have returned, Atreus, and anxious of what news you bring us in these troubled times,) the deep voice of Prælatus Jovenus replied to Atreus. He stood and approached as Jovenus stepped from the transept chapel out into the cathedral. Atreus knelt again and kissed the ring on the Prelate’s left hand.

“Rise, my son,” Jovenus continued in Vergait. “Let us step into the light of His eyes.”

Prælatus Jovenus led them through the doors of the transept and into the courtyard of the cloister. Bright rays beamed down upon them and bathed the garden in beautiful hues of amber and gold. The flowering plants of the Temple of Sun at Banamyr seemed ever to bloom as Verengaard’s gaze bathed them with his holy gaze.

They walked down the path of smooth stones, past the fountain, to the benches in the eastern part of the garden. Large hedges of hawthorn and boxwood surrounded the benches on three sides and directed all gazes to the bronze sun-dial that was set by a marble reflecting pool. Jovenus sat first then indicated for Atreus to take the seat next to him and begin.

“We were right about Derugar, Prelate” he began. “There hath been no word from the Arch-Druid. His grove hath become a place most dark and dangerous. All manner of flora and fauna doth conspire to keep all out, or all in.”

Prælatus Jovenus nodded and waited for Atreus to continue.

“There is word that even his pupil, the one they call Janus, hath been unable to enter.”

“And what of the Temple of Sun,” Jovenus asked.

A shadow fell across the monk’s face as he looked to the ground. “Overrun and defiled, eminence.”

Prælatus Jovenus slowly stood and walked to the edge of the pool with his arms clasped behind him. He looked up into the face of Verengaard then back to the water in the pool.

“We can't be wrong,” he said. “We have heard the words. The Fire shall burn away the Darkness and banish it to beyond.”

Prælatus Jovenus turned and looked at Atreus. “Rest,” he told him. “Tomorrow you leave again. This time for Caer Talldyr.”