章 719: Chapter 719: Darkness and Destruction
The Emperor will face challenges in the future.
Eyes in the darkness have set their sights on him. The servants of the Long Night intend to overthrow him, and the will of destruction is soon to arrive.
Benerro, draped in a red robe, stared intently at Asha Greyjoy. It seemed as if flames danced in the depths of his eyes.
His gaze made Asha slightly uncomfortable, feeling as if she was laid bare before him.
"What darkness?"
"What destruction?"
"What are you talking about? Why not be clearer?"
Asha couldn't understand what this High Priest, who held immense power in Volantis, was trying to convey. Yet, she dared not show her frustration. Benerro's influence among the followers of the Lord of Light was vast. Even the rulers of Volantis feared him, considering him an unseen overlord of the city.
Volantis, the stronghold of the Red Faith, was home to countless slaves who believed in the Lord of Light. Four out of every five people in Volantis were slaves.
The city was divided by the Rhoyne River: the eastern part was inhabited by ancient-blooded nobles, while the west was home to mercenaries, foreigners, slaves, and commoners. Missandei once lived in the lower parts of Volantis as a lowly citizen.
The two parts of the city were connected by a long bridge. Those living to the east of the bridge, the wealthy, feared a slave uprising. Yet, every night, thousands would gather to hear Benerro's sermons.
Even the city's rulers couldn't stop them. Many in the Tiger Cloaks were followers of the Lord of Light, and the rulers couldn't command them to attack the red priests.
Thus, the High Priest's status in Volantis was unparalleled. No one dared to offend him. He was almost like a fourth ruler of the city.
Asha had met the three rulers of Volantis a few days ago, but only Benerro gave her chills.
It wasn't just his cryptic words, but also his piercing gaze that seemed to see through everything. It made Asha feel exposed, and she wanted to turn and flee.
But given his immense influence in the city, she listened intently.
"I have seen the truth in the flames."
Yet, Benerro didn't directly answer Asha's questions. They continued their conversation as they walked through the grand Red Temple.
The temple was magnificent, with its pillars, stairs, arches, domes, and towers all appearing as if carved from a single rock.
From a distance, it resembled the standing Aegon's High Hill. The walls of the temple were a blend of red, yellow, gold, and orange, reminiscent of clouds at dusk.
"The flames do not lie."
"It's different from worshiping false gods in a temple of lies."
They walked along a long corridor, flanked by the Fiery Hand, clad in ornate armor, orange cloaks, and wielding flaming spears. They were the temple's guardians.
Benerro's words seemed to hint at something, as followers of the Lord of Light often criticized the Faith of the Seven, accusing them of worshiping non-existent deities in a temple of deceit.
Asha, however, wasn't a devout follower of the Seven or even the Drowned God. She only prayed when necessary.
"Darkness and destruction."
Benerro paused, and Asha stopped with him.
He then pointed to the end of the corridor, where two Valyrian runes were faintly inscribed on a towering red wall. Beneath the wall was an old cushion.
Asha felt a sudden dizziness as she looked at the runes, as if she was under a spell. But she shook it off, her eyes wide in disbelief.
"What is this?"
She looked at Benerro, seeking answers.
Although she recognized the runes as Valyrian, she couldn't read them. Was it the runes that caused her dizziness?
"They mean darkness and destruction."
Benerro looked at Asha with surprise, as most people couldn't recover so quickly. He then explained.
"This temple appeared alongside the city of Volantis. Initially, this place was a square, and then the temple just emerged."
"No one knows who left these runes."
Benerro wasn't joking. Volantis, the oldest of the Free Cities and the first Valyrian colony, started as a military outpost. There was no mention of the Red Temple in early records. It was as if the grand structure, three times the size of the Great Sept of Baelor, appeared overnight.
"Darkness and destruction."
"The truth lies in two different places."
Benerro sighed deeply.
"When matters here conclude, my emissary, Macoro, will go to King's Landing to reveal the truth to His Majesty, not the woman from Essos."
"As for you,"
Benerro paused, his fiery eyes scanning Asha, making her shiver.
"You bear the mark of a malevolent deity. Someone has set their sights on you."
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