Chương 41: Clash Between the Order of Knights and the Priests
"Commander Andros, why do you protect this witch? Have you forgotten the Holy Emperor's divine decree?" Gothard, the Grand Priest perched atop the staircase, stared down at Andros with a chilling gaze tinged with barely concealed hatred.
"I have not forgotten, but the witches referred to in the Holy Emperor's decree are not those outside of humanity. Merfolk and elf mages are not evil forces. How could Miss Seraphine, the esteemed priestess of the Sea God, be equated with witches?" Andros defended with unwavering conviction, which did not prompt the slightest retreat from the Grand Priest. Gothard's lips curled into a dark, cold sneer as he insinuated, "It seems you're quite familiar with her. Are you aware that she's an accomplice of Grayson, the empire's most wanted fugitive?"
"Of course, I am aware. I have met Grayson in person. The marks on my armor were left by him!" Andros puffed out his chest, revealing the cracks on his golden breastplate to Gothard and the surrounding priests.
Gothard glanced over his armor and asked with a sullen expression, "So, where is Grayson now?"
"I do not know, but I trust he's pursuing those who stole the relic. Since Miss Seraphine and Mr. Morven are here, they must know Grayson's whereabouts." Andros turned with an inquisitive look towards Seraphine and Morven.
After hearing the series of events from Seraphine, Andros was taken aback to learn that "Bloodhand" Wystan was the murderer of the High Mage and concerned about the news of Grayson delving into the goblin den with Katheren. Yet, he chose not to display his worry, comforting Seraphine instead, "Grayson is a renowned demon hunter. He will surely rescue the assassin. Once we meet him, we will know the whereabouts of the relic."
"Commander Andros, from what you're saying, are you planning to cooperate with an imperial fugitive instead of bringing him and his accomplices to justice?" Gothard, upon hearing Andros' words, pointed his scepter accusingly from the staircase.
"Grand Priest, you must be aware of the death of the High Mage and the theft of the relic. You should understand that this is not the time to pursue Grayson's crimes!" Andros took a step forward, raising his voice for Gothard and the crowd to hear.
"Miss Seraphine has just informed me that the escaped black wizard 'Bloodhand' Wystan is the murderer of the High Mage and is directly related to the loss of the relic. Grayson has been tracking his underlings. If he truly can contribute to the Holy Order, we can allow him to atone for his actions."
"Absurd!" Gothard bellowed furiously, his eyes seeming to spit fire, "Andros, I see you've been bought by Grayson, otherwise you wouldn't defend him at every turn!"
"Grand Priest!" Andros shot back undeterred, retorting sharply, "My character is well known throughout the empire, and I believe the Holy Emperor sees clearly. If you wish to complain about me to His Majesty, then be my guest!"
With that, he aided Morven and together with Seraphine, turned to leave the fortress. Watching Andros depart, Gothard, unable to contain his rage, lifted his scepter and commanded, "Stop them! Do not let that witch escape!"
The uninjured priests of the order converged upon hearing Gothard's command, while Andros coldly glared back at Gothard, who was also staring down the Knight Commander with vehement hatred. Then, Andros looked up and cried out to the sky, "Thaedrass!"
A tremendous griffin screeched as it swooped down from the heavens, landing before Andros. Simultaneously, a flock of griffins, like dark clouds covering the sun, descended onto the square, forming a solid human wall around Andros and his companions, blocking the priests from approaching.
Andros, along with Seraphine and Morven, mounted the griffin. Looking back at the livid Gothard on the staircase, he declared, "Grand Priest, if you wish to lodge a complaint with the Holy Emperor, now's your chance! Otherwise, I suggest you stay here and await my return. We still need to discuss the matter of 'Bloodhand' Wystan's escape!"
After urging the griffin to take flight, they headed towards the goblin den, following Seraphine and Morven's guidance. Upon landing at the entrance, Andros instructed the two to wait with the griffin while he cautiously entered the den.
After a long while, Andros emerged, reporting chaos within the den, continuous bursts of fire, but no sign of Grayson and Katheren. He believed they were no longer there.
As the trio deliberated where to search for Grayson, a shadow descended from the sky behind Andros. A voice spoke, the blade of a sword pressed against the Knight Commander's back, "I hear someone's looking for me. Pleasant to see you all. Are you discussing whether to avenge me?"
Andros turned around nonchalantly, met by the irreverent smile of a bare-chested Grayson. Andros swung a punch, which the demon hunter evaded, retreating backward. Grayson then teased Katheren, who had followed, "I told you, you should have given me the hand cannon so I could shoot the commander's helmet to bits!"
"Enough chatter, Grayson!" Andros stepped forward, scanning over the figure behind him, "Where's the man in black?"
"He's dead, crushed to a pulp by the burning tower. But before he perished, he disclosed a most troubling piece of news," Grayson said with a shrug, "Has anyone heard of the Titan giants?"
"You're not suggesting the dying man told you that the Titans are the ones behind all this?" Andros scrutinized Grayson with skepticism.
"Indeed! Very astute, Commander! But he didn't have time for lengthy conversations. He only spoke two words to me..." Grayson stepped forward, his face close to Andros' helmet, locking eyes, "Titan..."
"We have no reason to believe your words. The Titan tribe has always been an ally. They have no use for the relic. And even if they did desire it, they wouldn't need to operate in such secrecy!"
Nodding in agreement, Grayson added, "You're correct, Commander. That's my confusion as well. But one cannot deny that the Titan giants are indeed capable of manipulating 'Bloodhand' Wystan!"
He walked past Andros, snapping the visor of his helmet shut, and addressed Seraphine and Morven, "Moreover, the dying man's repetition of 'Titan' confirms the truth of his words!"
"We cannot simply charge at the Titans, invoking their wrath. It's an unwise move that could play right into the hands of the true conspirators!" Andros flipped his visor back, fixing a stern gaze on Grayson.
"I'm not asking you to wage war on the giants. Rather, I hope you return to the Holy Emperor's side to safeguard the relic within the Holy Palace, lest its loss becomes an even greater trouble for me, Commander!" Grayson countered sharply, then continued, "I'm ready to journey to the Titan giants' royal city, Thunderhold Castle. I believe I will find the clues and evidence needed to prove whether the relic is truly there."
He surveyed the gathering and asked, "Who's willing to join me?"
"I will!" Katheren was the first to volunteer.
Grayson grinned subtly, giving an approving nod, "I knew it, dear. You and Elyra, you're always on my tail!" The girl couldn't help but break into a smile at his words.
"I'm coming too!" Seraphine declared, following suit.
Before Grayson could respond, Morven chimed in, "Count me in. These minor injuries won't stop me. The road to Thunderhold is fraught with peril, and I believe I can be of help. Besides, I came to this icy island to witness the realm of the Titan giants firsthand. It would be unthinkable not to go!"
"Alright, the concerned, the volunteers, two little shadows, and myself—that makes five of us!" Grayson turned back to look at Andros who was about to speak, but suddenly, Grayson raised his hand, stopping him.
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