Chương 38: Giant Bishop
The grand cathedral, with its imposing steeple adorned with the Sacred Emblem of Life, stood out prominently against the backdrop of the cityscape. Its golden hues glinted in the sunlight, casting a majestic aura that drew the eye of passersby. Despite its impressive exterior, the cathedral appeared serene and almost forgotten, its dimmed lights hinting at a quiet solitude within.
Arthur approached gracefully, his steps muffled against the worn cobblestones as he blended into the cathedral. Her mom took a moment to adjust her hair, meticulously applying light makeup to her face to enhance her image, ensuring every detail was perfect for what lay ahead.
Inside the cathedral, the spacious hall unfolded with rows of meticulously arranged pews, each polished to a gleaming finish. At the front, towering above all, was the Sacred Emblem of Life, its intricate design of a baby surrounded by symbols of wheat, flowers, and spring water catching the flickering light of candles that flanked it on both sides.
Seated in the front pew, a figure commanded attention—a tall man in his forties or fifties, dressed in the solemn attire of a clergyman. His brown robes draped around him with a sense of quiet dignity, contrasting with the sacred surroundings. The bishop's bonnet atop his head added an air of authority, while his closed eyes and clasped hands pressed to his chin suggested deep devotion and introspection.
Lines etched with experience traced the corners of his eyes and mouth, marking the passage of time and the weight of responsibility he carried. His presence exuded a formidable aura, like a steadfast mountain amidst the spiritual tranquility of the cathedral.
As Arthur observed the priest, he noted the play of light and shadow on the clergyman's features, the subtle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed in the sanctity of the place. The atmosphere hummed with a solemn stillness, punctuated only by the faint whisper of candle flames and the soft murmur of distant prayers echoing in the vast expanse.
"Long time no see, Miss Emilia," greeted the middle-aged man warmly as Emilia and Arthur approached him.
"Indeed, how are you, Father Urasky?" Emilia replied with a smile that lit up her face.
"I am healthy, praise be to the Earth Mother," responded Father Urasky devoutly, making a gesture over his chest in reverence.
Arthur stood beside his mother, quietly observing the exchange. He couldn't help but be struck by Father Urasky's imposing presence. The priest was perhaps the tallest man Arthur had ever seen, his stature towering over them with an air of quiet strength. He recalled that Father Urasky hailed from Feysac, an empire known for its tall people, often regarded as remnants of giants in legends.
As Father Urasky turned his attention towards Arthur, the young man felt a slight sense of awe mixed with curiosity. The priest's gaze was penetrating, his eyes reflecting years of wisdom and dedication to his faith.
"Are you Emilia's child?" Father Urasky asked, his voice resonating with a deep timbre that matched his formidable presence.
Arthur nodded respectfully. "Yes, Your Grace. I am Arthur Pendragon.Your name and your height tell me that you're from Feysac. Why do you believe in Mother Earth?"
Father Urasky nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting towards the Sacred Emblem of Life that adorned the front of the cathedral. His voice, when he spoke again, carried both calmness and a hint of emotion.
"I was born along the coasts of Midseashire, Indaw," began Father Urasky, his eyes fixed on the emblem as if drawing strength from it. "In my youth, I was a man consumed by a passion for combat and the brutality of war."
He paused briefly, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "I committed grave sins and found myself fleeing to the Sonia Sea, where I lived a life as a ruthless pirate."
Arthur listened intently, drawn into the unfolding story of redemption and transformation.
"It was there, in the depths of my despair," continued Father Urasky, his voice steady yet filled with profound reflection, "that I encountered a missionary of Mother Earth. Through their teachings, I came to understand the sanctity of life, the interconnectedness of all living beings, and the profound joy that springs from the gift of life itself."
He turned slightly, meeting Arthur's gaze directly. "In front of the Sacred Emblem of Mother Earth, I vowed to atone for my past by spreading her faith to lands far and wide."
As Father Urasky stood up, his towering figure seemed to magnify the gravity of his words. At over 2.2 meters tall, with a sturdy build and robes that accentuated his imposing presence, he indeed resembled the giants of ancient tales, reborn in the flesh.
Arthur couldn't help but marvel at the priest's stature and the depth of his conviction. The Feysac Empire's belief in their lineage as descendants of giants suddenly seemed less mythical in the presence of Father Urasky.
With a newfound respect, Arthur adjusted his posture, realizing he had to tilt his head slightly to meet the priest's gaze fully.
"I have heard that the church is facing some challenges, so I've come here to offer my assistance," Emilia interjected with a warm smile, addressing Father Urasky with genuine concern.
Father Urasky nodded solemnly, his brow furrowed with the weight of responsibility. "Indeed, we are grateful for your support. Your generosity and kindness are truly a blessing to us. I will offer prayers to the Earth Mother for her guidance and blessings upon you."
"I simply wish to share my blessings during times of need and extend the Earth Mother's generosity to those who seek comfort and solace here," Emilia replied humbly, her voice resonating with sincerity.
Arthur stood beside them, quietly observing the exchange. His admiration for his mother's selflessness grew as he listened to her words of compassion and support for the church and its community.
As Emilia and Father Urasky exchanged gestures of reverence towards the Earth Mother. He glanced around the cathedral, taking in the intricate details of the Sacred Emblem of Life and the flickering candles that cast soft, dancing shadows on the polished stone floor.
"Arthur, why don't you take a moment to explore the church?" Emilia suggested, breaking the gentle silence. "I'll discuss our donation and future plans with Father Urasky and some of the priests in the meeting room."
Arthur nodded, grateful for the opportunity to immerse himself further in the cathedral's serene atmosphere. "Of course, Mother. I'll be back shortly."
As Emilia and Father Urasky made their way towards the meeting room accompanied by a few priests, Arthur wandered through the cathedral, his footsteps echoing softly in the vast space. He paused at the rows of pews, admiring the craftsmanship of each intricately carved detail. The stained glass windows filtered the afternoon sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors, painting the walls with a mosaic of hues.
He approached the Sacred Emblem of Life at the front of the cathedral, its symbolism of fertility and abundance resonating deeply with the faithful who sought solace and spiritual nourishment within these walls. Arthur traced the delicate lines of the emblem with his gaze, pondering the stories and prayers whispered over centuries in this sacred space.
As Arthur continued to explore the cathedral, the faint echoes of heated voices drew his attention toward the basement. Curiosity tugged at him as he noticed the door to the basement was slightly ajar, inviting him to investigate further.
Approaching cautiously, Arthur glimpsed a priest making his way down the stairs. His curiosity piqued, and Arthur couldn't resist asking, "May I join you down there?"
The priest turned, his expression momentarily assessing Arthur before nodding with a hint of caution. "Yes, but stay close," he replied, leading Arthur down the narrow staircase.
As they descended into the basement, the air grew cooler, and the atmosphere shifted. Arthur's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, revealing a scene that caught him off guard.
"What's going on here?" Arthur ventured, his voice hushed with curiosity.
The priest, with a warm smile, turned towards Arthur. "A vampire," he stated simply, his tone carrying a mix of understanding and acceptance.
Before Arthur could fully comprehend, a voice erupted from the corner of the basement, filled with anger and defiance. "What's wrong with being a vampire?" the man shouted, his words laced with bitterness. "Do you think vampires belong locked up here? Must I endure your preaching and scripture every day? This is bullshit! I am a noble Sanguine, and I will not tolerate such stupid labels!"
The man's outburst reverberated in the confined space, his defiance palpable. "I worship the moon," he declared vehemently. "I will never convert to the beliefs of Mother Earth. So, give up, you damned priest!"
Arthur observed the tense standoff, sensing the clash of ideologies and the deep-seated beliefs that fueled the confrontation. The vampire's posture exuded a mix of defiance and weariness as if he had fought this battle of convictions countless times before.
The priest maintained a calm demeanor, his gaze steady as he absorbed the vampire's words without judgment. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the rough-hewn walls, adding an eerie yet compelling ambiance to the scene unfolding before Arthur's eyes.
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