Chapter 30: Divine Guidance

Iris pointed to a metal door in the middle of a corridor. “We’re here.” She released Vito’s hand and pushed the door open. “Watch your step,” she warned him as she ascended the dark stairs. Iris pushed another door open to enter a dimly lit chamber.

The door closed behind them and vanished into the wall. Vito took note of the statues of priests and priestesses and the stone coffins that lay before them, which lined the circular room. A larger statue of Ivalis stood opposite the staircase that led upstairs.

“A burial chamber,” he observed.

“Yes, for this church’s founders,” Iris confirmed. “They worked tirelessly to bring the light of Ivalis to Kyrenia many centuries ago.” She offered a small prayer to her forebearers. “My ancestor Lady Kalmia is lying right there. I hope she is pleased that her descendants continue to watch over this church.”

“I’m sure she is. Let’s go make her proud and get rid of the intruders.” Vito smiled and pointed his finger toward the staircase. Iris nodded and dashed up the stairs, her footsteps echoing through the venerated chamber.

She slowly pushed one of the double doors open and peered outside. “Okay, we’re alone,” she whispered to Vito while quietly stepping out into the hallway.

Vito closed the door and followed behind her. The hallway was lit only by moonlight that peered through the large, ornate windows. He thought Iris looked almost ethereal and divine, bathed in the silver rays.

“It’s good to be home, though I wish it were under better circumstances,” she commented as she began to make her way to her storage room.

Vito stopped and grabbed Iris’s wrist when he heard a group of footsteps coming from the other direction. He pulled her to the side and pushed her against a column beside the wall.

Iris blushed profusely. She didn’t know why Vito pinned her against the column. It was hardly the time for such things, she thought. She saw him draw his knife, snapping her back to reality. The footsteps drew closer, and she made her move.

“Wait!” she hissed. Iris moved out of cover and greeted her friends. “Father Mertis! I’m glad to see you in good health.”

“Iris, my dear. I thank Ivalis for keeping you safe,” the elderly priest warmly smiled. A small group of priests and priestesses stood at his side.

Iris gave a low bow. “I must apologize for bringing the church such trouble.”

“No, child. I saw the truth beyond Lord Renaudin’s lies,” he patted her head, prompting her to stand. “You saved many lives in Orinis, and many more by stopping his conspiracy. You acted as a Saintess of Ivalis, and not the villain of Lord Renaudin’s play.”

Iris happily smiled. “Thank you, Father.”

Father Mertis cast his gaze at Vito and studied him from behind half-rimmed glasses. He then looked back at Iris. “I take it from his presence that you have not come here for sanctuary.”

She nodded to confirm. “We have come here to collect supplies to aid our plans in stopping Lord Renaudin once and for all.”

“You mean to kill him,” Father Mertis gathered.

“I know it is not what Ivalis teaches, but you know how far Lord Renaudin’s reach extends. He will wipe out the Silver Oak Guild before long,” she argued. “We still do not know the full scope of his ambitions or how many people will suffer before they are fulfilled.”

Father Mertis nodded. “Ivalis teaches mercy and compassion, yes, but she also teaches us to defend ourselves and our loved ones. Allowing evil to walk free and spill the blood of the innocent goes against her teachings,” he recounted their doctrine. “Take what you need, my child. We will assist as much as we can.”

Father Mertis and his followers escorted Iris and Vito to her storage room. They kept watch outside while Iris gathered what she needed to help Vito. They were in the residential area of the church and protected by multiple holy knights who served the church.

Vito fidgeted in place with a sense of unease as the Father continued to observe him. He felt he couldn’t say anything as he was always taught to respect men of the cloth. “May I help you, Father?”

“You have been touched by a divine hand, haven’t you?” Father Mertis asked.

Vito thought to lie for a moment, but he didn’t want to disappoint Iris. “Yes. I died in another world called Earth, and Ivalis brought me to Rhavina to be reborn.”

Father Mertis and his followers were visibly stunned. “You were personally blessed by the goddess…” he breathed.

Vito shrugged. “She said I died before my time, that’s it. I don’t know anything more than that.”

“I see. Though you are left with questions, please know that Ivalis walks with you and offers her protection and guidance.” Father Mertis offered comforting words.

Vito smiled. “With people like you and Iris around, I’m sure of it.”

Iris emerged with a bright smile on her cute face. “I’m rather eager to see what Ivalis has in store for him.”

Father Mertis smiled. “I’m certain it will be a sight to behold.”

Before he could speak further, a young pastor rushed to his side. He was visibly afraid and shaken. “Father Mertis, Lord Renaudin’s men have returned. They are threatening violence. The royal knights have not intervened. We suspect they may not move to defend us until blood has been shed on church grounds.”

The Father appeared grim. “I’ll summon the holy knights. They will not risk a direct confrontation, especially when our knights are at such a major advantage here.”

He turned to Vito and produced a large rectangular case made of fine wood from within his robes. “Ivalis gave me a message before you arrived. I am to give this to you.” Vito accepted the gift and looked it over. “It is a shard of a legendary hero’s blade. We tried to turn it into a knife-like weapon, but its great magical abilities remained dormant. I trust that you will be able to awaken it and use it to smite evil.”

Father Mertis then turned to Iris. “Make your way to the tomb and leave through the tunnels, but do not use the shop exit. Find another exit, one that no one is likely to check.”

“We can leave through the-” Iris began to suggest an exit.

“No. Don’t tell us, or anyone else. I would not put anything past these men, including torture.” Father Mertis and his followers quickly took their leave to contend with the interlopers.

Concerned for their safety, Vito used Scan on the Father. “He’s a level 82 Grand Sage? They’ll be fine.”

“Yes. He’s one of the most powerful magic users in Avreora,” Iris told him. “Come, let’s make haste.”

Vito followed Iris back to the tomb and watched her summon the door to enter the underground tunnels. “I know of another exit. It’s further than the shop, but it’s closer to the hamlet, and no one has used it in decades,” she informed him.