Her Martyred Lady

At this point the battle was all but over. The Duke Gawain ordered a retreat, fleeing further into his palace. The Duke’s son sat defeated at the feet of Knight Soliatus. Lady Ann's shadow had faded but she was being helped up by her maidens. Lastly, Lady Elizabeth was giving orders to save those that were injured.

Lady Ann approached Iris, her bright eyes were dull, and she was being carried by an extremely large templar.

“It seems you didn’t die sister, the Duke won’t get far.” She was brought over to Iris, who was on a knee and holding her wound. Lady Ann put her hand on her face gently. “You did good sister, it’s always a burden to slay one's kin.”

Lady Iris looked up at Lady Ann. “You have my gratitude my lady,” she struggled to get the words out.

“We will speak later sweet sister, but you have my vote for your ascension.”

As she left Lady Elizabeth made her way over, she had a smile on her face, something that surprised Iris.

“You did well today Iris, you stayed your blade until it was needed. Not to mention you saved a lot of your allies today.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“Know that I am sorry for the difficulty of your task, but your mentor should be here shortly.”

Iris nodded and from dawn came the Archimandrite. Lady Grace gave out orders upon arrival, trying to organize the wounded. Knight Soliatus was bringing the defeated Duke's son over to his the Archduke, along with other prisoners. Lady Grace approached her, placing a hand on her head. Lady Senas and the other battle-maidens left the two alone.

“You have done well today Iris, I am sorry for the burden you were given.”

“It had to be done, such was my duty.”

Lady Grace held out her hand and Iris took it. She stood up with pain but leaned on Lady Grace for support. “Namania, the angel,” she motioned to the still warm body, “mentioned our Martyred Lady wasn’t sacrificed, rather that she had,” she stumbled over the words.

Lady Grace held her close, “Betrayed the Goddess Aurora.”

Iris' eyes widened at this, she questioned further, “She said she knew you as well.”

“Our Martyred Lady was in fact,” she paused, weighing her words carefully. “She was betrayed by the Goddess Aurora.”

“Namania had said it was the other way around.”

Iris stood waiting for an explanation.

“The cruel goddess led Namania astray, and as you see was betrayed like our own Martyred Lady. This happened right before you were taken in with the Coven as a child.”

Iris looked at her lady with confusion, “Then why was she betrayed?”

“Aurora took our lady’s life unjustly, casting herself as the only godly being. It is why no other gods are worshiped in the Empire.” She paused, “It’s time you met the Mother Superior.”