Quoted By:
>SELECTED: Perhaps you can provide some guidance to Father Towbray, the man that has for so long guided you. The myriad groups of pilgrims are making preparations for the long journey home, although some like your confessor and his followers seem reluctant to depart these shores for now. The road before you is a long one, and you will need friends at home. [Divine] Surprised this made a comeback, guess enough anons were convinced to change votes and prioritise this. A good choice imo, given it was the most time sensitive.
The Aethenium isn’t going anywhere, and you can put off that invitation to meet with the Stratiokas leadership for now. Of more immediate concerns are those true and faithful men of your homeland, it is them that demand your immediate attention. After all, who are you fighting for if not the faithful?
You eventually find your confessor sitting cross-legged with a score of other men in the Eastern Wing gardens of the church. Some you recognise, Brother Joab, Brother Caleb and Brother Isaac. But many of them you do not know, at least not by name. You do recognise them as some of the same pilgrims that joined you on the Long Walk, but not of the sort you had thought would sit and heed a word of Father Towbray. Some of them are the very same men who gainsaid his move to reserve the Reginae Sanctum for yourself.
<span class="mu-i">“Emile. Bless you, my son.”</span> Father Towbray pauses in mid-conversation with a man who he had near come to blows with on a matter of faith a week hence. His smile is warm and tranquil, and expression somewhat unusual on the Cainite priest typically prone to agitate. <span class="mu-i">“Please, join us. How are your wounds?’</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Thank you, Father. Sore, but healing well enough.”</span> It takes a little effort on your part join the circle of men, but they move aside to make room and Brother Isaac insists you take his spot on the marble bench instead. <span class="mu-i">“I can see the desert pilgrims have already taken their leave south. Tell me, when do you plan to set sail home?”</span>
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