Quoted By:
Whatever that thing was, it is not worth remaining around for. The sinister nature of this ritual permeated every aspect of it. And you don't want to remain here to see what will happen.
As soon as you reach the staircase, you check yourself and your clothes for splatters of blood and other incriminating blemishes, ensuring no evidence ties you to the grim scene you just left. Even if these men were criminals, you cannot be certain that you would get away with it. Some cultists have friends in high places, and while you are certain that you would be acquitted on status alone, the diplomatic incident would be an embarrassment for your father's reign.
The mithril sword cleans itself by nature, so at least one loose end is tied up. As for the rest, you calm yourself down, run your fingers through your hair so that it has at least some structure, and cover the stains in your clothing with the travel cloak. The cloak itself is clean enough, and the dark colour of the fabric hides the few stains well enough.
As you make your way back up to the surface, you attempt to make sense of what exactly happened. You have a temper; you know that. Usually, it takes more than just standing in front of someone to provoke it. Was it the magic? The chanting? You will most likely never know, but whatever it is, it makes you uncomfortable. It was something beastly, as you know for certain.
When you reach the nave of the cathedral again, you make your way from the nave to a pew in the back, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. You pray for protection against evil and dark sorcery, seeking forgiveness for potentially tainting the consecrated ground with blood. In a gesture of penance, you leave a significant amount of coin on the offering plate, hoping for absolution.
As you begin to move towards the exit, you meet the unmoving gaze of the statues and paintings of the cathedral, of saints, martyrs, and other holy people. They look at you in silence, and while you are unable to break the silence, you have a feeling that they don't judge you.
From the outside, the cathedral is a magnificent structure with towering spires and intricate stained glass windows, but on the inside, you can see its true beauty with its painted ceilings and the light of the stained glass. But that is neither here nor now. You are hungry, sweaty, and tired. It is time to return to camp, to wash yourself, and to eat something. In these clothes, you are too suspicious to stop by a tavern for a quick meal.
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