Quinlan started up the steps.
"I demand the unconditional surrender of this cathedral, a full handover of your clerical authority within Whisperfield, and the transfer of all church assets, personnel, and holdings in this city to my jurisdiction."
Each step was measured, each word carrying further as the acoustics of the cathedral's entrance amplified his voice.
Black Fang stared at him for a few seconds, then followed, the coat he'd given her sitting heavy across her shoulders, her katana sheathed but her hand resting on the grip.
Velara held her ground at the top.
She tried to hold it, anyway. As Quinlan reached the final step and stopped before her, the Arch Priestess was forced to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. He had a full head of height on her, and in the ominous, black armor of his, the difference felt larger.
He looked past her.
