He was good, Damien admitted grudgingly.
Framing everything in ways that made the Church's control sound caring, Elara's freedom sound childish.
"So I ask you, faithful servants – " Aldous's voice rose with passion, " – do we abandon centuries of wisdom for one woman's claimed revelation? Do we embrace corruption because it's wrapped in pretty words about freedom? Do we let earthly desire remake divine truth?"
He paused, letting the questions hang.
"Or do we stand firm? Maintain our standards? Trust that the Goddess works through the Church She established, not through individuals who defy it?"
"The Saintess calls this forum to discuss reform. I say we discuss whether reform means improvement – or destruction of everything we hold sacred."
He bowed to thunderous applause from his supporters, about forty percent of the crowd. The rest were quieter – uncertain, waiting to hear the other side.
