[IRP] The Highest Spire

[Victor]

It wasn't so much that Roland hadn't wanted to be in mass, but he had thought his suggestion to attend had fallen on Ambrose's deaf ears. It seemed like they had almost guilted each other into going, as Roland, as a knight, could not waver in his commitment to the faith. Still, for the first real mass in eight months, he was absorbing the smells and bells of the cathedral as best as he could while trying not to fall asleep standing up.

It was a welcome interruption when a woman took the stand and spoke up. Even through the cries of heretic, she made good points... Roland snapped out of his dreamlike state as the crowd became more and more violent. Wait. He knew that woman. He had only just recently escorted Lady Cecily of Laus with her, and she had killed an incredibly aggressive priest who had threatened her life. Obviously she had some very large problems with the church. Roland was not particularly disposed to help her, given the fact that heresy was something that she should have to deal with on her own. St. Elimine was the same regardless of a new church or not. And if the most enlightened people in the land, the priesthood, had decided to convert to this new church, there should not be any question. Analyzing holy texts wasn't his job. His only function was to uphold the saintly values and godly conduct expected of him.

Still, when the city guards bursted in, he was stuck in a mental quandary. Was his duty to his companions or to the church? Luckily, Fred had already made that decision for him. His newfound brother in arms had drawn his weapon and already pounced and killed an archer. Obviously not a holy man if he could do such a thing in a church. Roland, nervous, sword sheathed, but still unwavering in his impeccable conduct, pushed his way forward into the crowd towards the pulpit to help Renata.

He ran, shoving aside a few smelling members of the crowd, and burst through between the guard and Renata as they stared each other down.

"Wait!" he yelled, holding up his hands to both sides. "Have you no grace? It appalls me to think that St. Elimine, heretical or not, would agree to a battle here next to her holy place." He scowled at both parties, waiting for either to make a move. There was still enough time to grab his sword and join the battle if they could not listen to reason.