Preparations of the ambassador’s visit continued at full force as the next day rolled around. The students were busy with cleaning and organising, as well as preparing to set off to the Northern Wall, while the Enforcers, Midhir and the Emperor prepared for the political nature of the visit.

  It had been decades since any official figure had left the Theocracy of the Sunlit Summit, and even longer since a visit to Eldoria had happed. The once republican nation had closed its borders and forbidden anyone entry – unless they were part of the church itself. It wasn’t just odd that an ambassador was on route, it was practically unheard of.

  “The republic was abolished over sixty years ago,” Instructor Theodore explained as he paced the large chamber. He paused in front of one of the lit braziers and held his palms over it in an attempt to warm himself. “It was nearly three years of turmoil and civil war before the Sunlit Summit became a Theocracy dedicated to the Daughter and the Sun.”

  As he continued to talk about the civil war and the damage done by religious zealots on both sides, Midhir glanced around the room. All the enforcers were here, as well as some faculty members and a surprisingly large number of honour guards. He should have expected this – very few people were knowledgeable about the Theocracy, and all these people needed this information in order to properly host the ambassador and their retinue.

  “Once the Theocracy was established, the borders to the nation were closed, visitors stuck there since the start of the civil war were sent back – even if they were in no state to travel. Many of the northern nations condemned the Theocracy for their inhumane behaviour. Soon after, priests and priestess began leaving the Theocracy. They travelled the world, village by village, spreading the Gospel of their Lord, and the Daughter. They preached hope, a bright future, prosperity, luck and success with no price but to pray.”

  Principal Moira folded her arms. “And people believed,” she stated.

  “Yes,” Instructor Theodore nodded solemnly. “And people believed, because it was easy. The demands of the sun god and his daughter were simple – believe us, pray to us. The Old Gods demanded effort, they demanded sacrifice and gave power sparingly. Their faith in the Old Ones wavered because their priests preached effort and hard work and promised naught but a chance.” Instructor Theodore stepped away from the brazier as he stuck his hands in the pockets of his fur lined cloak. “It was the villages and small towns at the fringes of civilisation that first began to believe the Sun God. They built small churches in his name, they gathered and prayed together. They put their hopes in him, forsaking personal responsibility, replacing it with the Gospel, and God’s Word.” He nearly spat as he spoke the final few words. His sour expression silently told his thoughts about the Gospel.

  “I suppose the question then becomes,” Captain Marr spoke up. “Does the Sun God exist? When they pray to the Daughter and the Sun, do their prayers even matter?”

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  Instructor Theodore’s gaze fixed on her. “Of course they matter. All prayers matter.” He folded his arms and leaned against the wall. “I don’t know whether the Sun God exists, but we do know the Old Ones do.” He lifted his hand, making a vague gesture towards the sky. “The Sun God is supposed to be omnipotent and omniscient, he knows all, sees all, and everything happens in accordance with his plan.” He shrugged, once again his raised eyebrows and half smile telling Midhir all he needed to know.

  “Anything that should be avoided while speaking with the ambassador’s retinue?” Principal Moria asked with a sharp voice.

  “Don’t question their beliefs – right or wrong, it hardly matters. Keep your thoughts to yourself.” The Instructor smirked. “Their Gospel preaches silent, unseen prayer. If asked to join their prayers, or if they begin to preach about their Lord and his Daughter, simply respond that your faith is yours – that they are intruding.” His smirk widened. “Some of them might find this difficult to accept, but surely they have been warned to be on their best behaviour, so it should be fine.”

  Principal Moira narrowed her eyes. “What of the Old Faith?”

  Instructor Theodore’s expression soured once more. “My suggestion is to keep silent about it. Know nothing – tell them you are dedicated to protecting your people.” He shot a glance at Midhir. “They will deny the Old Gods. Even if they are faced with proof.”

  “How unpleasant.” Cait scowled. “Thank you, Instructor.”

  “Indeed,” Principal Moira shot a glance at the honour guard. “I believe we’ve come to the end of our little lecture. We won’t take any more of your time.” She then glanced at Cait and the Castor brothers, who had been silently listening this whole time. “You three are also dismissed. Continue with preparations.”

  Both Castor Brothers stood up at the same time, bowing their heads. They left the chamber with Cait and the honour guard in tow.

  Midhir motioned to leave also, but the Principal’s cold voice stopped him. “Your highness, a moment of your time, please.” While she was polite, it was clear from her voice that declining wasn’t a particularly brilliant choice.

  “Instructor Theodore,” she turned her gaze towards him. “Will your connection to the church be a problem?”

  Midhir narrowed his eyes as his gaze settled on the Instructor. How was he connected to the church of the Daughter and the Sun?

  The other man simply smiled. “I was but a priest, and an unwilling one at that. They knew I would defect as soon as I was allowed to cross the border. They care not for the unbelievers – see no need to punish or condemn them, as they will meet their fate in the afterlife.” He shrugged and chuckled light-heartedly. “At least that’s what their Gospel says.”

  Principal Moira’s lips formed a thin line. “You were hardly a random priest, but that is another matter entirely.” She glanced at the door before continuing. “If you believe you will go unnoticed, feel free to join the ceremony. If not, surely the prince would speak with the Emperor on your behalf.”

  Instructor Theodore shrugged again. “Perhaps that is for the best – if only to avoid souring the ambassador’s mood.”

  “Then I will speak with father right away.” Midhir let out a sigh. “Tell me such things beforehand though, both of you.” He turned around to leave.

  “Your Highness – Midhir,” Instructor Theodore called out. “Your eye – and your connection to the Old Ones,” he seemed hesitant. “Keep it close to your chest. Lack of belief is a matter left to the afterlife, in their eyes. But such a connection, such borrowed power… that is heresy. And they will not look kindly upon it.”