Some people stayed. Although most of the crowd exited the building, a few individuals remained to speak with the man.
The man greeted them all warmly. They came to him asking for help, seeking advice, and the man offered them what he could. Kind words. Genuine care for their problems. They took the man’s words to heart, and thanked him for his help. Then they, too, left the temple.
The man thought he was finished. He was about to turn around and leave as well, when the last person came up to him. But this person was not like the others.
"Reverend Caius, it’s good to see you." The visitor walked up to Caius with a familiarity that the others did not have. He paused and corrected himself. "Or is it Bishop, now? Congratulations. I’m sorry that I was not there to celebrate your appointment."
The visitor stood in sharp contrast with the Bishop. While Caius was short, rotund, and balding from reaching his early 50’s, the visitor stood tall, handsome, and with a head full of blonde-golden hair. But that did not matter to either of them.
Caius spread his arms out, and smiled.
"Saint Theron! How have you been!"
Theron smiled back and embraced the Bishop. They held the hug for a moment, as they spoke. "Come now, Bishop Caius. You know you don’t have to be so formal with me."
"Same to you, Saint. You’ve grown so much since I last saw you." Caius clasped Theron’s shoulders. "How long has it been? Two— three years? It’s been far too long!"
"Indeed it has. I’m sorry I haven’t had the time to visit you. I’ve been busy with missions, so I haven’t been in Xanderia as often. But now, we’ll be able to frequently meet up again," Theron reassured the older man.
"Ah, of course. The duties that come with being a Saint. It seems like it was only yesterday you were still the young rascal causing me trouble in the orphanage. Now look at you! I heard about what you did. Everyone knows about it! They were broadcasting it all across the country last week. You slayed the Fiend! You deserve your break, Theron!"
The Saint hesitated for a moment. He shifted uncomfortably, although the Bishop did not seem to notice. "I— thank you, Caius. But I feel as though I could have done better. Even with my miracles, my team... I wasn’t able to protect them. I was only able to save one."
"But you did save one, did you not?" Caius asked the question as he cocked a brow. "Even if you could not save the rest, you tried your best, and that’s what matters. But worry not, for now their souls shall rest with the Goddess."
Theron nodded. Then he took a deep breath, and spoke up. "About that, Bishop. I came here because I wanted to ask you about that."
"I’d have thought you kept up with your religious studies, Theron! I guess some habits die hard." The older man laughed. Then he saw the serious look on the Saint’s face. "...is something the matter?"
"Yes, it’s about the Fiend," the Saint sighed, and he asked his question. "I was wondering what happened to her soul. After she died. Does she… also return to the Goddess? Along with everyone else."
The Bishop blinked. He stroked his chin contemplatively, as he answered.
"Why, I do believe heretics are treated no different from sinners: they are judged on the weight of their sins. The less sinful one is, the sooner their souls will find their way back to the Goddess. But those who have committed grievous sins… the Goddess might never accept their souls. Certainly, one such as the Fiend might never be accepted by the Goddess. Not in the next thousand years, at least."
The Saint looked up. There was a flicker in his eyes, as he inquired again. "And there’s no exception to this rule?"
"Not that I know of." Caius shook his head. "But you should have already known this. Why the question?"
Theron paused. Then he just scratched his head and laughed. "Ah, I’ve just been so busy I must’ve forgotten. Thanks for reminding me."
The older man narrowed his eyes.
"If something’s bothering you—"
"Bishop Caius, your counsel is needed."
Both men turned around. A young woman dressed in robes bowed her head slightly at them. She regarded the Saint politely.
"Apologies for the interruption. But this is an urgent matter. The diocese is holding a meeting, and his presence is necessary for it."
Theron raised his hands and smiled. "It’s not a problem, Priestess...?"
"I am grateful for your patience, Saint." The young woman did not give her name. She kept her head down, as the Saint waited. Caius chimed in, and gestured at the woman.
"Saint Theron, this is Priestess Elenora. She’s a noble who gave up her title to join our parish because of… an unfortunate incident. Elenora, come, greet Saint Theron."
The Priestess raised her head slightly. "Saint Theron, it is an honor to meet you," she said softly.
"Likewise, Priestess Elenora." The man put out a hand, but she did not take it. She took a step back and bowed again.
"Bishop, if you will follow me." Elenora slowly turned, and slowly began to walk away.
Theron and Caius looked at each other, and the older man began to apologize. "I’m sorry about that. She has… problems when interacting with younger men. I assure you, she meant no disrespect."
"There’s no need to apologize, I understand..."
The Bishop nodded, and started to follow the young woman. But he paused. "Listen, Theron. If there’s anything…" he trailed off.
"I’m fine, Caius. Really," Theron said. The older man hesitated, but the Priestess was getting further and further away. The Saint added. "Thank you for asking. But it’s not a problem."
"I see." Caius acquiesced.
