Lioness 2

The heavy cell door slammed shut with a dull echo.

Lancel, the septon with a Seven-Pointed Star tattooed on his forehead, watched Qyburn leave the cell expressionlessly, as still as a statue.

Behind him stood a group of brown-robed septons, chains crossed over their chests and axes in their hands.

"The High Septon is waiting for you." Lancel's voice held not a trace of emotion.

Qyburn nodded amiably. "Please lead the way, child."

The group then proceeded in silence. Sparrows escorted Qyburn both before and behind, their footsteps echoing through the quiet passageway.

They descended the stairs, passed through the Hall of Lamps, where colored glass globes hung from the ceiling, then went through two more doors before reaching their destination.

Here... the towering altars of the Seven stood beneath domes of glass, gold, and crystal, solemn and majestic.

The High Sparrow was kneeling before the Father, one of the Seven, praying devoutly.

After Lancel and the others departed, Qyburn was left waiting alone.

Time seemed to freeze. After an unknown length of time, Qyburn heard the High Sparrow let out a long sigh.

"The Seven-Pointed Star says: all sins shall eventually be forgiven, but punishment must first be accepted."

The High Sparrow slowly rose, his wrinkled face turning toward Qyburn. "The people pay homage to their lords, lords pay homage to their king, and the king must pay homage to the Seven."

A cold gaze met a gentle one. Qyburn inclined his head and said calmly, "I am merely a healer, High Septon."

The High Sparrow's cloudy eyes carried a scrutinizing look. "I have heard that agonized screams emerge from the lowest level of the Red Keep's Dungeons every night. I have also heard that you spend every night there."

Qyburn's expression remained unchanged, a faint smile still on