54. Interlude: A Prophecy

M40, Nostramo, surface, Fifth Temple.

Priest and Vindicator Maergante reached out with his right hand, took a handful of candies from a small jar on the black round table before him, then turned and handed them out to several children.

Only this corner of the dim great hall was lit by faint candlelight. The bleak, cold hues made everyone's shadows look furtive, not to mention their uniform black robes. If an ordinary Imperium official came here, he would most likely immediately order his guards to prepare for battle against a cult.

Of course, that came with prerequisites.

Well, many prerequisites.

"After you finish your candy, brush your teeth, wash up, and go to bed. Understand? No prayers tonight," Maergante told the children.

His voice was coarse, like two grenades with their pins pulled being clenched in someone's hand. The rasp was exceptionally grating, yet it contained explosive force. But the children were not afraid of him. On the contrary, one of their leaders even began asking questions.

"Why aren't we praying, Father?" asked a rather tall girl.

Unlike most of the children, she had not pulled up her hood. Her unnaturally pale skin bore many horrifying scars, the most striking one running straight across her entire neck. It was almost impossible to imagine how she had survived such a grievous wound.

"Because there will be no prayers tonight." Maergante nodded at her. "That's all. No more bargaining, or you won't get any candy tomorrow, Karani."

The girl obediently gave a soft acknowledgment. She seemed to have sensed something in the priest's manner and, rather than trying to linger in the great hall as she usually did, swiftly finished her candy and left with the group.

Their departure seemed to take away the last trace of life from the place. In