The burly Sparrows also bore seven-pointed stars on their chests. Loud voices boomed, and bearded men brandished axes and clubs, reeking to high heaven.
"This is an act of defiance," the High Septon said in astonishment.
He had already warned Storm of the danger posed by the Storm Sparrows, yet Storm had made no move.
"Look at you people," the High Sparrow scolded. "Every one of you is fat and strong, while the Sparrows go hungry. You do no work and produce nothing. You ought to wear coarse robes and scrub floors. Labor is also a form of prayer, especially pleasing to the Smith."
"That is not for you to criticize," the High Septon snapped.
"Enough talk! Today we will see a new High Septon!" the Sparrows cheered.
Everyone sat on pins and needles, forced to begin choosing sides.
Just then, another burst of shouting rang out.
A side door was flung open. Archsepton Orlydo, who had slipped out and disappeared, now charged in menacingly with a group of tall, burly septons and septas, then pointed at the High Sparrow's men.
"They are abducting the High Septon!" Archsepton Orlydo shouted.
Chaos engulfed the Faith's hall. Clubs flew wildly, and the scene descended into confusion.
At first, only the Sparrows and the clergy were fighting, but the sounds of battle grew louder and louder.
"You corrupt wretches!" the High Sparrow cursed. He had faith in his brothers of the Beggar Brotherhood. How could these men fail to defeat such rotten creatures?
Clubs and short swords clashed with a series of bangs. Flesh flew amid screams and blood. Then tables and chairs went flying, and the High Septon found himself a place, panting for breath.
"Someone is endangering the High Septon!" Silver-robed clerics even summoned help from the square, and the bells