3 Judgmen (2/2)

On the way out of the building, Garett saw the doctor's apprentice again and politely smiled to him, he was then escorted to the front door by the two clergymen.

”I've rarely been to this part of town, I usually stay in the working district,” I said after leaving the building, on the street in front, a horse-drawn coach could be seen, with its luxurious style being something I've never had the pleasure of riding. ”I usually just walk everywhere I go; and if I need to go far, the train is not too expensive, the economy class that is.”

”Hum.” Concurred the stone-faced executor, not bothering to speak with a possible criminal suspect. ”Get in the carriage.”

F**K, do I need to stay in this oppressive atmosphere the whole trip!?

”Do not bother with him,” Whispered the young recruit. ”he is a lot more talkative than you think. Now, please get in the carriage.”

The interior of the coach was big enough to accommodate six people, the seats made out of red-leather where one of the comfiest he had ever seen.

”To the church, hurry.”

And as soon as the Executor's voice sounded, the coachmen started to guide them through the busy streets. Everything accounted for, it was an enjoyable ride.

...

The Eternal Judge's church in Lhûn wasn't too impressive, as the majority of the people in Lhûn put their faith in the Mist Goddess; the city was built on a mountain slope, making it so that the nights were very dense and misty. Eventually, people started praying for her protection. Garett was among the devouts, even if he hadn't prayed or gone to the mass in a long time.

”Follow me.”

This brutish Executor didn't look behind him to see if I was really following him, wasn't he worried that I would run? Looking at the silly looking Hilren, I figured it should be because he trusted the young recruit to an extent. It is not like I was seriously thinking about running anyway.

The giant wooden doors were painted white, its iron hinges and holders painted gold, the Eternal Judge's symbol hung above the door radiating solemnity.

”Every single one of the Lord's cathedrals is a dozen times more majestic, believe me,” Hilren added at my amazement, ”I can see you hadn't come here before, even if you live in the city?”

”The city is large, and the Goddess's Cathedral stands near the main gate, there's not much reason for me to come here.”

”You're a believer of the Goddess?” Hilren asked as a tinge of surprise could be heard from his voice, ”As a scholar, I imagined you a devout believer of the God of Wisdom and Knowledge.”

”I can't be called a believer, as I only remember to pray when I need something. As for the God of Wisdom, that's for scholars; I can barely pass as one.” Regretfully, I'm not as smart as my sister.

He then started to walk quickly, following the brutish Executor lest he'd be left behind.

The church was kept in good condition, even if not a lot of people in town were devouts of the Judge. This is, after all the patrol quarters, thought Garett. The Judge clergy is responsible for the security of most cities in the kingdom, as the internal threat is mostly mutants. The king's armies were preoccupied with other, more external threats.

At the end of their path, they arrived at a single, small room. The only thing inside was a table with a scale with a rose in one of its plates.

”Our method to find the truth can be said to be very simple, as we just need to ask the Lord for guidance.” Said Lurmon, his hands scratching his beard. ”A priest will accompany you, only matters related to the investigation will be inquired, so you can rest assured.”

Why I'm suddenly feeling nervous? I'm feeling a very solemn aura coming out from that thing.

And then, alone, I entered the darkroom, the two patrolmen stayed outside, I could feel the expectancy on Hilren's gaze. After the door closed, I finally could notice a white-haired old man standing with his back facing the scale.

”Please, young man; be seated.”

I can't see a chair... Am I to sit on the ground? Grumbling a little, Garett approached the scale, with each one of his steps, the aura coming off from the scale got stronger.

”Now, just let your mind rest. I'll be doing the rest.”

Suddenly, Garett felt as if his consciousness was leaving his body! I... can see myself!? His uncorporeal will was floating above his head!

I'm being dragged by that thing! What is going on!?

The scale was sucking him to it! Eventually, he stood on the empty plate while the rose on the other plate started to turn to dust!

He then started to see different images, all of them being things he remembered happening!

My memories are being weighted? Is the priest the judge? Or maybe the Lord Judge is really here, analyzing my memories!

Wait! the memories are starting to get closer to the time in which I approached the altar underground, if that book gets discovered it'll be worse than heresy!

And just as the image was going to show the things that took place inside that ancient ruin, they vanished as quickly as they came and he saw himself in control of his body again.

”Hmm... that's all you can remember? Interesting, you can leave for now.”

The priest never opened his eyes from beginning to end.