4
As their carriage arrived, they were met by the same man who had visited the villa that morning—Veltaris, the Head Priest they'd encountered before. His tattooed head bowed in greeting as they disembarked.
"Prince Milan, Prince Andrion, welcome to the Grand Temple," Veltaris said with practiced reverence. His eyes flickered to Jolthar and then to Elmesona with barely concealed curiosity. "And your honored guests as well. Please, follow me."
They were led through the main entrance into the temple proper. The interior was breathtaking—soaring ceilings painted with celestial scenes, columns that seemed impossibly tall supporting the vast space, and at the center of it all, the statue.
