Julian, Pope Clement, Alaric, and Lucius made their way down alone.
The stone stairs beyond the door were steep and uneven, winding down into a darkness that seemed to swallow the light of the chapel above. As they descended, the sounds that stood out were the rhythmic click of Alaric's boots and the soft rustle of the Pope's robes. Alaric held Lucius in his arms firmly, feeling his son shiver at the darkness they were descending through. Alaric did not know what they would find down there, but the Duke did not plan to leave his child to the care of the Church, especially Elian. He would have given him to his knights to take care of, but there was no time. It was best not to delay before the Pope suddenly decided to change his mind.
