Though said to be dozens, there were in fact thirty-three figures.
On the stone dais at the head of the hall, Ironspine Duke Hakon Perik, Saint Cyril Cardinal, and the Valkendu Metropolitan Bishop sat as they always had, like three silent mountains.
Below in the hall, thirty figures stood in formation. Their auras were varied, but every one of them was an existence at the Peak of Mortality.
Ten of them were clad in uniform, silver-white half-plate armor engraved with intricate, sacred patterns. Over this, they wore pure white battle robes with gold-embroidered trim. They stood in silent solemnity, like ten Holy Swords resting in their sheaths.
Their gazes were calm and sharp, and a fluctuation of Life Energy, far more condensed and pure than that of any worldly Knight, radiated from their bodies. These were members of the Templar Order, directly under the Church Court's command.
