Satisfied with his work on Father Eli, Tyler turned his attention to the Church’s efforts to thwart his master plan. He needed a new scheme. “What shall I do?” he mused to himself.
The bodies of Fredrick and Weathers had long since been disposed of. As he wandered the streets of Silver Falls, he eventually arrived at the town’s namesake—a towering waterfall, its cascading torrents crashing against the jagged rocks below. He paused, watching the relentless surge of water, his expression unreadable.
Then, slowly, a smile crept across his face.
“Oh, that is beautiful,” he murmured.
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The following morning, Tyler visited the local church. “May I speak with the head of this church?” he asked, his tone polite yet measured.
Moments later, a priest emerged. “I am Father Jordan. How can I help you?”
Tyler studied the man for a brief moment before offering a pleasant smile. “I have been visiting your town and have decided to stay.”
Father Jordan nodded. “That’s wonderful news. Silver Falls is always happy to welcome new residents,” he replied, though he wasn’t quite sure why this man felt the need to announce it.
Tyler’s smile widened. “Last night, I fell in love with the waterfall. A truly majestic sight to behold,” he said, his voice carrying an air of reverence. “I would like to hold a celebration by the falls, and I was wondering if the church would be so kind as to conduct baptisms in the waters at the base.”
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Jordan’s expression remained cordial, though a flicker of hesitation crossed his face. “While that is a generous request, I’m afraid baptisms are reserved for members of the church. I don’t believe I’ve seen you at any of our sermons.” His tone remained polite, but there was an unmistakable wariness beneath his words.
Tyler nodded, reaching into his pocket and producing a small bag of gold coins. “That fact was not lost on me,” he said smoothly as he placed the bag into the priest’s hands. “I am volunteering to be the first one baptized. I wish to accept The Creator’s protection and mercy—to have my sins washed away.” A pleasant smile played on his lips, though inside, he fought the urge to laugh.
Father Jordan’s face brightened. “That is indeed wonderful news!” He discreetly weighed the bag in his hands, the clinking of coins a welcome sound. “Come inside, and we’ll discuss the details.”
Tyler followed as the priest led the way into the church. A few parishioners were scattered throughout the pews, murmuring quiet prayers.
“Is there anywhere we can talk without interruption?” Tyler asked, his smile polite but forced.
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Father Jordan nodded. “But of course.” He guided Tyler toward the back sanctum, a secluded space where priests prepared their sermons and held private meetings. As they entered, Jordan gestured for Tyler to step inside first, then quietly shut the door behind them.
“Forgive me, friend, but I never got your name,” Jordan said as he turned—only to freeze in place.
Standing before him was his exact double.
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Before the priest had time to react, Tyler placed his hands on Jordan’s head and jaw. With a swift, practiced motion, he twisted sharply—there was a sickening crack, and the priest crumpled to the ground. As the body fell, it knocked into a wooden shelf, sending books and candles clattering to the floor. Tyler growled under his breath, quickly dragging the corpse into a nearby corner, shoving it out of sight.
A sudden knock at the door made him freeze.
"Father Jordan? Are you all right? We heard a crash."
Tyler exhaled, smoothing his expression before opening the door just enough to block the view inside. "Yes, yes, my apologies," he said with a forced chuckle. "I fear I may have indulged in too much sacramental wine—my balance is not what it should be."
The parishioners exchanged glances, but before they could press further, Tyler straightened. "I need everyone to know that there will be a Mass Baptism at the base of the waterfall tomorrow," he declared.
Confusion flickered in their eyes, and it irritated him.
"Tell them to come—or they will all be excommunicated!" he snapped, slamming the door in their faces.
He stood there for a moment, considering his own outburst. With a smirk, he reopened the door. The parishioners were still standing there, wide-eyed in shock.
"Apologies," he said smoothly. "That may have been a bit much." He pretended to think, then added with mock sincerity, "Would a dozen Sacred Prayers be a fitting penance for such an offense?"
The way their expressions twisted between fear and uncertainty delighted him.
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Tyler shrugged. "So, either one. Everyone needs to be there."
He shut the door before they could question him further, a wicked grin creeping onto his face. This was going to be easier than he thought.
Tyler stepped over Jordan’s lifeless body and gave it another sharp kick for good measure. "Self-righteous fool," he muttered, shaking his head. Then, with a satisfied smirk, he straightened his stolen robes and prepared for the next step of his plan.
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The following morning in River Hallow, Rhaine sat in the Command Center, her gaze fixed on the map, particularly focused on the township of Stennor. She had spent the entire evening contemplating their next move, the weight of her decisions pressing on her chest. The door opened, and she expected Orion to walk in.
"I won’t change my mind, Orion. I am not in the mood for questions," she said without looking up.
"Brother Orion left last evening," came the voice at the door.
Rhaine’s heart skipped a beat. She never thought Brother Orion would leave—argue, question, perhaps, but not outright ignore her orders. Slowly, she turned toward the door, her eyes narrowing when she saw Father Lucas standing there.
"Lady Shadelyn is unaccounted for as well," he said, his tone heavy with concern.
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"Melissa did not share our faith, but she was under the Church's protection. She was free to make her own choices," Rhaine began, her voice steady but weighed down with frustration. "Brother Orion, on the other hand..." She stopped mid-sentence, her anger rising as she slammed her fist onto the table.
"If he left, and nothing is done by me..." Rhaine’s voice faltered, the weight of her responsibility crushing her. She let out a heavy sigh, the enormity of the situation settling in. "Things are starting to fall apart."
"If I do nothing, everyone will question and doubt the Church's choice in me," she continued, shaking her head in frustration. The conflict within her was palpable, a leader torn between duty and loyalty. "I wish it didn’t have to come to this."
Her eyes hardened with resolve as she met the gazes of her fellow commanders. "If I leave now, and take a few of our troops with me, I may still be able to reach Orion before Marcus gets to Stennor."
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Rhaine summoned one of the couriers. "Tell Alexander Nightside that it’s time to earn his coin. I need him to guide us on the fastest route to Stennor," she ordered.
Her gaze then shifted to Father Lucas. "I understand you served in the Creator’s Army before coming here."
Father Lucas stiffened slightly, his nerves betraying him. Had someone told her more than they should have?
Rhaine didn’t wait for an answer. "I’m leaving you in charge while I’m gone. Do not send reinforcements to Stennor. Keep them here until we have a confirmed lead on the Harbinger."
Lucas nodded, bowing his head slightly. "I understand and accept. May the Creator shine over you on your journey."
Rhaine gathered a group of soldiers. "We are to arrest Brother Orion for insubordination and defying an order from the Church Council," she declared.
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Rhaine gathered a group of soldiers. "We are to arrest Brother Orion for insubordination and defying an order from the Church Council," she declared.
A scribe stepped forward, presenting a formal document detailing the charges. Without hesitation, Rhaine signed it in plain view of everyone, ensuring there was no doubt about the legitimacy of her actions.
"Let this be clear—anyone who rebels or abandons their duty will be subject to Church law and punishment," she stated firmly, her gaze sweeping over the assembled soldiers. She kept a brave face but she could not help but think that she set into motion something she will regret.
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"Brother Orion brought this upon himself." Rhaine said, but the words felt hollow, even to her.
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