Back at the church, the jovial atmosphere came to a halt when an earthquake shook the entire structure.
First came a light rumble.
Then moments later, a far heavier rattle.
The underground battle between the holy siblings and the Pope had resulted in vibrations.
Each bit of magic cast had released an echo into the earth which had made its up in the form of an earthquake.
Several earthquakes. The ground shook at random intervals and intensities for several minutes before finally standing still once more.
The nobles, priests, nuns, commoners, servants, knights and even the horses parked outside were thrown into a state of panic.
The courtyard where the party was being held was a complete mess!
Tables and chairs were overturned.
Food and drinks were spilled everywhere.
The ground had torn open in zigzags and some of the stone pillars had cracked.
People had been thrown about.
The women were holding their crying children in their lap while fathers and brothers were comforting their wives and sisters.
What was happening?!
There had been a previous earthquake only a month ago.
Less than a month ago.
Why was the last Day of Prayer and the day of Saintess Helena's acquisition of the Holy Sword both marked by the temple rumbling?
Was this a message from Goddess Kartara?
King Robert stood up.
So did both of his sons.
Prince Constantine kept a hand on his mother's shoulder, ensuring she remained seated in case the ground shook again.
Their personal knights formed a protective circle around them.
"What is happening?" Robert's voice boomed. "What caused another earthquake?" His eyes were narrowed in suspicion and his tone was grave. "Where is the Holy Pope?"
Panic spread quickly.
The families started exiting the courtyard.
A bishop from the first faction raised his arms and tried to calm the people. He told everyone who had an ear to listen that the earthquake was a response to Saintess Helena pulling the Holy Sword.
He said there was nothing to fear.
Unfortunately, very few believed them.
They were more inclined to believe that the repeated earth shakes were an omen. An omen of, from what they'd heard earlier from the mouth of the Saintess herself, a great evil and witches rising in the kingdom.
How foolish of them of even be celebrating? They were in danger!
The royal family did not believe in the bishop's hogwash either.
Why would the Goddess bless them with a violent event?
"Saintess Helena, come here!" The king commanded.
"Yes, your majesty!" Helena squeaked as she scurried over to him. The royal guards parted allowing her to get closer to the king. Tyren was at her heels.
Some of the priests from the first and the second faction approached Helena, inquiring her as well.
"Was the earthquake connected to the evil you spoke of earlier, Saintess?"
Helena had no response. She was scared too.
Was the evil she was meant to slay going to come for her now?
The Pope had made no mention of it.
Her eyes briefly met that of Constantine who looked away. His mind was spinning.
Helena evaded the king's question and went around to the people who'd remained, asking them if they were alright and needed healing.
Her gesture warmed the hearts of many.
Tyren was right behind her the entire time cautioning her daughter to not overexert herself.
"Mother, my life is meaningless in comparison to the safety of my people. I will do all I can to help."
Tyren beamed.
"Oh, Saintess you are too kind. Thank-you." A commoner replied after Helena healed her concussion.
"Do not thank me, thank the Goddess." Helena replied in a soft tone.
The commoner smiled from ear to ear. The Saintess was so enchanting. She could both heal your body and set your mind at peace.
Helena glanced at her mother, before looking over her shoulder at the king and the priests who conversed with him.
"Where is the Pope, mother?"
The Duke approached them after regaining his composure. "Where are Alex and Felicia?
-------
Outside, standing in front of their carriage the Marquis and Marquess were panicking. As was Cordelia.
Where was Liam?
Father Demetri and Reverend Casper were equally spooked.
Why two earth shakes inside the Goddess's temple? Why did they happen back to back? Had such a thing happened before and if so when?
And what did it mean?
Was the corrupt Pope was telling the truth?
He hadn't instructed Saintess Helena to spout some nonsense about evil?
-------
Away from the church, about half a mile to the east, the Pope was back inside the dungeon where he'd recently sacrificed Gustave.
He was kneeling with his entire chest exposed.
He had cut demonic runes directly into his flesh. They glowed as he completed his chant.
Next to his feet were six corpses, all sporting the same emaciated look Gustave had.
The centipede like tendrils retreated back into the Pope's mouth. And with it came an intoxicating power that hummed throughout his entire body.
Matthew's eyes glowed with sinister intent. He was stronger now that he'd sacrificed multiple souls at once.
Those three did not stand a chance.
He would find them and kill them today!
Even Goddess Kartara's blade and the holy lightning would not be enough to save them. He wouldn't give them a chance to fight back. He would overwhelm them until they slipped and left themselves vulnerable.
Standing up and putting his robe back in order, he closed his eyes and focused on the mark he'd placed on Felicia. The knowledge came at once.
They were at Lake Joan.
Why? That place was marked by both holy magic and demonic magic. But the Devil's magic was stronger.
Did they go there to investigate him? How much did they know?
Angered by the sudden feeling of unease, Pope Matthew dissolved his body into mist and shot up, passing through the roof and flying at neck breaking speed towards Lake Joan.
To anyone who watched, he would appear as dark cloud. Or perhaps, a large bird.
I will harvest your bones, flesh and blood Felicia. Once I have killed you, I will sap you of everything you have and take more power for myself.
-------
At the lake, the trio were in the middle of discussing all they had seen when Felicia felt a searing pain in her chest. She screamed, more out of surprise than anything else and pressed her hand to her chest.
Alex sensed the approaching intrusion and immediately stood up, summoning the Holy Sword.
Liam pulled Felicia's hand away from her chest and saw that the Devil's mark was glowing red.
He understood why Alex stood up. Though he could not sense demonic magic, he knew that if the demonic rune was acting up, that meant the Pope was about to engage with them a second time.