[287 AC]
While introducing these changes, Phenex realised that he was on the right track and that more reforms were needed to ensure that Volantis and the other cities under his rule would flourish even further.
So using this chance, he made further reforms to the whole temple structure, by creating several more additional branches.
Preaching Feathers, a branch of normal priests, who preached and took care of the believers.
Healing Light, a branch of healers and doctors.
Guiding Torch, a branch of teachers and instrcutors.
Brilliant Gold, a branch responsible for the financial management of the whole temple.
Red Quill, a branch responsible for matters of the law, i.e. judges and lawspeakers.
Bright Sun, a branch responsible for governing and ruling the cities.
He also made the Fiery Hand an independent branch, alongside the others.
All in all, the Temple of the Lord of Light now had nine branches and a lot more structure to it.
Kinvara was still the High Priestess and highest authority in the whole temple, excluding himself. And thanks to Phenex's flame marks harmony amongst the branches was assured, as well as loyality and lawfullness of the temple personnel.
And while these four Free Cities were basically ruled under his dictatorship, there was no other place, neither in Essos nor Westeros, where the people could live in peace and safety like they did in these four cities.
Thoros had also set sail towards Westeros weeks prior, after Phenex had cut off the Titan's sword hand and weapon in Braavos. And he had already met the Usurper Robert Baratheon, and found his place in the Red Keep.
…
[A few weeks ago – King's Landing]
"Next.", the current Hand of the King, Jon Arryn, called out, as he oversaw the visitors of the Crown for the day.
And even though the King himself was present, he hardly paid attention to the happenings, as Robert was much more interested in getting drunk and making a decision about, which of his servants he should bed after this was all over. Though with each passing minute, he was getting closer and closer to just leaving early and finding himself a tight hole to rut into.
His attention though was drawn to the next visitor, as the servant announced: "Thoros of Myr, Red Priest of Volantis."
A low murmur swept over the whole throne room at these words.
Just few days ago news had reached King's Landing about what had happened in Braavos, as every ship passing by the city had seen the signs of what 'Azor Ahai' had done to the Titan of Braavos.
Adding to the tales of 'him' turning a whole army to ashes with a simple swing of his sword, everyone knowlegeable enough knew, that a Red Priest appearing before the Crown wasn't something to be taken lightly.
And as a bearded, long-haired and well-muscled warrior in a red priest robe stepped forward, curiosity and a smidgen of fear welled up in the hearts of those that came to watch the happenings in the court.
"Welcome to Westeros, Red Priest.", Jon Arryn greeted after shaking off his momentary daze, before he continued, "What brings you before the Iron Throne and Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms?"
Straightening up, after bowing lightly in the direction of the throne, Thoros answered calmly: " I was sent here by my Lord, as an advocate and representative. To show, that his power is real and nothing to be feared."
Loud whispers and sharp inhales could be heard, as Thoros voiced out the words 'my Lord'.
"Silence!", the Hand of the King called out, causing quiet to return to the throne room, as he said tentatively, "When you speak of 'your Lord', you mean … "
"The Lord of Light, of course.", Thoros stated lightly.
Wide-eyed stares of suprise and curiosity fell on his body, though this time no one dared to whisper loudly.
"Are you saying you met a god, priest? And that this god told you to come here to meet this King?", the King's voice suddenly tore through the momentary silence.
"I have and he did.", Thoros responded evenly, unfazed by the penetrating stare of Robert Baratheon.
He had endured the gaze of an immortal creature – a true divine being, so he wasn't bothered by the stares of mortal men anymore.
"Then prove your words priest. Here and now, show me what your god is capable off.", Robert demanded, as he leaned forward in his seat.
The Usurper wasn't sure he believed the stories he had been told in the last few days about this 'Lord of Light', but maybe the priest before him could prove his beliefs wrong. Maybe he could show him that sitting on a throne all day long and having to endure the unwelcome company of his Queen, didn't mean that any excitement and adventure had already vanished from his life.
"As you wish, Your Highness.", Thoros answered, tilting his head in acceptance, before he continued, "My Lord has blessed me with many gifts, one of them being to mend my flesh through his grace."
Slowly drawing a dagger from his waist, he moved the sharp blade over his palm, blood starting to flow immediately, as he cut deeply into his flesh. The observers calling out in suprise and shock at his actions.
Letting the blood drop freely to the floor, Thoros sheathed the dagger again, before he folded his hand into a gesture of prayer, as he intoned sonorously.
"Lord of Light, cast your light upon me! By your grace, all pain shall be void and all sickness shall fade!"
It didn't take more than that, before fire ignited between his folded hands and enveloped them both, as another round of astonished calls echoed through the hall.
And when he presented his fully mended flesh to the people in the hall, by raising his hand above his head, thosed short shouts, turned into amazed and fearful outcries.