It takes some time to climb the narrow staircase, but you sense you are nearing the top of the Citadel's tower when you see the flickering light of torches coming from above.
The staircase exits into a circular room, dominated by a large central pillar. A number of Brothers are there, and you see Matthais among their number, a white robe, neatly folded, in his hand.
As you watch from the doorway, one of the Brothers pulls at the straps of his clothing and lets it fall to the floor. He steps forward to stand, naked, before the abbot. The assembled Brothers begin chanting in low, resonant tones.
"Go forth, in the name of the Eight," says Matthais, handing the white robe to the man before him, who hastily puts it on. "Go forth, so that we might continue their work." He turns to the other Brothers. "Who will walk the path?" Two Brothers step forward. The proceedings have such fluidity that you are sure they are well practiced.
"Today we recognize Geraint," says Matthais, placing a hand on the shoulder of the white-robed man. "We bid him farewell with love and with compassion, and we wish him well in his new life in the realm of the Eight. Go forth, in their name." This last sentence is repeated, as one, by the other Brothers.
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