The Duke remained silent and wrapped Faye in his embrace as she sobbed cathartically in his arms. "He whispered softly into the top of her head, calming her with his words. 'Shhhh... it's okay now. It's all over,' he said."
Sterling glanced over at the mages, and he noticed Kelyk's expression. He was taking great pleasure in seeing the priest's suffering and distress. He knew there was no loss between the two sides.
The mages and the church had a long-standing quarrel with each other over who was more powerful. Unfortunately for the mage tower, the emperor had sided with the temple on these matters, leaving the mages open to accusations of necromancy and persecution from the church.
When everyone returned to their rooms, Sterling noticed Merrick still lingering in the second-floor corridor. He asked, "Is there something more we need to discuss?"
