His Holiness, Pope Pontiff Ealdred III, absorbed the information with a grave expression. The news of necromancy being used was particularly troubling, as it hinted at dark and forbidden arts that the Church had long sought to eradicate.
"Necromancy... a forbidden art that we believed had been eradicated five centuries ago. If this Baron Gareth Miller has indeed tapped into such powers, it poses a threat not only to Emberwood County but to the very fabric of our teachings," His Holiness remarked, his voice echoing in the sacred halls.
The high-ranking clergyman nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Holiness. The countess implores the Church to intervene, and Father Matthias believes that we must act swiftly to counter this threat. The Coalition Army is in disarray, and our own priests are at risk."
Pope Pontiff Ealdred III leaned back in his ornate chair, his mind deep in contemplation. "What happened to our Inquisitor who was sent to Oscana Barony along with the divine artifact, the Spear of Light?"
The high-ranking clergyman hesitated before responding, "Your Holiness, there is no information regarding the whereabouts or status of Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy. It is feared that he may have fallen in battle along with the other members of the Coalition Army."
Pope Pontiff Ealdred III sighed, a mixture of sorrow and concern in his eyes. "The Spear of Light, a divine artifact entrusted to Ardian Kennedy for the purpose of defeating darkness, may now be lost, bring the Grand Master of Inquisitor here."
The high-ranking clergyman nodded and quickly left the basilica to carry out the Pope's orders. Moments later, the Grand Master of the Inquisitors, a venerable figure known for his unwavering dedication to the eradication of heresy, entered the grand hall.
"Your Holiness," the Grand Master bowed respectfully.
"Grand Master Albert, do you know why I called you here?" Pope Ealdred III asks the Grand Master.
"Yes, Your Holiness. I have been informed that the situation in Emberwood County is dire and that the Coalition Army has suffered a defeat. I am ready to receive your guidance on how the Inquisitors should proceed in these troubling times," Grand Master Albert replied with a firm resolve.
Pope Pontiff Ealdred III nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, Grand Master. The use of necromancy by Baron Gareth Miller poses a threat not only to the people of Emberwood County but to the entire realm. Our Inquisitors must act with swift precision."
"Firstly, send a team of our most skilled Inquisitors to Emberwood County. Their mission is to investigate the extent of Baron Gareth Miller's necromantic powers and to determine if there are any remnants of dark artifacts that may have aided him. We need concrete information before we can devise a plan to counter this threat."
Grand Master Albert bowed again. "Your Holiness, consider it done. I will assemble a team of our finest Inquisitors immediately and dispatch them to Emberwood County."
Pope Pontiff Ealdred III then addressed the broader concerns. "Simultaneously, reach out to King Richard II of Verdant Glades Kingdom. Inform him that the Church of Light acknowledges the urgency of the situation and pledges support. We must ensure that unity is maintained in the face of this threat."
The Grand Master nodded in understanding. "Your Holiness, I will send messengers to the king at once and assure him of the Church's commitment to the defense of Emberwood County."
"As for the Spear of Light, we must hope that Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy or the artifact itself can be recovered. It is a powerful tool against darkness, and its loss would be a significant blow to our cause. In the meantime, intensify our efforts to locate both the Inquisitor and the artifact."
Grand Master Albert affirmed his understanding. "I will personally oversee the search for Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy and the Spear of Light. Your Holiness, may the Light guide us in these trying times."
Pope Pontiff Ealdred III concluded the meeting with a solemn expression. "May the Light indeed guide us."
As Grand Master Albert left the basilica to carry out the Pope's commands, the sacred halls echoed with prayers for guidance and strength in the face of an emerging threat that tested the foundations of the Church of Light.
___
Pinnacle Republic.
Mayor Eldric receive letter from merchant guild in Verdant Glades Kingdom.
"Hahaha, I know it, that brat is really powerful, he is able to defeat 20,000 soldiers and probably two master level knights, luckily we escaped from that cursed place, now we should tell his serenity about this matter."
"Kevin, let's go to the House of Commons and let them decide whether or not to invade Verdant Glades Kingdom." Mayor Eldric instructed his steward.
"As your command milord." Kevin replied with a nod, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Mayor Eldric and Kevin made their way to the House of Commons, the political heart of the Pinnacle Republic. As they entered, discussions among the representatives were already underway. Mayor Eldric, a figure of influence in the republic, approached the assembly.
"Esteemed representatives, I bring urgent news from Verdant Glades Kingdom. Baron Gareth Miller has achieved a remarkable feat, defeating a 20,000-strong army and two master level knights," Mayor Eldric announced, his tone carrying a mix of fascination and strategic consideration.
"A mere barony fiefdom can actually defeat 20,000 soldiers, how is that possible?" The representatives in the House of Commons exchanged surprised glances and hushed whispers at the shocking revelation.
"Should we start the plan, this time Verdant Glades Kingdom is in turmoil, I propose that we use this opportunity to invade Verdant Glades, how about it gentleman." Doge Lucas Mitchell spoke up, seizing the moment.
The atmosphere in the House of Commons shifted as the representatives contemplated the opportunity presented by the instability in Verdant Glades Kingdom. Some nodded in agreement, seeing a chance to expand Pinnacle Republic's influence, while others raised concerns about potential repercussions and the diplomatic consequences of such an action.
"Raise your hand if you agree."