Dressed in a black floor length gown and a bodice, decorated with rubies and diamonds, Queen Mary I was on the knee-rest with her head bowed down and her chin touching her clasped hands. The light from the afternoon sky seemed to bless the queen through the windows of the cathedral as she prayed for herself, her kingdom and her people. She lifted her head and gave a yearning look at the crucifix, and ended her prayer with the sign of the holy trinity.

She rose onto her feet and turned to a thin-framed man in full red robes with a red biretta on his head, kneeling before her. “Cardinal Lawce, I had never thought the church would send you.” Her pencil eyebrows perked up as her puffy lips moved to one side.

Cardinal Lawce stood by her acknowledgment, revealing the jeweled cross laced on his neck and his diamond grey eyes piercing through his spectacles. “Neither did I Your Majesty. Though may I say, you are looking most splendid,” he said.

The queen’s three ladies-in-waiting gathered to her side and fell behind her as she walked forward to the cardinal. “Your Eminence, I am sure we have more important discussions ahead of us rather than useless exchange of flattery.”

“As always, Your Majesty cuts to the chase,” said Lawce with a smile.

“You know I dislike wasting time. Especially my time.”

“Then may I have a word in private Your Majesty?”

“Walk with me then.”

He bowed and offered his elbow. Mary slipped a hand in between as they started out of the church and into the castle grounds. Her ladies followed three beats behind.

“Your Majesty, the Pope sends his thanks for returning Catholicism as the national religion once again,” said Lawce. “You have our utmost gratitude.”

“No thanks necessary, Your Eminence. I only undid the blasphemy inflicted by my ghastly father and continued by my ever loyal half-brother.” Her tone turned to a blade, cutting through the words she spoke

A wry smile came onto his face. “As for your request for help to properly set and return Catholicism to your kingdom, the clergy will be arriving late next week.”

Her left brow rose. “I do not understand. I thought Your Eminence was supposed to be that help.” She stopped in the middle of the field of grass and faced Lawce.

“I am a man of God Your Majesty, but you know my talents aren’t suited for reformation and rebuilding what once was.”

Mary’s eyes darkened; her thoughts fleeted to a darker side, where no common man dares unravel. “Then this could only mean it’s about the demons.”

“Yes and no. Though the Pope did say I am to investigate damonen movements, I am afraid there is a bigger issue than that.”

She flinched at the word damonen when the cardinal had spoken of it. She disliked the term and preferred the word demon; the way bishops and other clergymen coined it. For that is what they are—evil corruptors of human souls. “What is it then?” she asked.

“Settlers,” his voice grew lower and raspier. “Ever since the start of this year, settlers have been increasing in number. They have been roaming around our lands more frequently and have been spreading their demonic powers.”

“How can that be? Haven’t they been given their own land to live in?”

“Most of the older ones stay at Telios,” answered Lawce. “But the younger tend to explore more and extend their reach further than they are allowed to, breaching treaties and contracts in different countries. Their motives are unknown as every kind has a different sense of malice and deviousness. But we assume that their goal is but one…” As Mary raised a brow, he said lastly, “The desire to rule over us.”

“Then I trust the church is doing all there is to quell this starting war?”

“The church has sent emissaries such as me to places where the threat is sighted,” stated Lawce as they started moving forward again.

“And the Bringers? What do they have to say about this?” she asked, clutching Lawce’s arm again.

“Inconclusive. Some think it is only natural, others think it should be stopped while others care not.”

Her eyes narrowed as a quiver escaped her lips. “What would you have me do then? Seeing as the only power you may require does not wish to rally under your banner?”

“Perceptive as much, Your Majesty,” said with Lawce with a grin. “I ask for your cooperation in this matter, lending your soldiers to the fight whenever need be. And any help you may impart. Of course, I shall lend my services to your cause as well.”

Her eyes fluttered in glee. It was another chance to be on the grace of God; another chance she could put her motherland back into His arms of mercy and prove their worth as children of the Lord. As the fight against the Protestants ensue, then so shall the fight against evil will commence. “Your Eminence, I think I may just have what you need. The very existence of which these settlers live on shall crumble beneath our feet.” Triumph, justice and a hint of wickedness reveled in her smile.