Jacob looked at the Dark Mage hanging on his arm. He sighed trying to think of the right words to make her release him, when Marius spoke up. He shrugged at the knight then sighed as he walked along the streets, they were now in the shadow of palace. As they walked up he looked at Marianne deciding on the words he spoke. "Marianne, we've only just met and does seem a bit strange to have you hanging on my arm. It is also quite informal for meeting an Exalt, perhaps you stand with the other's I'm sure your eager to make the acquaintance of the other people present. As for your henchmen I'll go down if it's nothing major I'll be able to get them let out."

Eight pegasus Knights flew down flanking them, four on each side as they were lead directly into the throne room. The Exalt sat on her throne waiting, beside leaning against a Silver sword was the Grand Master Andres himself. He smiled as his apprentice entered, it had been an interesting now with him back it would be time for them learn what had happened in Rosanne. He broke protocol and spoke before the Exalt. "So tell me boy, is it true you collapsed the statue of Duke Virion?"

Jacob groaned and sighed. "Yes, they had just rolled out ballista's and first one fired. I threw a fire at it, in mid-air exploded beside the statue and it collapsed then rolled into the sea." He finished looking at the old man with a growing frown. "Happy? Now can we get to the important stuff."

The Exalt spoke up. "Of course Jacob, tell how the meeting went and of what happened to cause all this." She twirled Falchion at her side. If anyone could get close enough they would see the marble had been worn just under the armrest where three generations of Chroms descendants had spun the blade making a dip in the floor. 

Jacob spoke again. "When I attended the meeting they laid out there plans there was much protest and even more arguments. The backing groups argued over money, honor, and glory. While everyone not agreeing asked why this was happening." He shuddered slightly. "The Grand Cleric did not speak instead she left the room and Jacklyn the Grand Master of the Churches forces stepped forward. She said that all non-believers were a pox on the land and would cause the return of Grima."

Jacob paused to let that sink in. "The envoys and I were preparing to leave, we feared they might try to hold us. That's Lady Tiki burst in, I was nearly knocked over as two guards were trying to stop her." He sighed and spoke the last part a quieter voice. "She looked at Jacklyn and yelled this was not the will of Naga, Naga's Champion would stop her and then... She pointed at me and said, 'run Champion you have your purpose!" The envoys and I dashed out as quickly as we could returning to the ship under heavy pursuit.

The Exalt and the Grand Master looked between each other and nodded. The Exalt spoke. "Then it is settled, I will inform the Knight Commander and the Captain of the Pegasus Knights. We prepare for war with the Church." 

Then the Grand Master stepped forward. "We also discussed at length before you arrived, the reformation of the Shepherds. You will lead them, not as an apprentice Tactician but as a full Tactician. Jacob, you have graduated as has the rest of your class." The old man stepped forward opening a small black box, a Tacticians emblem. Tacticians had no definite armor or markings they wore so these emblems let others know who they were facing and served as markers for common troops to identify commanders.


Andres continued speaking as he pinned it on Jacob's shirt. "Your first mission will be to lead the Shepherds to secure treaties with Ferox and Plegia as neither supports the Church. I have packed the wagons with food and standard army supplies for thirty men, though it seems you already selected your Shepherds. Marius, I asked for you and your brother to accompany Jacob however the Knight Commander is adamant one of you remain. As such your brother is staying, he'll be joining the Knight Commanders personal Cavaliers. You will accompany Jacob and serve as his second in command Marius." With that the old man stepped back. 

He placed a pipe in his mouth lighting it. "Your transport leaves in five hours. Until then you can mingle, shop for supplies, or train in the courtyard. I'll be outside the throne room if you need me. Jacob go see Caroline she will take you to meet with an important diplomat. You are to go alone, the Shepherds stay here. Orders of the Exalt. Oh and did I mention boy?" He blew smoke in the Champions face. "I'm coming along to supervise, so try not to make look bad." He laughed and walked out of the room. 

Jacob stood there a moment then headed towards a door. "Thank you all, I'll be back shortly. Your all free to due as you will, I must attend to thi-" An arm shot out and pulled Jacob down the corridor, Princess Caroline no doubt impatient as usual.