"I do not delay," was all Orion said in reply, regaining his feet. He was glad Annika was accompanying him, and he wanted to smile at her outsmarting the man. But he kept his face neutral and his body rigid. He was a Questing Knight and wouldn't disrespect one of the clergy or the gentry. He awaited Morbius to lead the way, and he did after a moment of showing Orion his clear disdain. 

"Thank you," Orion mouthed to Annika, and when Ragnar walked forward, the Knight placed his sword in front of the man, the flat of the blade pressing to his chest. "It's best if you stay in the very back," Orion said louder. Ragnar looked confused, but he stepped back as he was told. The Knight marched to catch up to the priest, who did not deign to look back to see if he was being followed. 

The lamentations of the Temple were left behind as they entered a transport. It was shaped like an upside-down bowl, and it hovered in place. Orion might be off low noble birth, but he had never seen anything so advanced. Not in person at least, so he wasn't certain what to call it. He simply helped Annika inside first, and joined her with Ragnar following in tow. 

Morbuis gave a contemptuous look back at them, and Orion knew then and there the Priest would order their execution if he had the power. He curled his lip. "Filth," he sneered. 

The transport brought them through the city. In the daytime, the buildings were made of steel, with a harsh look that oppressed the eyes. They would give off an air of industrialization and fascist regime, much like the other directly ruled cities in the known worlds. At night however, lights filled the skyscrapers and utilitarian buildings like stars. It was both beautiful and structured. 

Soon they approached the giant gates of the Palace of Duke William Rochtford, speeding through without delay as they opened and closed just in time of their arrival. It was difficult to make out the shapes of the great buildings and towers under the darkness of night, even with the lights beaming from above. 

They were inducted in swiftly, brother Morbius evidently had sway in the palace as he ordered the guardsmen at the front to follow them and escort their three "guests" closely. The halls were concave and domed, the metallic material purple to showcase royalty. They passed a gnarled medic with a crooked spine, wearing resplendent robes who smiled at them as if they were morsels or experiments to work upon. Orion needed to tell himself that despite the treatment given by certain members of the Duke's administration, he was of noble blood and his armsmen moved professionally. 

The throne room was a testament to Imperial magnificence, though William Rochtford was an odd outlier despite his power. He was clearly of Hawkwood stock, broad of shoulder and blonde of hair, but his face showed his Li Han heritage. Orion wondered if the allegations of insanity were true. It seemed they were about to find out. 

"Ah!" The Duke said, turning. There was something off about his smile, and there was certainly a crazed look in his eyes. "My cousin's gift to my province! Or perhaps a carefully concealed trap to hinder my economy." The accusation was clear, right through the forced grin. He wore a stately suit that accentuated his nominal figure, and his hair was meticulously groomed befitting a noble. "I was told you had been brought here to curb the pagan rebellion that had cropped up on the outskirts of my province, and here you arrive on the opposite side of my city and incite another rebellion!"

"Who dared to report such lies!?" Annika blurted out, and Orion gripped his sword in shock, unable to verbally gasp. 

"I did," Morbius said, stepping forward. He paid little heed to the Sister's glare, even though Sir Pentecost was certain anyone who gave that look alone could kill. Instead, Morbius knelt before the Duke, inclining his head. "Your grace, do you not see what I have brought you? This Knight is in league with a sorceress and a pagan. Perhaps it would be best to send their heads back to your cousin as a warning." 

"Your grace, I did not realize mere priests were so bold as to direct you in matters of state." Orion commented without amusement, unable to curb his tongue this time.    
[@Penny]