Temple Captain

And so it begins…

"You"re a Temple Knight," she said. "Or at least you were."

“I was Brother Mateo Harnbringer, a Temple Knight of Saint Cunar."

"Was?" said Charlaine. "Brothers don"t leave that order by choice."

"Nor did I." He held up his hand to forestall any arguments. "I know what you"re thinking, that I"m nothing but a troublemaker, but there"s something you need to know."

"I"m listening."

He lowered his voice. "There"s a rot inside the Church, one that"s eating away at the moral fibre of the place."

"And you know this for a fact?"

"I tried to do something about it, but it cost me my knighthood. Now I am an outcast, doomed to wander the Continent without the blessings of the Church."

"And you chose to speak to us?" said Danica. "If what you say is true, we"re f*******n to talk to you. How dare you put our souls in danger!"

Charlaine reached out, placing her hand on her companion"s arm. "Calm yourself, Danica. There"s no harm in simple talk." She returned her attention to their visitor. "Please, tell us more."

At that precise moment, the door burst open, revealing an armoured man in a green cloak. His eyes wandered the room, while his hand remained on the pommel of his sword.

"Mateo!" he called out. "Where are you, dog!" The dishonoured Cunar ran for the back door, pushing the crowd roughly aside.

"There you are!" yelled the newcomer, drawing his blade. Those near him backed up in fear while Charlaine stood up and moved towards the armed intruder, placing herself in his path.

"By what right do you threaten this man?" she demanded.

"It is none of your concern."

"Ah, but it IS my concern. My order is dedicated to protecting women everywhere, and as you can plainly see, there are women present."

"Stand aside, I say, and let me have at him."

"Put down your sword, man. This is no place for violence. If you wish to speak with this fellow, then do so outside, where the risk to others is minimized."

He glared back. "Who do you think you are?"

"I am Sister Charlaine deShandria, Temple Knight of Saint Agnes.”