General Maniakes placed his sword and helmet at the foot of the steps and made his way up to the entrance. From within came the hypnotic chants of the priests and the slight whiff of incense floated through to his nostrils. He gave an involuntary shudder. Churches always caused him discomfort, especially this one. The Hagia Sofia, the finest and greatest church in all the world. After striding through the hallowed halls of the great Imperial Palace, its vaulted ceilings decorated with gold embossed frescoes of the saints, he prepared himself for what awaited him here. He lightly pressed his fingertips against the solid door closest to him and it wheezed open. Taking a breath, he stepped inside.
Lit from the flames of a thousand candles, the enormous space appeared to be filled with liquid
