The cathedral was packed with well-wishers as the initiates, all three of them, stood in a line awaiting the commencement of the ceremony. The choir"s voices, singing the praises of Saxnor, echoed in the vast cavernous structure until the final word was sung, and then all went quiet. Everyone present, save the initiates, craned their necks to watch the entrance, knowing what would come next.
Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam, Knight Commander of the Order of the Hound, entered the great chamber, her footsteps echoing on the marble floor. Behind her strode Dame Hayley and Lord Arnim Caster, the only other members of the order. They made their way down the nave, taking up a position in front of the three assembled men, facing the altar.
The Bishop Supreme himself called on Saxnor to bless all prese
