AFTER Noxton ordered his knights to detain every traitor in the dungeon, he remained in the temple to apprehend the priests involved in the treasonous plot. He and the remaining knights searched every room and seized the guilty priests. This operation was also part of Emperor Kallixto’s command, as intelligence had revealed a conspiracy between the temple and Marquess Valentina.
“We have cleared every chamber, Your Grace, and we found no woman,” Commander David reported.
Noxton was disappointed by the news, yet he refused to abandon the search for the person he sought. “Are there any separate dwellings within the temple grounds?” he asked.
One knight stepped forward. “I saw one, Your Grace. During my inspection, I noticed a cabin about twenty paces from here, but I did not proceed furth
