Larksong Grotto babylon the great

It was a wild commotion. One thick with noise, movement, and anger. More wolves followed Charley's lead, forsaking both the newly named Cardinal and the salvation he hoped to bring in one foul swoop. Each wolf who rose to leave drove a knife into Hiram's back; deeper and deeper until he felt the hot sting of tears fill his eyes. These wolves, his friends -- how could they just walk away? He felt betrayed. Used.

But, there was Jhala. Her loyalty had always been something to admire. She swiftly moved in to intercept the departing wolves and began to angerly admonish them. The words she spoke were the words the Cardinal wished he had the strength to say, but couldn't. They were cowards -- all of them.

He wished to join second in command -- his Grand Vicar -- at her side. Not only to deal with the splinter group, but to comfort those who remained loyal to the grotto; those who would give the faith a chance, but it would not come easy. But he was bound in place. Made powerless by the ritual. The circle could not be broken.

Rising to his feet, but not daring to break his circle of protection, he spoke. "Let them go," he said, unable to hide his dissapointment from Jhala. "They've made their choice." 

His head hung low and he soon settled back into the dirt. The noise around began to die away and the wolves who planned to stay dispersed. This night had been marred by the actions of the unfaithful -- and though their absence would surely be felt in the days to come, it was good that only those dedicated to following the light of Raas remained. Now, they could move forward in establishing his church.