Erkki Toma; NACG Car, Nigyia, Merina
Nigyia's cathedral was an imposing, gothic-style structure set inside its own walled enclosure within the city centre, a half-mile east of the government complex around Citadel Park. The surrounding neighborhood was well-off enough by Merinan standards, but their car was nonetheless met by armed guards at the complex gate. These were not Nguessa's soldiers, nor were they simple militiamen, but sworn brothers of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, the Merinan Catholic Church's own troops. These men were well turned-out in loose-fitting grey robes and forage caps sporting a prominent patriarchal cross picked out in white, and the rest stood alertly by while their leader spoke with Erkki through the car window. The exchange was terse, but polite and professional, and the occupants were complimented with a neat salute as the man stepped back and the heavy, oak-dressed gate was rolled back.
Once inside, the car was directed around the side of the impressive structure. The doors to the cloister block were open, and a priest was on hand to usher the party inside with murmured pleasantries. Erkki remained with the car, under the watchful eyes of more of the Bishop's sworn brothers who came to seat themselves pointedly on the cloister steps.
On the inside, the block consisted of a roughly square veranda surrounding a modest central courtyard with a small fountain, with sparse monks' cells set in the exterior wall. The sounds of distant chanting echoed through the space, creating a not unpleasant atmosphere with the gentle splashing of water from the fountain and the mild smell of herbs set in planters around the courtyard. Just as the group were being ushered around the veranda, a big double-door across the space was swung open, revealing the tall, gaunt figure of the Bishop of Nigyia, Anasi Loge, clad in a simple robe of brown roughspun. Another man, a head shorter but of similarly severe expression, stood at his side in the same garb. The taller man greeted them with a thin smile, before heading out into the sunlit courtyard, where the two groups met beside the splashing fountain.
"Greetings, pilgrims" The Bishop began, his mouth still smiling, though his eyes distinctly did not "Many thanks for visiting our humble diocese, I trust the road which has led you to our door has not been too arduous? My name is Ansai Loge, and I have the pleasure of serving as Bishop of Nigyia. My companion here is Father Okogie, by grace of god commander of our sworn brothers"
"Salutations" Father Okogie intoned dutifully, his subdued tone belying a deep and powerful voice.