The Holy Order arrived at Bastos the following morning, announced by bells loud enough to wake everyone in the settlement except Ludwig. He had already been awake for hours and watched the procession from the manor balcony as the first light spread across the restored roads.
Twelve priests, seven clerics and nearly twenty paladins crossed through the temporary gate near the settlement's edge. Their white-and-gold clothing stood out against the old dark stone, followed by carts loaded with salt, silver instruments, blessed water, incense and enough purification materials to cleanse either a cursed territory or an extremely sinful wedding.
Misty led them toward the manor while Celine stood beside Ludwig with a warm cup held between both hands.
"That is a disturbing amount of holy water," Ludwig said. "How much corruption do they think we have?"
