"That was what he said?"
Guren nodded.
"Yes, High Patriarch."
Silence followed. The Patriarch sat on the dais leading to his forge platform, a newly forged light steel armor beside him.
Guren watched him.
The Patriarch's eyes met Guren's gaze.
"What is that look? Are you judging me?"
Guren lowered his head respectfully.
"I would never, High Patriarch."
He raised his head.
"But what do we do?"
The Patriarch studied him in silence. Then he let out a light laugh and leaned back on his elbow.
"I have to admit, I never expected he would choose... money... of all things?"
The Patriarch was suppressing his confusion.
He looked down, still in thought, then looked at Guren.
"Do you think he wants to start a secret cult with the sole purpose of destroying me? He'd certainly need substantial funding for that."
Guren's hollow voice sounded matter-of-fact.
