East Road Quest

Chapter 22: The Quest

As dusk approached, Bishop David made his way to Poe’s vineyard, located at the outskirts of Rome, near Liverpool. His arrival was unassuming, in a slow-moving cart pulled by oxen, dressed in worn garments, without any attendants – a stark contrast to the grandeur one might expect.

In times when suspicion clouded every judgment, his humble appearance was inconspicuous to the unknowing eye.

“Thank goodness you’re safe, Father Jade. It’s a relief, truly a relief,” Bishop David expressed, his face nearly crumpling with relief.

Jade sensed unease in David’s relieved demeanor.

“Why have you come alone? Where is Father Daniel?” Jade inquired.

David hesitated to respond.

“Let’s go inside first. There’s much to discuss. But where are the other two…?”

“I have a lengthy tale as well,” Jade replied.

Upon entering the vineyard’s storeroom, Jade pressed Bishop David for an explanation, still harboring doubts about him.

David began not with the news of Daniel but with his encounter with Cardinal Lorenzo. At that moment, Jade braced for unpleasant news.

After sending Jade off with Brother Autis and Brother Franco, David had a brief, inconsequential exchange with Cardinal Lorenzo. They discussed plans for the year’s masses, church expansion, the order’s direction, and Saint Dionysus’s provincial tour – more of a scheduling consultation than a substantive discussion.

“I must have aroused suspicion with my awkward responses,” David lamented.

“No. Cardinal Lorenzo likely knew something from the moment he appeared at the cathedral. But what of Father Daniel?” Jade cut in before David could recount his arduous journey.

“Father Daniel has…,” David paused, and Jade anticipated the rest.

“…passed away.”

“How did it happen?” Jade asked, maintaining a calm that surprised even himself.

“His house burned down in a fire this dawn.”

“Has the body been identified?”

“The collapsed state of the house has delayed identification. But the landlord claims two people entered, and neither emerged – one was certainly Father Daniel. The identity of the second person is unknown, though it’s suspicious…”

The other must have been Brion, which would make sense. Yet, Jade remained skeptical.

“The landlord must be mistaken. I know him; his eyesight is poor. He once confused me for someone else and demanded overdue rent. He’s even mistaken random young women for his daughter.”

“If only that were true,” David half-heartedly hoped, already accepting Daniel’s death.

As Jade glared, blaming David for Daniel’s demise, David averted his gaze.

“Where’s Brother Autis, and why is Brother Franco lying there?”

Franco was still unconscious, sprawled in the hay.

“Brother Autis is dead,” Jade stated bluntly, then recounted the events in the underground tomb before David could react. The Emperor had arrived, and as they were about to leave, Autis suddenly turned traitor, attempting to kill the Emperor…

Franco had been knocked out by a stone hurled by Autis. Considering another soldier was killed by a stone and another decapitated, Franco was relatively fortunate.

A terrified Emperor Benclauss suggested abandoning the quest for the Holy Grail and returning to the palace together.

“If such a demon is involved, who knows what forces are behind this. Now is not the time!”

Jade refused. He had a meeting place arranged with Father Daniel, but he also feared the Emperor’s potential decisions.

“Since childhood, Father Daniel taught me Rome’s history from various perspectives. He shared an interesting statistic: the greatest killer of Roman citizens wasn’t the barbarian soldiers harassing Rome’s endless borders, nor the pagan worshippers, but Rome’s own army.”

The Emperor acknowledged this.

“You speak of events from my great-great-grandfather’s time. The army was unleashed on citizens protesting for lower taxes. Over fifty thousand died… Yet, people said the Emperor acted on divine will, quelling the rioters and preventing Rome’s downfall.”

“I think you understand my concern.”

“The citizens of Rome now rage as if I’ve sold the empire to the eastern kingdom.”

Emperor Benclauss sighed deeply.

“Perhaps soon, I’ll have to summon the army. And the adversary won’t be the eastern kingdom.”

“If I leave, Your Majesty will have one less excuse regarding the Holy Grail. Should madness arise within you, feel free to make me the scapegoat.”

Jade didn’t share this part of the conversation with David. He only mentioned that after parting with the Emperor, he carried Franco out of the underground tomb, and Franco had just regained consciousness to guide them to the vineyard.

“My goodness, Autis? He was a respected monk of the Roman Order.”

David was shocked.

“Did you know he was the murderer of my parents?” Jade asked.

David, aware of Jade’s tragic past, was equally stunned.

“He was? But he… Oh, heavens. Then his baptism by the Saint was because of that incident…?”

David realized belatedly, clutching his forehead.

“It’s my fault. I couldn’t trust those around me, so I called him from elsewhere. Despite thorough vetting, this happened.”

“It’s not your fault, Bishop. Demons aren’t something you can detect through investigation. But I can’t involve or accompany anyone else in this matter now.”

As Jade stood up, David was taken aback.

“What do you mean? You’re not thinking of leaving alone now, are you?”

“Yes. Alone.”

Jade had many questions and matters to discuss with Daniel. It was this thought that had sustained him. But suddenly, everything vanished.

‘Father Daniel is dead? Something’s wrong. Either Bishop David is lying, or he’s plotting something like Autis!’

David, with an innocent face incapable of deceit, asked,

“Why? Did His Majesty command you to leave alone?”

“The opposite. He suggested I abandon the quest for the Holy Grail.”

David shook his head.

“Then why not heed his advice? No, Father Jade. Not now.”

David glanced at the still prostrate Franco, wary he might overhear.

“Let’s be rational. We must first confirm Father Daniel’s life or death. If he’s alive, we’ll discuss with him again. If he’s passed, we can start anew after recovering the body.”

“You’re right. We must verify Father Daniel’s status. But I feel as if this matter has slipped from my grasp. I even feel compelled to leave this place.”

“What kind of feeling is that?”

If Father Daniel had been murdered, then Jade was next in line. The priest had mentioned feeling as if he was being pursued and had moved as though someone was constantly on his heels. Just before they parted ways, Father Daniel had even inquired about which route Jade should take.

“Could it be that Father Daniel…”

“Father Daniel prepared me for the possibility of being alone.”

“Do you mean to say he foresaw his death?”

“I’m not sure if he foresaw his death or if he intended to entrust this task to me from the beginning. Although I could have departed straight for the eastern kingdom from Zerba Monastery, he insisted on meeting with His Majesty and even tried to arrange a companion for me.”

‘Right. The priest went to meet with Saf. I wonder if Saf is alright?’

Jade shook his head, trying to dispel his worries.

“Neither went as intended, but I understand the purpose. I must depart alone. If Father Daniel is still alive, please convey that to him.”

Bishop David spoke with concern, “You seem to have given up on everything. I recognize that look. Many young people come to confess with such faces when they are forcibly drafted into war.”

Jade smiled weakly and said, “I should confess to you as well, Bishop. I cannot remain here, not even for a quest for the Holy Grail, especially after what happened at dawn. Over the past three years at Zerba Monastery, I’ve wondered what enlightenment I’m seeking here. God doesn’t answer my prayers, and I, unworthy of priesthood, listen to the prayers of others. Is that right?”

“Have you lost your faith?”

“I haven’t lost it; I’ve discarded it. At first, I thought God was punishing or testing me. After the incident where Mitchel was killed, I denied God. After that, there was only confusion.”

Jade patted his chest where he had tucked a book, feeling its hard cover.

“During the few days it took to reach Rome, I did a lot of thinking. That’s why I’ve made my decision. Thoughts become clearer when moving rather than when mired in worry, and more answers are found in confrontation than in avoidance. Therefore, I must go in search of the Grail.”

Jade clasped his hands as if he already possessed the Grail.

“Even if I remain myself when I hold the Grail, I may escape the chaos. Even if it’s not a divine relic but a disaster.”

Bishop David nodded, looking at Jade’s resolute face.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, thank you.”

“It’s a difficult journey to undertake alone. How about traveling with Brother Franco?”

“I’m sorry, but after witnessing Brother Autis’s behavior, I find it difficult to travel with anyone, even someone chosen by you, Bishop.”

“I see. I apologize for that. No amount of apologies would suffice.”

“It’s nobody’s fault.”

“Ah, there is one thing I can help with.”

Bishop David, pleased at the thought of being able to help, continued,

“To reach the eastern continent, you’ll need to cross the Mediterranean. Go to the port of Pisa. I know a captain there. Currently, the Mediterranean is swarming with pirates and unexplained accidents, causing many ships to refuse the eastern route. However, if you take the letter of introduction I write for you, you’ll be able to find a captain willing to set sail.”

“Thank you, but I will go on my own journey.”

“Where will you go first?”

“To the Red Desert.” Bishop David looked puzzled.

“Why take such a perilous route? Are you worried about being followed?”

“That’s part of the reason.”

Jade did not elaborate further, and Bishop David did not press.

“Understood, Father Jade. Please take care.”

Jade skipped the long farewell and left the vineyard.

Walking alone, Jade felt the solitude of the quiet, deserted path. Having spent the past few days with Father Daniel, the sudden loneliness was palpable.

‘I shouldn’t have said that.’

Jade regretted confessing his doubts about God and faith to Bishop David, yet part of him felt relieved.

‘I’m not sure if God exists, but the devil has appeared before me several times. So, do angels exist?’

Jade was determined to find out.

‘If the angel bound for five hundred years is truly there, what should I say?’