Just as they asked me for ideas and shelter, Father Joy walked in the church. I smiled and walked to him. "Father, I want you to meet some people." I said as I pulled him over. He nodded and introduced himself. I introduced the group to him. "I was wondering if you could give them the initiation mission for the paladin order?" I asked. He raised an eyebrow. "I could do it, Canan, but why? You could just dub them members as a Templar." I nodded and said "Yes. I still think that they should do it the proper way. Red will get lonely if people stop going." He nodded and turned to them. He led them to where the potted roses were. He told them where to go and they nodded in confirmation. All of them went off and I watched them go. "Come back as soon as you finish your task. We can talk then." They looked a bit confused but went on their way. I spent the day in the church and waited until night. They did not have a horse. Father Joy and Sister Greta decided to delay their plans to return to the shrine until they saw the mission was accomplished. It was early in the morning that they returned to us.
We heard that they were able to plant the roses in the proper place and saw Red. He allowed them to join the order. "Now that you are all fresh paladins in The Church of the Seven Roses, I can hose you in the base I am commander in. I have to gather my things in my manor, so you can stay until I am ready to go." I then went over to my manor and got the things that were needed. A few potions, a couple of spell books and a new rapier was all I really needed. I left a note telling anyone still in the manor that I was leaving to my fort. I snuck out and made my way to the church. From there, we went to the gates to buy a ride to my fort. It took about 10 minutes before a new driver was ready to go. We climbed in and rode the wagon to the fort. Charlie and Marley were a bit cold to me after I ran and left them alone. It took me quite a long time giving them head pats and shoulder rubs. They were not willing to forgive me at first. Eventually, they calmed down and leaned into me. I brought them into a hug. I then showed the Black Ops members and Guy to the barracks. The assault really thinned the ranks.
It was a real relief as more recruits came in. Having even higher ranked paladins would allow for more combat traits and stronger passive buffs. Chat made a visit a day later. He offered to comfort me, but I declined. "I've had a massive shock. I don't think I'm ready for fucking right now." I said as an excuse. "I'm starting to think you hate me from how much you want to run from me." he accused. Guy came over and said "Chat! You came here too then." Chat looked surprised and nodded. Zeta and Iota were also around. Chat snapped to attention and said "Sirs? What are you doing here?" Zeta said "Canan is helping us for the moment. It was what Sir Daniel asked us told us to do for safety." Chat turned and said "I'll see you later then." He then hurried off. I sighed as I watched him go. I hoped that that was the end of him trying to kill me. As long as he stopped, that was all that needed. It was then that we got some harrowing news. Because of our many crimes against the priests of Gristomales' temple and Fishbourne, and the extravagant and reverent funeral for Daniel, they declared a crusade for Sacrilmon.
