Andrew sneered. "On the surface, you act like you don't care, but deep down, you know exactly how serious the consequences of my words are. You can kill me, but the Cathedral's war in the Wastelands absolutely cannot fail.

"If your actions cause the Cathedral's efforts to crumble and tens of thousands of Vindicators to die for nothing, Arya, I'm afraid you'll be the one who ends up dead. The Pope will probably personally burn you at the stake in Lomuia's execution grounds."

Arya took a deep breath. "No matter what you say, it's useless. Andrew, I will purge you. The darkness in your heart and the evil within you can never coexist with me."

She sheathed her white greatsword and leaped down from the City Lord's Mansion walls, quickly disappearing into the night.

Andrew let out a long breath. That insane woman had to be dealt with, one way or another.

The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Andrew brought Petra and headed for Aurora City. He did not bring anyone else along.

When Vance