89 89. A Golden Storm

"M-Markus… They… His ashes have been handed over to his family." 

It was like a clap of thunder on their heads as the realization of the meaning behind the words hit them. The three looked at each other, brows furrowed and confused. 

"Are you messing with us? What do you mean by his ashes?" Felix stood up abruptly. 

Sir Dolorem shook his head. "I wish I was, Priest Felix. I asked Inquisitor General Hans to ask around. Markus was indeed taken in by a spy branch for his flexibility—for a specific mission. But most of the unit sacrificed their lives in that mission. We lost one Cardinal, three Archbishops, fifteen Bishops, and five hundred more knights, wizards, and clergymen. Unfortunately, Markus was one of them." 

'And so it begins.' Sylvester was depressed somewhat as he did spend eight years alongside Markus. 'The world is unpredictable—despicable—inhospitable. Death is just a word for people here… sadly.'