[Suzerain of Sheol]

"Remain vigilant nonetheless, for all the power granted me by the Grail, I do not discount that our enemies will be ruthless and puissant."

As his Master enters the church, Pelles strides across the sprawling grounds, ascending the parapet wall to where the effigy of an all-too-familiar scene awaits. Some crudity of twisted iron encircles the memorialized Calvary, but the Fisher-King steps over it with ease, standing close enough to kiss the stone foot of the agonized Christ. A dark stain discolors the alabaster at the touch of his lips.

Overcome by a sudden onslaught of sorrow, Pelles falls to his knees, on one side overwatched by the yearning despair of the Blessed Virgin, on the other Joseph of Arimethea, as though he were frozen in time, never able to lift the Son of God from the Cross. As he casts back his head to look through blighted eyes at the impaled doom of his savior, the King of Carbonec weeps openly, blood from his crown of thorns mingling with the tears that roll down his ancient cheeks.

In a rattling voice, he begins, "In nomine... patris dominae... Sabaoth Elohim... et sui filioque... et spiritus omnipotentis sanctae..." but the words are choked, strained by the impossible burden that presses upon him.

"Why Lord," he begs, barely more than a whisper. "Why did you ever let them live at all?"