Titus Seeks the High Septon

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

Septon Titus sent a message to the High Septon's quarters seeking an audience at His Holiness' convenience.

[The Forgotten God]

The next day, Septon Titus is escorted to the High Septon's chambers. They are spartan and austere; Titus is not entirely sure the High Septon is as pious and against materialism as he seems, but he has seen no evidence against it, and the pontiff himself sits on a balcony overlooking the Hightower, drinking at some non alcoholic apple cider. "Titus," he said, his words reflecting the weight of sixty years, "it is so good to see an old friend. I hope the flock is well tended in your temporary absence?"

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"Certainly, Your Holiness," said Titus. "I have ensured that my subordinates are ready to help the people at a moment#'s notice. I have assigned one septon to take my next set of public prayers, and another to hear confessions on my behalf. Naturally, I have ensured that I will not miss confessional for those who rely specifically upon me. But I thought it only proper that I pay my respects to Your Holiness. Even we of the Most Devout stand in need of your wisdom and guidance."

[The Forgotten God]

"Of the Seven's wisdom and guidance, I am but a poor mirror for their designs," he said. "Your congregation is of much credit to the skills the gods have blessed you with," he said. "I have heard you've been seeking a more temporal problem to handle, as of late?" The old man heard everything. "A threat to the core concept that we as a continent have embraced for five thousand years?"

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"The matter o slavery? Only heathens practice such customs. How could a godly man do other than hate it?" He frowned. "Yes, I have been seeking men to put a stop to the slavers. The realm - and most of the continent - looks to us to provide stability and guidance. If we don't take steps to prevent slavers getting a hold on our people, they may stop listening to us. Thankfully Houses Gardener and Hightower are with us. Their men will ally with the Faith Militant and together we shall defeat this scourge upon mankind. All the more glory to the Starry Sept, of course."

[The Forgotten God]

"All the more glory." He patted his shoulder. "But be less concerned with glory and more with the families who will sleep better knowing their little children are safe, Titus. It is good for the Faith to be strong in this world, but it is far more important we prepare for the spiritual realm beyond. I want you to go to Starfall," he said. "And speak to Lady Elsa. This could be a chance for the March lords to band together, against a threat to more than just their pride. If the lords will not ally to defend against slavery, then the Faith has clearly placed its blessing in the wrong lords."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"I will be pleased to go wherever Your Holiness wishes," Titus answered. "But I shall pray that the Crone grants wisdom to these lords. I grew up on tales of conflict between the Marcher lords. They will not unite easily, slavery or not. I regret that I am not currently acquainted with Lady Elsa. What does Your Holiness know of the lady?"

[The Forgotten God]

"Ask Septon Dexter," he said, "he is from Blackmont and he may know of her. I know only she is your age and has done her house proud. Tell the lords you stay with how important it is to the Starry Sept that the slavers are crushed and the message sent across to Essos." A septa brought Titus some water and salted crackers. "Not luxury, I know, but my vespers begin soon and simple food clears my mind, prepares me," he explained.

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

Titus had never been a man to favour abstinence, whether it be food or any other kind, but he nodded politely. It was best not to question the religious practices of your superior, especially when that man was the head of the Faith itself. He nibbled a cracker.

"No doubt Lady Dayne will wish to offer me rich foods aplenty," he said. "As much as I enjoy rich dishes, I won't deny that there's simple pleasure in plain fare too."

[The Forgotten God]

"If you can stomach it," the pontiff said. "Those Dornish spices keep me at the privy all day," he jested. "I don't know how they can eat it. How many men do you need?" He asked.

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"A dozen Warrior's Sons should be sufficient, if Your Holiness can spare so many, plus a pair of junior septons and a few servants.. We wish to show that we are official without appearing a threat."

[The Forgotten God]

"We do not represent the Reach, Titus, Lady Elsa knows we are no threat." He considers the numbers and nods. "That sounds appropriate. A party that shows how seriously we take this matter." He rises. "I bid you blessings for your journey," he said. "I must now go to vespers."

[Princess Melissa Gardener]

"May the Seven watch over Your Holiness." Titus stood, bowed and departed. He had arrangements to make. On top of that, he had to hear confession for a number of important people, including another member of the Most Devout and two Archmaesters.