Upon reading your post #4009, I must admit it has rekindled what remnant of hope I still have in the Church. You stated that the Church "have and always will fight for the side of the oppressed, the victimised and the innocent, be they followers of...any...God."

However, the incident at the Gathering chamber of the Basilica ten Achaean days ago has disillusioned me. I was on my way to visit my friends in the Arena in Delos, when I suddenly found myself in the Gathering chamber. I managed to see that Thalen was in the room, so I figured the rite of convocation had been used on me to kidnap me to Shallam.

Before I could respond at all, I lost my link to the physical world and my soul was led adrift into the dark limbo. When I came to full consciousness, I found myself at the throne of Sarapis. I attempted to find peace in my long prayer to Sarapis, but I could not, for I understood not how my death at the Basilica can be justified.

After my prayer, I was informed that Dalamar was the murderer, which didn't surprise me, considering his notoriety & credibility.

What is this? What wrongs have I done against him or the Church lately? I can think of nothing. I haven't touched a single shrine ever since the treaty was nullified. I haven't touched a single church member, except in defence of the city.

Yes, I am fully aware that officially, Dalamar is neither a member of the Church nor of the Paladins guild. That Dalamar and his friends can still continue to abuse their powers in convocation, deliverance and pilgrimage for their personal agenda bespeaks the underlying corruption and weaknesses of the Church, despite its moral standards in its facade.

Please, before you speak against another murder, think upon how the Church has allowed murderers run rampant against the young and the innocent with skills vested in them by the power of the Church.

My time spent in de Vermiis Art Gallery has been most inspiring. Sitting there in the darkness, watching the images before my eyes, I could only feel the eyes of hatred staring blankly at me. The hatred has not overwhelmed my heart. Rather, it speaks to my mind of where its real source lies -- the torture and death of people victimized at the hands of the Church, in whatever name, in whatever cause.

I grew up as an orphan too. Who come to my aid when I am in trouble? Friends. Who fight for me when I have been victimized? Friends. Will the Church ever stand for me when I am a victim of yet again another abuse of its powers?

Penned by my hand on the 9th of Ero, in the year 240 AF.