Faint footsteps echoed in the dimly lit pathway as Brandon and Callista walked through the church's western chambers.
Looking at him, she spoke "Lord Herald, this is the Hall of Contrition, also known informally as the Church's prison, though the term hardly does it justice."
Brandon glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Contrition? A place for confession and repentance?"
A faint smile touched her lips, "That's what it was originally built for. In the oldest records, it was intended as a place where heretics and doubters could reflect on their sins and return to the divine path through prayer and guided penance."
"But now it's used as a prison."
As they reached a wide archway where two armored priestesses stood guard, Callista paused and gestured toward a metal door.
One of the guards stepped forward and offered a low bow to Brandon.
Then, without hesitation, she opened the door for them.
