Chapter 09:
Unmasked, Thad felt decidedly out of place. Each coach disgorged partygoers, all dressed in the strange black robes provided the inquisitor and scribe. None of those in attendance wore a weapon of any kind, at least not visible. However, there were guards in attendance. The wealthy rarely traveled far without protection.
The armed men who arrived as escorts were not masked or dressed in robes. These men-at-arms did not enter the building with their charges. For some yet undiscovered reason, the bishop went to great lengths to conceal his guests’ identities. Although those standing watch would surely discuss their masters in attendance. Hirelings were the best place to seek out the chatter about the influential they served.
The revelers appeared more similar than distinct in
