While the others discussed what might have happened, Isaac wandered deeper into the treasure hoard.
Near the back of one of the piles, he found a partially burnt book. His brows furrowed when he saw the symbol on its cover: a sword balanced against a scale.
'That... is that the Holy Book of Goddess Qaia's Church?'
The Holy Book was the sacred text of Goddess Qaia's church. Some claimed the Church had been founded after the first pope discovered the book during the darkest period of his life and found salvation through it. Others believed the Holy Book had been written by the first pope himself after receiving a blessing from Goddess Qaia in a dream.
Nobody knew what was written in the Holy Book. Only the pope of each generation was permitted to read it.
However, the appearance of the Holy Book—at least its cover—was common knowledge among the nobility. Naturally, Isaac recognized it.
He picked up the burnt book and brushed the dust from its cover.
