The inside of the citadel was dark and stuffy, and smelled heavily of incense. Windows were few, and those that did exist were stained red and curtained with cobwebs. A few candles were lit here and there, to illuminate statues of Mahnjuan heroes and saints. Baelisk walked along a worn red carpet that led up to the alter. There stood a Mahnjuan priest with a long white robe. His back was to Baelisk, and his low voice chanted in some strange language. This was the High Priest, leader of the Cleric's guild.

Baelisk took a cautious step forward. "Excuse me,"

The High Priest stopped chanting and turned to look at the visitor.

"I am sorry to have interrupted you, your Eminence," Baelisk said with a bow. "I am here to see Shanju."

"Ah ha." replied the High Priest. "Is he expecting you?"

"No," Baelisk replied, "I'm on rather short notice business. I didn’t have time to contact him before I came here from Tataria."

"I see…and will you need him long?"

"Possibly for many weeks. Perhaps months."

The High Priest started. "Months?" he echoed uncertainly. "Whatever will you need him that long for?"

"It's a rather long story." Baelisk replied, "One that he must hear himself, with all due respect to you, your Eminence."