”...let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

—John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address.

For many years, you have trained together in the expectation that you would serve the True God as Fidelis Ordo, or Band of Faithful. Now that time has come, as the Patriarch has called you to Chalcedon to assign your first mission. By ancient custom, he personally welcomes each new Fidelis Ordo.

The gravity of the summons puts you in a somber mood during the long overland journey from Ephesos to Chalcedon. Yet the seriousness cannot quench the exuberance over your first opportunity to serve the True God. Every time you consider the prospect of service, your heart grows lighter and your spirits soar.

In light of this, the passage does not seem very long at all.

Chalcedon overlooks the Bosphorus Straits from well-defended heights. Situated at this strategic point between the Sea of Marmara and the Atra Sea, Chalcedon is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the word; even centuries of encroachment by the Dark Lord have not changed that fact. The massive walls stand over fifty feet tall and enclose glittering churches, bustling marketplaces, and a host of other diversions.

Were you not met at the gates by an Imperial escort, you could have wandered mesmerized for a lifetime.

To be continued…