Francis stood there for a few seconds, weighing the value of each course of action.
Was this why the Synod had recalled every member? Had somebody known this would happen? Had it been done on purpose?
The thought burned at him. A part of him was unwilling to accept that the shepherds will knowingly put the flocks in danger for no great benefit. But he was old enough to know that not all selfish benefits had to be great.
But this also meant that he wasn't supposed to be here in the first place. If he hadn't taken that detour, he'd have been out of this city before this happened. And the fact that the infected had breached the church wall only meant one thing.
Rainhold has fallen.
The people might still be fighting and the Chosen might still be trying their best but the city was already gone. He might be powerful, but even he could not cut out this rot without destroying perfectly good organs. He didn't have the skills of the Pope.
