With good-byes that were neither sad nor elated, the Cardinal Orren closed off the passage and went back to the courtyard, in front of the chapel. He was dressed in his same battle armour and before leaving the safety of Halls' enclosed quadrangle he instructed his high cardinals to destroy Boyce and his men, if he is beaten. He also told them to destroy the entire city of Pomperaque is he doesn't survive the combat with Boyce.
Boyce had given Tucker and Empal similar instructions, as well, but Boyce's instructions didn't call for the total destruction of his city, if he lost against Orren. His instructions only called for the destruction of the Halls Cathedral.
"Let not one stone remain standing on this butte!" he told them and waited until his rival came to him.
He finally heard the heavy gates of the wall clang and screech open.
He watched the huge doors swing inward and soon after they stopped moving, he saw his personal rival come out ti fight him.
There was a great disappointment and feeling of being cheated in
Boyce's heart when he saw that the man he was about to fight was the
Cardinal Orren instead of the ArchBishop Manguino.
"What's this, Orren? I had called on Manguino to fight with me." Boyce said in anger.
Orren drew nearer, his chromium armour reflecting the morning sun.
He was carrying a cross bow in his left hand and he looked as if he was equally matched, weapon-wise, with Boyce.
Many of those watching Orren slowly walking up to Boyce were frightened that Boyce would not survive.