Graybeard wrote:
Paul seems to be capable of conducting a fairly detached analysis of what happened, so I'm surprised he didn't notice one thing. "This could be Veracia trying to send us a message"? Doesn't fit the facts.
I agree but for different reasons.
Graybeard wrote:
The most likely sources of information on what happened in the church are the church people -- Winston Maurel and his "assistant" who were obviously around for the failed hit, then escorted out by Sara.
NOT escorted out by Sara. (scratch that. I just reread and caught your drift)
Last seen, Sara was nicely slumped over Jon's shoulder when they were asking themselves which one remembered the cat, as they were leaving. Sara is going to wake up in her older brother's tender care and then interrogated and guarded by an elf.
Graybeard wrote:
But if they're feeding the Ensigerum accurate information on the way the whole thing played out (and its accuracy can be confirmed by looking at the battle scene, etc.), how likely is it that the church has formed a secret alliance with the elves? Tipping the Ensigerum's hand to elf involvement would be the last thing they'd want to do.
Ensigerum haven't had the time to 'process' the scene, yet. Besides, there were no church puppets inside the church during the last few moments. Jon and Sarine were alone with Sara.
I'm thinking more like that other guy, that the observation team was outside, on roof-tops. Of course, they could have been church flunkies too but still not inside with Jon and Sarine.
The Veracian Church may have made deals with the elves but the Ensigerum is what 'made' them and they know it. More, it seems that there are elves that want to keep the Ensigerum hidden from other elves, implying that the Ensigerum also have elven allies, even if they don't know it.
Graybeard wrote:
Presumably Paul will figure this out eventually, rule out that possibility, and start converging on the actual truth. Of course, Anita being who she is, it probably won't matter.