The Red Bishop
an excerpt

The Reverend Mother caught up with him. “Excuse me sir, parishoners are not allowed beyond the Altar unless-“

“Unless they are baptised and given communion, or if they are on official Church business. Well, I was on official Church business good Mother until a little while ago. And if you need to know who I am, why don’t you ask your dear not-quite-departed Saint Michael-“ He made no effort to stop, walking at a furious pace. He exited the holy place as quickly as his stunning revelation filled the nave.

The holy woman stood rooted to the spot where she last left this layman. Her keen gaze locked on the space where the firebrand last stood, his words echoing in her ears. She had no idea who he was, or what he was talking about. Saint Michael was dead. Everyone knew that.