As the last glimmering image of the starlight bird faded from the high dome, the abrupt and splendid display in the White Rose Hall came to a complete end.
But the shadow of Alonso's departure loomed far heavier over everyone's hearts than the light show itself.
The silver halo around Archbishop Fernandez quickly receded, but the veins still stood out on the back of the hand gripping his Oak Staff.
His aged face was pulled taut, every wrinkle seemingly etched with impending fury.
He spun around abruptly to face Margaret:
