4 a.m., Tuesday, at the priest quarters in the Church of Serenity. Roger was already awake; he had risen about twenty-two minutes ago. Anticipation and sheer excitement had prevented him from sleeping his normal duration. The crusade, however, was designated to start by 9 a.m.
Some minutes ago, he had called Ivan, seeking advice. Ivan offered his best counsel, based on the little knowledge he had about public gatherings. It was somewhat peculiar, as Ivan had never appeared as a significant speaker at a public gathering himself, and so he had never truly experienced the immense pressure associated with such an event.
"Don't worry about it, bro. All will be fine," Ivan assured his friend, his voice steady.
Roger was sharing an apartment with Priest Rio. This was his second night in the priest's humble apartment. Roger sat down, resolving to read the scriptures of the Goddess to find inspiration in preparation for the proselytising and faith-growing crusade.
