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Prelate is the title given to the woman who is the leader of the Sisters of the Light.

[edit] The Power and Office of the Prelate

The Prelate is the supreme authority over the Sisters of the Light and runs the Palace of the Prophets, where the Sisters reside. The Prelate handles all financial expenditures of the Palace and the Sisters, as well as choosing who is to have the honor to go on journeys to discover young wizards who are in need of the Sisters help.

The Prelate has her own office, quarters and private garden. She also has the right to employ two Sisters in the high-ranking position as her administrators. The Prelate will often delegate her authority to approve transactions between the Palace and people in it's employ to her administrators.

There are no restrictions to the Prelate's power and she has access to all books of prophecy kept in the vaults and all knowledge held by the Sisters.

The criteria on how the Prelate is selected is quite straight forward. She is usually one of the more senior Sisters, so as to have a great deal of experience, however this rule is not binding. The Sister chosen to be Prelate however, is always a sorceress of great power; one who is very powerful in the gift.

[edit] Known Prelates

Annalina Aldurren was the Prelate of the Sisters of the Light for over eight hundred years, until she faked her death, along with Nathan Rahl. Both Ann and Nathan were given a special funeral rite that is normally held in honor of the Prelate. After the funeral rite, Verna Sauventreen became the Prelate, though Ann continued to advise Verna.

For a time, Verna was detained and accused of being a Sister of the Dark. At this time, Sister Ulicia, the true leader of the Sisters of the Dark, was made Prelate. Ulicia was the "false Prelate" mentioned in prophecy and it was she who reigned over the death of the Palace of the Prophets. However, Richard returned the Prelates ring of office to Verna when she freed herself and Ulicia had sworn loyalty to him.

[edit] The Prelate at War

After the destruction of the Palace of the Prophets, the Sisters of the Light joined with the cause of Richard Rahl and became the gifted unit of the D'Haran Army.

Verna, as the Prelate, continued in her capacity as the supreme authority over the Sister's lives. She is seen as a woman of authority among the troops, as well as the Sisters. Verna is one of the chief advisers to the General, in matters of the war, providing valuable gifted insight.