In the novel Aled is Eyra's Rival, he has the trust of the nobility and keps spreading rumours that magic is against religion (not actual doctrine in the main church). During monster attacks he opens the church instead of directing the citizens to the shelters Eyra makes with magic and when the neighbouring nation attacks Theon tries to radicalise the people against Eyra (we find out he controls his nephew Aled by taking his mother and sister hostage). I like the relationship between Eyra and Aled because they're fundamentally different people (atheist Vs bishop) but they share the same goals, the effort to find middle ground develops both characters in an interesting way, the scene in which they discuss theology is one of my favourites. Theon is interesting as a villain because he's so power hungry he ends up shooting himself in the foot. There's more that happens with the church but this is what stuck with me the most
**Spoilers for the novel**
In the novel Aled is Eyra's Rival, he has the trust of the nobility and keps spreading rumours that magic is against religion (not actual doctrine in the main church). During monster attacks he opens the church instead of directing the citizens to the shelters Eyra makes with magic and when the neighbouring nation attacks Theon tries to radicalise the people against Eyra (we find out he controls his nephew Aled by taking his mother and sister hostage). I like the relationship between Eyra and Aled because they're fundamentally different people (atheist Vs bishop) but they share the same goals, the effort to find middle ground develops both characters in an interesting way, the scene in which they discuss theology is one of my favourites. Theon is interesting as a villain because he's so power hungry he ends up shooting himself in the foot. There's more that happens with the church but this is what stuck with me the most