In Martial language, as in Zveltic symbolism, crimson generally takes the place of black as the emblem of guilt and peril.

When Esmo re-entered our chamber for a moment to summon me, he was invested, as in the Shrine itself, in the full attire of his office, and I was recalled to a recollection of the reverence due to the head of the Brotherhood by the sudden change in Eveena's manner.
To her father, though a most respectful, she was a fearlessly affectionate child.

For Clavelta she had only the reverence, deeply intermingled with awe, with which a devout Catholic convert from the East may approach for the first time some more than usually imposing occupant of the Chair of St.Peter.Before the arm that bore the Signet, and the sash of gold, we bent knee and head in the deference prescribed by our rules--a homage which the youngest child in the public Nurseries would not dream of offering to the Campta himself.

At a sign from his hand I followed Esmo, hoping rather than expecting that Eveena would obey the counsel indirectly addressed to her.
Traversing the same passages as before, save that a slight turn avoided the symbolic bridge, and formally challenged at each point as usual by the sentries, who saluted with profoundest reverence the Signet of the Order, we passed at last into the Hall of Initiation.
But on this occasion its aspect was completely changed.

A space immediately in front of what I may call the veil of the Shrine was closed in by drapery of white bordered with crimson.