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“Please call me Reynard, Chosen One.” He bowed awkwardly. “As a long-standing member of this community, I simply wanted to offer my gratitude for your timely intervention.”

“Is that right? Well then, your gratitude is duly noted.” I grunted in dismissal, not wanting to get involved in whatever his political agenda was. My mind was trying to figure out what I needed to do next while still stuck on what just happened. What if the mob just untied him the moment I turned my back? Who was going to make sure this didn’t happen again? How was I going to get help for Tetora now?

“Ah… perhaps we can talk again in a little while. You seem a little busy right now…” he murmured in retreat. At least he knew when to back off.

“Holy Captain,” Aleph said resolutely after clearing his throat. “It would seem that Kopria at large has passed your test. We should embrace them with open arms as we rejoice in their attempts to make amends.”

I spun around to give him an incredulous stare. Test? Passed? Amends?! They’re only helping now because it’s the path of least resistance! Less than an hour ago, they would have skinned you alive and laughed about it!

Aleph put a steady hand on my shoulder and smiled wistfully as he whispered, “Steady now. Let’s not snuff out the smallest strides for change.”

“Alright…” I sighed, still distrustful that they were suddenly on our side.

Tetora stepped forward and savagely mussed my hair with unsteady hands. “Finally found your dragon breath, I see.”

Glancing at Tetora reproachfully, I found myself whispering in shame, “I think I made a big mistake, declaring Dolus a traitor to the church, and now–”

“Give me back my powers!” Dolus screamed fitfully from his bindings. “You have no right to take such things from me!”

Nora, who had been unusually silent, zeroed in on him and scoffed derisively. “If she didn’t have the right, it wouldn’t have worked, now would it?!”

“The people of Kopria need my healing abilities! There’s not another priest for leagues in any direction!”

He probably drove them off himself, finding him as obnoxious and offensive as we did.

Nora turned to Reynard, tilting her head slightly. “Is that true?”

“Ah, yes.” His head bobbed quickly. “It’s been hard to keep the good ones around, at any rate.”

“Hmm….” Nora eyed me for a moment, then leaned in and whispered, “Any way you can give him back his heals, even temporarily?”

“I have a thought…” I murmured back hesitantly. “I think I could do what Raelynn did back at that orphanage. But he’d have to be slightly sorry for what he did.”

“The… orphanage?”

“You remember that, right?” I asked. “It was the first time she manifested her powers.”

Nora’s eyes darted back and forth suspiciously. “Let’s say, for the sake of argument, I don’t.”

“The Matron,” I reminded her quickly. “You know how she made the kids beg on the streets for money? Patching them up just enough to go out and get roughed up some more? Remember, she said that if she healed them, no one would feel sorry for them, and their daily take would disappear.”

“Sure…” she said without conviction. “Then what happened?”

“Well, Raelynn was taken there after her parents died from the plague. But she wasn’t about to be used as some street urchin, so she confronted the Matron and sealed her powers like I did to Dolus. But the Matron confessed someone else was extorting money from her. That’s when Raelynn granted her absolutio partialis.”

“…Absolutio Partialis?”

Did we not read the same story? “Raelynn can’t forgive on behalf of Euphridia,” I shook my head. “But she can set people on a different path if they repent, seeking restoration in the Covenant. I’m not seeing that happening with Dolus, though, so I’d doubt it’d work.”

I mean, there are Rules to these kinds of things. A person can forgive someone without them being sorry. But as for Euphridia? Well... actions spoke louder than words, and even then, there were no guarantees.

Nora absently twirled a curl of hair around her index finger. “So all we have to do is get him to say he’s sorry…” With her nose twitching, she snapped her fingers twice, then marched purposefully over to Dolus, with Vernie emerging from the shadows at the very last moment to join her. “Apologize, and maybe your healing powers will be reinstated!” Nora then glanced at me with a hesitant look. “You’ll have to be sincere, of course.”

The angry brother, tearing himself away from the group holding him back, renewed his assault, slamming the bound Dolus onto the cobblestones again. “Beg for forgiveness, Dolus! Convince us both you have some worth to society, or at least give me the satisfaction of hearing you scream!”

After obliging with some fitful yelps, Dolus was hauled back into a sitting position, glaring at me as if he had swallowed a rotten lemon. “I… I seek absolution for my sins,” he hissed between trembling teeth.

“Oh! I think we can do a little better than that, don’t you?” Vernie declared as she stole center stage. “Because if you don’t change your ways, the only sect that will accept you is the Order of the Eunuchs!” she laughed harshly, gesturing grandly with her dagger. “I’ll even help you sing soprano!”

“It’s… Laverna! Laverna the Emasculator!” an older man from the sidelines shouted gleefully as the crowd cheered. I heard Nora stifle a snort, but I wasn’t so sure it was a joke.

“E… emasculator?!” Dolus’s voice cracked in more of a falsetto than the soprano Vernie had mentioned. “Wait! Wait! Forgive me! I won’t ever target hybrids again!”

That’s what it takes to get you to take things seriously!? Not the threat of death but the threat of…

“So…” Nora eyed me. “Think he regrets his actions now?”

I considered him for a moment, trying to convince myself that he genuinely was sorry on some level. Honestly, it seemed more likely that he regretted the predicament he had landed himself in, but maybe that’d be enough. I’d benefit if he got his powers back, too, truthfully. But, just in case, I was going to make sure he was in the best position to learn his lesson with some significant community service.

“I’ll grant you absolutio partialis, provided you offer your woefully mis-bestowed healing powers free of charge to any and all that request them.” At least, I hoped I could… Visualize to actualize?

“…All?” he squeaked, flinching as I glared at him. “Of course, all…”

“Swear it!” I folded my arms awkwardly, my chest muscles rejecting the painful movement.

“I swear never again to mistreat beast… I mean, hybrids, and I will heal all before me that are in need.” He choked on about half the words, but he did manage to finish his oath.

“Then… I grant you absolutio partialis, with healing being the only available yet necessary skill you are authorized to use.”

“That wasn’t part of the deal!” he shrieked. “I require all my amity skills as a priest!”

“Oh, I didn’t say you could return to being a priest,” I snorted, helping myself to his abandoned miter on the ground. “And I doubt I ever will. So get to work! You have a lot of customers before you already. ” I might not have the church’s authority behind me right now, but I’d rat him out to Relias to ensure it was all official and permanently binding.

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I’m sure he called me something vulgar under his breath, but I ignored it, glancing at Tetora instead.

“Have him tend to the battle wounded first,” Tetora gestured towards the courtyard shakily.

“But…!”

Tetora quirked an eyebrow at me and tilted his head, playing the stoic and waiting for me to continue.

With a sigh, I loftily signaled for the mob to bring the others forward. They began by dragging over the battered brother, who had lapsed into semi-consciousness despite their efforts to administer first aid. Dolus’s palms began to emit a soft glow to my instant relief. “As Euphridia guides my hands, I heal thee,” he intoned flatly.

Sure, the brother’s face was physically healed almost immediately, but his eyes still showed the horror of his recent betrayal. It doesn’t matter how great of a healer you are; you can’t fix it all as if nothing ever happened. Anyone who promises otherwise is nothing but a detestable liar.

After a tearful reunion, the brothers tried to slink off together, but Nora intercepted them. I watched anxiously for a moment before I realized she was gathering intel. Although I couldn’t quite make out the specifics, their body language clearly showed that they were divulging all sorts of incriminating information. Some mob members also crowded in, but I suspected they were simply seeking gossip. The other men, whom the citizens had previously secured, were also brought forward and healed in turn.

“Now for my companions,” I demanded. “Heal them, too.”

Aleph slowly shook his head. “I am not in need of healing. Please proceed with Tetora.”

Tetora fought against but ultimately lost to his emotions, making a disgusted face as he lowered himself next to the Prelate. Dolus then snorted derisively. “So this is why you came here, of all places…”

Guess he didn’t think this was a charming little hamlet, either.

“Oh, look. My dagger’s a little dull.” Vernie sighed as she tested the blade’s edge. “But it’ll still do the job…”

Dolus jumped but then hesitated after placing his hands on Tetora. “Demonic poison…!” he gasped. “They’ve made it this far east?!”

At that, every mob member fell silent, gripped by trembling fear.

“Now you have something far more significant to concern yourself with,” Tetora snapped. “Hope you’re on good terms with the Order of the Blue. You’ll require the support and protection of all the humans and hybrids within their ranks.”

“I’ll dispatch a letter of request immediately,” Reynard declared from behind me, causing me to whirl around in surprise.

Still hanging around looking for an opportunity, huh?

Dolus, his hands trembling, took a deep breath before focusing his aura once again. It took longer to heal him, but Tetora eventually hopped to his feet lithely, patting himself as if to ensure all parts were restored. “You begin the path to make amends, Father,” he said in his most neutral tone. It wasn’t precisely forgiveness, but it wasn’t a thank you, either.

I would have felt much better if he had told him off, though.

“You’re injured too, are you not?” Aleph asked me with concern.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” I set my jaw pugnaciously, refusing to allow him to put his hands anywhere on me. “Maybe it will serve as a reminder not to be so stupid next time…”

“There is no need to be so hard on yourself,” Aleph sighed. “But I share your revulsion at letting one such as him touch you. So it’s your choice.”

“I’m just a little sore… It’ll pass.” I flashed him an appreciative smile, relieved he didn’t press the issue.

“Now then,” Aleph raised his voice, mainly for the mob’s benefit. “Let us pray in the sanctuary and ask for Euphridia’s forgiveness for resorting to violence.”

Oh, Aleph… I was sure she didn’t give the slightest damn about what we just did.

Tetora snorted. “Perhaps then we can also find someone willing to ensure Dolus continues on the right path.”

Reynard stepped forward once again. “Would you care to leave him in my care? I can assure you I’ll make sure he appreciates the lesson you taught him.” Various townspeople swiftly agreed, with a few more standing behind him. As I looked at the mob, I realized there were more people here now than even at the beginning, with most of them dressed in more muted colors. Something was fishy, and I wasn’t dumb enough to take them at their word. “I don’t think–”

“I trust him, Holy Captain,” Vernie agreed quickly before turning to Reynard. “Would you help us enter the church?”

“Why, of course, dear lady!” the stout fellow chuckled. “I’m sure Holy Euphridia eagerly awaits your prayers!”

“Friend of yours?” I muttered suspiciously as we headed across the courtyard behind him.

“Just met him today.” Vernie shrugged almost imperceptibly. “Turns out we’re kindred spirits.”

“You’re… gonna explain this all later, right?” I felt a pit forming in my stomach.

“You’ll see.” Vernie smirked mischievously.

The church door was still closed but no longer locked from the inside. Nora had joined us at the last moment, her eyes burning with enlightened excitement.

“So what’s the latest gossip?” I asked as the others filed inside slowly.

“Later, when we’re alone. Then I’ll dish, promise!”

As I brought up the rear of the group, Reynard bowed in grand obeisance as he held the door for me. He couldn’t have appeared any more suspicious if he tried!

My eyes fell on the interior of the church. “What happened here?!” I stared at the disarray in front of me in utter disbelief. The floor was littered with stomped papers, furniture lay overturned, and the walls were stripped bare, save for the occasional nail here and there.

“Dolus must have had someone gather up all the church’s valuables!” the jolly fellow shouted in a sudden, booming voice behind me for the mob’s benefit. J’accuse!

“But how could he have possibly–” I started to say before Nora stomped on my foot in warning.

“Holy Captain!” Reynard dropped to his knees piously while still somehow propping the door open with his body for all to see. “I would like to request that our community undertake a thorough investigation of this atrocity as well!”

Even though I was sure this wasn’t under my authority, I internally shrugged. “Granted, I guess… though I’m still not sure–”

“Lock him in the tower until we finish our investigation!” the fellow scrambled to his feet and pointed as the townspeople dragged Dolus away, kicking and screaming. The fellow turned then and flashed an unabashed smile at us. “Our investigation will be quite thorough, I assure you.”

“Anything else we should know before heading out, Reynard?” Vernie asked in a hushed but severe tone, crossing her arms.

“Not really, no,” Reynard’s eyes twinkled. “Nora has the gist of everything; she can fill you in. Just don’t take too long with your show of piety. I won’t be able to hold them off forever.” He began to close the door behind him, but Vernie stuck her foot against it.

“You did make those other arrangements, right?” she questioned in a dangerous voice.

“Would I double cross you?” he asked, mostly to himself. His entire demeanor changed as if someone had just yelled ‘cut,’ and with a chuckle, he answered his own question. “Probably, but not over something like this. I do hope you’ll request my services again, Laverna. Tonight was very profitable… for me, anyway.” He bowed to us again, and then he smirked at me specifically. “If I were you… and I’m ever so glad I’m not… I’d run away from here as fast as you can. I’ll try to keep things quiet, but you know how rumors spread,” he laughed as he closed the door, separating us from him and the villagers on the other side.

“What just happened?” I rubbed my face, watching in disbelief as Vernie moseyed through the ransacked church.

“These people just want someone to blame for all their troubles. Since we’re removing the idea that hybrids are to blame, we should give them someone else to focus on instead. They don’t need specifics like evidence; they need a body. I knew you wouldn’t kill him because that’s not what you do. Taking away his power was pretty neat, but we must also take his profits. Otherwise, he’d cause trouble somewhere else.”

“So… you arranged for the church to get raided? While I was… grandstanding?”

She shrugged. “Among other things… like gathering support for you at the end.”

Wow, she works fast. That’s almost scary.

“Don’t worry. They’ll put that money back into the town eventually. They’re all locals, anyway. Next time, try to wrap it up sooner so I can help myself to some spoils, too.”

Next time?!

I turned to look at Aleph and Tetora. “And what do you two think about all of this?”

“I don’t condone stealing…” Aleph said in a soft voice. “Good thing I didn’t see it happen.”

Tetora growled. “It’s just a shame he’s still breathing!” He looked at me then with a troubled gaze. “Not that I wanted you to dirty your hands on him, Little Dragon. I know you wanted to.”

“A little too much so.” I shook my head wearily, secretly glad my companions were acting more like themselves again now that we were out of the spotlight.

“I still take it as a sign of respect,” Tetora sniffed.

Nora tapped my shoulder. “Hey! Why didn’t you ask me about my thoughts?”

“I know what you’re thinking! You approve of all of this!”

“Not officially… until now!” Nora grinned and gave Vernie a big thumbs-up. “Nice.”

“Let’s hurry…” Vernie advised, unable to hide a grin of her own. “We don’t want to hang around here for long.”

I knelt in front of the sanctuary’s banner. Nora, Aleph, and Tetora joined me in quiet prayer while Vernie busied herself with searching for anything valuable. I kept my prayer as more of a status update. However, I thanked Euphridia and CUP in general for the opportunity to meet Vernie and heal Tetora after our unexpected encounter. I also apologized for frequently losing my temper and letting my animus briefly get the best of me, even though I knew I wouldn’t work on changing my behavior too much. I skipped the part about someone ransacking one of her churches, thinking it unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Nora’s prayer took the longest, with her mumbling quickly but mostly unintelligibly. I also noticed she was white-knuckling her journal as she prayed, with the word ‘demon’ popping up more than once. When she finished, she stood up with an audible exhale. “All done,” she confirmed.

“So… we’re leaving now, right?” Reynard’s words continued to chill me.

“Fleeing quickly would be the most prudent course of action.” Aleph frowned. “Even if this place is…” he stopped, his long face twisting with difficulty.

“Um… Rustic?” I offered.

“Kinder than any other words I could find. But yes, we should make haste regardless. Outrunning gossip is probably a fool’s errand, yet we cannot help but try.”

“I suppose we’ll be walking for a good portion of the night, won’t we?” I mumbled as I half-successfully stifled a yawn, feeling a wave of exhaustion creeping up on me.

“Guess again!” Vernie threw open the door, and an oversized wooden war wagon was waiting for us in the bright moonlight. Four giant shire horses were hitched to the front, waiting patiently for us as their new owners. An elegantly inked drawing on the sideboard showed an angry red monkey on one side of a scale, perfectly balanced with a black fox on the other.

“You’re lucky that scoundrel came through.” Nora snickered. “Otherwise, you’d look silly, opening the door to nothing.”

My mouth fell open once again in pure disbelief. Damn, she—they—work fast.

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