As the stranger appeared beside them, Nyk's heart pounded in his chest. He had been keeping an eye on the group of Cardslingers, yet somehow the man had managed to sneak up on them. Nyk felt his eyes widen as he took in the stranger's imposing figure.

The man was much leaner and tighter than Syn's father, and his black clothes hugged his arms and legs, emphasizing his athletic build. A cape with a hood obscured most of his face, but Nyk could see his piercing eyes.

Nyk felt a chill run down his spine when he saw how it was looking at Syn. The intensity of the man's gaze conveyed a level of disgust that he had never experienced before.

Nyk was used to being looked down upon for his ragged clothes by other villagers. The stranger's gaze toward Syn made him feel as if he saw her as a bug to be squashed. Despite being absorbed in Zosimos and Syn's conversation, Nyk couldn't help but keep his eyes on the imposing figure standing beside him.

All conversations on the deck ceased, and all eyes turned toward the group as a second, shorter figure dressed in black approached them. The young boy who had previously identified Nyk and Syn as cave-dwelling troglodytes followed behind him.

Zosimos, who was still kneeling, turned and spoke up, his voice trembling slightly. "M-may you be graced by the gods on the h-heavens," he said, raising his hands above his head.

"May the cards always be in your favor," replied the towering figure. He locked his gaze on Syn. "To speak of the heretical stories of Deckbinders is to invite calamity upon oneself," he spoke in a voice like thunder.

Syn's body tensed, and Zosimos retreated, pulling her closer. Fear and respect mingled on his face as he looked up at the stranger. "Please forgive the kids' curiosity," he said.

Syn finally spoke up. "I didn't mean to disrespect the gods. I was just asking..." Her voice trailed off as she noticed the stranger's piercing gaze and the hostility in his tone.

The stranger's body stiffened as he glared down at the pair in front of him. His muscles bulged under his clothing as he towered over them, emanating a sense of power and dominance. His voice boomed, filling the air with an intimidating presence as he spoke.

"Curiosity is one thing," he said, his voice laced with anger and frustration. "But disrespecting the gods is quite another." His eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on the young girl who had spoken out of turn. "The mere mention of bonding with more than six cards is a perversion of the natural order and a blasphemy against the gods who graced humanity with this holy refuge."

Syn's face twisted in shock, while Zosimos stumbled over his words incoherently. "T-the children m-meant no harm or d-disrespect. They are j-just y-young and c-curious," he stuttered.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Meant or not, disrespect towards the gods cannot be tolerated," the stranger bellowed, his anger rising. "She must be disciplined before her words and thoughts can become a heresy that offends the gods."

Zosimos shrank back, struggling to find his voice, while the stranger took a step forward, his cape billowing behind him. Syn's eyes widened in fear, and she took a step back.

Without warning, Nyk jumped ahead, blocking the stranger's path. The dark figure glared angrily at him and leaned in, stopping just inches away from his face. His eyes glowed a dark red as he spoke, his voice low and menacing. "You dare stand in my way?"

The stranger, Bhaltazer, stood rigid, his eyes still fixed on the group in front of him. Suddenly, an elderly voice spoke up from behind him, causing him to turn around. "I think that's enough, Bhaltazer," the voice said calmly. "I'm sure my old friend Zosimos didn't mean to disrespect the gods and was simply teaching the kids about them."

Bhaltazer grimaced and tilted his head, growling at Nyk before straightening up to his full height. He sneered at the trio, his face expressionless. "As you wish, Elder Taizhen. But know that I will remember you," he said, looking at Syn and Nyk in turn. "I know well that a heretic never learns from their mistakes..."

He turned and bowed respectfully to the elderly figure before walking away, his black cape trailing behind him. A young boy who had been standing a few meters away from the exchange joined him, his eyes throwing angry glances at Nyk.

Zosimos breathed a sigh of relief as the tension dissipated. Color slowly returned to his face, and his expression brightened at the sight of the person standing before him. "Thank you, old friend," he said, bowing respectfully as the elder approached.

The elder approached the group with a kind smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Please don't be alarmed, children," he said gently. "Bhaltazer can be a bit... overzealous at times. But he means well."

Syn's gaze was still fixed on the retreating figures, and she looked up at the elder with a worried expression. "I-I wasn't trying to disrespect the gods," she murmured.

"Don't worry about that," the elder reassured her. "Bhaltazer is a promising administrator. It just so happens that he's also a prominent member of the Church aiming for a rank as an Inquisitor," he explained. "And as we all know, they take their beliefs very seriously. Don't worry, kiddo. As long as you show respect for the gods, they won't bother you. Although, I'm afraid he'll have his eyes on you both for the rest of the trip." He paused, considering. "I know. Why don't you come with me and join me for a cup of tea?"

"It would be our pleasure, Grandmaster," Zosimos replied weakly, a small smile on his face.

The elderly figure led the way, and Zosimos placed his hands on the kids' shoulders as they walked. "Are you two okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Nyk shuddered before answering. "His gaze was... horrifying..." he said, his voice shaking slightly.

Syn's face was serene, but her hands trembled slightly. "I... t-think I'm okay," she said softly, looking down at her hands.

Zosimos squeezed their shoulders comfortingly. "Now you see why I wanted you to be careful," he said. "You never know who's listening."

Syn took a deep breath, still trying to make sense of what had just happened. "I still don't understand what... why..." she mumbled to herself.

Nyk broke free from Zosimos' grasp and ran to hold Syn's hand. The two kids exchanged a reassuring glance. "Don't worry, Syn. I've got your back," Nyk said, a determined look on his face.

Syn smiled and nodded, feeling comforted by his words. Together, they followed the elder out of the deck, leaving the uncomfortable encounter behind them.