Once chit-chat about talking and socializing got done, Penne got down to business. Zan appreciated this.

"When we last left off, you wanted to know what the first step is. I won't lie about it. The first step will be hard. Zan. As a new member of our denomination, you need to learn about people and their faith."

"About... p-people?" Zan stuttered.

"Yes. About people. 'Why?' I can hear yourself asking. Because our church is non-denominational. We accept everyone. Now, let me be clear, Zan. I am not asking you to go out and make a hundred new friends. Nor am I asking you to go out and save a hundred people. But I am asking you to go out and ask one hundred people about the role the gods play in their lives."

Thinking he misheard, Zan said, "Sorry. A hundred? You want me to ask a hundred people?"

"That is correct."

Zan considered saying 'no.'

He really did. The idea seemed so repulsive to him. But he had to do it. He knew he had to it.

"Consider it done," he replied.

Scary as though it had been to say 'yes' to such a request, he felt extremely satisfied with himself for saying so. It was far out of his comfort zone. He hoped this would be a firm first step in his new religious career.

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"How do you want me to do this?" he asked. "Like, I can't write. Should I..." Zan asked by his voice wandered off. He didn't know what he was asking.

"We're not a suspicious lot, here. Personally, I think the honor system is fine. If I had my way, why, I would want you to simply sit your keister back down when you've interviewed these hundred people and tell me all about it. But wiser men than I have deemed it important you record such interactions. To do so, you will not need any writing talents. You will only need one of these," Penne said, opening a drawer from his desk to remove a bag full of marbles.

"What are those?" Zan asked.

"These are Memory Marbles. Simple, easy to use, these highly intuitive devices are a layman's magical device. They've been around for ages. You know the basics of using magic already, so I don't have to tell you how to channel. When you find someone whose story you would like to record, hold out one of these marbles in your hand, channel a miniscule sum of magic into it, and ask them to tell their story. When the story is done, the marble will de-activate, storing the memory safely within. Once every marble has been filled return here and we will review each marble with what you've learned over a pot of black tea from my special reserve."

Penne gave to Zan the whole bag. Exactly one-hundred marbles. The bag was not as heavy as Zan would've thought. It was hardly heavier than a small sack of grain. Which still had a pull but not like a sock full of mud or a helmet. Zan affixed the bag to his waist at Penne's instruction. He said of it, "Always keep a marble within reach. You want to be able to capitalize on any social situation you find yourself in."

"Any advice on where I should look for people?" Zan asked, knowing he was pushing his luck on advice.

The response given to Zan was simple: "Anywhere and everywhere."