Birds were chirping in the early mornings of dawn; a tent is set up in a clearing close to the road. A man slowly drags himself out of the tent with barely open eyes, mumbling something about mornings are a curse to this world. The man rubs his eyes sighing while thinking, ‘One day, I will be able to wake up properly in the morning.’ He promises himself then, taking a deep breath, he summons a few buckets worth of water above his head dropping it on himself.
“I’m awake, I’m awake!” Shivering covered in goosebumps from the cool morning air the man starts gathering the water from his drenched clothes with magic. Drawing out the water dries his clothes rapidly. Leaving his hair slightly damp he turns the gathered water into a slight shower. Releasing the water on the nearby flowers and trees, “There you go, this is my apology for burning wood in front of you. So, grow up big and strong.” After watering the nearby vegetation, he moves back towards the tent sticking his head inside grabbing his backpack. Opening the pack, he starts digging around before pulling out a brush, proceeding to tame the bird’s nest that rests on his head. Humming a cheery tune to himself, he proceeds to brush his hair. After spending five minutes he was able to tame the nest. Now transformed so it shines as long beautiful silky blonde hair flows down to his waist. Sighing to himself while staring at his hair, ‘Brushing my hair takes way too much time in the morning but, if I cut it Sister Mea back at the church will be angry at me. She took care of me growing up, so I would hate to see her upset since she likes my hair being long.’
The man loses himself in his thoughts thinking about the stern yet soft woman who raised him at the church. A grumbling noise from his stomach brings him back from his thoughts. “Oh right, food. I need to eat breakfast then pack up, so I can reach town before nightfall.” Digging back into his pack he brings out some dry rations, munching on them while grumbling, “Soon I will be able to sleep in a bed while not having to get up early. I shall sleep in extra two, no, three hours before getting up.” Nodding his head with satisfaction at his futures plans. He finishes off his rations, before packing up his camp site. When taking down the tent, he pulls out his spatial bag that is sitting in the bottom of his backpack putting the bulkier items inside.
While spatial bags are not a common item to see on every commoner you come across. They are relatively common among traveling merchants. Having a spatial bag usually dictates if a merchant is still a greenhorn or a veteran.
After putting the big items like his tent inside his spatial bag, he puts it in his backpack. While in his backpack he pulls a set of traveling priest robes, which indicate his status as a wandering healer. Being a wandering healer makes him less prone to be the target of bandits. Not many would risk offending the church for fear of having Reapers sent to hunt them down. Few are brave enough to go against the church, those who do, are never heard from again.
Reapers were members of the church who were sent out to do the darker side of things. Hunting down people who question the church. Exorcizing people who are possessed by demons or killing them if they are beyond saving. Going after ancient relics that might undermine the church. And, the rare case of escorting important individuals. Being part of the Reapers was a great honor in the church since they have a very high status. However, Reapers have no mercy for anyone. Where ever they go, they leave a trail blood in their wake. Ruthless, cruel, and bloodthirsty were accurate ways of describing just how they have a high status. With a name forged in blood, mothers use them as threats to make children behave.
Typically asking for healing from a wandering priest was payment enough that bandits would let him leave. If the wandering priest traveled with a caravan the entire caravan would be allowed safe passage as well. So, having a priest traveling with a caravan was always heavily sought for. But, now days there are very little traveling priests around anymore. Who would want to be a traveling priest when you can stay in bigger towns where even the lord must be respectful when talking with you? Also, the bigger the town the more money you can charge for your healing spells. So, traveling priests are a dying breed of people who ask for only enough money to eat while charging nothing for healing.
After rolling up his bedroll he places it on his backpack tying it place. After securing the bedroll he remembers to pull out his healing spell book from the bag. While pulling out the spell book he notices he forgot about his mask. Pulling out a mask that is plain white with open holes for his eyes, decorated with leaf’s and vines. Staring at the mask, a memory comes to mind from when he was a kid. A time when the only things he had to worry about were bullies.
A middle-aged human woman with shoulder long black hair wearing a nun’s outfit with glasses with her arms crossed stared at a young boy with blonde hair and blue eyes crying.
With a frown on her face she raises an eye brow, “So, what happened this time Lyle?”
The little boy sniffles while rubbing his eyes, “Th-the r-r-red dr-dra-.”
She knits her brows looking sharply at him before scolding him, “Speak properly. You are a man, aren’t you? Men don’t cry, so stop the tears and tell me what happened.”
Taking a couple minutes to stop his sniffles and tears. The boy slowly moves his hands away from his eyes before grabbing the bottom of his tunic tightly, “The r-red dragonkin wer-were making fun of me saying I was only an unwanted child that shouldn’t have been born. T-that even if I were to disappear, no one would miss me and my girly looks.” Tears started threatening to come pouring out his eyes as he explained what happened.
The nun’s gaze softens, and she scoops him up into her arms, “If you disappeared, who would be my little helper then? I would miss you little one, so you should just ignore what the dragonkin say. Besides, I have a mask that I was going to give you when you were older. It’s not finished, but how ‘bout you help me decorate it?”
His eyes widen, “Really?” appearing eager to help.
She chuckles, “Yes, little one.”
“Can I make it pretty?” the little boy asks.
Eyes widen a little bit before faintly smiling while imagining it, “Long as you don’t regret it in the future.”
“I won’t!” He smiles with happiness radiating from his face, already forgotten what happened earlier.
Placing the book and mask on the outside holders of the bag for easier access. He dons the backpack muttering to himself, “Sister Mea just HAD to let me make it pretty, didn’t she? Hah… I regret it, Sister Mea.” Tears going down his face inside his heart.
Searching for his quarterstaff that was for protection was leaning against a nearby tree. Walking over he grabs it before starting his journey along the edge of the road to leave room for passing caravans. Humming to himself a song he heard in one of the passing towns to pass the time, he slowly makes his way to the next town.
Dinkleberg C. Wallabe, a well-known middle-aged local merchant who was busy making his weekly return trip to his home-town of Fallaway. Riding in his freight wagon with a canvas covering the top being pulled by two horses. Typically, Dinkleberg would have merchandise inside his wagon and inside his spatial bag. But, right now he just wanted to get home without the extra weight in the wagon. So, the only merchandise he had was inside of his spatial bag. Having a merchandise free wagon helped him move quicker it still didn’t detract from the long and boring trip back home. With having left the last town a couple days already with the next town will be reached by nightfall. He just had to try to occupy himself a little longer having already talked to his horses about life. Come three in the afternoon, he stretches to get the soreness out of his slowly aging body. Recalling back on the rumors he heard while passing through the last town. ‘Hm the Masked Devil Saint is supposed to have already passed through here. I’m curious if I will come across him on my way to Fallaway. A man whose beauty that if he ever took off his mask would charm men and women alike instantaneously. I’m sure it’s an exaggeration but, I’m still kind of curious nonetheless. There is also the rumor of the bandits randomly disappearing between here and Fallaway. I may be getting old but, even if the rumor is false I haven’t gotten my blood pumping in a long time.’ Slowly letting out a bloodthirsty smile before coughing and switching back to his merchant smile. ‘Whoops almost lost myself there. I’m a merchant now. Can’t be running off like the good ole mercenary days, wiping out any bandits I come across. My wife would kill me if I start charging back into danger again.’ Shuddering to himself thinking about the wrath of his ex-mercenary wife at home. ‘Thinking of my mercenary days, I wonder how the guild is doing now?’
While lost in thought he notices a figure up ahead walking down the road. Pulling himself out of his thoughts, “Oh ho, and what do we have here I wonder?”
When he gets closer to the individual, he notices the person has long beautiful blonde hair. Thinking it’s a woman he frowns to himself on why they would travel alone. That is until he gets closer to be able to see the church healing book. Instantly thinking of the Masked Devil Saint, that he heard about in the last town crosses his mind. Before he can think further the appeared woman turns around showing their traveling priest robes attire confirms his thought. Donning a white mask covered in drawn leaves with dazzling blue eyes staring waving his arm at him. Thinking to himself, ‘Hm I can see why people can confuse if he is a guy or girl from the back now.’ Breaking himself from his thoughts, he waves back, slowing down to get close to the now for sure man.
As he comes to a stop the masked man speaks up, “Good afternoon, may I ask if you are heading to Nettle?”
Dinkleberg shakes his head, “No, but I’m passing through Nettle on my way to Fallaway. Why? Would you like to hitch a ride with me till Nettle?”
The man nods, “Please. I’ll pay if I that is required to ride with you up to Nettle.”
Waving his hands in front of him, “No need, no need. There are few wandering healers as it is so, demanding payment would make me feel guilty. Though, if you could be so kind to look at my back which has been bothering me these past couple years I would appreciate it.”
The man nods his head, readily accepting the request, “Of course I don’t have an issue with taking a look, just don’t be mad if it doesn’t fix the issue as magic won’t fix everything.”
Dinkleberg lets out a laugh, “Why would I get mad? I’m only getting old and a heal will ease the pain if not fix it altogether. No use getting mad when you are doing it under my request Father Lyle.”
Lyle pauses while climbing up into the wagon, “Please, just Lyle. I’m much to inexperienced to be addressed as Father, especially by one who has experienced life more than I have.” After sitting down when finished climbing on the front of the wagon, he asks, “I don’t think I got your name by the way. Since you obviously know me could I inquire as to what yours is?”
Dinkleberg blanks for a second then smacks his own forehead, “My apologies Lyle, my name is Dinkleberg C. Wallabe, the most well-known local merchant around these parts. Also, I don’t think there is another person out here who’s a traveling priest wearing that type of mask. So, it’s easy to deduce who you are Lyle.”
Lyle tilts his head at the name then nods his head in understanding, “Well, I look forward to traveling with you Mister Dinkleberg. Now, let’s get that back looked at real fast before we start moving.” Grabbing his healing book from his pack then muttering incantation quickly. A general healing spell is cast on Dinkleberg’s back.
Twisting his waist back and forth doing some stretches to see how his back reacts. Dinkleberg lets out a sigh of satisfaction, “Aahh, that feels much better. Much appreciated Mister Lyle. Now let’s get moving.” Picking up the reins and holding them with both hands he gives a flick of the wrist. With that flick the journey started once more.
“So, Lyle tell me about yourself. How did you end up wanting to be a traveling priest of all things?” Dinkleberg gets the conversation going to pass the time.
Lyle tilts his head slightly in confusion, “Mister Dinkleberg how come you will call me Lyle one second then Mister Lyle the next?”
Dinkleberg laughs, “That’s because you started calling me Mister Dinkleberg. It’s like you don’t want to get close. You call me Dinkleberg then I’ll call you Lyle. Except for when we get to town. Some people will look down on you if I just call you Lyle when we get to town. So, I’ll change to addressing you as Father or Mister when we get to the gates.”
Nodding his head as he understands, “Very well, I will call you Dinkleberg. To answer your original question. I didn’t want to be a traveling priest at first. I wanted to be a priest in the capital with Sister Mea. Sister Mea is the one who raised me while I grew up in the church. However, things don’t always go as planned and Sister Mea sent me away as a traveling priest. Through time though, I found I enjoy being a traveling priest much more than being at the capital.”
Dinkleberg looks deeply at Lyle for a couple seconds, “Not having red dragonkin in your blood will make things difficult no matter where you’re at with the church. At least being a traveling priest gives you freedom and more protection than at the capital.”
Lyle’s eyes widen a little before going back to normal then looks over at Dinkleberg, “For a merchant you sure know a lot more then you let on.”
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Smacking Lyle’s knee with his hand, “Bah what do you know about merchants. Not everyone is a merchant all his life. I was a mercenary most of my life and only switched to be a merchant a few years back.”
Surprise can be heard from Lyle’s voice, “The mercenaries guild? As in the mercenary’s guild based in the neutral city Nexus?”
Dinkleberg raises an eye brow, “Is there any other mercenary’s guild that your aware of?”
“No but, how did you wind up on the main continent? Nexus is on a totally different one that doesn’t have to deal with discrimination. So, why would you be a merchant here?” Lyle hastily inquires before realizing what he said.
“So, the churches discrimination is as bad as the common folk. Not surprising considering that religion is entirely centered around red dragons. How did I end up here huh? Well my wife was originally from here and she wanted to come back after I retired from the guild. If things ever do get bad though, we’ll end up going back to Nexus.” Reaching up and scratching his face in slight thought.
“It’s worse in the church, reason why Sister Mea sent me to be a traveling priest. Things almost went very badly for me at one point. So, she sent me away to protect me and I’m not allowed to come back for another couple years.” Lyle’s eyes sadden then it quickly disappears, “Anyways, I didn’t know you were married Dinkleberg. Got any kids?”
“What? You think since I am an old and a merchant that I’m not married? I got one rat running around back home with the wife.” Dinkleberg smiles while thinking about his family.
“Well, tell me about your wife then since you ARE married.”
“Let’s see. She a tough gal that was with me during my mercenary days. Able to chew iron and spit nails. While also being able to lay me on the ground in two seconds flat when I upset her. She sweet as can be in front of guests but, soon as you turn away she turns into a lioness. That’s part the reason I fell for her though.” Dinkleberg loses himself in his reminiscence.
Couple hours later of talking about his mercenary days Dinkleberg raises a question, “So, pardon me if this offends you Lyle, but why do you wear a mask?
Lyle looks over at Dinkleberg before saying, “It causes less trouble if I keep my face hidden. Buuut long as you don’t fall for me, I don’t mind showing you.”
“Hah I’ve been married for over twenty years, Mister Lyle! There is no way I’ll fall for you!” Dinkleberg laughs it off while focusing on the road.
Moving one hand up to his face to grasp his mask before pulling it off. Holding the mask in his hand, he faces Dinkleberg.
Dinkleberg glances at Lyle before whipping his head back around to fully face Lyle. Shocked speechless at seeing a flawless smooth complexion that appears as soft as a baby. Cute little nose with small but, soft lips acting together with eyes that alone seem to sparkle. Thought, together with rest his face, makes you feel like your being sucked into them.
Around five seconds later, he is still blankly staring at Lyle’s face before a masked is put on interrupting. Thinking it is a pity then releasing what he was thinking makes him shudder. A voice sounds between the awkward silence.
“You’re not going to try and propose to me, now are you?”
Breaking himself from his shock and thoughts. Dinkleberg senses the teasing tone in Lyle’s voice replying while butting him with his elbow, “Bah who would fall for a face like that. I’m a family man with little rascal running around back home in Fallaway no way I will love a man! Though, it would be wise to keep the mask on. I now understand what would happen if you walked around with it.” Trying to shift the attention away from him to cover up his embarrassment.
Lyle laughs lightly leaving it alone, “You are correct. Last time I went out with my mask, a wreck happened right outside the church. Along with three different people, proposing that it was love at first sight.” Letting out a sigh, “My face is the reason I travel alone so much. Less troubles, though there are people who still try their luck regardless of the truth that I’m a man.”
“How long till we reach Nettle by the way?”
Dinkleberg ponders for a second, “We should be there within the hour. I’ll stay there for the night before moving out in the morning. So, your welcome to come along to Fallaway. Though, I doubt you will since you’ll probably be busy healing tomorrow.”
Lyle nods his head, “Yeah, I’ll be healing tomorrow before setting out the day after. So, I will have to see you in Fallaway.”
They journey the rest of the way in silence before coming to the village.
Soon as the village comes into sight Dinkleberg says, “Welcome to the tiny little town of Nettle ha-ha.”
Lyle smiles in response.
When the wagon pulls up the guards walk up and greet Dinkleberg, “On your return trip heading home Dinkleberg?” With suspicion in their eyes, they look at Lyle checking him up and down, “And who is the lady with the mask? Hope you aren’t taking in another wife. Since, I’m pretty sure your wife would kill you if so. HA-HA-HA!”
Dinkleberg laughs it off, “Of course she would kill me if I brought a woman home. I can barely handle her let alone another. Besides this is Mister Lyle, the Wandering Masked Healer, who I met on the way here and gave him a ride.”
Surprise flashes across the guard’s faces before taking a more respectful behavior, “Father Lyle, my apologies for not realizing who you are. I will have someone escort you to the church right away. While sending word to the mayor to let the people get healing tomorrow.” Motioning at two guards before they take off to their respected destinations.
“Just Lyle please and, I would appreciate being shown to the church- “Lyle says before interrupted.
“Bah buzz off Henry, I’ll take Mister Lyle to the church. He’s already healed my back it’s the least I can do. So, move out the way before I tell your wife that you been frequenting the brothel when she isn’t around.” Dinkleberg says smiling at Henry with narrowed eyes.
Henry’s expression changes rapidly before yelling at the guards to move out the way. A clear and light laughter from Lyle causes Henry to fluster before controlling himself.
As the duo reaches the church it comes to a stop allowing Lyle to get off. “Alright, Lyle. When you get to Fallaway, just ask the guards for where Dinkleberg C. Wallabe lives at. Come visit me when you reach us. Just don’t try wooing my wife or I might have to hurt you boy.” Winking at Lyle as he gets off, “Oh, if anything happens I’ll be staying at the Drunken Chicken Inn. So, just come find me if you need my help. Now, I’ll be off.” Waving as he gets the wagon moving again heading towards his inn. ‘Good luck and may we meet again, lad.’
“Ha-ha Goodbye Dinkleberg, may we meet again in Fallaway. Thank you once again for the ride.” Lyle waves back at Dinkleberg while he leaves.
Lyle watches as the old mercenary rides away. Thankful he met someone who could give him a ride while being good company. Turning to look at the oversized church for a town this small, he smiles on the inside of his mask before taking a step towards the doors.
The church looks to be maintained with everything being neat and tidy. Which at least means people don’t hate the church in this town, which is good. The big double wooden doors standing at twelve feet tall are closed indicates they don’t allow visitors all hours of the time. Reaching the doors Lyle knocks loudly only to hear no response. Putting his hand on the right door he pushes it to test the weight. As it slides open easily he realizes that it is enchanted to not be as heavy as it looks. Inside the church with rows of benches that are neat and clean is surrounded in slight darkness from the sunset. As he slowly steps into the church. A light shows itself in one of hallways that leads further back into the church. A young woman wearing a nun outfit carrying a candle holder appears. A gentle and unsure voice sounds from the woman, “Father Lyle, I presume?”
“Indeed but, call me Lyle, please. Calling me Father Lyle makes me feel old.” Lyle responds to the young woman who is probably nineteen.
Before she can respond a light appears from the hallway she came from this time from a spell. An older man comes out wearing glasses addressing the younger woman, “It’s fine, Laura. I can handle talking to Mister Lyle, you go take care of the young ones in the back.” Laura bows responding, “Yes, Father” walking off back down the hallway.
Looking at Lyle, the older man bows and says, “I must apologize, Mister Lyle. Most churches would accommodate you for the night, but all our rooms are currently full of the orphan children. We work as an orphanage in conjunction with being a church. I have talked to the Inn closest to the church, The Raging Bear, and they agreed to give you accommodate you. Free of charge of course, since your healing tomorrow.”
Lyle waves his hands at the older man, “Please, father, no need to apologize or bow. I’m fine with sleeping at an Inn. I thank you for talking to the Inn already. I shall come to the church in the early morning. I will head to the Inn since I have not eaten dinner so, until tomorrow father.” Waving goodbye at the older man leaving the church and closing the door. Looking around at the nearby buildings he sees a two-story building about a block away from the church. It has a sign with picture of a bear standing on its back paws poised ready to attack. Figuring that is the sign for The Raging Bear Lyle makes his way over.
As he reaches the Inn outside the door he can already hear laughter and chatter. Opening the door and walking in causes the Inn to instantly quieten with many eyes gazing at him. Ignoring the looks, he walks towards the bar counter to get his room and food when a hand along with a voice sounds out grabbing his ass.
“Why don’t you come sit down and keep us company, so we can see that pretty face.”
Using his quarterstaff, he instantly hits the man’s hand away lightly while whipping around and holding the staff at his neck. A quiet yet clear and cold voice was heard throughout the entire inn silencing all noise, “Ide advise against harassing me, and assuming I’m a woman. I also don’t mind crushing your throat if you try again, since I can heal it afterwards.”
The man swallows loudly then rage shows in his eyes. Right when he opens his mouth and stands up a voice breaks in.
“Alright. That’s enough.”
A massively built man walks out from the kitchen area wiping his hands on a cloth. “You want to cause trouble then get out. If not, put your stick away lad. Father Lyle, I presume?” Lyle nods his head. “Father Eric already sent a message saying, the Wandering Masked Healer will be staying here for the night.” The massive man looks over at the man who stood up. “Bill, I’d advise against giving in to your anger and cooling down before you do something you’ll regret.” Looking Lyle up and down, “You can call me Bear, my real name is Dan but, everyone just calls me Bear.”
Lyle lowers his quarterstaff, “Nice to meet you, Bear. If I could get my room key and dinner brought up, I would greatly appreciate it.”
Bear nods his head, “I’m assuming the inn special Bear ribs will suffice?” looking for confirmation as Lyle nods his head. “Alright I’ll bring it up here is your key as well. Last room on left is yours.” Tossing a key at Lyle before heading back to the kitchen.
Lyle ignoring Bill heads straight up the stairs to his room. He catches the words Masked Devil Saint from the patrons whispering. Frowning at the name, he opens his door and goes inside.
‘I’m glad I didn’t have to use violence. I would feel bad to have to hurt him all because he grabbed me. Least he didn’t call my bluff on crushing his throat. Though, I would have broken something had he given in to his anger.’ Sighing to himself, “There is always one drunken idiot no matter which Inn you go to.”
‘Let’s eat then go to bed It’s been a long day and I finally get to sleep in a bed.’
The next day after spending most the day at the church healing people and resting when out of mana. Having most the injuries being small cuts and sickness with the occasional broken limb. Spending the entire day healing wore Lyle out but, also left him smiling for being able to help so many.
After finishing up healing at the church he heads back to the inn for some much-needed rest. He addresses Bear at the counter when he walks in, “Is there anything I should be worried about between here and Fallaway?”
Bear thinks for a moment before saying, “Hm there was some bandits in that area, but they disappeared recently according to rumor. They could just be laying low though, so watch yourself out there. Since you make a nice target for desperate bandits if your caught with your pants down.”
Lyle nods, “I appreciate the information if you could take the food up to my room same as yesterday I would be thankful.”
Bear nods his head waving his hand, “Yeah, yeah I figured as much with the whole mask thing. I’ll bring it up in a bit.”
“I’ll be leaving in the morning though. Need to leave early so I can travel far as I can to Fallaway while light out.” Lyle notifies Bear of his plan.
“I’m aware so I’ll make sure breakfast is ready for you in the morning Father Lyle.”
“Thanks.” Lyle thanks him before going upstairs.
A couple days later in between Nettle and Fallaway Lyle is walking lost in thought. ‘In a couple days I’ll be turning 25 so I wonder if that voice will speak again. I’m pretty sure it will since it’s always spoken ever since I came of age. Asking the same question in my dreams the night of my birthday.’ He is currently on the road surrounded by forest on both sides. The dirt road is wide enough for a couple wagons but that is about it. The past two days he has heard insects and wildlife in the forest.
Today he is brought out of his thoughts by the lack of noise. No longer being able to hear the insects or wildlife gives him a sense of unease. Catching a smell of something rotten puts him on guard as he looks around carefully. Seeing nothing in the immediate surrounding area that screams danger. He does notice however the smell of rot and decay seems to be coming from the right-side forest. Knitting his brows, he slowly moves forward in that direction. As the smell grows stronger he readies his weapon and dons his mask proceeding forward.
Entering the forest, he follows the smell of rot and decay as it slowly gets stronger. Following for about five minutes he comes to what appears to be a border in the forest. Where everything is dead and withering on one side while the other is full of life. Heading forward to inspect the withered vegetation, he crosses the line. Lightly touching the trees verifying there is no life as it crumbles as the lightest of touches. Smelling death on top rot and decay gives him a feeling of crisis. Lyle turns around to head back the way he came when he notices the trees with life, are now no where in sight. Now being surrounded by withered dead forest makes him feel anxious.
In the distance, a wolf howl goes off which is mimicked by others that resound through the entire forest. Hearing these howls made Lyle shudder as he realizes that those weren’t regular wolf howls. They sounded a lot bigger and didn’t sound happy.
When Lyle entered the forest, a group of riders arrive at Nettle wearing heavy plate with red dragon symbol covering their armor with a scythe as their banner. Coming to a stop they pull out a scroll with drawing of Lyle with his mask on to the guards.
A hoarse voice sounds out from one the riders, “Have you seen this man?”
Guards shivering in fear nod their heads while Henry walks forward unsteadily saying, “May I ask what he has done to have the Reapers of the church after him?”
The rider who spoke looks at Henry then speaks, “He has done nothing. We were sent to escort him back to the capital for he is being recalled by the pope to be promoted for the work he has done.”
Henry breathes a sigh of relief, “Whew, that’s good, he just finished healing everybody two days ago. If you head towards Fallaway you should reach him before he makes it to town.”
The rider nods then roll the scroll up saying, “Let’s move.” All the riders turn and head towards Fallaway.
A recruit for the Reaper says to the one who spoke, “Captain, why did you lie to them? Why not tell them that Lyle will become possessed by a demon in two days?”
The Captain glances at the recruit, “We don’t want the populace afraid. Telling them that they were healed by a demon will make them afraid and blame the church since he is a follower of the church.”
“But-“
“Enough talk we need to catch him before he becomes possessed.”
The riders continue heading towards Fallaway unaware that their target is nowhere near Fallaway anymore.