As the cart came to a stop, Brother Aaron had already hopped off the cart. The strange pair were slowly grating his nerves, let alone the disrespect he was being given. Something strange was going on. The shop they had stopped at had its door flung open quite suddenly. The merchant from inside came out with his arms open, a grin so wide that it could've split his face in two.
"Leon" the man with a shout. "Your deliveries are always good tidings. Tell me did you get more of what I asked for?" The merchant was already rubbing his hands together. Brother Aaron flinched as he felt slight disgust from the man who exuded an aura of money grubbing that caused him to shudder.
"Etnesto, come look at what we brought" Leon said directing Leon to the crates in the cart. Ernesto rummaged through the crates and inspected each bottle and label.
"Hmm, yes yes this is exactly what I needed. You wouldn't believe how crazy it's been around here lately. Your delivery will last me only last for the week." Ernesto pulled out a couple more bottles to look over but these were a lot shorter with a distinct powder in each of them.
"Excuse me dear merchant but I thought certain powders weren't permitted in towns. It was a royal decree" Brother Aaron said, trying to feel out what exactly was happening.
Ernesto gave the priest a frown as he placed down the bottles in his hands.
"I never expected out of all people to be ignorant that the church would want to interfere in the business of a small merchant as myself" Ernesto said as he felt the man's interruption was grating on his nerves on what should be a wonderful day, a day to make money.
Brother Aaron was stunned. It was very strange that no one paid him the slightest of respect. He knew that the church commanded fear in awe and yet it barely entered the eyes of the peasantry. Dark lines formed across Brother Aaron as he endured the merchant's comments.
"Dear merchant, I hope you understand the consequences of insulting the church in front of a fellow priest" Brother Aaron said in a threatening tone. The priest's aura had changed quite dramatically from his nonchalant attitude to one that had the position of power.
Ernesto however instead of balking at the potential might of the church had a face set in fury.
"If the church wishes to even operate within the lands then the last thing they'll ever so is come to me. I advise you to take your leave and not trouble this establishment again" Ernesto waved him off. The scene caused Brother Aaron's innards to squirm in anger. Storming off he truly did not wish to face those who had would barely give a glance. Patting the side of his robe where his small sack of coins lay. To work off the anger he would have a walk around the town to see what else was happening in the world. Even though he was furious, coming outside was a rarity.
Brother Aaron wandered around the town, enjoying the hustle and bustle as most of the people of the town had arrived in or opened up shop. Feeling a pang of hunger a stand caught his nose, the smell roast meat made him salivate but over the breeze it carried a spiceness he didn't expect.
Looking over the stall he savoured the skewers he bought, and wiping his oily hands away with a handkerchief he brought. Seeing the large amount of people in the market he wandered around and tried to talk to people flashing his smile. A number of girls giggled at the sight where as a number of the men frowned from the young man that was getting close to their wives. However the looks and blushing stopped immediately when he introduced himself.
"Hello, I'm Brother Aaron…" the group of women dropped their loving gazes and looked at him in disgust. That was unusual Brother Aron thought to himself. At the very least people would be cooperative to make sure the church was respected in front of the priest's.
After hopping from person to person, the conversations all hit a wall. No one wanted to answer him and balked at his questions. He could his irritability was all over him, much like ants crawling along his skin he was desperate to itch away at it. Finally he cornered a man who was a bit smaller than him. The man was flustered as he was bracing himself against the wall of a shop.
"Speak old man, what is with everyone's attitude?" Brother Aaron had lost patience long ago and his tone came out quite cold.
"I..ah...I don't understand much but apparently a couple priest's tried to cause trouble in the town" the man said as his gaze darted around.
Brother Aaron was without words as he tried to process this.
"Speak, what else happened?" The priest firmly said. Unconsciously he had tightened his grip on the townsman and the innocent man was already starting to panic.
"They tried to destroy some of the medicines we use. Stating it's witchcraft since no medicine is effective enough to cure ailments so easily. They said it was the devil's work." The man said frightened. Brother Aaron let the man go and he scurried off while the priest was left their to think things through.
He wasn't sure even where to start with this. If it was true and they were leading people down the wrong path, it was truly a crime grave enough to invite one of the bishops to investigate. However how the town had been acting would say otherwise.
Pondering it over, Brother Aaron was left in a deep thought. It wasn't like he was truly ignorant of some of the troubles his fellow brothers have caused in the past but it was a true son and people can always be guided back on the right path. The image of the girl that acted so coldly to him sprang to mind. An intense fire was lit up in his eyes. She must know what's happening. Smiling as he had finally organised his thoughts the priest retraced his steps back to where he left the girl and her very agitated attendant. However they were nowhere to be seen.