Silence prevailed in the small house. This is bad. What should I say to him? Rafael's mind raced, searching for a plausible explanation. Then it struck him: being a merchant, it wouldn't be unusual to pick up strange knowledge while traveling. Thank you, Cenric.
"As he said, I'm a merchant, so I travel a lot. On my last trip, I learned about this metal and wanted to find it to satisfy my curiosity," Rafael explained, trying to keep his tone calm.
"Lies," the cleric snapped.
"What lies? This is the truth! Who are you to decide what is a lie?" Rafael's patience was wearing thin, his anger bubbling up.
"Silence! You are found guilty of your crimes and accusations, and now you lie directly to the Church. Your punishment is execution at noon," the cleric declared, his voice cold and final. Without waiting for a response, he exited the room, leaving Rafael and Cenric in stunned silence.
No, I can't let this happen, Cenric thought, glancing at Rafael with a firm nod, signaling him to stay quiet. He couldn't risk speaking now, with the cleric still nearby.
Rafael caught the signal and, despite his rising panic, remained still. If it weren't for Cenric, I'd be shouting and running by now, he thought, trying to steady his nerves.
Once the cleric and Cenric had left, Rafael began pacing around the wooden pillar in the room. Shit, shit, shit. What the hell is his problem? How does knowing about magnets lead to an execution?
He listened as the footsteps faded away. After what felt like an eternity, just as Rafael was about to escape through the window, Cenric returned.
"You must be afraid or confused, or both," Cenric began.
"You're goddamn right I'm confused! Who does he think he is? Do you agree with what he said?" Rafael's frustration was evident.
"No. I tried to convince him or at least change the penalty, but..." Cenric's voice trailed off, leaving Rafael to process the implication.
Rafael's anger flared. "Cenric, I've already told you who I am. I helped you with the paper and even the trebuchet. Now I need you to help me get out of here."
"I can help you escape, but first, you'll tell me where you've hidden the book," Cenric demanded, his tone firm.
"What are you talking about?! I didn't hide any book!" Rafael retorted, his voice a mix of anger and desperation. Despite his situation, he sounded convincing, as if telling the truth.
Was I wrong? Wasn't it him? Cenric wondered. Deciding to test Rafael one last time, he pressed on. "I know it was you. You have two options: give me the book, and I'll save you, or keep lying and die today. Your choice."
"Fuck your options! I can change this war entirely! You'll regret it if you don't save me now," Rafael shot back, his tone growing more intense.
"What do you mean by that?" Cenric asked, intrigued. Does he know more types of weapons?
"The trebuchet is just one of the many things I know. If you think only weapons can change a war, you're wrong. This metal that I asked you about—it's incredibly useful for a lot of things!" Rafael's desperation morphed into a plea for understanding.
Is it really that useful? Cenric wondered. I asked the cleric, but he didn't say anything to me. He only mentioned that the high priests were studying it. What if everything Rafael knows comes from that book?
"I understand. We can't afford to lose you, so I'll help you flee. But you're going to tell me where that book is," Cenric said, his resolve hardening.
"You fu... It's in the machine, in the woods. Now get me out of here," Rafael finally relented, giving up the location in exchange for his life.
"Hmph. There will be consequences for all your lies, but for now, come." Cenric's expression was serious as he motioned for Rafael to follow. "I'll send the guard away. When I knock on the door, you'll go to the stable where Amis is waiting for you. He has a horse prepared." He quickly explained how to get there.
Rafael nodded, relieved to have a plan. He watched as Cenric exited and spoke with the guard outside. After hearing footsteps fade into the distance, a knock came at the door. Okay, it's now or never.
Rafael opened the door to see Cenric. "Thanks," he said quickly.
"Just go," Cenric replied, his voice urgent. It was only two or three hours until noon. Rafael walked as fast as he could without making much noise.
As Rafael vanished from view, Cenric too set off in a certain direction.
The village wasn't large, but Rafael's house and the stable were at opposite ends. Halfway there, as he passed between houses, he heard footsteps approaching.
Who the hell is walking around at this hour? Rafael thought, his heart pounding. If not for his sharp hearing, he might have walked right into them. He ducked behind a house, taking a peek to see the damned cleric walking with a little girl beside him.
"You don't need to fear anymore, my girl. He was judged by God and will pay for his crimes soon," the cleric reassured her.
"Really? Well, that's a relief," the girl replied.
As they passed, Rafael continued on his way, moving more slowly now to avoid making any noise.
After several tense minutes, Rafael finally arrived at the stable. It was large enough to accommodate six horses. Entering through a side door, he saw Amis waiting.
"So he made the decision..." Amis muttered to himself, seemingly resigned. Oh no, another one who wants me dead, Rafael thought, recalling all the times Amis had suggested killing him.
"Where's the horse?" Rafael asked, not wanting to waste any time.
"Right here." Amis took the reins of a horse and led it forward.
"So which direction should I go?" Rafael asked, noticing Amis's grim expression. If this guy tries anything, I'll end him, he thought, his hand inching toward a weapon.
"The only exit is through the village entrance. If you follow the road, you'll reach Baron Floutt's city, Burmegh. From there, you can ask for directions," Amis explained, his tone neutral.