The city of Gera was a busy place with many visitors. As a provincial capital, its population was over 200,000.
Tonight, with the moonlight illuminating the narrow alleyways and arched buildings of this city, it looked beautiful from above. The flavor of prosperity flowed with the humid wind of this place, marking the last of summer before autumn's arrival.
Inside the Holy Light Church, the Karsuda Diocese. Wearing white priestly robes, Bishop Panchel was looking at the silent street below. His old face had yet to have any wrinkles, but stress was carving some faint lines on it.
It was late at night, and some lights were still flickering in the city. One could see a few pedestrians walking quickly to their homes. Feeling the midsummer wind caressing his face, Panchel was anxious.
He already knew what had happened to the other two paladins. But there was nothing known about Ash. Where had he gone for more than a month? That boy had told no one when he left.
