Xain returned to the villagers, split between those engaged in conversation with Zee and those focused on the steamstrider at the center of their village. Noticing Xain's return, Zee asked, "So, what did you two talk about?" Collin and Grace were also curious.
Xain sighed before responding, "Well, I'm going to try and help you all, however I can." Grace examined Xain's face closely, squinting as she did. Xain felt a bit confused about her scrutiny. "I see know how you'll be much help, but whatever, we need all the help we can get," Grace remarked, ceasing her squinting. Xain, with a dry chuckle, replied, "That was blunt, but I can't argue with that."
Zee smiled at Xain's words, saying, "I knew you would want to help them." Xain scratched his cheek, emitting a couple of dry chuckles. "Are you sure? Because I'm sure you can manage to escape using that machine of yours. Even with the razorhooves, I doubt they would be able to damage it much," Collin, while appreciating the assistance, didn't want people to needlessly risk their lives.
Before Xain could respond, Zee interjected, "There's no point in trying to make him not help you. Once Xain wants to help someone, there's no stopping him." Xain froze for a moment at her words, hiding his emotions with a fake smile. "Right, I don't care what you say. I will help you!" he declared, though inwardly, he reflected, *I couldn't save The Shadow Baron, though.*
The void left by Ercale's absence hit Xain hard. Ercale's banter, though often filled with insults, used to be a peculiar comfort that pulled Xain out of dark thoughts. The banter, in its unique way, somehow cleared his mind by filling it with more thoughts.
Collin sighed, accepting Xain's determination. "If you're that set on helping, fine. I won't argue against it." Meanwhile, Larkin returned. As Zee tried to say something to him, he whispered in her ear and walked away without making eye contact with Xain. Irritated, Xain glared at Larkin's retreating figure. "What did he say?" he asked Zee. She replied, "He wanted to talk with me." Xain rolled his eyes, predicting the topic Larkin would discuss. "Then you should go talk to him. I'll keep these folks company," Xain suggested as Zee shrugged and went over to Larkin, moving out of earshot of the villagers.
Now alone with the villagers, Xain felt Grace's gaze fixate on him again. "Why do you keep staring at me?" Xain asked, turning to her. Grace stopped staring, and Collin explained, "She does that to everyone. Don't worry about it." Grace then confessed bluntly, "I like you," causing Xain to flush and look thoroughly confused. The other villagers, along with Collin, also appeared shocked. "E-excuse m-me, wha-what?" Xain stammered, flustered by Grace's unexpected declaration. After all, which teenage boy wouldn't be flustered when a girl as pretty as Grace, who happened to be the same age as Xain, made such a statement?
"I'm joking, but did that break you out of your thoughts?" Grace asked, and Xain, still bewildered, sought clarification. "What do you mean?" he asked, but Grace sighed cryptically, offering, "Nothing. Just don't let your thoughts overwhelm you," before walking away.
Xain turned to the rest of the villagers and pointed at the walking-away Grace, asking, "Does she do that to other people as well!?" Collin shook his head, responding, "No, she does not. That's the first time we've seen that." In the crowd, Xain overheard some guys, mostly kids, grumble, "Lucky bastard," with evident jealousy. Deciding to steer the conversation away from... whatever that was, Xain asked, "How long have you all been trapped here?"
"Almost an entire month, during which they attacked us three different times," Collin answered. Xain was taken aback. "A month? And nobody noticed?" he asked. "We're just a small village with a low population. Nobody would pay much attention if we disappeared, and even if they did, I'm sure Verandez would silence them," Collin explained. Xain struggled to comprehend the idea that an entire village full of people could vanish without anyone taking notice.
Another question popped into Xain's mind. "You've been protected by the new priest, right?" he asked, and much like Larkin, he was also wondering how a priest protected them all from mercenaries.
Collin confirmed, "Yes, the priest has been our protector and a sort of pseudo-leader." Intrigued, Xain expressed, "Can I talk to this guy? I'm really curious about him." Collin shrugged, "Sure, go to the church over there. I'll let your friends know where you've gone."
"Thanks, because I'm just really confused about that," Xain said, showing his gratitude. Collin waved him off, "It's fine. Just head on over to the church." Xain thanked him once more before making his way to the church to meet the mysterious priest. Collin and the other villagers observed as Xain walked towards the church. Shortly after, a woman in the crowd exclaimed to Collin, "Wait, he doesn't know who the priest is!" Collin turned to the villager, momentarily confused before realization struck. "Oh, shit! Hey, kid!" he yelled, but Xain had already entered the church. "Ah, fuck," Collin grumbled, adding, "Let's pray to goddess that nothing bad happens."
Meanwhile, Stepping into the church, Xain couldn't help but marvel at the surroundings. "Wow, this place is cool," he muttered. Ironhelm lacked any churches, making this his first experience in such a setting. His eyes wandered over the neatly lined pews, the stained glass portraying Sarandel, the grand pillars, and the altar where a figure knelt in prayer. Xain deduced that this person must be the priest.
Starting to walk up to the altar, Xain's steps were nearly silent on the long red carpet between the pews. However, as he approached the priest, he felt a familiar sensation, something that put him oddly at ease. It reminded him of the feeling he experienced when talking to Ercale. Coming close enough to see the back of the priest, his breath hitched, and he muttered, "What the...?"
The priest, likely sensing Xain's presence, ceased his prayer and stood up. Still not facing Xain, the priest loomed over him, easily over 7 feet tall. As the priest turned around, what Xain saw gripped him with fear.