The second day dawned, heavy with anticipation.
It was the day Benedict would confess his crimes to the people. I donned my cloak and set out, leaving Lyall behind to look after the child.
Before leaving, I had asked the boy if he wished to accompany me, but he refused. I understood his reluctance—his trauma was too fresh to confront. I didn't press him further.
As I approached the Temple, I was met with a restless crowd. A platform had been erected, and clusters of people were already murmuring about the recent attacks on the villages near the Holy Place. The old rumors of the kingdom being cursed had begun to resurface, but such talk was inconsequential to me. My sole focus was on Benedict's confession—and Lisana, if she was present.
The people of Boulder Crest had treated me well, showing kindness in my time of need. If I could return their daughter to them, even in this chaos, it would be a small repayment of their generosity.
