The wheels rolled on under the fierce glow of the fire, and the group continued forward.
Anke pushed the cart silently, his body trembling slightly.
His wife Marian held one of his arms, supporting him with her strength.
"Uncle Anke, is it you?"
As they passed a house with iron bars on its windows, a little girl's voice emerged from inside.
"You are... ah, you are Flora."
Anke was jolted from his memories.
"Yes. Uncle Anke, have you seen my father?"
the little girl asked.
"Father John? No, I haven't seen him. He might have gone on patrol with the Church Hunters."
Anke replied.
"I don't know. Dad was unwell today and was supposed to stay at home. But after my mom and I finished dinner, he disappeared. Mom went out to look for him, and now I'm all alone at home. Whoo-hoo."
The little girl let out a low sob.
"Don't worry, your father is an excellent hunter, and he will bring your mom back safely."
Anke offered futile words of comfort.
