A week had passed since Father Michael's departure, and Lucien's life had returned to a sense of normalcy in the small village of T'Aro. He spent his days helping the villagers with their chores, always eager to lend a hand, no matter how small the task. He would help the elderly with their gardening, assist the blacksmith with his work, and even aid the village children with their studies.
The villagers of T'Aro had grown to adore Lucien, and he had become a beloved member of their community. They would often try to refuse his help, but Lucien would insist, his bright smile and kind eyes making it impossible for them to resist. He was a saint, a true servant of the people, and the villagers were grateful for his presence in their lives.
As Lucien walked through the village, the villagers would nod in respect, their faces breaking out into warm smiles. The children would run up to him, eager to show him their latest accomplishments, and the elderly would pat him on the back, thanking him for his kindness.
Lucien's heart swelled with joy as he interacted with the villagers. He loved being able to help, to make a difference in their lives.
As the day drew to a close, Lucien made his way back to the small church on the outskirts of the village, where he had been staying for the past week. He pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of old books and candle wax enveloping him like a warm hug.
Lucien smiled to himself as he lit a candle and settled into his usual routine. He felt at peace in this small church, surrounded by the quiet and the familiar.
As Lucien settled into his routine, he suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves and the creaking of wooden wheels outside. He looked up, curious, and walked to the window to see what was making the noise.
As he peered out into the fading light, he saw a carriage unlike any he had ever seen before. It was sleek and black, with intricate carvings on the doors and a gleaming silver crest on the side. The crest bore the symbol of the Church, a stylized cross.
Lucien's heart skipped a beat as he realized that the carriage was headed straight for the church. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he wondered who could be visiting, and why they would be using such a luxurious and official-looking carriage.
The carriage drew to a stop outside the church, and Lucien could hear the sound of doors opening and closing, followed by the murmur of voices. He felt a sense of trepidation as he wondered what was about to happen.
Lucien's curiosity got the better of him, and he walked to the entrance of the church to see who had arrived. As he pushed open the creaky door, he was met with a sight that made his heart skip a beat.
A group of robed figures, their faces stern and serious, stood in the entrance of the church. They were accompanied by several guards, who eyed Lucien warily. At the center of the group stood a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression.
"Excuse me," the figure said, his voice deep and commanding. "Are you Lucien?"
Lucien's heart skipped a beat as he hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I am Lucien," he replied, his voice steady despite the growing sense of unease in his chest.
The robed figure nodded, his expression unchanging. "We have been sent to retrieve you," he said, his voice firm but polite. "Please, come with us."
Lucien's instincts screamed at him to refuse, to run back into the safety of the church. But something about the robed figure's demeanor stayed his feet. He felt a sense of inevitability wash over him, as if his fate was already sealed.
With a sense of trepidation, Lucien nodded and stepped forward, following the robed figures out of the church and into the unknown.
As Lucien walked alongside the robed figures, the silence between them was oppressive. The only sound was the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet and the distant chirping of crickets.
The robed figures led him to the carriage, which was waiting by the church entrance. The driver, a stern-looking man with a thick beard, nodded at Lucien as he approached.
One of the robed figures opened the door to the carriage and gestured for Lucien to enter. Lucien hesitated for a moment, wondering where they were taking him and why.
But the robed figure's expression remained impassive, and Lucien felt a sense of inevitability wash over him once again. With a sense of trepidation, he climbed into the carriage, the door closing behind him with a soft thud.
As the door closed behind him, Lucien realized that he had left his bag in the church. He rapped on the door, and one of the robed figures opened it.
"I forgot my bag," Lucien said, feeling a sense of urgency. "It's in the church. Could someone please retrieve it for me?"
The robed figure nodded and turned to one of the guards. "Fetch the boy's bag," he instructed.
The guard nodded and hurried off towards the church. A few moments later, he returned with Lucien's bag and handed it to him through the open door.
Lucien took the bag and held it close, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Thank you," he said, smiling at the guard.
The robed figure nodded and closed the door once again. Lucien heard the sound of the carriage door closing, and the carriage began to move, carrying him away from the only home he had known for the past week.
As the carriage rumbled along the winding road, Lucien's mind began to wander. He thought back to the night that had changed everything - the night his life had taken a dramatic turn.
Lucien's eyes glazed over as he relived the memories of that fateful night. He remembered the sound of his parents' voices, the feeling of uncertainty and fear. And he remembered the sense of loss and abandonment that had followed.
As the memories flooded his mind, Lucien felt a lump form in his throat. He swallowed hard, trying to push the emotions back down. But they lingered, a constant reminder of the scars he still carried.
The carriage hit a bump, jolting Lucien back to the present. He looked out the window, watching as the countryside rolled by in a blur. Where were they taking him? And what did they want from him?