Alana: And what is Father Theren like?

Caín: Well, there isn’t much more to tell. One notable thing I could tell you is to be careful with what you say; he doesn’t take kindly to people who don’t seem devoted to our deity, Caelus.

Caín cast a warning glance as they moved toward the back of the church. Alana, for her part, was surprised by the place. The tall stained-glass windows let in beams of light tinted in blue hues; this, mixed with the gray-toned walls, conveyed an almost divine atmosphere. In the center, a raised altar seemed to be the place where prayers to Caelus were performed, the deity who ruled Kimas. Known for being the god of justice and the skies

Eleanor—murmuring with concern—: Caín, are you sure it’s a good idea to speak with Theren first? That man is frightening.
Caín—sighing—: he is the one who oversees most of the guard, so it has to be with him, and calm down. He may seem stern, but he cares a lot about his own. Just be careful with what you say; he can’t stand those who aren’t devout.

Alana: Why do they fear him so much? In the end, isn’t he just another devotee?

Caín slowed his pace and turned his head to look at her nervously.

Caín: Theren is not “just another devotee.” He is the right hand of Father Eldran, one of the men with the highest rank and power, second only to the king. Thanks to that, Theren has the privilege of not needing to be kind; his loyalty to Caelus supports him.

Before Alana could continue asking, a figure emerged at the end of the corridor. He was a tall man, with straight shoulders and an intimidating presence. He wore a dark gray tunic with blue embroidery, and his dark hair, perfectly arranged, gave him a cold appearance. His footsteps echoed throughout the entire church, marking the absolute silence of the place. When he raised his gaze, his gray eyes, cold as steel, fixed on the newcomers with disdain.

Theren —with a harsh and cutting voice—: What are you doing here? Do you think this house is open for just anyone to enter?

Caín —trying to hide her nervousness—: Father Theren, we have come seeking advice and help. It seems that quite strange things are happening in the city, and I would kindly ask that…

Theren (interrupting him with a firm gesture): Cain, I hope you’re not here to talk about the same thing. I thought I made it very clear last time. That investigation is closed, and that boy was just another lost soul who faced the consequences of his sins.

Theren —Turning directly to Alana—: And you, girl, what are you doing here? You seem like nothing more than another aimless soul. What brings you to this house?

The silence in the hall was so heavy that even the echo of Theren’s words felt oppressive. Cain looked nervously at Alana, as if silently begging her to be careful with her words.

Alana stood her ground and began to introduce herself with a bow.

Alana: My apologies, Father Theren. I am Alana, a simple bard. I have been in the city for some time, and I thought you would be someone as admirable as the rumors my companions have told.

Father Theren looked at her arrogantly, but let out a faint smile. Alana had touched his ego, which slightly softened his tone. Cain felt relieved, but was still uneasy.

Theren —letting out a small smile—: I understand. It seems your soul is not entirely lost. Do you wish to know something, young bard?

Alana: I am deeply concerned about the case my companion mentioned. That poor boy… —she said, standing firm but feigning intense concern—. I was just wondering if a high priest like you would allow us to know what happened to the rest of the children.

Theren reflected on Alana’s words for a moment, and with a cold, piercing gaze, he replied:

Theren: You are wasting your time, young bard. That boy—or rather, those boys you speak of—chose their path away from the hand of Caelus. Their ends are the consequence of their actions. Continuing to investigate is a waste of money and resources. The city has more important matters to concern itself with.

From behind Theren’s figure emerged another priest, slightly older, wearing a white robe with golden trim. His white hair and blue eyes gave the impression of someone kind.

Eldran: Being so harsh again with the people who visit us, Theren. I don’t think that’s a proper way to respond to guests.

Eleanor: Father Eldran! —she shouted cheerfully, though her enthusiasm quickly faded as she bowed under Theren’s cold gaze.

Caín —serious, bowing in respect—: It is an honor to see you, Father Eldran.

Alana, not fully understanding the situation, mimicked her companions' behavior, bowing slightly. However, she couldn’t help but lift her gaze a little to observe Father Eldran. The calm solemnity he radiated was completely opposite to the severe and cold aura of Father Theren. It was like witnessing two opposite poles.

Theren —with a dismissive tone—: My apologies, Father Eldran, but these children are only trying to interfere in an investigation that has already been closed. They suspect that something is wrong with my work and, even worse, they doubt the capability of our guard.

Caín —raising his voice, almost unable to contain himself—: That’s not true! I myself am part of the guard, and I know something is wrong…

Cain froze as he received a piercing glare from Theren, which seemed to root him to the spot.

Eldran —with a calm and patient voice—: I understand, young man. Now tell me, what is it that troubles you so much? You must have your reasons if you are being so persistent.

Theren —interrupting—: Lord Eldran, these are just the whims of this boy. Cain shouldn’t waste your time with matters of no importance…

Eldran —raising a hand to stop him—: I am speaking with the boy, Theren. In fact, you seem quite upset. Why don’t you finish your own matters inside? I will personally handle this visit.

Theren —Visibly upset, he protested—: Sir, with all due respect, you shouldn’t waste your time with that boy. You have…

Eldran —with firmness he replied—: My word is final, Theren. Now, step aside.

The serene yet unwavering gaze of Eldran made Theren hesitate, and he left visibly indignant, not without first casting a look of disdain at Cain. After the echo of the closing door, Eldran spoke again, with a calmness that seemed to fill the room:

Eldran: You may rise. Boy, Theren called you Cain, right? Now, tell me, what is it that troubles you so much?

Cain stood up slowly, his nervousness evident. He seemed torn between speaking and staying silent, still affected by the encounter with Theren.

Eleanor —speaking timidly—: Father, we are concerned about the case of the boy from a month ago. We came to ask for permission to reopen the investigation.

Eldran—with understanding in his voice—: I understand. Why don’t we take a walk outside? It’s better to talk in an open space than within the cold walls of a church.

Without another word, Eldran opened a side door and invited them to follow him.

As they walked through the cloister halls, they saw several monks engaged in their daily tasks. The pressure left by Theren began to dissipate, and the natural light streaming through the windows and the inner courtyard created a more welcoming and peaceful atmosphere.

Eleanor —relieved, she said—: Thank you very much, Father Eldran. Things were getting complicated with Father Theren, and he didn’t seem very interested in helping us.

Eldran —smiling kindly—: No problem, young Eleanor. Theren has a complicated character, but his intention has always been to protect this place. Now then, what is it that you wish to know?

Caín —finally speaking, with a slightly more confident tone—: Father, the case of the boy… There are things that don’t add up. The way he died, the fact that they buried him here without letting us see him… Something isn’t right. We believe there could be more victims.

Eldran —nodding slowly—: I can feel your concern, Cain. And it’s true, the boy’s case was… peculiar. But Theren closed the investigation because he couldn’t find any evidence of anything beyond what we already know—and what you already know.

Alana —interrupting cautiously—: Father Eldran… what if it’s because he didn’t search thoroughly enough?

Eldran: My duty is to care for this house and for those who live in this city. I understand your concern, but you must also understand that challenging Theren’s decisions is not something I can openly support.

Eleanor —with sadness—: So… you won’t help us?

Eldran —with a gentle look—: I cannot endorse an investigation that Theren has already closed. However… I will not stop you from seeking answers either. Sometimes, the truth requires us to walk alone, but with faith in our hearts.