Once again, Alana woke up early to attend to her responsibilities. As she went down the tavern stairs, she ran into Wilbur, who, as always, was cleaning the bar, getting ready to open as soon as possible.

Alana: Good morning, Wilbur!

—she greeted cheerfully, while the dwarf replied in his characteristic practical tone.Good morning, Wilbur!

Wilbur: Hello, girl. Today I have an errand outside the tavern, and I need you to deliver a couple of packages. They’re both going to the same place, so it’ll just be one trip.

Alana: Of course, boss. Where do I need to go?

Wilbur took out two objects and carefully placed them on the bar. The first was a small box wrapped in light-colored paper, accompanied by a letter sealed with a strange symbol that Alana couldn’t recognize. The second was a smaller, dark chest, completely sealed, whose mark was also unfamiliar to her.

Wilbur: Both packages are for the church. The letter and the box are addressed to Father Theren, and the small chest is for Father Eldran. I don’t know if you know them, but they insisted that the deliveries be made as soon as possible.

Alana sighed as she recalled the priests she had met the day before.

Alana: Yes, I met them yesterday. It’s a bit strange to have to go back so soon, but that’s fine.

Wilbur: Perfect. The letter goes to Father Theren—don’t forget.

Alana: Understood. Do you need anything else, boss?

Wilbur watched her for a moment, with the expression of someone who was genuinely worried.

Wilbur: No, that’s all. But be careful, girl. Lately the city has been more dangerous than usual. Oh, and don’t worry about the work here; María is coming today to help with the tables, so you can take your time investigating your matters. Orin seems like he’ll be busy, so I gave him the day off as well.

Moved by the dwarf’s concern, Alana gave him a warm smile.

Alana: Thank you, Wilbur. I promise I won’t get into trouble.

She took the packages and left the tavern, moving through the bustling streets of the city. As always, the atmosphere was lively: children running about, merchants offering their goods, and everyday life flowing at its usual pace. However, as she crossed the main square, something caught her attention.

Among the crowd, she spotted a peculiar figure—a person dressed in a black robe with orange trim. Although the attire didn’t seem particularly extravagant amid the city’s crowds, there was something strange about the figure’s presence. Alana tried to get closer to take a better look, managing only to glimpse a mask covering their face. Before she could approach any further, however, the figure vanished into the crowd.

Alana (thinking):  How strange… better not give it too much importance.

She quickened her pace toward the church, hoping to complete the errand as soon as possible. Once there, she carefully opened the large wooden door, trying not to make any noise. Inside, a few people were praying in silence, prompting her to move cautiously. She climbed the few steps leading to the great ceremonial font and ventured deeper into the church until she reached a door at the back. She knocked softly.

A little later, the door opened and Father Theren appeared. His cold and severe expression was the same as the day before. Alana barely managed to catch a glimpse of the room, which seemed to be an office, before Theren moved quickly to close the door behind him, blocking her view.

Theren: What do you need, girl?

His tone was dry, and his gaze showed a certain impatience. His displeasure toward her was evident, impossible to hide. Alana, however, couldn’t help but wonder how this man had become someone so important. Still, she answered with a smile.

Alana: I’ve brought a package for you, Father Theren. I was told it had to be delivered to you.

She rummaged in her bag and pulled out the lighter-colored package, accompanied by a letter.

Theren: (taking the package carefully, with a flash of surprise quickly hidden) I didn’t expect you to arrive so quickly.

His voice maintained a stiffness that didn’t invite trust.

Theren: I hope you didn’t try to look at the contents, did you? This is the first time I’ve seen you deliver this kind of errand.

His tone was clearly hostile, but Alana remained composed.

Alana: Father Theren, I also work at the tavern. I couldn’t do something like that. The contents are yours.

She tried to calm the wary priest’s temper, who finally nodded reluctantly.

Theren: Fine, I suppose it will be that way. If you don’t need anything else, you may leave, girl.

The disdain in his words was evident, but Alana wasn’t intimidated.

Alana: Excuse me, but I need to deliver another package. Would you know where I can find Father Eldran?

Mentioning Eldran caused an expression of annoyance to cross Theren’s face.

Theren: What do you want to deliver? I’ll take care of it myself.

He extended his hand impatiently, but something in Alana’s mind warned her not to trust him with that package.

Alana: I’m sorry, but the tavern keeper told me I had to deliver it directly to Father Eldran. You know, it’s my job. I can’t risk messing it up.

Theren clicked his tongue, clearly irritated by what he considered an excuse.

Theren: Fine. You’ll find him at the back of the church. He’s usually there.

Without waiting for a reply, Theren turned his back and returned to his office. Alana breathed a sigh of relief. She had managed to convince the cold priest, at least for now, and decided to go look for Father Eldran.