November 11th, 1587 - Horb, Holy Roman Empire The information we have gathered about the Beans is not what one would call comprehensive. Our intelligence comes from untested theories and the scattered crumbs of information that we have been able to scrounge. We have categorized Beans into one of two categories: drone Beans and abnormal Beans. Drone Beans are the human-sized creatures that make up a majority of their forces. Compared to humans, the drone Beans sacrifice speed and agility for power and resilience. There are currently three known species of drone Beans, those being the dark red Beans with malleable shells that attacked Dijon, which we refer to as Crimson Beans, the white Beans with tough shells that appeared farther north, known as Ashen Beans, and the weaker but faster green Beans from the south, known as Verdant Beans.

Krause had been contacted by the Beanmeister in her dreams following His sudden introduction to the Empire. He told her that the news would reach them soon, and that she should be prepared to accept it.

The order from the Empire arrived yesterday morning. It said that, for their own safety, the citizens of Horb would be evacuated to the city of Stuttgart. In exchange for housing and rations, they would assist the Empire’s efforts against their new enemy, the creatures known as the Beans.

Everything was going according to His plan, and she couldn’t have been happier.

The sun was low in the sky, though it was not quite twilight. She had told Henry that she was meeting Loretta in town tonight before they evacuated to Stuttgart. She dismissed his questions, telling him that everything was alright between her and Loretta. She kissed Annemarie on the forehead and left without another word.

She arrived at the Oratory of Saint Maria earlier than she usually would have without Loretta to slow her down. The most dedicated members of the Church stood around the nave, talking amongst themselves. She noticed Gloria Albrecht sitting in the front row of pews, talking to one of the newest members of the Church, Samuel Brandt.

“Good evenin’, Missus Krause,” Samuel said as she approached her usual seat next to Gloria.

“Good evening, Samuel,” she replied as she sat down next to Gloria, who scoffed. “How have you been liking our Church?”

“I’ve told ya before, ya can call me Sam. It’s nice to officially meetcha,” he replied, holding his hand out. Krause shook it. She did not remember talking to him before. “Yeah, this place is nice! I hope this doesn’t offend ya, I don’t mean it to, but when I first heard about the Church, I thought… maybe the rumors I had heard might’ve been true, even just a little bit. I’m sure ya know the ones I’m talking about… But that couldn’t have been farther from the truth! Anyways, after that first meetin’, I knew this was the place for me, Missus Krause.”

Krause forced a smile. Sam was tall, had a strong build, his face angular and attractive, and he looked only a few years younger than her; no older than twenty. He would make a good replacement for Isaac, if he was devoted enough. “There’s no need to call me Missus Krause. Please, just call me Julia. Though I’m glad you’re enjoying your time with us. Unfortunately, a few bad apples have ruined our reputation, at least in Horb. There are many other branches that have a much better reputation. Sadly, it can’t be helped, but I’m sure it won’t considerably hinder our goal.”

“Sorry, I’ll call ya Missus Julia from now on. But… there are other branches? I guess that makes sense, but I just hadn’t thought too much about it, with this being a new religion and all.” He paused. “What I mean to say is that I hadn’t heard of the Church until a buddy a mine told me, and he had heard it from another friend, and we all live here in Horb, so I hadn’t thought that it would have spread too far. That’s all. Where are these other branches? Are they big?”

Krause smiled, this one not as forced. Young, handsome, and not too bright; a perfect combination. He was even blonde. “We have many different branches throughout the southwestern Empire, though we have recently begun to spread to the east and the north as well. We plan to send missionaries through the Alps and across the North Sea, but that’s not our top priority right now. Too much work, too little reward at the moment.”

“Heckin’ gosh! All in six months? Ya all must be busy to accomplish so much so quickly!”

“A little over seven months now, actually. And yes, we have been fairly busy, but we feel that the work is for a good cause. The End of Days shall not come to pass with us here to stop it.”

Sam laughed. “The End of Days will have a hard time comin’ to pass with such devoted followers. Hey, you know, I’m willin’ to help with anythin’ if you need it. Anythin’ to help stop the End of Days, I’m here. Ain’t no person more willin’ than me, I’ll tell you that much, Missus Julia.”

“Thank you, Sam. We appreciate it. I’ll let you know if there’s anything you can help with, but merely coming to meetings is more than enough.”

Sam smiled down at Krause. “Good, good.” After she didn’t respond for a moment, he glanced at Gloria, who ignored him. After another moment, he left.

Under her breath, Gloria said “Are you legitimately considering him?”

Krause scoffed. “Yes, I am. We were planning to use Isaac, but after his… lapse in judgment, we’re now out a spy.”

“Do not call him a spy, that word carries a heavy connotation. Informant is much better. Either way, I am not sure if you could tell or not, considering your… faculties… but Samuel Brandt is certainly not the most intelligent member of this congregation.”

“And? It’d be better for us if he can’t tell we’re using him. Do you have a better suggestion?”

“Yes, many. For one, we could explain to Hank what we need him to do, and—”

“If you wish, you can speak to Pastor Marcel. However, I can tell you that he will have the same reaction. Sam is perfect for what we need.”

Gloria’s glare was piercing. “Yes, but—”

Krause lowered her voice even farther, barely more than a whisper. “He wills it.”

Gloria took a breath. “Fine. Just remember what I said, when this plan fails.”

“Are you doubting Him?”

“No. Merely doubting you.”

Krause smiled. “I see.”