“Great. We’re supposed to lay low and that happens...” sighs Leor as he drags his hands down his neck.

Alden wipes the tears out of his eyes from laughing too hard. “That was hilarious! I don’t see how people can take me seriously when I act like that!”

Ceri scratches her head. “Hilarious isn’t how I’d describe that. Lord Alden is truly terrifying when angry.”

“You should’ve dropped it, Ceri. That kind of treatment is normal for someone like me,” says Leor. His cold eyes show no essence of gratitude. “I better be compensated for the extra fees for this expedition. I only have sixty-five gold remaining from what you initially paid me.”

“Don’t worry, Leor. Once we get to the church, I’ll borrow money from my good friend. I’ll even toss in a little extra for your troubles.”

“I’m sure I don’t have to keep reminding you, but we’re being hunted right now. We need to remain low.”

“Leor, my friend, you worry too much! Relax a bit. Live a little! Everything will always work out in the end.”

Leor shakes his throbbing head. He can’t understand having such a lax attitude given the predicament they’re in.

“Hey, Leor? Would you mind trying on your gift now?”

“Hm. Gift, huh?” Leor holds out the black coat to examine it. The coat drapes down halfway of Leor’s thighs. The edges of the coat tail and collar edges give off a sharp aesthetic that matches his permanent scowl. The hem is split slightly to allow weapons to extend out from the hip. Leor whips the coat around himself and slips it on. The coat fits snuggly against his skin.

“Wow. I knew it’d look good on you. It fits your gloomy demeanor.”

“Indeed, Miss Ceri.” Alden throws up a thumbs-up to her. “You are spot-on with your choice. Now, he looks more professional and easier on the eyes!”

“Again, why am I being insulted… but, I do like the look and feel of it. Good choice, Ceri.”

Ceri squeals to herself as she pulls her hands to her chest as a celebratory gesture.

“Hey, let go of me! I haven’t done anything!” shouts a man in the distance. The trio turns their attention ahead to find a crowd of bystanders watching a man being dragged out of a tavern by armed guards.The drunk, unkempt man dressed in ragged clothing trashes around, trying to break free from the guards’ clutches.

“Quick, blend into the crowd” whispers Leor as he puts on his hood.

One of the guards turns to a bystander. “Sir, is this the man you were talking about?”

“Yeah, that's him! He matched the description of the criminal you guys are chasing, and he’s always had a weird presence about him. I overheard him badmouth Lady Azura and this town’s head priestess, Lady Maria!”

The crowd bursts into quiet chatter to the accusations. A few common whispers boomerang through the crowd.

“He said that about Lady Azura? How could he?”

“Lady Maria is a saint! How could someone say ill things about her?”

“He should be punished!”

Ceri covers her mouth. She can’t believe the remarks the crowd is making. She turns to check on Leor and Alden, but both of them are unfazed.

The man snarls and flails his body like a captive beast. “It was just drunk talk! I had too much to drink but I swear I didn’t mean anything! I didn’t do anything!”

The guards beat him with the end of their polearms to gain his cooperation. They leave him covered in bruises and scratches. “Calm down. We are just taking you in. For now. Once we investigate, we will determine what to do with you.” They shove the barely conscious man into the back of a caged cart and whips the horse to take him away.

Leor gently places his hand on Ceri’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s hide for a bit before the crowd notices me too.” He guides the group into an alley.

As he passes Ceri, Alden taps Ceri’s other shoulder while nodding his head with a subtle disheartened expression. Ceri follows along with her head facing the floor.

The trio squeezes through empty crates and boxes as they walk through the alley. Only the clacking of boots resonates against the walls.

Ceri breaks the silence with a question: “A-are we not going to talk about it?”

For a moment, there is no response. Leor sneaks a glance at Alden to see if he’ll respond. Alden eyes Leor as if encouraging him to console Ceri. He inhales quietly and exhales.

“Ceri, you need to get used to seeing that kind of stuff…. It happens all the time. No need to make such a big deal about it. It’s just how the world works.”

Alden slaps his own forehead. “Leor, you don't say it like that…’’

“Yeah but it’s true...”

Ceri stomps the ground. The sound carries through the floor, stopping their stroll as if rooting them in place. She glares at the two with a penetrating teary-eyed gaze. “Just because it’s true, doesn’t make it right!”

Her words seem to mute the world around them. They stand bewildered by the determination in her voice. That phrase is not something Leor hasn’t heard before but her words carried more weight than the usual self-righteous preacher. In this world, it is rare for people who reject the Gods to be accepted. But to be accepted and defended by the very people who spread their God’s gospel is an even rarer sight.

A prideful grin stretches Alden’s cheeks. He walks over and pats Ceri’s head. “And, this is why I took you in. Come on, let’s head over to the church and pray for that man. I’ll introduce you to my friend.”

Ceri nods her head in silence as she wipes the tiny tears from her eyes.

Leor trails behind them. He looks at the sky with a thousand-yard stare. The sound of a bustling marketplace returns to the world, but only Ceri’s words ring in his mind.

A soft poke to Leor’s rib cage jolts him back to the present. “Leor, are you okay?” asks Ceri. She tugs on his sleeve, guiding him forward. “Come on! Let’s hurry to the Church!”