It was a very good haul. The man had more than what they were hoping for.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMfv8arPFD
They almost felt bad.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VLoGxaunP
Almost.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr83SOMDBBQ
Two gold. When all three of them ate at the inn, it was only a single silver coin. And one gold was worth a hundred silver coins total. So that was a lot of food. They could even afford to sleep indoors, away from the church, if they wanted to be defiant.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrGs1bffDO
Arlin smiled.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fGRnXkLDx
The cure potions were ten gold when they'd last asked. So while an amazing gain, it didn't clear their debts. Not by a long shot. But food? And maybe some new clothes? And a doll for Ziala?447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEG2CJF5Fe
They'd never said their age, but he guessed around twelve, maybe thirteen. I can still see the lost kid in their eyes. Especially when Rock calls me boss instead of brother.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZErg5FgGb
Guess I'm too young to be a dad, even though they're like my kids. No. Big brother is better. Though they don't even give me that. Just... boss.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomUgod5iel
As he thought about what led them here, Rock and Ziala came from a side alley, looking around. They knew the meeting spot. They also knew if he wasn't here, they would scatter again.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomiGIbhs7z
"Well, boss?" Rock asked. "We do good?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMicTBUR9VF
Ziala looked on in anticipation but said nothing.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GsbandQ0t
"You both did good, kids." Arlin smiled. "The old lure and shadow works every time."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6WxHfQZ6W
"Well," Rock said, "how much? At least a few silver, I hope. My boots are getting worn down, and I would like a blanket versus smelling you all night if we can afford one."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u4jOflsK7
Ziala laughed at that. "Please. You're too scared to be alone. You beg to be back in the group huddle before two days pass!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp4fGF5B6Q
Arlin calmed them down before they could get into a fight.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bZU5aaKqZ
"We did well. That's what matters. Since things are going to get harder for us, we each get one gift, some food, clothes, and stuff. Then face the church before we go our separate ways for a bit."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZTkgE6onE
He finished with mirth, but he saw they didn't share his joy.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HKJovnKuN
"So you're leaving us for sure?" Ziala asked, as if it was never real.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rj8xbrC2L
Rock didn't speak, but his ears flattened. His eyes asked the same question.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC37BDHBPq
Arlin sighed. "We've lived like this for a long time. I need to do this for us to have change."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPtm7bdUgv
"So we do what we have to till we're debt-free. Then we live however we want. That's why you followed me. That's why you call me boss." He finished in a lower voice, not liking the last part.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiWJFnVFd7
But he could feel their detachment—or at least their fear of getting close. So the "boss" let them be close as needed and have the feeling of freedom, knowing they could walk away.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGM6g1i3df
They both nodded in acceptance.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcVYOmgMgr
"With that said, we got near two gold."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF6t5kzG0A
Rock was impressed. Ziala hopped up and down. "I can get a new dress!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt6hDDLa1y
He thought she would've wanted a toy. Maybe she saw all the girls in the dresses when they looked for marks to steal from. Or maybe she just wanted something nice.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCUNax7Ea8
They stayed at the inn and took turns bathing. Had their clothes washed. The warm water felt like a luxury. Clean clothes even more so.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoAQanC0Rk
They knew if they went to the nicer area, they could look poor maybe, but not like rats. They would go to the tailor shop, get some nice clothes, and go from there.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdgEFi0vDm
He wasn't stupid. He knew what he was doing. And he knew by taking the kids into this life, he made them worse. It was why he was willing to go so far to make it better.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI0UhikT0G
Till then? Yeah. They were rats.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MHH534s9k
Rats in cages.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZGhYdBUTP
When they set out from the inn, it was surprisingly busy on the streets. Many people compared to how everyone seemed to hide in the alleys, waiting for a blade or a thief to find them in the slum streets.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AD8tK8spr
These streets? Everyone had a purpose. Everyone was free and felt nothing but the impatience of not getting what they wanted sooner, or rushing to finish a job to be paid.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTlIDaXmxn
It felt odd to envy the common man living life. But when you were below the poor, even working life seemed a better life worth envying.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcOiLd4eI1
The tailor shop was very nice and clean. A few people were being measured for custom clothes. Many items on display—fine fabrics, well-cut garments, things that looked expensive just sitting on the shelves.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU9kvjqadZ
At first, the attendant tried to shoo them away. They didn't need more workers, and though they didn't look like rats, they also seemed like kids at play, not business.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJhf4fOfbq
When Arlin assured them they were paying customers—even flashed a gold coin—they bowed deeply and said they could do custom orders or had many things on display.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIhmlRFWKq
Although the coin wouldn't let them buy custom sets such as silks, it did let them get nice clothes that weren't gray robes. Something they could cherish and feel a little more human in.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J19zavsxo
Ziala got a pretty blue linen dress that dragged a little, but that was good—she would grow. She ran her hands over the fabric, eyes wide with wonder. It was the nicest thing she'd ever owned.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXpYbnarlN
Rock didn't care much about it and got a simple set—a green linen shirt and pants, slightly baggy, also allowing growth. He shrugged when asked his opinion, but Arlin caught him adjusting the collar with a small smile.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JG3mKCPNu
As for him? Well, he went with a simple set also. He wasn't trying to impress anyone, and he felt it was a waste.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDZ80KhBMN
Ziala felt singled out with the nicest item, but Arlin said it was a reward for a good job, so she relented.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjYfjSvFvI
Lucky—or by design—there was a shoemaker next door. They all three got a nice pair of boots. He made sure they got them slightly bigger, with room to grow.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFAFFYshXu
That done, they still were rich for rats. They knew it would be spent with nothing replacing it, so they remained sober about the wealth.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0MebGqCNH
The better clothes and boots made them feel like a normal part of the crowd. They wandered a bit, feeling like normal people.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZoCGibs6L
Rock surprisingly found a shop with simple instruments. He wanted something to play.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw79jg2MbG
"I like the sound when we whistle, but I want something that makes music." He looked down, a bit embarrassed.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmG4Mb0jPd
Ziala laughed.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡourZu3w1tc
Arlin spoke up to encourage him. "Maybe when we're older, you can play at the inn and make real money!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fCKlAxlFn
Ziala said, "No, they'll pay for him to stop playing."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoad95cQOrG
That did get a laugh from Arlin and a glare from Rock.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv8K8dJinQ
"Sorry," Arlin said. "I do believe in you, and it's money well spent."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ452tS6Pwj0
Ziala, still amused about the flute, looked at Arlin. "What were you getting?" she asked in wonder.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMBgcOiRls
Arlin, sober, told them, "I wanted my share to help pay for training. To be better at making money."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdlXiOaeFa
Neither one of them liked that answer and felt like they'd been spoiled.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCRywRQw5b
"Fine. I'll get something later. Maybe a book." He gestured ahead. "Let's keep exploring."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHMMYbrgXe
They found their way eventually to a market square and browsed a bit. Ziala did end up finding a doll she liked, and he got it for her. So they headed back to the inn after that, happy with their prizes.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4A6RDBWxA
The trip back was fueled with random off-key notes from Rock's flute and Ziala talking to her doll, naming it quietly, giving it a voice. While Arlin kept watch.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZGWvGma47
Nobody ever hunted them, even when they stole. But he wasn't going to start assuming he was safe now. Not with unpaid debts and money in his pocket.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWAWKJuJI9
The inn was surprisingly packed in the early afternoon, but they managed to get a seat and order a double portion of food.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyA6jWsrku
Since it was the last time together, he wanted it to be memorable.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M0EqXGnhs
Everyone was happily eating. Everything felt right. Like they were free.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEnnGUPa4A
But when he closed his eyes, he could still feel them holding him in the cold, waiting for the day's light to be free from the cold once more.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrsuPnrkSr
When they went to the room later to sleep, it was funny—they had two beds, but nobody wanted to sleep alone.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGSXckONjr
It may not feel like the family they wanted, but they also all agreed they didn't want to be alone.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYQ25eE1Xq
So they all piled into one bed to sleep.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXivlSV1gQ
A voice woke him in darkness. "Hey, Arlin."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BB0kQgdAG
"Yeah?" he said, knowing the low voice was Ziala.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMg1ySVYhB
"Are you really leaving us?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB52utQzbV7
That hurt more than he thought it would.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBzS0bTU8c
"I'm not leaving you, kid. Don't say stupid things."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO097kYYtkI
He didn't mean for it to sound cruel, but it did.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeUjemPsbV
He relented and tried to better explain himself. "We need the church. We need the alchemist. And we need each other."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UDxYdlpDq
"I promised one day it would just be us. But till that day, the church will help you more than me. At least till we're debt-free."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdQbwgfnqk
"Okay," she said in a low voice.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GJkRvA90t
"Hey," Arlin said. "Today is happy memories. Not a goodbye, but a promise. One day, we'll be able to choose how we live."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlIunU4vdt
"So you will come back?" she asked in a low voice.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUC3u06C0O
"Yeah," he said. "Even if it meant death was waiting for me, I will come back. I promise."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GGiAxcbNz
"Okay," Ziala said and snuggled into his side.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHkBYyv7WN
He then heard a deep, low voice. "Thanks, boss."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEauJKKnoR
As they all went to sleep on their last night together for a very long time.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0jn9TIzYF
More out of habit than desire, they awoke early the next morning. They were able to get breakfast at the inn.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX3dC7UXCZ
While eating, Arlin asked them, "You guys remember the plan?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSARroKT7vJ
"Yeah, boss," Rock said.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eNVcPQed6
Ziala just ate in silence but nodded.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2fcsfwr1c
As Arlin watched them, he felt unsure, so he said, "Just one last time, I want to mention it. I need to wait for the new dungeon to grow. It takes about two years."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv0QVXLkoC
"The church will watch you in that time. I want you to study, learn, grow—whatever you can till you got work for Tommy."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQlYAdcC5S
"He should honor his word, and you only need to be runners. Messages or light supplies. Nothing dangerous. While I work, earning money to pay the debt."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMmiIs3ICQ
"Why can't we go with you?" Ziala asked, unsure.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3vl0wK6mc
"Simple answer? I have magic."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlsSTqu4X3
They flinched at that, knowing they had none. He tried to clarify more.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVOUEOOYcH
"Tommy trusts me because he has you two. If we all go to a new town? He will hunt us and will not be nice anymore."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcASsNKG3U
Rock laughed at that. "Yeah. Nice."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW12McyAyE
"He's nicer than he needs to be," Arlin said, feeling bitter he had to defend him. "He helped us rats. We can't forget. We need to pay our debts to the church and the alchemist."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JYMFvJLUT
Neither one of them liked that, but he went on. "And when those debts are paid, we're free."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LXSl4yUe9
"We can start new lives as a family. And even make bigger new families."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjAUo32PYE
He tried to sound encouraged. Ziala said nothing. Rock looked away.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIS5f6bicp
"Sure, boss."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbuAZE1XDG
Both of them wanted him close but kept him away, not knowing what tomorrow would bring.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv6UpstrEI
He sighed. "Come on. If I'm boss, this is an order. When you're older, you can do whatever you want after your debts are paid. Till then, follow orders. Right?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUVyCKKzhq
He stared at them for a bit before they both nodded.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7BggR5WMe
The outcome was already decided, so fighting solved nothing.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUfXBG6loO
The church was large and grand. Full of life and love.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhLiIFHNXW
And a prison.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12begajd4E
It was blessed by the gods, and everyone was loving as long as you did what you were told and kept your head down.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn3yZD71SU
Doing what you were told. He hated that truth. And the kids did too. But freedom wasn't free. Everything had a price, and he was coming back to pay it.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop7Qif7JFo
As they entered the grand doors, passing random people on their way to pray or receive blessings—the hopeful wanting to receive a blessing for their devotion—he couldn't help but laugh inwardly.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuVo9jzuSe
The kids always prayed and got nothing, even though they were both beastkin. And yet he didn't believe in the gods' mercy, and he was blessed with powerful darkness.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbO8rT13gp
Maybe just to mock him. Or mark him as darkness.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyz8ZdHcgR
People often said darkness was just misunderstood and was equal to light. But he knew a shadow was always beneath light, not above or beside it.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rse5qT9JG
They saw a few familiar gray robes, happy to help while doing their duties. Happy to be fed and told what to do.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIhvRKPsKr
He sighed.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtQckPXskf
They went deeper into the church, unbothered by anyone in their quest to see the bishop. Trusting that anyone here meant no ill intent and just sought help.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f9lgqFV1K
He supposed it was true. He'd never heard of anyone fighting in churches in stories or witnessed anything more than a little impatience at having to wait.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GSyXxcKkZ
There was a black robe waiting outside the bishop's room. He smiled when he saw them coming.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVBcV5HKmH
"Welcome back, children," he said with a warm voice.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9DD7Skx3x
Both Rock and Ziala ducked behind Arlin, who stood defiant.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNxMPQ6q2m
"What?" Arlin said. "You expected us?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oWBCJLUkz
The priest was taken back by the anger, unprovoked. He shook his head.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR6hduZPNq
"No," he said. "You're always welcome among us. I was merely greeting your return. I had no prior knowledge of this visit."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtkD0o7Yqh
"I assume you have a meeting with the bishop? He asked for a moment of peace to address some reports."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbFb2BYNrr
"I was waiting to deliver his message when he was done."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxtZDR7d0G
As if summoned by those words, a tired-looking bishop opened the door, looking at a scroll in his hand while also holding a small pouch.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOVp30TS1J
"Tell the guild this should cover any loss, and the letter lets them know it's been addressed and just needs some time."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dXhN4Gy8k
The priest bowed to the bishop and was taken by surprise when he saw the kids.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOrpOZpmMg
"Oh," he said. "Maybe sooner than expected. The gods do work in mysterious ways."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIbI6xgHPP
He yawned, rubbing his eyes. "Sorry. Was a late night and early morning."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6WC1YEXrW
"Forgive my lack of proper address. Please enter, kids. We should talk."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AI9rNHn33
Arlin knew where this talk would go.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuaYirRoEA
"Can the little ones go to their rooms instead? I prefer they didn't get the same talk as they followed me."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4Rkyn0SGN
The priest was confused as to why this seemed like a tense moment, not a happy greeting. But the bishop patted his shoulder, startling him.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACIv4O7Sl8
"Please deliver that letter."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP1MsVODzg
The priest, slightly embarrassed, nodded and hurriedly left, still wondering what was transpiring.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkM6WYakWN
The bishop smiled, watching him go, then addressed the kids once more. "Nobody's in trouble. Even if we don't approve of your actions, we understand the hardship thrust upon orphan children. I'm glad you're safe."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMktp1XyxmX
"Since you prefer the talk to be more mature, I'll respect your wishes. Will you kids please retire to your old living space?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOyKYCxLKd
Both Rock and Ziala waited for Arlin to say it was okay.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO5heuYW9R
"Don't worry," Arlin said. "It's why we're here. Things will get better. Just trust me."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx1wVsGdGf
They both nodded slowly, not believing but understanding they were too young to decide things. So they left. Already been here before, they knew well where to go and what awaited them there.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hK4oLKemg
The bishop left the door open and went to sit at his desk, drinking something from a cup. Arlin noticed many books on shelves with two chairs placed on opposite sides of the desk, with a small bench to the side.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6hlKMoDB0
But besides that, the room was clean and basic.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVve7jSOdb
As he slowly entered, he stared at the bishop, still drinking slowly from the cup. He assumed it was hot.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrx9F7HdCI
The bishop noticed his stares. "It's a mild hot lemon drink with a dash of potion that helps recover from lack of sleep. Not good to have too much, but I do indulge occasionally." He gestured to a chair. "Please sit. I'm not sure where to start, but I'm glad you're back, well and safe, all the same."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUQozT9arJ
Arlin was tired of the games, so he decided to be blunt as he sat. "Why do you care about rats? You have plenty of followers already. Or are you that scared of losing even one?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSsRJKY7x8
"I read the reports," the bishop said, discomforted. "That name you are calling yourself? I don't approve, as you are just wayward children, not... rats."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7Ldfmtb5Q
"As for why we care, we never stopped. We have been giving you space as best we can, hoping each day for your return."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqFQ1x2rAs
"To a prison," Arlin said with venom.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguJ4bWxgWr
"No. To your home."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd1fcbY9Ol
"This isn't a home! A place where you're told what to do, how to live, when and what we can eat, what we can wear, where we can go—is not a home but a prison!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc3fXGVQyt
He finished, getting more heated as he went.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwyMyZcwLv
The bishop leaned forward slightly. "You were fine here for years, child. What caused such hate when we gave freely?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IKfWgx5HG
Arlin laughed. "And yet the one thing I ever asked, I was told no! They were not worth wasting on, to be saved!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY8qV2fns7
"Aha," the bishop said. "Yes, it does always seem to come back to that. I already told you that beastkin always recover from sickness within a few years versus humans."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJXcBzJgpZ
"So instead of helping them, you let them suffer and hope for the best? Yes, very loving." Arlin replied with sarcasm.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpcEZXlQ1B
The bishop rubbed his eyes and went on. "There are humans past the age of twenty that will never be blessed, that need them more than beastkin. We already talked about this."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzlwfrg40t
"It doesn't matter," Arlin said. "I healed them and set them free where you did nothing."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDC98rhYc1
"No," the bishop replied. "You enslaved them to work for others and robbed them of choices to be a leader of them."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mct4Czumn
"WE'RE A FAMILY!" Arlin yelled back.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzkWyKnlHD
The bishop stared for a moment, seeing if he would go on. When he did not, he replied calmly, "And what family calls you boss?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKEuky5h6W
That stung Arlin, and he could not deny it.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG87kJAKZel
"They don't trust me fully yet. But I set them free."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFohkQiEJn0
"To the streets," the bishop said plainly. "In the cold. Stealing from others. That's freedom?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKXjEpKa3h
"From you," Arlin spat back. "We're not bound by your rules, so we're free!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqO3j9A9Rq
"And yet," the bishop said, "we still are feeding and supporting you."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRhtJakVgG
Arlin laughed at that. "I earned my coin feeding us. You gave nothing when we left!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBsG1le8Aw
The bishop shook his head. "Where do you think the crimes of your kids go? Do they just get swept away and forgotten? Did you never once question why nobody demanded the money you stole or hunted you for revenge?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYohdcoOlJ
Arlin wasn't sure. He'd never thought about it beyond knowing he hid in his shadow, so he said that. "They had no proof. You can't just assume we're guilty."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmUv773ls1
The bishop replied, "We know your magic, and everyone knows of the name you called yourself and the thefts that followed it."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspQah1C5av
"Not hard when nobody else steals. The church gives freely, and work is easy to find if you look. Nobody chooses your path. As I was saying before, that which you took, the church paid back with interest."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgutOOP7MG
Arlin went cold at those words.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpZBj8wQtN
All his clever schemes. Everything he knew as true was a lie. And he took the kids to the streets and had nothing to show for it.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyKy3Jskig
At least for now.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bAXmklx4g
"That last theft," the bishop said, "stung a bit when we tried to confirm the amount. We could not just say he was lying, but we paid him all the same."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp3wkCqawI
"He said it was a gold and eighty silver," Arlin spoke meekly.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKDg3gPHBO
"It was a gold and sixty silver."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAQR0hnUv8
Now feeling less bold and proud being a thief, knowing someone was paying his dues.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uRoVyFMpd
He was still defiant. His reason wasn't petty, regardless if his actions were justified.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3zxXOjmdc
"You still were going to let Ziala suffer. And Rock got sick too. Take the high road all you like. I at least got them cured."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iQmnsFoyY
"No," the bishop replied. "You got them indebted for life to reduce their suffering a few years."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ck7R28rkI
"You're happy in a cage," Arlin said. "We're not. So we traded one master for another. It changes nothing now, but we will have options."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6xsjhmV3h
"Our goal was never to control you or anyone else, child—"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnozQUDdNA
"Name is Arlin," he shot back mid-bishop speech.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWEhZrog4B
"Fine. Arlin." The bishop conceded. "We wanted you to have time to see we had your best interest at heart. But when you made a deal with the alchemist, you needlessly complicated things."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb38E7wineh
"It is always a struggle getting him to make those potions for others. So you taking not one but two denied others that have been suffering for months or years already."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqhJhDJyw5
Arlin refused to back down. He wasn't right, but he wasn't wrong.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Cxz0bIqQ
"Why can't you force him to make more?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyKyB4NKBw
The bishop looked upset. "We would need to use force only as a last resort if nothing else could be done. Also, it is his right as the maker to decide how his time is spent."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHFKanqBPG
"We have been trying to find an alternative way. But if it was that easy, this curse would never exist for anyone to suffer."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLwNTUV1D6
The bishop said it solemnly.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaUCWQDyD7
"What makes it so hard to heal if not greed?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5E0azoBIT
The bishop finished his drink, staring into his cup. "It is the rarity of the herbs, for one. The monsters need to be passed to get to the herbs, second. And third, it is the time needed for just one potion. We cannot prove it, but he says a month. And he can make easier, higher-paying potions in a fraction of the time."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87HVAPrNly
Arlin was stunned at the true value of what he'd bought. Not once, but twice.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwGOAapVBV
"That doesn't make any sense. Then why would he even trust rats?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebzps0TELP
The bishop flinched at the self-inflicted name but answered. "The deal you struck is free labor till the debt is paid. And that debt will be supplying him with items he cannot easily get later."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHndEJFaCh
Arlin nodded in understanding at first till he thought about it. "Wait a minute. I never told you details of the deal, yet you speak with familiarity as if you always knew. How?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog1wPnFQnO
The bishop smiled with pity. "He came to us after the first potion. It was how we were first aware you stole. We even told him not to make more deals with you, but he did not listen."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1PBHTGt7O
Arlin was angry, but he chose to play the game. He couldn't complain when the hand was dealt and it was not a winner.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvr3TSBYQj
"So what's the endgame here, Bishop? You know we're working toward freedom. You know I made bad choices to get there. But what I don't know is why, even now, you keep saying you only want to help when I offer nothing."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrE9lbvzSj
The bishop was surprised by that. "Even now you doubt my sincerity? When I never once asked for the gold back, forced you to bring the kids home, or told you who had nothing how to live?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkowJ0Zi0B4
He shook his head at that. "How long will you make enemies of those who want to help you while helping those who DO want to use you?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgKru6ECjh
Arlin was defeated and had nothing he could say. But he was still defiant.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJeyTEp6E0
"You did not answer the question. Just mock my choices trying to be free."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZOYVOBbQr
The bishop sighed and spoke. "You may be mature for your age, but you're still a child despite what you believe, Arlin. And I swore to the gods to help children above all."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g6vXyydKL
Arlin was about to bring up the potion again, but the bishop raised his hand.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWJF1evEEa
"Help," he repeated. "Not give whatever they want or what they think is best. You would always have a home, food, and bed here. We do ask for help, but we work the same. We take nothing we wouldn't give."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVpz3rTNao
"But the one time I asked for something, you said no." He tried weakly once more to defend his views.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOAW7AAlU2
"What you asked was too much," the bishop said flatly. "A book, a dress, a doll, even a flute—we would have happily given with joy."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLFgBOcvAs
Arlin flinched a bit at his gifts being called out. Not that they were a secret.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C73SWYvcE
"But a potion that we can wait months for ONE—" he emphasized "—to give to a child who has a high chance to recover versus the suffering of others? That cruelty is asking too much."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtmQWzjbOy
Arlin was sober. He wanted to be an adult and have an adult talk, but he just felt like everything he did was wrong, even if he did it for the right reasons.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZeY0UYyvr
The bishop saw his defeated look and spoke softly. "We know you're good at heart, even if misguided. We do want to help. I know you have a plan, though not the details. The alchemist said nothing."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGP0XYshPw
"Just that in two years, the debt will be settled. The fact he will wait so long means it is a heavy deal you made that favored him greatly."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99SjzyMYIg
"But why you came back versus forcing us to support you in the shadows is beyond me."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGvWrCNowf
Arlin had already lost his pride and spoke plainly. "The kids need better than I can give them on the streets. I also need help in training to challenge dungeons."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYCzLpplL8
He kept his head down as he spoke. The fight had left him when every argument of pride he had was swept away easily.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Am98G5f3h
"We would've done that anyway," the bishop said with a sigh. "But now it comes with a greater debt that must be paid."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hkBxcjTxw
Arlin took out the coins and put them on the table. Now that he knew nothing he did wasn't paid for but by others, paying the theft felt more hollow and no longer a victory for freedom.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHPmlWqdFX
The bishop saw the coins, smiled, and said, "Commendable. But keep them. There were many years you were with us and asked for nothing."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwgPiwpnGb
"This is us paying dues. You also need money in your training, so it's best not to make you beg or steal for more."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhqr1nMR7d
He took back the coins but had no response.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9rltMpOGe
As they sat in silence, Arlin finally spoke. "So why still help? I made these choices. But even now, you ask for nothing."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY0HsAh7sL
The bishop leaned back, resting his eyes. If Arlin didn't know better, he'd swear he was asleep. But the bishop did speak after a minute of silence.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1FJSZnsdP
"The gods want balance. But in the time since they blessed us, choices made led to chaos—not because they wanted it."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xrC0C30nR
"We humans are below gods and make mistakes. They forgave us and still helped us. So we as humans must do the same."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVlTJC49M9
"So servitude but with prettier words," Arlin said.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUkNMZ5NNS
"No," the bishop said. "Freedom to choose. But we want a better world, so we choose to keep trying to help, even when others keep looking for the con."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyAYtPlkV9
"Can you share any details about what you need, or are we still enemies?" The bishop said it with a bit of mirth.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv1PPeBWbZ
Arlin relented. "You're right. I'm making it needlessly difficult. I still don't trust you. Never had a choice."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C1C1C44Dz
"I was born in this church. Those kids were brought here. I wanted them to know the freedom I never did. But that's not what you asked."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkdEXaKAIc
He sighed. "The plan was to earn a bunch of dungeon crystals in the new dungeon appearing in two years in another town. Since it will be a while before it's controlled, in exchange for the potions' cost."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhbouEhWRs
"He gave in till I repaid. They would be forced into being his runners of messages and goods."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCj7xyRE7q
"Interesting," the bishop mused. "It's not fair, but doable. You do know even the lowest crystal goes for around ten gold?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlspwajoJkZ
"WHAT?!" Arlin shouted in surprise. "He said they started at a gold!"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNqYKhul5T
The bishop laughed. "For him. And in exchange, he made cheap potions. For if he bought the crystal on the market, it was ten gold for the cheapest. How many did he want?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lr4Hcvqtt
"Forty," Arlin admitted with shame.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfYJmQOFfl
The bishop was stunned into silence. "Perhaps I spoke too soon. That greed is inexcusable."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmkAyFR085
He thought for a bit, then sighed. "His endgame is probably at least two or more mana herbs."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabinYxdmi3
Arlin wasn't sure why two was worth more than forty, as that seemed too extreme. So he asked.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ssWFPFpY4
"Um, how is two or even three mana herbs worth more?"447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrNeUAAJNm
"They are the key ingredient in the potions we need. And he wants to keep others from even knowing how to make one, lest they work out a way to make them quicker or, gods willing, easier to mass-produce."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj33ILixRj2
"But that is just a dream right now," the bishop said. "I can't force a better deal, and we still got to wait for the new dungeon to grow to even see if we could farm it."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ijw472u8z
"I was always proud of your rare gift, and I'm a bit ashamed you chose to use it to steal from others. But that's the past, I hope."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn6nazL7nd
Arlin nodded meekly.447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4rOkytQCX
"I advise you to settle affairs with the kids and let them know we are not enemies and just want to help. You are welcome here anytime. But the training needed will keep you away and busy for a while."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg3FFnu05K
"Then when you go away, it will be longer still. Hopefully, no more debts will exist, and once this is settled, we can focus on growing again versus fixing past mistakes."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrHkE0ejmr
Arlin got up with that, bowing his head. "You were always fair, Bishop, even when I did not like you. Regardless of what you believed, though, this isn't my family."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhvIgzlyun
"I'm sorry your kindness is wasted on a rat."447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicOES4z9Og
The bishop wanted to protest, but he knew Arlin wouldn't listen. So instead, he adopted the show-not-tell approach—to show him he was the one rejecting them, not them rejecting him.
447Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFm5XaCDLE
and then Add to home screen.