It was a very good haul. The man had more than what they were hoping for.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiknyIZyyzw
They almost felt bad.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjERY4iIxGO
Almost.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN37Gp7PnMX
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDbZG10RWU
Arlin smiled.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyIkxJGEpE
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?415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbBWk93zPY
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ636JDpwvTL
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehN0uZ3n1J
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTBwaYmIMh
"Well, boss?" Rock asked. "We do good?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeHugDv1Ez
Ziala looked on in anticipation but said nothing.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfltu3B1Es
"You both did good, kids." Arlin smiled. "The old lure and shadow works every time."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o51huPljH
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5j0gpEhohV
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!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeUXnEuzBU
Arlin calmed them down before they could get into a fight.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzGzUjqvji
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0RKiZkFSU
He finished with mirth, but he saw they didn't share his joy.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5ZGwrW6ys
"So you're leaving us for sure?" Ziala asked, as if it was never real.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWUYGYaVHm
Rock didn't speak, but his ears flattened. His eyes asked the same question.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2M0ZbkIZY
Arlin sighed. "We've lived like this for a long time. I need to do this for us to have change."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDQbyvIuAs
"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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqfgF1APNu
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReTfwpvNrb
They both nodded in acceptance.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybya3FA4u9
"With that said, we got near two gold."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmPDMm67q4
Rock was impressed. Ziala hopped up and down. "I can get a new dress!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1zvG1PLP2
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uHVh20FWu
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMObn5Wv8MI
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33vx992Iej
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21g2MknJYN
Till then? Yeah. They were rats.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhRXT0jaJ6
Rats in cages.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc5iIut7yS
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqp8pRxDMp
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JPFRGkiq8
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yDOFZJBzK
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjuEz1FCaH
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9MEOCGktO
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBRp1pRGTS
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1EsVq3r6U
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2iU0FBZMT
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Wv4ItO79
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCbpiKhbbG
Ziala felt singled out with the nicest item, but Arlin said it was a reward for a good job, so she relented.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DuTB7BEWX
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeROZY3qHPX
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dn4Rs3imk
The better clothes and boots made them feel like a normal part of the crowd. They wandered a bit, feeling like normal people.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXfhsJTUG9
Rock surprisingly found a shop with simple instruments. He wanted something to play.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjEmR2YaMb
"I like the sound when we whistle, but I want something that makes music." He looked down, a bit embarrassed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZnDBxsULq
Ziala laughed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5aeoyA5R6
Arlin spoke up to encourage him. "Maybe when we're older, you can play at the inn and make real money!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzlqyo0L7R
Ziala said, "No, they'll pay for him to stop playing."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fLA0w0XrC
That did get a laugh from Arlin and a glare from Rock.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvKvJlxgxk
"Sorry," Arlin said. "I do believe in you, and it's money well spent."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54iOorxYTM
Ziala, still amused about the flute, looked at Arlin. "What were you getting?" she asked in wonder.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjopgV0YWYD
Arlin, sober, told them, "I wanted my share to help pay for training. To be better at making money."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFqPaNLZKD
Neither one of them liked that answer and felt like they'd been spoiled.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z9RCKFfU7
"Fine. I'll get something later. Maybe a book." He gestured ahead. "Let's keep exploring."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI2iYMBFHA
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ4Zhou5SV
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KCXk31qhR
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VaXoKQfg0
The inn was surprisingly packed in the early afternoon, but they managed to get a seat and order a double portion of food.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVysTVkLJK
Since it was the last time together, he wanted it to be memorable.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0jrbBX4Lr
Everyone was happily eating. Everything felt right. Like they were free.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaobh6lyGpH
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ82Ep7hhP0
When they went to the room later to sleep, it was funny—they had two beds, but nobody wanted to sleep alone.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKN3Mu4h6z
It may not feel like the family they wanted, but they also all agreed they didn't want to be alone.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsWkDoqVJn
So they all piled into one bed to sleep.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w2MGfj038
A voice woke him in darkness. "Hey, Arlin."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7mF6EmKKy
"Yeah?" he said, knowing the low voice was Ziala.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmmebEijVZ
"Are you really leaving us?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oTr7wM9fM
That hurt more than he thought it would.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf11qArtwr
"I'm not leaving you, kid. Don't say stupid things."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgJwTcAsjl
He didn't mean for it to sound cruel, but it did.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSCpm9rfYv
He relented and tried to better explain himself. "We need the church. We need the alchemist. And we need each other."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmx2FPFlSy
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnlktg5a9k
"Okay," she said in a low voice.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvJ0ex1lL4
"Hey," Arlin said. "Today is happy memories. Not a goodbye, but a promise. One day, we'll be able to choose how we live."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRaCjF51Ef
"So you will come back?" she asked in a low voice.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBGTUuQcsI
"Yeah," he said. "Even if it meant death was waiting for me, I will come back. I promise."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ew5AnQrFj
"Okay," Ziala said and snuggled into his side.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjme3JePyQ
He then heard a deep, low voice. "Thanks, boss."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyn4Zz41WG
As they all went to sleep on their last night together for a very long time.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u2h7n6J2m
More out of habit than desire, they awoke early the next morning. They were able to get breakfast at the inn.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8IuBT9JlZ
While eating, Arlin asked them, "You guys remember the plan?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMVgT5iDP5
"Yeah, boss," Rock said.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMuoNMCzcJ
Ziala just ate in silence but nodded.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtYIhf6RMQ
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LJv0e5iSt
"The church will watch you in that time. I want you to study, learn, grow—whatever you can till you got work for Tommy."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1TWw5ETgn
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyvvsL4zvL
"Why can't we go with you?" Ziala asked, unsure.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5udwKtjBxu
"Simple answer? I have magic."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QgBDRrUw9
They flinched at that, knowing they had none. He tried to clarify more.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DH9wGByX2
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpvIYLgL9t
Rock laughed at that. "Yeah. Nice."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaHy2Dva6A
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EFbsf8r4d
Neither one of them liked that, but he went on. "And when those debts are paid, we're free."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tJNPoc2wg
"We can start new lives as a family. And even make bigger new families."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD1ikfvUVt
He tried to sound encouraged. Ziala said nothing. Rock looked away.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZL7vY8Z7u
"Sure, boss."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z6tL4tVUJ
Both of them wanted him close but kept him away, not knowing what tomorrow would bring.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUkQ0Li7kk
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDxqEX2ZEz
He stared at them for a bit before they both nodded.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GWBPCXI5W
The outcome was already decided, so fighting solved nothing.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vKnvuGCDF
The church was large and grand. Full of life and love.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83PLdBL8hZ
And a prison.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVYNEjSMNj
It was blessed by the gods, and everyone was loving as long as you did what you were told and kept your head down.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgcHXosDnv
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqaYNCoqWf
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwECjLCf7H
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cBzAAr1k5
Maybe just to mock him. Or mark him as darkness.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiqe251Yok
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWv0IQ4Irt
They saw a few familiar gray robes, happy to help while doing their duties. Happy to be fed and told what to do.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡangwVZqmUa
He sighed.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWFWOtdEW5
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVfvDsKHqN
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRIDJlrUjG
There was a black robe waiting outside the bishop's room. He smiled when he saw them coming.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzBlhFsNPC
"Welcome back, children," he said with a warm voice.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6sXKVsWHL
Both Rock and Ziala ducked behind Arlin, who stood defiant.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyGbvqSqbL
"What?" Arlin said. "You expected us?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeOzN4Djbp
The priest was taken back by the anger, unprovoked. He shook his head.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlMqDe4bEx
"No," he said. "You're always welcome among us. I was merely greeting your return. I had no prior knowledge of this visit."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2GHswg1ng
"I assume you have a meeting with the bishop? He asked for a moment of peace to address some reports."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE06bjVsyKQ
"I was waiting to deliver his message when he was done."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3O7LhiIVj
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2n2778LAi
"Tell the guild this should cover any loss, and the letter lets them know it's been addressed and just needs some time."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZswKmfLqC7
The priest bowed to the bishop and was taken by surprise when he saw the kids.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKqm3jEe2x
"Oh," he said. "Maybe sooner than expected. The gods do work in mysterious ways."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX9mhc12ot
He yawned, rubbing his eyes. "Sorry. Was a late night and early morning."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HKP2W3AYF
"Forgive my lack of proper address. Please enter, kids. We should talk."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yi2tBwxWx
Arlin knew where this talk would go.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05r631X7Yf
"Can the little ones go to their rooms instead? I prefer they didn't get the same talk as they followed me."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1940v6kVBR
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWOjiz4hAu
"Please deliver that letter."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCInn64q9w
The priest, slightly embarrassed, nodded and hurriedly left, still wondering what was transpiring.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mhtKmGpL3
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNRG6Fcc2g
"Since you prefer the talk to be more mature, I'll respect your wishes. Will you kids please retire to your old living space?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTYP70gjpa
Both Rock and Ziala waited for Arlin to say it was okay.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH2Nn30exZ
"Don't worry," Arlin said. "It's why we're here. Things will get better. Just trust me."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHXvT2PWv1
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRZSWDu6Mx
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdBg068LOS
But besides that, the room was clean and basic.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRbNSt50sB
As he slowly entered, he stared at the bishop, still drinking slowly from the cup. He assumed it was hot.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv8v9x1Ist
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYPtpmKipe
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcOGTVl45s
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOP2XHJgDp
"As for why we care, we never stopped. We have been giving you space as best we can, hoping each day for your return."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuiaKCXB9u
"To a prison," Arlin said with venom.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCv4lmPvw6
"No. To your home."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPj1YbVB3m
"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!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IRJ2YC2DH
He finished, getting more heated as he went.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2VTv5aDHU
The bishop leaned forward slightly. "You were fine here for years, child. What caused such hate when we gave freely?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYvNFsII32
Arlin laughed. "And yet the one thing I ever asked, I was told no! They were not worth wasting on, to be saved!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTxkalaFW1
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rKIO64dxy
"So instead of helping them, you let them suffer and hope for the best? Yes, very loving." Arlin replied with sarcasm.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqi14WI4Eg
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB8SHrEoz2
"It doesn't matter," Arlin said. "I healed them and set them free where you did nothing."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaeQJbo6eu
"No," the bishop replied. "You enslaved them to work for others and robbed them of choices to be a leader of them."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0MQdOxR20
"WE'RE A FAMILY!" Arlin yelled back.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNrt0Hho91
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscNpMYqJG8
That stung Arlin, and he could not deny it.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBIgRINaAC
"They don't trust me fully yet. But I set them free."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1P06V12h2
"To the streets," the bishop said plainly. "In the cold. Stealing from others. That's freedom?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh77XAKwPo
"From you," Arlin spat back. "We're not bound by your rules, so we're free!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhLbY29edE
"And yet," the bishop said, "we still are feeding and supporting you."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPnvwnEYG7
Arlin laughed at that. "I earned my coin feeding us. You gave nothing when we left!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1zfKWrEcU
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxQSj0IAXN
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLgvS9N3uA
The bishop replied, "We know your magic, and everyone knows of the name you called yourself and the thefts that followed it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbgX1t4ehY
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG9soO8AqI
Arlin went cold at those words.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHNOq2hNvL
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkcyw7aNw6
At least for now.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOwbWY7TSc
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV44WxM647R
"He said it was a gold and eighty silver," Arlin spoke meekly.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAzTpFjcF3
"It was a gold and sixty silver."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62UKFa3dl2
Now feeling less bold and proud being a thief, knowing someone was paying his dues.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzCfAdeWoy
He was still defiant. His reason wasn't petty, regardless if his actions were justified.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerlFql6M9g
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QP3Msqxp0
"No," the bishop replied. "You got them indebted for life to reduce their suffering a few years."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H9mJn3x2S
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrb2OIeJax
"Our goal was never to control you or anyone else, child—"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4CFfuLX3D
"Name is Arlin," he shot back mid-bishop speech.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0VkOKsnsg
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEaGvmtupa
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFOfukjTUs
Arlin refused to back down. He wasn't right, but he wasn't wrong.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7A6Cnf3Fq
"Why can't you force him to make more?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHM6W8Kdit
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18WbF626dj
"We have been trying to find an alternative way. But if it was that easy, this curse would never exist for anyone to suffer."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjw4Vy5uzi
The bishop said it solemnly.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xuC0zXmvq
"What makes it so hard to heal if not greed?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RsGthyDHx
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8cwtv5afP
Arlin was stunned at the true value of what he'd bought. Not once, but twice.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSXZb7plYJ
"That doesn't make any sense. Then why would he even trust rats?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsdu72YnR3
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Fbj5d7Qvk
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wqFbufixN
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8mbatOflm
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeECVVleZB
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJIz0MfcKk
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lEfJzJ9hW
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbVXhI2inS
Arlin was defeated and had nothing he could say. But he was still defiant.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd8alaGRbX
"You did not answer the question. Just mock my choices trying to be free."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswjLILfT9K
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsBBlVWqMF
Arlin was about to bring up the potion again, but the bishop raised his hand.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv3E6gY8WL
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwMJqaciJR
"But the one time I asked for something, you said no." He tried weakly once more to defend his views.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCin3SmiPh
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEndWbYEkR
Arlin flinched a bit at his gifts being called out. Not that they were a secret.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn61qgYFBA
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S6MXpD4ee
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDxjrVS1lv
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xZv8DRrNA
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe6rAQwByd
"But why you came back versus forcing us to support you in the shadows is beyond me."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSumPdRdigQ
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfb4UYQZGm
He kept his head down as he spoke. The fight had left him when every argument of pride he had was swept away easily.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp0pb3iTXl
"We would've done that anyway," the bishop said with a sigh. "But now it comes with a greater debt that must be paid."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7yZFvt4Cz
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhRpd3qTIw
The bishop saw the coins, smiled, and said, "Commendable. But keep them. There were many years you were with us and asked for nothing."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPPHaFPUng
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSb9ejOY4W
He took back the coins but had no response.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL4EwawOJV
As they sat in silence, Arlin finally spoke. "So why still help? I made these choices. But even now, you ask for nothing."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCccfYA1mp
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.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ztxBqKSiw
"The gods want balance. But in the time since they blessed us, choices made led to chaos—not because they wanted it."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFFXXZpeRy
"We humans are below gods and make mistakes. They forgave us and still helped us. So we as humans must do the same."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMMyQKhy96
"So servitude but with prettier words," Arlin said.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5wa8Ujjjl
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVobgPLF6s
"Can you share any details about what you need, or are we still enemies?" The bishop said it with a bit of mirth.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF4xbqPfZ2
Arlin relented. "You're right. I'm making it needlessly difficult. I still don't trust you. Never had a choice."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Q5i9mGec
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dOuYunTWC
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfTgraZCbh
"He gave in till I repaid. They would be forced into being his runners of messages and goods."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw2gyyM7CT
"Interesting," the bishop mused. "It's not fair, but doable. You do know even the lowest crystal goes for around ten gold?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYG642tuB5
"WHAT?!" Arlin shouted in surprise. "He said they started at a gold!"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHwFqLmXd6
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?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQNVTAZ6r7
"Forty," Arlin admitted with shame.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif8Uxl6wqd
The bishop was stunned into silence. "Perhaps I spoke too soon. That greed is inexcusable."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTfFNCm4PC
He thought for a bit, then sighed. "His endgame is probably at least two or more mana herbs."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsMn70dbiX
Arlin wasn't sure why two was worth more than forty, as that seemed too extreme. So he asked.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fGLulLMan
"Um, how is two or even three mana herbs worth more?"415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExl2p8ug7N
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAbGYQfE5q
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuAX7GYplV
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2LpRFNJSl
Arlin nodded meekly.415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGvC5jQHFf
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFyWpWf1zn
"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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzajrUfFTwA
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."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywMMNSA4qJ
"I'm sorry your kindness is wasted on a rat."415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibXD5LaAps
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.
415Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2ZfjxUhtD
and then Add to home screen.