The words struck me like a physical blow, unexpected and sharp.
Why would they die because we'd saved their village from bandits? The church matter was different, wasn't it—
Nisha's frown deepened, her voice cutting through my confusion. "Epphy... don't tell me."
Ephraim held his face, pain etched into every line as he looked at us. "Yes, the church is indirectly behind them. It's been a slow drive for a while now." His weathered hands clenched. "All the conflict arising — they're using it to purge not just the Heretic, but us unbelievers too."
His gaze found mine, and something cold settled in my stomach.
Nisha's fist clenched hard enough that her knuckles sounded. "Those bastards."
A woman pushed through the gathered villagers, her face twisted with fear and fury. "Ephraim, this is all your fault! You took in that Heretic — the church is going to come marching here first thing in the morning. They'll burn everything to the ground. They'll burn us all!"
