Haugstad, Kingdom of Divinium, Eastern region of Rohana Federation, 2044 S.C., 25th day
The council chamber in Haugstad's administrative barracks had changed little since Haran's first meeting with the elders years ago. The same worn wooden table, now bearing additional scars from use. The same oil lamps cast their light across familiar faces, young and old. Three former members of the council have passed away, including Adel and Melinda.
Malcolm sat at the head of the table where Adel once presided. Council has gathered on Haran's behest.
Haran stood before them again. Scenes of events that transpired here still echoed in his mind. He wasn't here to plead for his son's life or his own. He was here in an official capacity, carrying documents bearing the Church of Harmony's seal.
"The Church has assigned me oversight of this region," Haran said, unfolding the parchment across the table. "From the barrier's edge south to the Mirith tributary, west to the Jamtara road. All abnormal creature activity falls under my jurisdiction for investigation and reporting."
Malcolm studied the document. "So they're making the serpent attack official business."
"Among other incidents." Haran kept his voice neutral and professional. "There have been three reported encounters with creatures exhibiting similar characteristics within the past two star-cycles. Unnatural aggression. Venom that shouldn't exist in native species. The church is now weary and wants to get to the bottom of things. My job is to observe and report everything that seems out of the ordinary."
"And what does this mean for us?" This came from Emilia, who sat to Malcolm's right. "More city folk tramping through our territory? More questions about how we handle our own problems?"
"No," Haran said. "I file reports directly to Jamtara. Unless there's a need for serious intervention," he paused, trying to calm the response, "the church has no interest in village affairs."
The silence that followed carried weight. Everyone in the room knew he meant "heretical activity".
"What about the serpent parts you've taken?" Henrik asked the older warrior who'd been in the fields during the attack. "Did your city doctors learn anything useful from it?"
Haran's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "The examination is ongoing."
It wasn't a lie, exactly. The church forensics came and documented the runes carved into the creature's flesh. There was no word on Remmus's involvement. The official version was that Haran was summoned to help a merchant from another city who happened to be attacked while trying to reach Jamtara. Haran called Remmus in an unofficial capacity. The merchant, who had met Haran before, asked for his assistance, and Haran knew Remmus from another quest.
"I see." Malcolm's tone suggested he understood the evasion for what it was. "And your visits? I assume they'll be more frequent now?"
"Monthly patrols at minimum. More often if needed. I'll additionally try to help around the village." Haran said.
"Outsiders are not needed," Henrik said sharply.
"True," Haran agreed. "But resources are tight everywhere, and you're down a worker." He didn't elaborate. Everyone knew Agnus's condition.
Malcolm exchanged glances with the other council members. Some unspoken communication passed between them before he nodded slowly.
"We accept the church's oversight because we have no choice in the matter. We accept your help because we're practical people."
"The council meeting is adjourned," Malcolm said, standing. The others rose as well, filing out with nods to Haran that ranged from curt to merely cold.
Only Malcolm remained behind. He rolled up Haran's documents and handed them back.
"Are you going to go and visit them?"
"Do you think they'll mind?"
"Don't be silly, Haran. You have saved the man's life. They are grateful, even though life is harder on them now. Not only has their income decreased due to Agnus's injury, but they are also being shunned for accepting the city's technology to save his life."
Haran's hands tightened on the parchment. "How bad is it?"
"Nothing existential," Malcolm said carefully. "People don't linger when Martina goes to the well. Conversations end when Agnus approaches. They're still part of the village, but the community keeps its distance. Fear tends to do that."
"Fear of what? The technology saved him."
"That's exactly what frightens them." Malcolm moved to the window, looking out at the village paths below. "If crystal magic can save, it can also destroy. You know this better than anyone, Haran. The villagers have spent generations shunning the very things the cities embrace, and now one of their own has been touched by it. They don't know what it means. Whether it's changed him somehow."
"That's superstition."
"Is it?" Malcolm turned back. "You carry crystals in your body. You lost control once, nearly killing the entire council. Can you promise me, with certainty, that Agnus won't be affected by what was done to him?"
Haran opened his mouth, then closed it. He couldn't promise that. It shouldn't, but he is not a citizen. They are constantly exposed to the crystals.
"Exactly," Malcolm said quietly. "So people are cautious. They're not cruel, but they're careful. And Martina and Agnus bear that weight."
"Then maybe I shouldn't visit. My presence will only make it worse for them."
"Or," Malcolm said, "your presence reminds everyone that you're the one who brought this choice to their door. That you take responsibility for it. That matters, Haran. More than you might think."
Before Haran could respond, Malcolm added, "Besides, your son is there. I think you should see him."
Haran's breath caught. "Has he... said anything?"
"He has been more open to finding out about you ever since you saved his father's life. And I don't mean to discredit you, but Heron still finds it hard to acknowledge you as his biological father."
"I understand," Haran said quietly. "I don't expect him to see me that way. Agnus is his father. I'm just..." He trailed off, not sure how to finish.
"You're the man who saved his father's life," Malcolm said. "That means something. Maybe not what you hoped for, but it's a foundation. What you build on it is up to you."Haran nodded slowly.
"Then I should go see them."
"You should." Malcolm moved toward the door, then paused. "One more thing, Haran. Whatever you're filing in your reports, make sure the village stays out of it. We can't afford the church's scrutiny."
The evening air carried the scent of cooking fires and early summer flowers as Haran made his way through the village paths. Children's voices drifted from nearby houses, families settling in for the night. A few villagers nodded to him as he passed, their greetings polite but brief.
He noticed what Malcolm had described then. The way people's eyes followed him, calculating. When he passed the well, two women who'd been drawing water suddenly remembered tasks elsewhere, leaving their buckets half-filled. An older man, whom he recognized from previous visits, crossed to the other side of the path rather than pass too close.
Not hostile. Just careful.
And then he saw Martina, walking from the direction of the well with her water bucket. The path ahead of her cleared subtly. People were finding reasons to turn down side streets, to duck into doorways. She kept her head high, her steps steady, but Haran could see the cost in the set of her shoulders.
"Let me help," he said, stepping forward.
She looked at him, surprise flickering across her face. "You don't need to—"
"I know." He took the bucket anyway. "But I'm headed your way anyway."
They walked in silence for a moment. Then Martina said quietly, "Malcolm told you."
"Yes."
"It's not so bad," she said, though her voice lacked conviction.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be." She glanced at him, and there was steel resolve in her eyes. "I'd make the same choice again. Agnus is alive. That's worth more than a few cold shoulders."
They reached the small house. The door stood open to catch the evening breeze, lamplight spilling across the threshold. Inside, Haran could see Agnus seated at the table, his cane leaning against the chair. And there, setting wooden bowls beside him, was Heron.