A/N: Well, at long last, here it is, chapter two of To Walk a Path. Kind of a minor chapter, but I realized that I needed to right something before people started forgetting this. In any event, the next chapter will certainly be longer, and once again, reviews are always appreciated.
Chapter Two: Resentment and Rumors
Isaiah led Marrick through the gloomy village, the two men moving swiftly but silently through the streets. Most of the houses were dark, but several had faint light filtering out through shutters and beneath doors. Each door was adorned with the same angelic symbol in some form, from simple wooden carvings to elaborate silver inlay. One or two had wreaths hanging on them, traditionally a symbol of protection for a newborn child, a happier sign in the dark times. Marrick muttered a small prayer of blessing and protection as he passed by.
As they continued on toward the center of the village, Marrick studied the man walking in front of him. Isaiah wore leather armor, the symbol of Avacyn inscribed onto the chest, as well as metal shoulder guards and gauntlets. He carried a silver tipped spear, and a dagger was strapped to the inside of his thigh. He walked forward warily, vigilant for danger even within the walls of the village, but he carried his weapon with an ease and familiarity that betrayed experience and skill. Overall, Marrick decided that he would much rather have him as an ally than a foe.
The street suddenly widened out, signaling their arrival at the village square. The open area was perhaps eighty or ninety yards across, roughly rectangular. Darkened buildings and empty stalls surrounded the square, several catching Marrick's eye. There was an open building made of rough hewn stone situated at the far end of the square, but even from Marrick's perspective, metal tools and weapons could be seen farther inward. It was obviously a forge and metalsmith shop. To the right, on the western side of the square, stood another building, this one far larger than those surrounding it. Made of pale stone, a bell tower rose out of the roof, a man with a lantern standing in a look out. Tall oak doors, covered in meticulously carved wards, stood silent and closed as the men approached. The village church. Isaiah raised a gloved fist and knocked harshly on the door. After a moment, the latch was drawn and the door opened, revealing a young woman.
"Guardsman Torvorn?" she said, looking surprised, "What are you- um, that is to say, how may I help you at this late hour?"
"Hello Sarah," replied Isaiah, "We're here to see Father Xavier."
"Oh," she replied, noticing Marrick for the first time, "Of course. If you just wait here for a minute, I'll go get him."
"That won't be necessary," said a voice. An old man in the robes of the priesthood walked up behind Sarah. "Thank you for answering the door," he said to Sarah, "but I think I can take it from here." Sarah turned and bowed slightly before turning and walking back into the church.
"Now then," the old man said, "Isaiah, what is it that you wanted to see me about?"
Isaiah turned and gestured to Marrick. "Father Xavier, this is Marrick Lenor," he said, "He was sent from Thraeben about the geist at the old mill."
The priest's eyes brightened. "Ah," he said, "so you've arrived at last. Come in, come in, please. It's far too dark a night to be out so late. Isaiah," he said, turning to the guard, "you may return home. I will someone to take your place at the gate." Isaiah nodded and walked off, quickly disappearing among the houses and stalls. Marrick turned back to the priest and stepped into the Church.
The old man closed the door behind him. "You must be tired after your journey," he began, "Did you walk the Breakneck Ride all night?"
"No," Marrick replied, turning, "I rested at a farmer's house, a man by the name of Aiden. I left shortly after moonrise."
Father Xavier glanced at him disapprovingly. "Even if it is not a full moon, there have been rumors of the Leeraug Howlpack in the area," he said, "You should have waited until moonset."
Marrick turned to regard the old priest. "All due respect, father," he said slowly, "I have dealt with werewolves and geists before. I am not defenseless against them."
The priest nodded hastily. "Of course, of course," he said, "but one can never be too careful. Especially given the, ah, weakening of Avacynian magics, as of late."
Marrick regarded him carefully before slowly nodding. "Yes," he said, "All the more reason for me to arrive here with all due speed." He began walking again. "The villagers seem to sense the decline as well. I believe Isaiah mentioned something about the people getting restless?"
The priest winced slightly. "I wish he hadn't told you that," came the reply, "but yes, there has been a bit of, well, I wouldn't go so far as to say resentment, but several of the families of the town, particularly those who've lost a loved one, have begun to, express doubts, about the Angel's wards. A rogue werewolf recently attacked, and several people were killed before it could be brought down. I did my best to subdue the thing, but I am not as young or as strong as I used to be."
Marrick noticed that the priest looked slightly troubled. "Even if you had been at full strength," he said, "people would still have been killed."
"Oh, I know," the man replied, "I've dealt with many deaths over the years. I have come to accept that all death cannot be prevented. No, what troubles me, is that with the waning magic, once you leave, it may not be long before I can no longer protect these people as I have sworn to."
Marrick looked at the priest. "What," he said carefully, "happened to the old cathar, the one stationed here?"
Father Xavier sighed. "You could have asked Isaiah that," he replied, "he knows better than anyone else.
Marrick furrowed his eyebrows. "And why might that be?"
"Ryan was Isaiah's father." The priest replied stiffly.
Marrick's face softened. "Ah," he replied, "I see. I take it he was well liked?"
The old man nodded. "Yes," he replied, "And he is sorely missed." The priest shook himself. "But enough of this dark talk. I'm sure you wish to know the details surrounding the restless geist, but I'm afraid it will have to wait until morning. You will find a room for you to sleep in upstairs, the second door on your left. I will have Sarah wake you tomorrow morning. Now please, go and get some rest."
Marrick nodded to the old man and they parted, him to the stairs on the right, the priest to the door on the left. As he ascended the stairs and entered the room, Marrick realized that the priest had given him the previous cathar's room to sleep in. Banishing the gloomy thoughts from his mind, Marrick quickly removed his armaments and collapsed into the bed, quickly surrendering himself to the peaceful abyss of sleep.
