"Hey! Cos! Dri! Stop damn you!" Dri quickly turned, just in time to see Heraldo running toward her.
"Heraldo, what's going on?"
"I heard you're looking for flowers for Benita. You can usually find some sunbrights underneath massive trees once you leave town."
"Thanks, that'll definitely make it easier." Dri smiled at the grocer, wondering why that news was so important that he chased her down for it.
Heraldo smiled back. "So Dri, where are you headed to, with such a serious look on your face?"
"The chapel. I need to start working odd jobs again."
Heraldo nodded. "Yeah, I heard about Neptune. I am truly sorry Cos. Do you mind if I accompany you? I have some business to tend that way anyway."
"Not at all. I would enjoy some company actually." With that, Dri and Heraldo began walking toward the chapel. As they walked, Dri told Heraldo of the jobs she picked up, and that she planned to be out for the next few days. He offered to watch over her place, and she was extremely grateful.
"Well, our paths split here it seems." Heraldo stopped at the archway leading toward the chapel.
Dri looked at him, wondering if he truly knew just how true that statement may become in the next few days. "I guess it does. I'll see you later." She waved and continued up the hill toward the chapel, lost in thought about packing for her camping trip for the next few days.
When she neared the chapel, she noticed a few new graves had been dug. Shaking her head at the thoughtless loss of lives, she opened the giant doors of the chapel, and walked inside. Immediately she was hailed by Elvar, another fisherman.
"Elvar, what can I do for you?" Dri asked, wondering why he seemed so upset.
"Pray, a moment. I would not ask this of anyone but you, cousin. I've news for Merin, dark news. I fear I cannot bring myself to face him. Will you go in my stead?"
"Sure. What's happened?" Dri looked at Elvar, with concern and worry apparent in her face.
"His brother is dead; it happened down the shore a ways. We were fleeing the wyrm and he…Cortese leapt before the beast's talons to shield us. I saw it…saw him hurtling through the air. Saw him fall back to the ground…I did nothing. Just watched the poor man die. I cannot face Merin for the shame of it. He deserves to know what happened, but I…Please, please go and tell him."
Dri nodded, seeing the utter sorrow in Elvar's face as he relayed what happened. She gave Elvar a hug, and turned to leave. Before she could, however, she was stopped by Father Clemente. The father looked completely different than any fisherman from Cassardis. It was obvious he spent most of his time inside, as his skin was extremely pale. He also wore the purple and gold robes sanctioned by the holy order, making it obvious to everyone who he was.
"'Tis selfish to beg a favor in such times, I know, but there is aught I would ask your help in. Might we speak a moment…privately?" Dri nodded to Father Clemente. He was the only holy man in Cassardis. The least she could do was help him in his time of need. After all, he helped many villagers every year when they couldn't make it by, even herself. Father Clemente led her back to his rooms, and closed the door.
"What has happened Father?" Dri asked, in the most respectful way she knew.
Father Clemente briefly smiled at her, but then his face returneed to the troubled look it had when he first spoke to her. "My thanks. 'Tis a…sensitive matter. I would ask your discretion."
"Of course."
"In the wake of the dragon's coming, many of the villagers have come to offer prayers. As a novice and a newcomer, I welcome the chance to be of use, but…my scriptures are missing. I have yet to commit the verses to memory. Without the text, I…I cannot offer up proper prayer."
"The villagers would be devastated if they heard this. I am glad we are talking in private."
Father Clemente nodded, before continuing. "The scriptures were secure in the chapel last I saw them. I do not wish to believe them stolen…If you come across them, pray, see them back to me? I would be ever in your debt.
"Of course, Father. I'll return them as soon as I find them." Dri left his rooms, and walked out of the chapel, adding Elvar's and Father Clemente's requests to her to-do lists. As she stepped out of the chapel, she was stopped by a young man, Lewes.
"Dri, I know that Father Clemente spoke to you. About the scriptures."
That caught Dri's attention. "Yes, Lewes, we did speak about them. What do you know?"
"'Twas me. I confess it! I took the father's book from the chapel." He hung his head in shame.
"Why, Lewes? Why would you steal from the chapel?"
"I'd thought to steal a glance at it, then return it, but the dragon came and I…I dropped it as I ran. Cos, what am I going to say to him now?"
Dri looked at Lewes, and carefully thought before she spoke. "Don't worry. I will find them. However, I hope this is the last time you do something like this."
Lewes looked hopeful at the fact that the scriptures may be found. "I won't do it again, Cos. I've learned my lesson. I was on the rooftops last time I had them."
Dri looked around, and thought she could probably search the roofs in minimal time. "Okay. I will start looking. You will stay here for a while, at least until I return."
Lewes nodded his agreement, leaving Dri free to start searching the roofs.