'When the winter nights were long and there was no food to be found, She walked into the forests to look for seeds...'
Enya
No, not this one either.
Enya
The word 'Catastrophe' doesn't even exist in the Old Kjeragi language. Is it possible that we truly have never been struck by a Catastrophe before?
Enya
Or, maybe the ancient people couldn't tell Catastrophes from normal disasters, and mixed their records with others...
Enya
'The snowmelt flooded field and pasture... the crops fell to an untimely winter tide...'
Enya
No, no... none of these sound like Catastrophe.
Enya
I remember there's another story that she used to tell...
Enya
'When the cold winter night froze the Heart of Karlan, the enemy from afar came across the ice.'
Enya
'The warrior stood vigil with weapon in hand. At dusk, he saw a terrifying abomination in the mirror-like ice... Radsorn.'
Enya
'The warrior ran back to his clan to warn the others, but...'
Adso
No one but the warrior could see the creature. Nobody believed his words. And so the warrior began to live in fear.'
Enya
Elder Adso? When did you...?
Adso
I came after morning prayers. I did not wish to disturb you, so I remained quiet... but I could not resist the urge to speak when you recited a familiar section of the scriptures.
Adso
I apologize for disturbing you.
Enya
It's alright... I just thought you were still handling matters of court.
The light is dim. From Enya's vantage point, sitting on a high ladder, the Great Elder's robes seem to blend into the color of the floor.
She cannot see his expression.
Enya
You must be very busy after taking over as Great Elder. Is everything going well?
Adso
You think too highly of an old man like me, Great Saintess. I have spent most of my life here in the Hall of Writings, and I hardly ever step out of the Vine-Bead Court, not to mention dealing with matters of court...
Adso
My only claim to this position is my age, and apart from that, I can only do my best...
Enya
You're too modest. I haven't had many chances to speak to you, but I understand that you are a man of great learning.
Adso
You flatter me... the more I study the tomes, the more conscious I am of my own ignorance. We all are, compared to Her.
Adso
But I heard that you had been studying the scriptures for two days and nights without rest, so I came to see if I could share the burden.
Enya
It's good timing. I... also have some questions that I would like to discuss with you.
She closes the scroll and climbs down.
The old wooden ladder creaks as it faithfully connects knowledge in high places and the silent ground.
Enya walks out from amongst the bookshelves with scrolls in her arms, sitting down by the spacious table that is already covered in open scrolls.
Enya
This is what I've compiled over the past two days...
Enya
I searched for any and all records of unusual disasters in Kjerag, but I have yet to find any evidence of a Catastrophe ever having occurred in our borders.
Enya
And I still haven't been able to find an explanation as to why this Catastrophe chose this moment to strike, when there has been nothing particularly unusual about this year's winter.
The girl looks up from the scrolls to the Great Elder.
However, the old man seems uninterested in the scriptures lying before him. He bows his head, squinting with the sagged eyelids that lie below his white hair.
Enya
You... do not to seem approve of the studies that I have pursued.
Adso
No... I dare not be so impudent...
Adso
You are seeking the truth of the Catastrophe, the massive thing that has descended before us, the fear incarnate.
Adso
Like digging a path through a mountain, or building a bridge over a river... your actions are undoubtedly logical.
Adso
But to search the entirety of Kjerag's history, every little tribulation within the fragments... it is an ordeal akin to searching for a grain of salt in the snow by candlelight.
Enya
I'm not afraid of ordeals... I must find an explanation for this Catastrophe... I must.
Adso
I understand. You worry for Kjerag, and take pity on those affected by the disaster... and I can feel there is some other anxious emotion driving you.
Adso
But perhaps this anxiety has made you short-sighted.
Enya
...
Enya
I've never asked you in private, Great Elder Adso...
Enya
What do you think of this Catastrophe that has struck Kjerag?
Adso
I must admit that my knowledge is shallow, and unable to explain the reason behind this Catastrophe.
Adso
But I agree with what you said a few days ago...
Adso
Kjeragandr never promised Her people that they would be safe from the threat of Catastrophe.
Adso
Indeed, Kjeragandr has never made any promises to Her people. On the contrary, the scriptures often emphasized that we must not validate Her existence through 'miracles'...
Adso
We believe in Her because we believe She is good, that She embodies all that is good. We follow Her way such that we can be our better selves.
Enya
I agree with you...
Enya
But I fear the public will not respond well to such an interpretation.
Adso
Indeed. 'Reason and insight are a pair of golden shoes that will take you far, but only if your feet can fit them.'
Adso
The day may come when your path of truth is validated. But it is not today.
Enya
Then, what do we do?
Adso
What do we do... that is a question I do not have an answer for.
Adso
But you were reciting the story of Radsorn. Let us continue.
The book on the table records a conflict that occurred over water sources.
It is an old story, a common refrain in many civilizations. The Great Elder reaches out and pulls another book from under it.
Dust intertwines with the scent of charcoal from the fireplace, like a piece of amber hovering in the air.
Adso
'The warrior searched far and wide for a way to fight the monster, but even Kjeragandr could not help the warrior kill a monster that could not be seen.'
Adso
'And so She led the warrior back to the frozen lake, and She spoke to him, saying, 'The others cannot fight the monster, for they do not see it. Only you may find the way to defeat it.''
Adso
'The warrior was enlightened, the Heart of Karlan began to melt, and winter was driven out by spring.'
Adso
'Kjeragandr granted Her people the final blessing—Her tears froze the enemy, becoming three eternally frozen peaks.'
Enya
The first story of the Book of Home in the Kjeragandr. It has been subject to various interpretations by scholars of generations.
Enya
The Heart of Karlan likely refers to Lake Silberneherze, and some believe that this warrior, who heeded the words of Kjeragandr, was the very archetype of the Saintesses.
Enya
Opinions differ on the 'enemy that came across the ice'. As for the 'monster that could not be seen'...
Adso
—Radsorn.
Adso
A word that has long lost its true meaning, and one of Kjerag's most famous bedtime stories.
Adso
Parents tell this story to children who refuse to go to sleep, before tucking them back in.
Adso
The name is so widespread that most people have forgotten that 'Radsorn' was not an incantation or meaningless babble, but a word with a clear, specific meaning.
Enya
Many words lose their meaning over time.
Enya
At one point, 'Radsorn' was believed to be a loanword that came to Kjerag a thousand years ago, of the same origin as the word 'Catastrophe'.
Enya
If I recall correctly, your work in the Hall of Writings involves decoding and translating imported words that have lost their original meanings...
Adso
Research that has, fortunately, borne fruit.
Adso
The word 'Radsorn' has two parts: the short, stopped syllable 'Rad', and the stiff, sibilant syllable 'Sorn'.
The fireplace flickers as the Great Elder draws a line across the page with his finger, leaving a crease of shadow that fades away in a second.
Cutting in half a mysterious abomination, the likes of which has never been seen before.
Adso
The word 'Sorn' is not hard to understand. It translates roughly to 'something terrifying', or 'unknown monster'.
Adso
It comes from Old Ursine dialects spoken in Kjerag, which are still used by some of the older generation. It serves as the anchor for our exploration.
Adso
'Rad' comes from Victorian, sharing an etymology with the word 'Radlithe', which means 'blind' or 'short-sighted'.
Adso
Five centuries ago, a famous playwright from County Hillock penned a word in his play, The Rose of Shah.
Enya
'Radlyth', which means 'unseeable, 'a place of darkness'.
Adso
Yes. So you've seen the manuscript, and the comments on it.
Adso
Unfortunately, I was young at the time I left those comments, and my knowledge deficient.
Adso
I have pored over many pages in the years that followed, which granted me sufficient knowledge to discover and address the errors of my past...
The room is silent except for the sound of pen writing on paper, soft as the sound of a tiny bug crawling across the page.
The word reads 'Radsorn', the two etymologically different roots separated from each other, with a circle around 'Rad'.
Adso
It is, indeed, a place that is unseeable, a place of darkness that one cannot discover on one's own. It means 'the heart'.
Enya
Then the meaning of 'Radsorn' is...
Enya
The terrifying thing in the heart of man.
Adso
Exactly.
Enya
The warrior saw his inner demons upon the lake...
Enya
Others could not see it, because no one else can know your own fears. And Kjeragandr was powerless as well, because the only thing that can defeat one's inner demons is oneself...
Enya
What is truly terrifying is not the disaster that we can see and feel, but the monsters in our hearts...
Adso
You are wise, Saintess.
Adso
The sages realized this a thousand years ago... Now, this Catastrophe that has struck Kjerag, is also a 'Radsorn' which only Kjerag can see.
Enya
...
Enya
But now, there is no Kjeragandr to lead the lost warrior...
Adso
Why do you say so?
Adso
Kjeragandr could not help the people fight their inner demons, for She is absolutely good, without the flaws of man. The darkness that clouds the people's hearts does not exist in Her.
Adso
So She chose a Saintess from among the mortals, and bestowed upon her the power to fight 'Radsorn'.
Adso
Only she is always at Kjeragandr's side. The snow washes her eyes, her piety judged by ice. She hears the guidance of Kjeragandr, and cherishes the love of the people.
Adso
Only she can dig open ice and soil, and make a path for the people of Kjerag out of their heart's maze, such that 'Kjeragandr' will return to us.
Adso
That is what the people of Kjerag have believed for centuries... Only the Saintess may atone on their behalf, on behalf of the children of Kjeragandr.
The Great Elder places his hands on his knees and bows his head in an imploring gesture.
The Saintess of the Vine-Bead Court sits on the other side of the candle. The flame flickers, and the wick grows long.
Enya
You are proposing...
Enya
A Pilgrimage.
Adso
It is time for the noon prayers. I'm afraid I must take my leave, Saintess.
Enya
One moment, Elder Adso.
Adso
Saintess...
Enya
Something you said caught my attention...
Enya
You said Kjeragandr has never made any promises to Her people, and that she does not rely on miracles to demonstrate Her existence to Her believers.
Enya
Do you... Do you believe that Kjeragandr doesn't exist?
Adso
...
Adso
No...
Adso
Of course Kjeragandr exists.
Adso
Look at our bodies, our faces, and hear our own language... Every tree and grass, rock and brick in Kjerag is proof of Kjeragandr's existence.
Adso
Of course, some hope for a divine spectacle from our god to affirm their own faith.
Adso
But if a 'god' truly stood before us, answering our every call, what need would remain for faith?
Enya
I...
Adso
This is the first thing that every believer should know. For you to bring this up now...
Did the two of you summon me to discuss disaster relief?
Arctosz
What the hell is this, Enciodes?
Arctosz tosses a package bearing the Victorian crest on the table.
Enciodes
A supply package, containing a day's ready-to-eat rations, as well as emergency medicine.
Arctosz
Don't play the fool! I'm asking, why are there so many Victorians in Kjerag at a time like this!
Arctosz
Their reporters are babbling all over the place, soldiers dressed in worker's garb everywhere. I saw more Victorians than burdenbeasts on my way here!
Arctosz
Don't tell me you don't know about this. I'm well aware that Karlan Trade has been handing this stuff out!
Enciodes
The Vine-Bead Court never enacted a ban on Victorians entering Kjerag.
Enciodes
Besides, Victoria's help has been substantial in our present situation.
Enciodes
What would it do to Kjerag's international reputation if we rejected a country's assistance, for no reason, at a time like this? Let alone expelling our visitors.
Arctosz
Some bloody help! Do you think we can't overcome this Catastrophe on our own, without those hypocrites pretending to be good neighbors?
The teacup on the table ripples, sending part of its contents splashing onto the wooden surface.
It faintly reflects the heads of the three clans, like three mountains of different heights.
Arctosz
Besides, what kind of help can the Victorians bring?
Arctosz
Oh, I remember—that man Harold 'helped', didn't he?
Arctosz
Drinking with our people, chatting them up, going into the pens, treating the beasts and delivering new foals... He made the burdenbeasts fat and plump.
Arctosz
People say, he's a Victorian, but he's not a bad guy.
Arctosz
And what happened? What did he do at Lake Silbernherze?
Arctosz
Here I thought you were supposed to be the smart one, Enciodes, but you couldn't even learn that lesson?
Enciodes
...
Arctosz
I'm telling you, no matter what the Silverashes and Browntails think, not one Victorian will set foot on Paleroche land from this day forth.
Arctosz
I don't care about your 'political goals' or 'international reputation'. I won't let the Victorians have their way on Kjerag soil!
Ratatos
Calm down, Arctosz. Are we going to fight amongst ourselves before we've dealt with the foreigners?
Enciodes
Then... What do you think, Ratatos?
The fireplace continues to crackle. Ratatos's voice is calm, the dark rings around her eyes showing the toll that the past few days have taken on her.
Ratatos
This time, I'm with Arctosz.
Ratatos
You've dealt with the Victorians the most. You know their ways, especially at a time like this.
Ratatos
Victoria does not show kindness to Kjerag for no reason. The aid could turn into a poison pill at any time.
Ratatos
All the chaos we've seen over the past few years, what part of it had nothing to do with foreigners? You, of all people, should understand the risks.
Enciodes
I completely agree, Ratatos.
Enciodes
But we must not forget that, while stagnation may be the least risky course of action at present, it is also the surest way to doom.
Enciodes
Sending people at a time like this, Victoria is testing us. They are hoping that we will fall apart on our own.
Enciodes
It has taken so long and so much for Kjerag to finally see the results of reform. To close our doors again at this junction would be to lay waste to all that we've done over the years.
Arctosz
You're set on dealing with the Victorians?
Enciodes
You have my word.
Enciodes
Karlan Trade has taken responsibility for establishing contact with other nations. We will handle Kjerag's relationship with Victoria.
Ratatos
How can you be so sure?
Enciodes
As you said, Victoria has never given up on exploiting us.
Enciodes
Have they ever succeeded, though?
Ratatos
That look again... like you're always in control, always so sure of yourself.
Ratatos
Kjerag is changing. Not just the changes that you've brought about, but also the changes brought about by Catastrophe, and by progress.
Ratatos
Nothing stays the same forever. That's true of your past successes too.
Enciodes
And it's true of the great powers' lofty perch.
Ratatos
By Kjeragandr, I hope you know what you're doing...
In the distance, the evening prayer bell tolls at the Vine-Bead Court, echoing amongst the pillars.
Vine-Bead Court Cleric
Sir Enciodes.
Vine-Bead Court Cleric
The Saintess requests your presence at the Hall of Lectures.
Arctosz
The Saintess?
Enciodes
...
Enciodes
It seems we'll have to continue this conversation another day.
Enciodes
Even if we have not reached an accord, do not forget it was the decision of the Vine-Bead Court to open up Kjerag to foreign dialogues.
Enciodes
To cross the line now is to defy the Vine-Bead Court and the Saintess herself.
Arctosz
Hmph... don't try to keep my head down with some tough words.
Arctosz
But remember this: My eye is open, and I won't allow anyone to do anything that will harm this land.
Arctosz
There's no length I won't go to protect Kjerag.
Ratatos
Do remember, Sir Enciodes, that your decisions affect more than just your domain and your company. This whole nation will be affected.
Ratatos
I hope Kjerag will not pay the price for your pride...
Enciodes
No one can make Kjerag 'pay', as long our people remain united.
Nothing important. I just realized that it has been some time since your presence last graced the Hall of Lectures.
Enciodes
If I am being charged with impiety, then I have no defense.
Enciodes
I will come to hear your lectures each week, once the current crisis has passed.
Enya
I know you are a busy man, but I have rarely seen you so fatigued.
Enya
I take it the matters at hand have been troubling.
Enciodes
I'm sure you understand that the people have been restless in the aftermath of the Catastrophe. There is much to be done.
Enciodes
But the Vine-Bead Court will only grow busier... take care.
Enciodes gestures under his eyes with his finger. Enya sees it, but says nothing.
The fire burns bright in the fireplace, its warmth reaching the eyebrows and noses of the Silverash siblings, warming their pale and alike complexions.
They are not looking at one another, but towards a solemn statue.
Enya
I saw Arctosz today. He looked out of sorts as he greeted me. Even Ratatos did not seem her normal self.
Enya
It won't be the first time the three of you have fought, but a situation like this... I haven't seen in a long time.
Enya
What happened?
Enciodes
Temporal matters that you need not worry yourself about.
Enya
Then please tell me—what are the 'temporal matters' that trouble Kjerag?
Enya
Is it the Victorians?
Enciodes
Yes and no.
Enciodes
They immediately sent a large relief effort to Kjerag, as soon as news about the Catastrophe got out.
Enciodes
The Columbians also learned about the incident at the observation station, and threatened to send troops to protect and evacuate their scientists.
Enciodes
They are paying close attention to this Catastrophe, each for their own reasons.
Enya
So they understand Kjerag better than we think... they know well what this Catastrophe means to Kjerag.
Enciodes
The politicians smell chaos, and see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to extend their influence into Kjerag.
Enciodes
We know that Victoria has been doing far more within our borders for a long time. They have simply stopped trying to hide it.
Enciodes
I have a good guess as to who is behind Victoria's movements. Her plot is not hard to decipher; it is simply the instincts of a politician.
Enciodes
If I was in her shoes, I'd agree it would be but another chess piece to move—
Enya
You know I don't like it when you get like that.
Enciodes
I apologize. I spoke out of turn in this holy place.
Enya
Why do you keep putting yourself in the plotter's seat, treating everything around you as chess pieces, or bargaining chips—do you enjoy games like this?
Enciodes
This is our reality, one that florid words cannot conceal.
Enciodes
If we want to be strong, independent, even sit as equals with the great powers at the same table, then we must play by the same rules.
Enya
Is this the most absurd part of it?
Enya
Kjerag is not the only country that preaches virtue and goodness. Those politicians, too, play the part of leaders and teachers in their own country.
Enya
They are hypocritical and deceitful, but they teach their people to be honest and sincere; they are avaricious and insatiable, but they teach their people to be gentle and kind.
Enya
I ask, then, Sir Enciodes...
Enya
Are the virtues that I preach to the people of Kjerag as Saintess, and the tenets of the scriptures, all lies and nonsense to you?
Enciodes
Enya.
The fire flickers as a charred piece of wood snaps into two.
The name, buried for so many years, is once again uttered by a Silverash.
Enya
Sir Enciodes.
Enya
Would you have come to me today, if I did not summon you with the authority of the Saintess?
Enciodes
...
Enciodes
Kjerag faces an unprecedented crisis. One wrong step, and we may never recover.
Enciodes
We need unity more than ever, and the authority of the Saintess is crucial at a time like this.
Enya
I see you've finally recognized the importance of faith to our people.
Enciodes
I never denied it.
Enciodes
Faith in Kjeragandr is fundamental to us. We cannot even begin to talk about this land without it.
Enya
Yes... more than one person has said as much to me.
Enya
But when we view faith from the perspective of gain and loss, have we really paused to think if our history, free from the threat of Catastrophe, was a mere coincidence?
Enciodes
There is no point in discussing whether it was a miracle or not.
Enciodes
What happened, happened. The only thing we can do now is to calm the people.
Enya
On this, at least, we are in agreement.
Enciodes
It's not an easy thing.
Enya
Then, I shall begin my Pilgrimage as Saintess.
Enciodes
What?
Enya
I set out early tomorrow morning. The news will be known all across Kjerag by dusk.
Enciodes
...
Enciodes
Was this the Vine-Bead Court's decision?
Enya
It was my decision.
Enciodes
The Pilgrimage takes place in spring or autumn. Has a Pilgrimage ever taken place in the middle of winter?
Enya
Has a Catastrophe ever occurred in Kjerag?
Enya
We don't have time.
Enciodes
You know how dangerous this is...
Enya
Of course I do. But how else do we calm the people's fear of Catastrophe? How do we make them believe that Kjeragandr will forgive their 'transgressions'?
Enya
There will be no companion, no temporal possessions, no carriages, no rest.
Enya
The Saintess shall circle the land of Kjerag on foot, atoning for the sins of all the people, and praying for Kjeragandr's forgiveness.
Enya
It will take three months, if all goes well. More than one Saintess has died on the journey.
Enciodes
Then why do you—
Enya
Brother.
The young woman pauses for a moment, then continues like the snow melting into river, flowing down the peaks of Matterhorn.
They are surrounded by warmth, like those winter afternoon naps they took together when they were children.
The distant shadows of the past return, trying to find the children who have grown up, find traces of the past on their faces.
Enya
As Enya of Clan Silverash, I never forgave the choice that you made.
Enya
As the Saintess of Kjerag, however, I am glad that there is still something I can do.
Enciodes
...
Enya
I know... it is not just the guidance of faith that Kjerag needs. Indeed, misunderstandings about faith have hindered us for too long.
Enya
The changes that you brought about, the factories, the railways, the trade... and the station that watches the sky, are all things that can lead our people out of the prison of the mind.
Enya
Kjerag needs change. You must not stop.
Enya
What I must do is to convince the people that what is happening is not because they did anything wrong, that there is salvation from their sufferings.
Enya
There is only one salvation in the minds of the people, and only one capable of carrying the burden...
The ball hits the wall of the farmhouse and bounces back to the feet of the boy, who waves at the girl trying to catch up to him.
Kjerag Boy
Come on! You're always so slow.
He kicks the ball several meters away. The girl grumbles and chases after it.
The children are getting some rare free time. In this foothill village with only a couple dozen households, the children, whose parents are too busy to watch, are playing in the center of the village.
As you know, the Saintess has begun a Pilgrimage for our people. This village is her final stop before she ascends the mountain.
Local Cleric
Remember what I told you, change into clean clothes, and do not disturb the Saintess when you see her. Am I clear?
Eager Kjerag Villager
Will the Saintess really be able to summon Kjeragandr back to us, Father?
Eager Kjerag Villager
My wife is working in the city, and I haven't heard from her since the disaster. People in the nearby villages say Sir Enciodes has put a blockade around the scene, and no one knows what is happening.
Local Cleric
Do not worry, Bauer. This is exactly why the Saintess is embarking on her journey. Kjeragandr will not abandon any of Her children.
Elderly Kjerag Villager
But all of us here in this village have already been abandoned, haven't we?
Elderly Kjerag Villager
None of the young folk have been willing to stay on the farms since Karlan Trade started their business. Let me tell you, if Bauer didn't go lame when he was little...
Eager Kjerag Villager
Hey! Is this all you have to say, when the Father and I have been taking care of you since your son left for the city?
Elderly Kjerag Villager
And I haven't heard a peep from him since the disaster. I'll be damned if I got anything else to say.
Local Cleric
Alright, alright, let's not argue in the Saintess's presence.
Local Cleric
Bauer, you should go check on old Carl. He said he wanted to catch a glimpse of the Saintess, even if he had to crawl on all fours. Help me talk him out of—
Kjerag Village Lookout
(Shouting) I see the Saintess, Father! She'll be here soon.
Local Cleric
What? It's much sooner than I expected... Alright. Let's go wait by the roadside. And brighten your faces!
A few dozen villagers line the roadside, turning their faces to the distance, from whence the Saintess is approaching.
The cleric averts his eyes subconsciously, nervously rubbing his palms with his fingers. He was assigned to this village by the Vine-Bead Court twenty years ago, and has never seen the Saintess outside of portraits.
The footsteps approach. He focuses his entire attention on his facial muscles, hoping to leave a good impression on the Saintess.
Bam—
Kjerag Boy
Oh—
Kjerag Girl
(Whisper) Mali, you fool! Look what you've done!
Local Cleric
What the... blast it, I forgot about you two.
Local Cleric
A-Are you alright, Saintess?
Local Cleric
Mali! Come and apologize to the Saintess.
Kjerag Boy
I-I'm sorry, Saintess.
Enya
It's alright. Just a ball. It didn't hurt at all.
Enya
I still have to continue the ritual. Can you go home? Are your parents here?
Local Cleric
S-Saintess—
Kjerag Boy
Mom and Dad died a long time ago. My home is the temple.
Enya
...
Kjerag Boy
I'll, er, go home then, Father?
Local Cleric
(Under the breath) Go! I'll have you copying scriptures if you cause any more trouble!
Kjerag Boy
*sob*—
Local Cleric
I deeply apologize, Saintess...
Enya
How many children like him are there in the village?
Local Cleric
I've taken in nine. Some are orphans, while others were entrusted to me by their parents who went to the cities to find work.
Local Cleric
But we haven't heard from them since the disaster...
Enya
...
Eager Kjerag Villager
...Saintess! Do you know what's happening with this disaster? When can my wife come back?
Local Cleric
What did I tell you, Bauer?
Eager Kjerag Villager
Has Kjeragandr really abandoned us?
Local Cleric
Enough—
Enya
She would never do that.
Enya
In these days of hardship, we must remember, believe, and trust that She is kind and just.
Enya
I will do my best, so that your prayers, and the prayers of all Kjerag, will be heard by Her once again.
Enya
Please, trust me, in Kjeragandr's name.
Local Cleric
By Kjeragandr, She will protect us, and protect the Saintess.
After a moment of silence, the villagers bow their heads together behind the cleric in a gesture of reverence. They have chosen to believe.
The Saintess nods and departs again. The snowy peaks in the distance await.
