Inaccessible Faith

Come back! Stop, thief!

You'll never catch me, old man. Too bad for you!

*huff huff*

Sir, what ails you?

My tools...my livelihood... They've been stolen!

That guy was pretty fast. He's probably clear across town by now.

We can catch him if we try!

Uh, right. Let's do it!

Wait! When you catch him, be sure to bring him to me. I want to smack him around for all the trouble he's caused!

Excitable old fella, aren't you?

Sir, remember we are all brothers. I cannot condone acts of wanton violence, even against a criminal.

What do you mean by that?

Just allow me to talk to him.

Fool! You think a street-rat like him will listen to reason?

Hey, he's gonna get away if we stick around talking much longer.

Then what are you going to do?!

Uh...well we hadn't...

It's all talk, talk, talk with you!

This grandpa doesn't listen, does he...

The town guard has been gathering info on that thief. On all of them.

There's more than one?

The word around town is that he's part of a gang of thieves who moved into this area recently. The sentinels are still putting together a plan, but once they do, those ruffians' days are numbered, depend on it!

In that case, they might have some idea of where he's likely to run to.

I expect you young 'uns to take responsibility for letting him escape.

Okay, okay, we're going.

Leave this in our hands, sir.

Excuse me, do you know about the band of thieves?

The new ones? Yes, I have been putting together a dossier of their activities...

Praise be. Please, tell us everything you know.

What business is it of yours? Are you planning to take them on?

Nay, I am going to reform them.

Reform? It's not just humans in that gang, you know, they use monsters, too.

Monsters?!

Yes, they set them on their victims and use them for intimidation tactics as well.

Refusing to dirty their own hands, eh? Such cowardice!

Between the human bandits and their monsters we really have our hands full. I'll admit, we could use some aid.

Say no more. I will be happy to offer my assistance.

Are you sure? This won't be an easy fight.

As a member of the sacred order, I cannot turn my back on those in need.

You're from THAT order? Wonderful! Sorry to drop you in at the deep end, but maybe you should go to Lake Tiilen. Our reports suggest that's where this band most often strike.

It shall be done.

Thank you. We'll be increasing our patrols to reduce any further attacks around town.

M-Mister Prai? Is that you?

Ah, the former head priest's daughter. What brings you to a place such as this?

Oh, uh... Nothing really, I just...

It's not safe for you here. Bandits have been attacking people. We'll take you back to Ratle.

I...I know about the danger... But I'll be all right.

Is there something you wish to confess?

......

It need not get back to your father. You can count on my secrecy.

I...I want you to save my brother!

Your...brother?

The head priest has a son too? I must say, I'm surprised.

My brother and I are blood relatives, but not my father's. He took us in and adopted us back when we were little.

That makes sense. He is a kind-hearted man.

Before then, my brother and I had been living all alone, just the two of us. We never knew our birth parents. Never had anyone else to rely on.

It says much for your bond that you supported each other for so long.

The only problem was, my brother never saw eye-to-eye with our father. Two years ago he fled our home, leaving only a letter. I saw him again for the first time the other day when I was picking flowers.

Oh, so that guy we saw you with was your brother?

Yes, but what he told me really got me worried. He's joined a group of bandits.

...! Then the guy we saw in Acteul...

He wanted me to come with him, but...I couldn't do that. I couldn't bear the idea of leaving my father behind. But I can't turn my back on my brother, either...

My child, allow me to meet with your brother and make him see sense.

Mister Prai?

Upon my word, I shall bring him home, back into the fold.

Yes!

Aldo, we must not waste time. We can't allow him to add to his crimes!

Aaargh!

Hey, don't go screaming like that again. My friend here might mistake you for food and try to chow down on you otherwise.

Grrrrrr...

Heh heh heh. Let's see what we got. Urgh, is this all the cash you're carrying? What a waste.

Hold! Your life of sin ends today.

Tch!

Think of your sister, boy!

What?! How could you... What has she been telling you?

She does not wish you to stray down this path of villainy! Come with us, my child. The almighty one will surely forgive you.

Don't tell me you're one of those priests, too. All you guys do is spout pretty-sounding words with no meaning! "The almighty one?" Hah! Praying to some nebulous spirit in the sky won't do any good!

Nay, they shall hear you. No one is ever left behind.

Oh yeah? What about my parents? Faith couldn't bring them back! It couldn't give me and my sister food, clothes, or money! What has faith ever done for me?

Fate found a way! You found a home with the head priest, did you not?

That sanctimonious old geezer is no father of mine! He never even thought about improving his lot. What kind of fool would be satisfied with a life of poverty?

Wait! You must listen!

Graaargh!

Nooo! Is this the end? Somebody, save me!

Prai, forget about him. Saving lives comes first!

Indeed. I cannot allow an innocent to suffer. My hammer shall mete out judgement!

Phew, I'm safe... You boys sure are strong.

I'm glad you are safe. Praise be.

It seems my words failed to reach that young man. And after I promised, too.

Hey, at least we slew his monster. Let's head back to town.

Yes, I suppose...

That sentinel back in Acteul is going to want to hear about this, don't you think?

Indeed. We should make our report.

Oh, what are you doing here, sir?

I thought I'd be seeing you two around here again.

Did you find the robber?

Yeah, we did. And he really was using a monster to attack and mug people.

Then our information was correct... We should probably strengthen our defenses.

Yes, yes, but what of that young punk? Have you taken him prisoner?

I...attempted to reason with him, but...

There! Just like I said. Words will never have any effect on young ruffians like him.

......

I can't say I'm not disappointed.

I apologize...

But you did well, this is valuable information! I'd like to thank you, on behalf of the town.

Hmph.

I need to go discuss this with my colleagues. Once again, thank you for your help.

Mister Prai! Where's my brother? Is he all right?

I'm sorry...I tried, but I was unable to bring him home.

Oh...

I really am very sorry.

He's such an idiot... Resenting our father for no good reason, leaving home and causing everyone all this trouble...

But despite all that, I still love him. He's the only brother I've got.

Thank you for trying to get through to him, Mister Prai. I guess some people just don't want to be saved.

But I can still...

Excuse me, I must be going.

Don't blame yourself, man. You did all you could, it's not your fault he didn't want to hear it.

Even so...

Getting through to people is my mission in life. My words are meant to bring peace to troubled souls!

I failed in that mission... I still have such a long way to go...