Chapter 32: Dark Temple appears
The next day, Rennan left, promising to get more resources and investment for Riku's business plans. With no major events, the small village of Elowen got back to its rather laid back style of life and a few more days passed.
But that peace was shattered one hazy morning — when the sound of hooves and stumbling feet echoed from beyond the village gate.
"Someone's coming!" a young boy cried out from the watchtower.
By the time Barou and a few of the farmers rushed to the entrance, a small crowd had gathered — murmuring and shifting uneasily.
At the edge of the main road, where dust clung thick to the air, two figures staggered forward.
One was an elderly man, bent and trembling, his robes tattered and stained. His arms were wrapped around a limp, unconscious girl — her dress torn, her legs bruised and caked in dirt.
"Please," the old man rasped hoarsely, collapsing to his knees before the assembled villagers. His voice broke into a dry, choking sob.
"Please... save her. Save my young miss."
The villagers, though wary, did not immediately turn their backs.
They hurried forward — rough hands gentler than they looked — lifting the unconscious girl and helping the old man to his feet.
"Bring them inside!" Barou ordered. "Quickly! To the doctor's hall."