Chapter 444
Under a dim and oppressive sky, streaks resembling lightning snakes slithered across the heavens, forming jagged, menacing cracks that twisted and shifted as if threatening to shatter it at any given moment.
The air was still, utterly devoid of even the faintest breeze, which brought about an inexplicable sense of desolation.
The cries of despair and pleas for mercy that echoed through the surroundings only deepened the oppressive mood, gnawing at one’s nerves.
This scene unfolded in a small village, nestled alongside the main road leading to the city of Seigües.
On a broad dirt path right at the entrance of this village, a woman in her twenties, dressed in a peasant clothing, clung desperately to the leg of a man wearing a priest’s robe.
Whilst sobbing uncontrollably, she begged, her voice choked with anguish:
“Father Priest, please! My child doesn’t want to be a Child of Nature! He doesn’t want to! Please! Please don’t take him away! He’s only four years old this year!”
Yet the priest’s face remained expressionless, cold as stone.
Behind him stood a line of fully armed soldiers, their demeanor just as unyielding.