At the same time, the boy with blood streaming from his elbow rushed anxiously into the village, heading straight for the rural church at its center.
"Father Simon! Open the door! Please, open up!"
His voice carried a sob as he repeatedly pounded on the tightly shut church doors, leaving mottled bloodstains behind.
"Sorry, child. The church is closed today. If you need to pray, please come back tomorrow."
After a brief pause, a deep voice answered from behind the door.
For some reason, its usually gentle tone sounded somewhat restrained.
"Father Simon! It's me, Kayli! Shayle... something happened to her. She's bleeding so much, I... I don't know what to do. Please, open the door!"
The helpless boy pounded on the door with all his strength, pleading again, his voice full of panic.
"Go. The Lord will not abandon those who seek help with sincerity."
A moment later, accompanied by a soft murmur, the doors opened from within. Father Simon, whose hair was graying and whose build was slightly plump, had cast aside his usual warm and kindly expression. With a complicated sigh, he led the boy inside.
Once inside, the boy was startled to discover that the usually quiet church now contained dozens of mysterious figures dressed in black robes with hoods over their heads.
"Child, tell me whatever troubles you."
While the boy was still reeling from the shock, an elderly man with long white hair and black clerical robes, possessing an imposing presence even without anger, forced a gentle smile onto his face.
Reassured by this, the boy truthfully recounted what had happened to him.
After listening, the old man appeared thoughtful. Then he turned and beckoned Father Simon, who stood among the black-robed figures.
"In that case, go take a look at the breeding farm.