The Lame Priest (I)

"Those who are sallow and emaciated, those whose hands are covered in calluses, those suffering from disability and poverty—they have no interest in hearing you explain the scriptures. Therefore, every seminarian who chooses the path of preaching must understand one thing: first, you must love them, solve their difficulties, make sure they and their children have enough to eat and warm clothes to wear. Only then may you preach the words of the God-Emperor."

"But before beginning any formal work, you must first pay attention to the attitude of the local rulers toward you. Some vipers are skilled at concealing themselves, putting on hypocritical, kindly faces to lure you into traps. You must distinguish the greedy, the incompetent, those who can truly be trusted, and the snakes hidden among them. Unfortunately, I have little experience to offer in this matter. Everything must depend on your own eyes."

The apprentice named Naero set down the book, took the pen beside him, and copied out the passage about the sallow and emaciated people.

The candle flame flickered, and the writing slowly bled beneath its light, turning a pure crimson upon the white paper—the monastery provided only red ink, whose raw material was said to be blood voluntarily donated by devout believers.

It sounded horrifying, with a touch of unreality to it, but Naero knew it was true.

After writing that sentence, he set down his pen and picked up his notes, flipping through them for a while.

A full month had now passed since the year-long course of study began, and he had already carefully read more than half the books in the little chapel. For him, this was a very slow pace, but he did not have enough energy to support intensive reading, much less studying all day.

In truth, he