Making a Cameo

Faced with Trollope's plea for help, Sifa quickly made a decision. "Sir, go seek help from the Kingdom Navy. I'll head to Devil's Throat immediately to investigate. But as you know, the Navy is stationed there, so I'll first visit the Church of Storms and see whether they can offer any assistance."

"At the very least, they can prove that I'm not suspicious."

Darlene cried excitedly, "Will Harry be on that ship? If so, I want to go too."

"No, ma'am. There may be danger there. Staying here would be the greatest help you could give us." After replacing "burden" with a gentler phrase, Sifa left the writer's house without lingering.

He easily hailed a hired carriage on the bustling street and instructed the driver to head straight for the Church of Storms. Meanwhile, he concealed the Cane of Resentment and covered it with his cloak.

Upon reaching the church, Sifa rushed inside and grabbed a priest in the prayer hall. "I need to see Your Excellency Duvall. Something has happened to the Trollope family."

The priest immediately led Sifa to the bishop's room. Seeing the tall Duvall, Sifa briefly explained the situation and said, "Your Excellency, how do you think this should be handled?"

Although he had promised Trollope that he would head for Devil's Throat first, he was now, after all, an "employee" of the Church of Storms. It was more appropriate to consult his "boss" before taking action.

Approval flashed in Duvall's eyes. He nodded firmly. "You handled this very well, Mr. Rayleigh. You are quite unlike the Hunters I know. I greatly appreciate your way of handling matters."

"Just as you told Trollope, head to Devil's Throat first. I'll make some preparations and follow shortly."

"Before I arrive, if anything unusual happens with the Black Star,