753
The City of Silver.
In the small room in the church, Derrick listened to Mr. Fool's first divine revelation in several days. Relief washed over him, and his legs went weak, as though all his strength had been drained away at that moment.
Having been abandoned by a god once before, the City of Silver was extremely sensitive to such matters. Gods were always unfathomable; if one suddenly departed, they could only consider themselves unlucky. Derrick did not dare guarantee that the generous, benevolent Mr. Fool would keep helping him, either. He merely clung to a sliver of hope-if there was still no response after seven days, he would have no choice but to tell the Chief.
Whether they returned to their original faith or waited hopefully for a response of unknown timing, as they had for hundreds and thousands of years before, they could not afford to waste any more time they could use to save themselves.
Even if Mr. Fool had left them for some reason, just like the Creator, Derrick would not give up.
The City of Silver had already seen sunlight and obtained safe food. Through the Fool, they had learned of another ancient, distant city-state and realized that they were not alone in the darkness. When the time was right, even without a god's help, they would work together, advance westward, and attempt to open the gates of the Giant King's Court.
Perhaps that would take a very, very long time, requiring the efforts of many generations, but it would not be longer than the time they had spent wandering in the darkness.
"I understand, esteemed Mr. Fool!"
"I will report the City of Silver's affairs to you... You mean that an evil being will approach the City of Silver from outside during this