While Nyrielle helped Ashlynn write what felt like the most difficult letter of Ashlynn's life, the people of Lothian City turned elsewhere for comfort and help for themselves.
Rivers of people poured through the city, bumping and jostling against each other as they made their way toward the Great Temple at the city's heart.
"Do ya think it's really true?" a carter in a heavy and frequently patched wool cloak asked his neighbor. "Do ya really think tha' Holy City sent a High Inquisitor all tha' way out 'ere ta' protect us from tha' demons that raided tha' Hanrahans an' tha' Dunns?"
"I heard he weren't happy 'bout bein' shut out o' tha' weddin' feast," a nearby woman said. "Caused a ruckus at tha' manor's gates, he did," she swore solemnly. "Lord Owain can't o' been pleased 'bout that!"
