>>6125851“To be forced to serve after death… or in whatever state that thing was —” Willow groans.
“Does it bother you so much? They are heathens, and they have heathen morals.”
“No, it’s just— listen, it’s fucked up,” she hushes to your ear. “It reminds me of some stuff I read back home. This is worse than the Sisters.”
“How so?” You quip. “Don’t you remember those people, turned into shivering wicks?”
“Yes, but that was— that. Those things are demons, the Throne is just like us. People. That’s different.”
“Evil is evil, no matter the source,” you point out. “You are giving a heathen kingdom built on slavery too much credit.”
“And there’s that too. I think I never realised how lucky I was to find myself in the Holy Land. Do you think they… do… things to… well, you know.” She taps on her chest and you understand.
Stranders.
If this is the treatment for their own citizens, who knows what they could do to someone like her.
“You are not alone,” you remind her, squeezing her hand. “Not here on the ship. And not in this world, remember.”
She bites her lip.
“You know how I feel about this, I—”
“I know, but we’re on a mission. Hold on to your faith.” You sigh. “No matter how faint it is.”
Willow shakes her head, but then she gives you a tentative smile.
“At least I know you won’t stick me into a metal box.”
“It’s a solemn promise,” you reply. “I believe it’s my turn to cheer you up, don’t you think so? After everything that happened, we ought to hold onto hope — I am going to save my family, and you are going to be the best Knight in a generation.”
“I hope in more than a single generation—” she pouts.
“You know what I mean. In moments like these, it’s important to have a little faith. We will make it.”
[cont.]
