Chapter 175 “Dark Clouds Overwhelm the City”

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At some point, unnoticed, the sky had become blanketed with dense, dark clouds. A chilly ambiance enveloped the city, making it feel ominously bleak. The biting cold wind weaved its way through the streets, nipping at the bones of the residents of the island.

Old Captain Lawrence was the first to truly notice the change in weather when he emerged from the church. A shiver ran down his spine, causing him to hunch his shoulders and draw his neck in for warmth. He gazed up at the sky and murmured to himself, “Just my luck. My observation time is over, and now it looks like I’ll be drenched on my way home.”

Much like the old captain of the ship named the White Oak had deduced, other passersby were in a rush, eager to get home before the rain started. They had laundry to retrieve from the line, children to gather from play, and storefront displays to protect from the rain. However, Captain Lawrence had a unique dilemma. In his mind, the only thing waiting for him at home was his irritable wife, likely ready to berate him for being late. He briefly questioned whether he wanted to go home at all.

As he rubbed his arms to warm them up, preparing to make his journey, a church guardian sprinted towards him, followed closely by Heidi, a familiar psychiatrist.

“No, not now,” Lawrence muttered under his breath, but still extended a hand for a friendly handshake.

“I apologize, Captain Lawrence,” the guardian began breathlessly, “but there’s been a change of plans. I just received an urgent notification stating that you need to stay longer for additional isolation. You can’t leave yet.”

“But hasn’t my observation time finished?” Lawrence’s previously affable demeanor immediately soured. “You need to provide a valid reason for this.”

While visibly regretful, the young guardian replied, “I don’t have all the specifics, but it’s a direct command from the inquisitor. They’ve decided that everyone who has been in contact with the Vanished must remain within the church premises.”

At the mention of the notorious ship’s name, Lawrence’s face visibly twitched in agitation. He understood the gravity of the situation even without further explanation. Trying to suppress his irritation, he said, “Alright, I understand, but who’s going to explain this to my wife? I was just…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Heidi interjected gently, “I apologize for the inconvenience, Captain. Do you have any particular concerns about this situation?”

Captain Lawrence’s eyes shifted to Heidi. He’d interacted with the young psychiatrist multiple times during his quarantine period. His tone became slightly more conciliatory as he said, “I’ve been away from my home for an extended period. My wife, she isn’t known for her patience. I’d already declined my last shipping duty to enjoy a break. It’s not fair for me to spend half of my vacation confined within these walls and the rest recovering in bed.”

Heidi heaved a deep sigh, a reflection of shared sorrow, and said, “It’s unfortunate. No one would ever wish to find themselves in such a situation.” She knew the pain firsthand since her own vacation plans were shattered due to the unexpected turn of events. Digging into her medical kit, she pulled out a glass vial filled with a mysterious liquid. “Given the circumstances, it’s best we adhere to the cathedral’s directives. Rest assured, someone from the church will reach out to your family on your behalf.”

Lawrence, with a hint of trepidation, accepted the vial from her. He peered closely at the contents. It didn’t matter how many times he’d been through similar scenarios; there was always an unease about accepting unexplained potions from medical professionals. “What exactly is this?” he inquired.

Heidi responded in a matter-of-fact tone, “It’s a concoction designed to alleviate stress, provide comfort, and fortify your mental resilience. This will assist you as you move forward in the quarantine process.”

A sigh escaped Lawrence’s lips as realization settled in. “So, there’s no escaping this next phase, huh?” He grumbled. Without further ado, he uncorked the vial and gulped down the contents, grimacing at its bitterness. He handed the empty container back to Heidi.

Almost immediately, the effects of the potion manifested. Captain Lawrence’s eyes seemed to glaze over momentarily, reminiscent of a person under the influence. Although he wasn’t intoxicated, a palpable sense of tranquility had replaced his previous apprehension.

Observing his transformation, Heidi asked gently, “Would you like me to accompany you back inside?”

Shaking his head, Lawrence replied, albeit a bit somberly, “No need. I know my way around.” He attempted to shake off the lingering melancholy, adding with a hint of humor, “It’s not all bad. At least inside, I have some delightful nuns to chat with.”

Without further delay, he turned and strode towards the church entrance, where two guardians awaited him.

Before he could step through the threshold, Heidi called out, her voice tinged with genuine concern, “Captain Lawrence, as a psychiatrist, I must recommend that you consider retirement. The endless voyages on the Boundless Sea aren’t conducive to your mental well-being.”

Though he didn’t vocalize a response, Lawrence nonchalantly waved over his shoulder, signaling he’d taken her advice to heart. The gesture elicited nods of respect from Heidi and the guardians. They were privy to the captain’s personal circumstances through various reports.

Breaking the contemplative silence, a curious guardian inquired, “Miss Heidi, are you aware of what’s truly transpiring?”

Heidi rolled her eyes playfully, replying, “Given that you’re a church member, shouldn’t you be more informed? Remember, I’m just an ‘external consultant’ dispatched by City Hall.”

“But you’re friends with the inquisitor…”

Interrupting him, she clarified, “She hasn’t shared anything with me, and I haven’t interacted with her since yesterday.” Then, with a hint of intrigue, she continued, “Though, I did catch wind of her commissioning numerous orders related to some investigation. In fact, a delegation of priests visited City Hall earlier today, seeking a host of records…”

The guardian exhaled deeply, “Indeed, there’s been a significant uptick in investigative activities.” His voice was laden with weariness. “The church has been poring over old archives, visiting various neighborhoods, examining ancient accounts in detail, and even setting up surveillance at the harbor, specifically targeting twelve fries vendors.”

Heidi raised an eyebrow in puzzlement, a silent question mark on her face.

“It’s left us all in a state of guesswork,” the guardian continued, frustration evident in his voice. He gazed upwards at the overcast sky and muttered, “This accursed weather doesn’t help the mood either.”

……

Seated in his ornate study was Morris, an elderly historian. The edges of a hefty tome met his fingers as he gently caressed them, an act that seemed to center him. It brought him a momentary peace, enough to discern the faint rhythm of his own heartbeat.

When he felt adequately composed, his gaze settled upon the sacred scriptures dedicated to Lahem, the God of Wisdom. He carefully opened it.

Reading through the foundational self-hypnosis and mental strengthening passages, he felt a sense of reassurance. Morris then proceeded to light the candles and incense sticks arrayed before him. Gazing into the ornate mirror on his altar, he saw a reflection of himself — no longer the vibrant man of his youth but still possessing a certain charm. A wry smile crossed his face as he remarked, “Age has indeed caught up with me, but I’m relieved I still retain the finesse required for this ritual.”

As the candles hissed and crackled, the smoke from the incense formed a dense mist over the mirror, rendering Morris’s reflection hazy and indistinct.

“It’s been eleven years since I last sought your guidance,” Morris mused aloud, a note of wonder in his voice as the ritual neared completion without a hitch. “I wonder if you still hold any hopes for me.”

The room echoed only with his voice, steeped in contemplation. Yet, a subsequent move hinted at some divine revelation he might have received. Morris opened a drawer, revealing a bracelet adorned with twelve luminescent stones. He hesitated momentarily before slipping it onto his wrist. A wave of lucidity washed over him as though years of confusion and cloudiness had been dispelled. Casting a final look at the swirling smoke, Morris briskly left his study.

The mansion was eerily silent in Heidi’s absence. Though his ‘wife’ was presumably in the adjacent bedroom, Morris didn’t dare venture a glance in that direction. Swallowing hard, he made a swift exit from the house, making a beeline for the steam-powered car parked in the driveway. His destination was clear – the antique shop in the lower city.

Meanwhile, a pristine white dove darted over the aged rooftops of the lower city. It eventually sought Duncan’s antique shop, where it transformed into a green flame, crafting a mystical portal.

Duncan re-entered his domicile courtesy of Ai’s magical transport. His first instinct was to inspect the gloomy skies, followed by a quick check of the wall-mounted clock. With a little time left before his daughter Nina’s return from school, Duncan deliberated on his next move, especially after his recent significant find.

For those that just want to support me, you can follow the link to paypal donating. Sadly you won’t be able to get the benefit of reading ahead 

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