The village of Hollowfield

After the unsettling incident that unfolded the previous night, Eran found himself unable to attain a peaceful slumber, besieged by a disconcerting sensation that relentlessly gnawed at his thoughts. Notwithstanding this discomfort, his heart continued its frenzied rhythm, besieged by a relentless sense of vexation that surged through his consciousness like a bolt of lightning. In a contemplative soliloquy, he wondered aloud, "Could Taneaya be so inebriated that she remains oblivious to the events that transpired last night?" Such introspection was accompanied by a profound sense of gratitude that Taneaya appeared blissfully unaware of the nocturnal escapades, yet an overarching disquietude persisted within him.

On the morrow, as the trio readied themselves for the continuation of their journey towards Hollowfield Village, Eran made a valiant effort to maintain an appearance of normalcy in Taneaya's presence, despite the palpable tension that hung in the air. While perched atop their horses, he maintained a vigilant gaze upon Taneaya, scrutinizing her every subtle nuance. It was apparent that she was making a concerted effort to conceal any vestiges of recollection about the previous night's happenings.

Simultaneously, Kain, ever the astute observer of their circumstances, diligently endeavored to glean more information concerning Hollowfield Village. He discreetly approached the innkeeper of their lodging, seeking insight into the village's enigmatic history. Alas, the innkeeper appeared to be reticent, employing artifice in an attempt to obfuscate the truths hidden within the village's past. Nonetheless, Kain's sagacity proved to be a formidable match, as he adeptly discerned the whereabouts of the village chief's abode.

Upon their arrival at Hollowfield Village, the tableau that unfolded before their eyes stirred a profound sense of sympathy deep within their souls. The village presented itself as a forlorn and forsaken enclave, replete with abandoned domiciles adorned with withering flora that seemed to mirror the desolation that gripped the community. Brimming with empathy, the Band of de Sun resolved to investigate the mysteries shrouding the village's tragic plight.

Proceeding with due caution, they navigated their path toward a nearby inn and secured lodgings for the duration of their stay. During their interactions with the innkeeper, they endeavored to extract information concerning the village's present condition. It soon became evident, however, that the innkeeper was resolute in concealing the unvarnished truths that lay beneath the surface of Hollowfield Village's somber facade.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about the troubles in this village," the innkeeper replied shyly.

"Really? But we heard there was terror from an underground cult in this village," Taneaya asked with concern.

"Ah, those are just baseless rumors," the innkeeper replied with an expression of trying to distance himself from Taneaya's questions.

However, the intelligent Kain was not easily fooled. He saw something in the innkeeper's eyes that indicated that there was something to hide.

"Forgive us, we were just curious about the situation in the village, in case we can help," Kain said in a soft, but firm tone.

Unable to hide the truth any longer, the innkeeper finally confessed.

"Forgive my behavior just now, I was just keeping watch, you're the Band of de Sun, aren't you? I'll take you to the village chief's place," he whispered. They followed the guard's footsteps, before he told someone his wife, to replace him guarding the inn.

"The village of Hollowfield is under the terror of an underground cult. They have kidnapped several young girls. That's why we're worried," he whispered. Hearing that, the Band of de Sun's expression turned serious. 

They exited through the inn's back door and walked down a narrow, rundown street.

"We must quickly find out more and rescue the villagers who are still in danger," Eran said with determination.

"Right, we must act quickly. If we don't move quickly, more victims could fall into the hands of this cult," Taneaya added with concern.

Kain stepped behind Eran and Taneaya who were led by the innkeeper to the village chief's residence in Hollowfield village. 

"I can only escort you here, just come in and you'll be welcome. I'll be back to prepare your rooms." Without waiting for approval the man hurried back.

Shortly after arriving in front of the large wooden door, they were confronted by an old man with a tired face who smiled weakly.

"Do you accept my mission?" the man asked in a gentle tone. 

"Yes, that's right," Eran replied, "We're from the Band of de Sun. We got this mission leaflet in lota Vestafort and we decided to save this village from the terror of the underground cult."

"Thank God, after three years of waiting, help has finally arrived," said the old man with relief. "I am Maro, the head of this village. Please come in."

They proceeded to the residence of the village chief, an imposing structure that had witnessed countless tales of joy and sorrow over the years. As they engaged in conversation with Maro, the grim truth about the terror inflicted upon the villagers by the malevolent cult unfurled before them like a dark, foreboding tapestry. The cult, with ruthless determination, forcefully seized the bountiful crops and exacted tribute from the beleaguered villagers every week. To compound their suffering, the villagers lived under constant threat, a chilling shadow cast by the cult's sinister presence.

Moreover, the cult propagated the heretical doctrine of sacrificing innocent girls, instilling a profound and paralyzing fear deep within the hearts of the villagers. Every month, the cult's leader callously abducted three young girls from the community, fervently believing that by offering their lives, they would secure power and blessings from the malevolent entity they worshiped.

As Taneaya, her senses acutely attuned to the harrowing narrative, an icy shiver unwittingly crept down her spine. With a visage marked by concern, she earnestly inquired, "Have you ever attempted to resist them?"

The village chief, his movements sluggish with resignation, solemnly shook his head. "None among us dared to defy their tyranny. Their threats held us captive in a perpetual state of fear. When the dreaded moment arrived, we had no choice but to clench our eyes shut and implore that fate would spare our daughters."

Eran, Kain, and Taneaya exchanged glances, their hearts aflame with a potent blend of anger and empathy for the beleaguered village. They comprehended with unwavering determination that they must confront the cult resolutely and gallantly, liberating the villagers from their protracted nightmare.

Following Maro's harrowing account, Eran, Kain, and Taneaya retreated to the inn to strategize. As Taneaya succumbed to slumber, Eran and Kain huddled in a corner of the room, their voices hushed as they plotted a clandestine means of uncovering the cult's hidden lair, all the while ensuring they remained unnoticed by the wary eyes of the village.

"We must ascertain the precise location of the cult's base," asserted Kain.

Eran nodded solemnly, his gaze intent, as he replied, "Indeed, but we must exercise utmost caution to avoid raising any suspicion."

With a confident resolve, Kain declared, "I shall endeavor to traverse the village incognito, meticulously charting a map of the terrain."

Eran's countenance brightened with a determined smile as he concurred, "Excellent, then let us embark on this endeavor forthwith. Our mission commences without delay; let us commence forthwith!"

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