Chapter 5: Arrival at Southwind County

Southwind County was a region of plains, forests, hills, and riverways that served as vital transport lines. It bordered the northern provinces via the Fogveil Road and the southern capital through the Ridgeback Mountains by river. Though fertile and agriculturally rich in rice, corn, and fruits, its difficult terrain and traditionalist mindset made it one of the most conservative and isolated counties of the south. As a result, many of Andor Empire's technologies—like steam engines already widespread elsewhere—arrived here last. Sette Barony, Southwind County. Legend claimed that long before the Age of the Sun God, this barren and underproducing land was graced by a weeping deity named Sette. Moved by the people's suffering, the god's tears became nourishing rain, turning the region fertile. In gratitude, the land was named after him. Rich, self-sufficient, and suspicious of outsiders. As the golden light of dusk washed the streets, two figures in dark traveling cloaks stepped into Sette Town. A day had passed since the attack, and Maria and Selena had finally arrived. After the mercenary ambush, Selena delayed their journey to erase all traces. She drove the Cainhurst-insignia-bearing carriage deep into the forest to avoid merchant or noble traffic along the main road. Once the tracks were obscured, they changed attire, donned plain cloaks, and took a boat south. Maria wore a modest brown-hooded outfit. The journey was oddly peaceful. Almost too peaceful. If she didn’t know powerful forces wanted her erased, Maria might have thought this was a pleasant countryside tour. "Stay close," Selena murmured, aware of the curious glances they drew from the townsfolk. Since leaving the north, she had avoided calling Maria “my lady,” a move Maria appreciated. Though she had spent more time in the New World during her playthrough of [Fractured], this was a chance to appreciate the Southern culture of the Old World during its early testing phases. Selena led confidently through winding paths, eventually arriving at a modest chapel. Maria needed no introduction to recognize the symbol carved above its door. It belonged not to the Sun God's lineage, but the [Radiant Church] — a rising force from version 4.0 of the New World expansion. That Selena had ties to them was unexpected. Inside was a single priest in simple black robes. He looked up from cleaning, prepared to offer a generic greeting—then broke into a bright smile. "By the Sovereign! Selena!" The [Radiant Church] was a favorite NPC faction among players. Its members were kind, orderly, and genuinely selfless—the positive kind of "saintly." Priests of the Sovereign often traveled the Old and New Worlds to help anyone in need, regardless of social class. They were respected by nearly all factions: good, neutral, and even some evil ones. Of course, not even the church was immune to nature’s cruelty. The priest—Lynn, an Iron-ranked [Pilgrim]—had once been nearly eaten by beasts while spreading sermons in the North. It was Selena who saved him. The two formed a close bond after sharing a few misadventures. "...May the Sovereign punish those wicked rebels," Lynn said solemnly after hearing Selena’s vague but grim summary. He traced a holy sigil across his forehead. "Their heads will hang from Cainhurst's walls," Selena vowed, frost sharp in her voice. "Lynn, I need your help. Swear upon your god that you will aid me sincerely." Having a priest swear upon their god was the highest form of oath in [Fractured]. "The Sovereign watches His shepherd. I shall keep my word," Lynn answered. Selena nodded. "I want you to adopt this girl. Treat her as your own daughter." "Of course. By the Sovereign, she is now my child." "Let her live an ordinary life... unless she chooses otherwise." Though Selena tried to fulfill her lady's dying wish for Maria to live peacefully, the saintly blood of Cainhurst would never remain hidden. Better to give Maria a taste of normalcy—then leave the decision to her. "Here in Sette, she’ll be just another sweet girl in a pastor’s home. Safe and sound." With Lynn's protection, Maria’s immediate safety was ensured. Few dared challenge a beloved priest of the [Radiant Church].