Brook was down in the parlour with Miel, Cassta and Hartford. The three men stood apart from Hartford. He was put on the couch, reclined and withdrawn, and he appeared to be as inanimate as the furniture.
Hartford, the young man with so many years ahead of him, was no longer alive, in the normal sense of the word. He did breath and occasionally twitched, and tears periodically migrated in a clean path down his face. Yet, this unfortunate young man lacked the spirit of life found residing in every human.
The men held back their tears, looking-on at Hartford with pity and remorse.
"At this time we cannot lose our wits," Brook told Miel and Cassta. "for there are only two people in all of Phoride that could be responsible for this." he glared at the men with cold, angry eyes. "They shall pay for it!"
The other two men tried to swallow the lumps that blocked their throats and when Cassta spoke, his voice burbled.
"I must prevent my beloved …" he cleared his throat and continued.
"I must keep her from taking her own life. She is dainty and beautiful. We are pledged to marry."
"We must protect our women from our own clergy — that's shameful!"
Miel added.
"I will not let my Ledo die like Mercedes, and God knows how many others. I will honourably join her tomorrow!"
"You are correct, Cassta. Something must be done to suppress
Manguino's evil ways." said Brook.