[i][/i][i][/i][h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
As the two adventurers escorted their captives to the village, Novak decided to try and see if he could get some information out of them.  It was doubtful that they would have any motivation to share any further information, but Novak had nothing to lose by asking.

[color=ed1c24]"Yesterday, at the temple in the fog...there was an ambush waiting for outside us, with arrows and poison.  Was that you, seeking to keep the seal from further degradation?"[/color]

After having heard their story, Novak was doubtful that they'd be the ones behind the operation of the old temple.  The dark deeds that must have gone on in there appeared far too technical to be the work of a few nightmare-addled hunters.  He shuddered as he recalled those dreadful gremlin-like things that he had seen staring at him from behind the corner.

Because he had been focused on his line of questioning with the hunters, Novak was taken off-guard by the sudden and unexpected flash of light, coming from the direction of the obelisk just as they arrived at the village.

[color=ed1c24]"What was that?  That came from the obelisk, right?  What is going on over there?"[/color] he asked.  He didn't expect to get a decent answer, not from his current company.  Something strange was going on, and he wanted to know what.  Just as it seemed like they were successfully able to solve the existing problems of the Kyrinth's aggression and the hunters' treachery, and suddenly it looked like they could be facing a new problem.  Fortunately, it didn't look like the flash was bringing imminent disaster like fire raining from above, but it'd be a good idea to figure out what was going on as quickly as possible.

[color=ed1c24]"I'm going to meet with Enli to update him on the situation, tell him everything we learned, and speak to him about...that."[/color] Novak said to Nobunaga.  [color=ed1c24]"And I will tell Enli what you said,"[/color] he addressed the captured hunters.  [color=ed1c24]"About being assailed with nightmares of what'll happen if you fail, about why you targeted Enli.  It probably won't do much good, but at least they'll know why you did it."[/color]

The skill-seeker headed for the chief's place of residence.  From the sound of it, he would probably be on his way soon, and he needed to learn everything he could about the Illuminator from both the locals and from the other adventurers, and he needed to do it before departing with Lady Mie's caravan.

[color=ed1c24]"Enli?"[/color] Novak asked as he stepped into the chief's longhouse.  [color=ed1c24]"I'm not sure if Akando has gotten the chance to update you, but we captured a few of the Illuminator worshiping hunters alive.  We were able to persuade them to talk, and what they've told us is pretty alarming."[/color]

[@Rune_Alchemist] [@VitaVitaAR]