The Small Cottage

The old priest stroked his beard and gently shook his head, "Alright then, since you've already made your decision, I won't interfere any further." Frank gave a soft grunt of acknowledgment and followed the old priest back to St. Mary Mountain. All of Frank's men were told to wait outside St. Mary Church while Frank followed the old priest into the small cottage behind the church, which belonged to the old priest. The cottage appeared run-down, but inside it was clean and well-lit. Before starting, the old priest calculated something, his brow furrowing slightly. Seeing this expression, a pang of anxiety hit Frank, fearing a change of plans. Uneasily, he asked, "What's wrong?" The old priest's gaze grew serious as he spoke slowly, "To go against fate and rewrite destiny is never easy. I promised to help, and I will, but…" He paused for a moment and sighed, "Have you truly thought about the price you'll have to pay?" Frank did not even bother asking what the price was. He only replied,