Ryan watched the crowd swell. Every resident of New Hope had gathered at his request, and as his gaze swept over them, he recognised most faces, though a few remained unfamiliar.
'The numbers have grown,' he thought.
He took a deep breath.
"Greetings. It's been a while. I hope you're all recovering. I apologise for dragging you here, but I have something important to announce."
A murmur rose from the crowd. People traded confused glances, whispering and speculating on what Ryan had to say. The constant hum made his head throb. He'd already endured a thorough scolding from his mother; he understood her anger, but he still found it irrational. After all, when the alternative was death, losing four decades seemed a small price to pay. He was still alive and well, wasn't he?
Ryan was about to continue when a sudden thought struck him."Is there anyone among you who worships the God Velkrion?"
