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. Miel added his own thoughts and sentiments about the ArchBishop's immoral methodology. "He has gone too far, this time. Unlike the other suicides, this one wasn't isolated. This time, a girl's death affected several scores of people." Cassta clutched Brook's upper arm. "Lord, would you oversee my wedding tomorrow?" Cassta asked him and he nodded, accepting. Brook turned on to his concern for Hartford. He moved to Hartford and covered him with a long cloak that was over one of the chairs. "I think that we should leave him to rest now!" Brook suggested and Miel questioned in worry. "Should someone stay with him, Brook?" Cassta volunteered to watch Hartford, wanting to help in whatever means he could but Brook was aware that there was nothing that any one of them could do for him. He appreciated his two friends' concern for the remnant that Hartford had become, but he didn't want them to stay needlessly, and having the situation under control, he excused them. "Miel, your wife probably waits for you. You should go." "Yes, my Lord!" nodded Miel. "You will call me if I am needed?" Miel asked and Brook affirmed. "You too should leave, my friend." Brook said to Cassta. "I realize that it is late, but I suggest that you go speak to Ledo. Give to her father my responsibility." "I will leave you, then. Thank-you, Brook!" Both men left as Boy walked into the parlour. "Lord?" he hailed Brook. "The guests and musicians are gone now!" "Alright, Boy. I will be in my den, for a time. Keep watch on Hartford and call me if anything changes!." Boy sat in a chair opposite Hartford and he didn't take his eyes from him. Dearborne was still in the same bed chamber with Mercedes' body.