"I'll do that," you assure him.
The rushing of wings alerts you to intruders. As you turn, bayonets held between your fingers for easy throwing, the culprits reveal themselves: a pair of massive crows struggling to clear the ladder you've just climbed. As soon as they reach the zenith, they flop onto the ground in an ungainly heap and, after a brief period of recovery, drag themselves towards the pile of bodies you left behind. The reason for their sluggishness becomes apparent when one turns to face you: their stomachs are grossly bloated.
Food's been plentiful this evening, it seems.
You turn back to Gilbert as the crows lazily peel away strips of flesh from the smorgasbord you provided them. Mentally, you put on your missionary hat and put away your "enthusiastic slaughterer of the unholy" hat.
"Just so's ye know, my job isn't just to cleanse the streets of foul beasts. I also come bearin' the Word o' Christ, He who died on the cross for the sins of man and rose again three days later. He who healed the sick and-"
"I appreciate the sentiment, Father, but I think I've had my fill of churches."
Well, shit. You were on a roll and everything. You deflate slightly before he continues speaking.
"The Healing Church is to the east, past the great bridge. I've been to the Grand Cathedral; they have giants carrying axes with heads bigger than a man's whole body. They have Hunters, real Hunters, not like the rabble out there. And they're nowhere to be found. They close the bridge on nights of the Hunt and don't come out until the day after to 'generously' help clean up."
He sighs, which quickly turns into another coughing fit. It takes him almost a minute to reach a point where he can speak again.
"Help these people. Nobody deserves this. Nobody deserves to lose their mind and turn into a monster and nobody deserves to sit in their home in the night wondering if this will be the day the incense stops working. If your God can do that, I'll follow Him for what's left of my life."
You were already planning to give the Church a good talking to. Now? the lucky ones are going to be the ones you don't leave alive for questioning.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That includes choppin' up a buncha heathen cunts."
Gilbert starts to laugh, stops himself, then continues when he realizes his body won't interrupt him. You're certain he's smiling, though you can't make out any details of his features.
"Then best of luck, Father Anderson. If you can't get through via the bridge, try the aqueducts to the south. Find somewhere safe for the people trapped here."
[] Take the right-hand path
[] Examine the gate
[] Poke the crows with a stick
[] Write in...