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The older man chuckles. "Are matters of faith so foreign to you?" he asks. "This is no ordinary shield, but one blessed by the goddess Gonto."

The younger man nods. "It is said it can perform miracles. Some wish to pray for these miracles directly--to protect, heal and cure. Others just want to be the first to see the shield. Haven't you ever wished to be part of something larger and grander than yourself?"

"Well, I suppose," Echo admits. "But many of you can't really protect yourselves from the dangers that are out here," she points out. "Did you know how dangerous this journey would be when you started?"

"We thought as much," the older one says. "And those who died in the troll cave weren't the only ones who have died along the way. But their souls are given a special place in the next life at Gonto's side for their faith and dedication."

Echo lets out a sigh, as she still doesn't seem to get this idea too well. "What are you names?" she asks.

"I'm Juban," says the older one. "I am--or rather, was a tax collector from Praven."

"And I'm Issac," says the younger one. "I'm actually from Rhodok, where I used to be a minter."

"Well, it is nice to meet you both," Echo says. "How are the both of you recovering from being kidnapped and almost eaten?" she asks.

Juban uses his foot to push a chair out for her. "Have a seat; sorry, I forgot to offer before."

"You'd forget your head if it weren't attached," Issac points out.

"Show a little respect for your elders," Juban chastises.

Issac shrugs, then turns back to Echo. "To be honest, I wasn't all that afraid at the time."

"Nor I," Juban says. "Death comes to us all eventually, and Gonto has a plan for everyone. My only regret would have been to die before the shield was found; but apparently Gonto had other plans for us yet."

"Well, I for one would like to think that my destiny is more than to be eaten by a two-headed troll in some dank cave," Issac says. "Glad I was right in this case."

"Care for a drink?" asks Juban of Echo, remembering his manners once more.

Echo takes a seat, and makes herself comfortable in the chair. "Um, sure," she says in answer to the drink question. "Are you two related?" she asks.

Juban waves over the bartender. "Refills, and whatever the lady likes," he says.

"We're not related," Issac admits. Indeed, they look rather different. Juban has red hair and darker skin, while Issac is quite pale but has hair as black as a raven.

"But as we both worked for the government once, although in different ways, we can relate to each other a bit," Juban says.

"Oh, because you act as if you two are related in some way," Echo points out. "What with the whole respect your elders comment," she adds with a very small laugh. "So you both left work to take this journey. Once it is over, what are your plans?" she asks.

Issac smirks. "Nah, Juban's just an old man, complaining about how us 'youngin's' are ruining the world with our disrespectful ways."

Juban frowns. "That's an exaggeration; but there's truth to it. Back in my day, people were more respectful."

Issac stretches. "Sure, sure. As for what to do after? Geez, I didn't really think that far ahead. It's kind of difficult to imagine going back to my old life after everything I've seen and heard."

Juban takes a drink. "Gonto has a destiny for us all. Whatever it is, I'm sure she'll make it known to us when the time comes."

"You know, it is great that the two of you think Gonto has a destiny for you both, but don't you think you kind of have to help her along sometimes?" Echo asks. "That destiny isn't just going to jump out at you at the right moment. You kind of have to find it, or at least I think so."

Juban scratches his head. "Well...but it's our destiny. It's supposed to happen no matter what. If you have to make it happen, then does that mean it wouldn't happen otherwise? In which case, it's hardly destiny?"

"Ah, theological musings make my head hurt," Issac admits.

"Not much of a big thinker, are you?" Echo asks Issac before she turns back to the older man. "It is still a destiny if you make it happen or not."

"Well, good then," Juban says. "Then it will happen regardless, no matter what I do."

"What about you?" Issac asks Echo. "You're not a pilgrim, so I assume you aren't planning to stick around after?"