The Thirteenth Elder leaned forward and looked around the circle.
“Tell me,” she said, calmly, “what is misfortune? How does it reveal itself? What does it want from those who suffer?”
She looked toward the spiritual priest.
“Is this generation of priest willing to believe they must accept every burden before they understand it? Many think that solving the problems of others will earn them honor and recognition.”
She paused before continuing.
“Most of the difficulties people face are part of life. Every person experiences hardship. These struggles teach patience and resilience. They strengthen character and prepare a person for the future. These are burdens that can be overcome.”
“But there are some people whose lives follow a different pattern. Wherever they go, failure follows. Every opportunity ends in disappointment. Every plan falls apart. Shame, loss, and rejection become familiar companions. Their suffering is constant and cannot be explained by ordinary circumstances.”
“These are the people pursued by an ancient force we call Misfortune.”
She looked at everyone gathered before her.
“Misfortune is not a single event. It is not a period of bad luck, and it is not simply the result of poor decisions. It is an ancient spiritual entity that has existed longer than the memory of men. It moves unseen and marks those it pursues. Once a person has been marked, every path they choose becomes difficult. Doors that should open remain closed. Opportunities disappear. Success slips away no matter how hard they try.”
“This is the danger for those who practice spiritual work. Someone may come to you and tell you that nothing in their life succeeds. They may say they have gone from one spiritualist to another without finding relief. A priest must understand that not every burden is yours to carry. Some people have already been claimed and targeted by Misfortune. If you decide to take that burden upon yourself, believing you can remove it, Misfortune may turn its attention to you.”
“What pursued them will begin to pursue you, and their suffering may become your own.”
The Thirteenth Elder’s expression grew firm.
“A spiritualist must know when to help and when to refuse. Wisdom includes discernment. Refusing a case that does not belong to you is not an act of cruelty. It is an act of understanding. Anyone who ignores this warning risks becoming the next target of Misfortune.”