Black Ice

Lost in thought after the unpleasant question that had been bothering him ever since Joseph left the Academy, he absentmindedly surveyed the surroundings. Indeed, how was things in Helligate? Joseph had only heard vague rumors at the Academy. What if the situation was actually much worse, and the invaders had already infiltrated all aspects of his people's lives? Joseph imagined faceless emissaries in extravagant clothing taking oaths of allegiance to the Emperor one by one from a line of ordinary citizens. The common folk stood in line, resigned, waiting for their turn. Their numbers were so great that the end of the line disappeared somewhere on the horizon. Joseph struggled to push these thoughts aside. He had to do everything he could to help Helligate, and quickly. But how could he fight an enemy blessed by God himself? Joseph didn't know. Trying not to think about the worst, Joseph began to examine the two strangers who were traveling with them. What do they look like, and who are they?

By the way, did anyone explain what that long object in the bundle is?