619. West Fort II

619. West Fort II

“To allow Demons to travel the land, it is a-,”

“Sir Markin, do not misunderstand,” Lord Zakaria replied. “I am glad for your counsel, but you must remember there are many who know things you do not.”

“If the order learns of this matter-,”

“You should be wary of trying to break our cohesion with your incessant complaining about the matter,” the Baron replied, glaring at the knight through his helmet. “Have you no idea why I may have decided against starting trouble?”

“I do not.”

“You heard how powerful they were,” the Baron said. “Even their porters are Experts.”

“Tall tales, I’m sure.”

“From an Iyrman?”

“...”

“You have no idea who that Iyrman is, do you?”

“No?”

“Apparently, his father assisted Sir Roland, that alone should be enough to stifle your complaints, but if it’s not enough, then perhaps I should tell you of another who holds the same tattoo?”

“...”

“Did you receive news recently about a Vice Commander of your order.”

“Yes, he...” The rider fell silent for along moment, recalling the information he had received. He reached up to the amulet on his chest, that of a black moon. “That young Iyrman, he...”

“When I was a boy, I was expected to study in order to take the duties of a Baron. Every morning I would run along the same trail before I would bathe. I do not remember the soap I had used, whether it was from Aswadasad or East Port. I would eat porridge, but I do not remember which fruit I ate with it. As we age, our memories of our past change, so we forget obvious details...”

The Baron fell silent for a long moment. “We received a guest that day. A young Iyrman, around the same age as Sir Roland is now. Apparently, he had visited our family once previously, in order to fight against the captain of our guard. Do you recall of the one called Seasword?”

“Dane Seasword?”

“Dane Seasword,” Lord Zakaria confirmed.

“Are you talking about the same Seasword who went to the northern island and returned back alive?”

“The very same.”

“I know of him.”

“He was the captain of our guard.”

“Five thousand.”

“Is that a large number?” Adam asked, considering the city could easily raise a hundred thousand.

“There is a larger number of soldiers in the north, where most skirmishes occur,” Jurot admitted. “The five thousand within the fort are veterans. It does not include other outposts nearby, they house an additional five thousand soldiers, a thousand of which are riders, like those who had left.”

“So about ten thousand?”

“Five thousand in the main fort, and a thousand in each outpost nearby,” Jurot confirmed. “There are conscripts who are trained and used as a reserve force for policing too, and they number five thousand in this city, and a thousand in other towns and cities within Central Aldland.”

“Do the cities have their own guard?”

“Yes. The reserve force are additional warriors, those which are gathered first to be led by the experienced veterans.”

“Oh, makes sense.”

The Adventurer’s Guild within West Fort was built near the docks district, beside a stream. It was built as large as the Adventurer’s Guild in East Port, and could easily house dozens of parties with ease, and perhaps hundreds if required. Nearby was a guard outpost, and an estate full of artisans.

As they entered the guild Adam noted how relaxed everyone was. Though adventurers relaxed in the other guilds, here most people only carried a blade at their side, and there were fewer people adorned in any bit of armour.

‘What’s this about?’ Adam thought, before glancing to the side where he saw the familiar form of his companions. “Dunes!” Adam called out as Jurot went towards the reception to speak of their business.

“Adam!” Dunes replied, standing up quickly to greet the Half Elf. “Were your travels safe?”

“They were, they were,” Adam replied, shaking his forearm. “How have you all been?”

“We’ve been well.” Dunes flashed a charming smile towards the Half Elf. “It’s good to see you, Adam.”

“Everything okay?”

“It’s... fine,” Dunes sighed lightly, though his face was still filled with half a smile. “We’re still looking for Amira, but we have been unable to locate her.”

“It’s alright, I’m here now.” Adam pat Dunes’ back. “We’ve got quite the story to tell you, my friend.”

“I noticed,” Dunes replied, motioning his head to Jonn. “He would not tell us.”

“Why not?”

“He said that it would be best if it came from the lips of Adam, or the Iyrmen.”

“He’s not wrong.” Adam chuckled, before going to greet Lady Sara, Korin, Fred, and finally Jonn. “You alright?”

“Yes,” Jonn replied, before falling silent.

Well, he was the first one to beat Adam, so he must have been kind of strong?Nêww chapters will be fully updated at novelhall.com