Chapter 187 - Presence

On the same day they arrived at their destination, Zaos also learned a new spell. It was called Cleanse, and it actually could decrease the effects of magic attacks. If one suffers from burn marks, it could make the burn marks disappear after casting a few times. Frostbites, paralysis, headache caused by blunt projectiles… it could do all that. It was really useful, but it wasn't what Zaos wanted.

Ameria, Drannor, and the others noticed when Zaos learned a new spell, but they didn't get much excited after that when they heard his long sigh. It was a success, another spell was created, but from Zaos's perspective, it was just another failure. 

"Don't worry, Zaos," Ameria said. "You will eventually succeed. I am sure of it."

"I am sure as well, I will succeed, even if it kills me," Zaos said and then began to pack his things in order to leave the ship.

Apparently, the place they were good at was right in the middle of the island, so they will have to use the carriages from now on. Even from afar, Zaos and the others could see some wagons, but carriages were extremely rare. That was weird if compared with things in the capital of Sairus kingdom… Other things that looked out of place were the guards working to keep the peace on the main island. They were wearing light armor, their swords were shorter, they didn't have shields, but they did have a spear and a bow with them.

"This tropical climate certainly agrees with me," Drannor said while looking at the numerous trees in the distance and the wonderful wind against his face. "If this place weren't so far away from home, I would spend my vacation here every year."

"I am glad to hear that," Distri smiled. "Anyway, it seems our escort has been waiting for us."

While the ship was heading toward the port, they found some horsemen near the pier. They looked a little more imposing than the ordinary guards of the region, not to mention their weapons a little better if compared to the others as well.

Although that was the port of the main island, Zaos couldn't see many ships coming and going. That was supposed to be the most important port where many products were being sold and bought, but things were way too calm.

"What is the main product of this island?" Zaos asked.

"Well, it is kind of complicated to set up any business here because of the volcano," Distri said. "While we don't produce anything special here, the most famous businessmen of the country live here and negotiate with each other."

That seemed a bit weird, but Zaos didn't know enough about the word to be sure that was indeed the case. Regardless, the ship finally docked, and then they finally landed. For some reason, Drannor and Ameria's legs were trembling once they left the ship. Despite that, the horsemen that were waiting for her didn't react in any way.

"It is an honor to receive you in our country, princess Ameria," The leader of the horsemen said. "If you don't mind, we would like to escort you to the mansion of our master."

"I thank you for the offer, but just give me a minute, okay?" Ameria forced a smile since she couldn't control her legs.

"That is another effect of staying in the boat for too long," Distri explained when Zaos looked at him.

"Why am I not feeling anything?" Zaos asked.

"I guess your constitution is weird considering that you never stayed on a ship before," Distri said.

After she recovered, Ameria greeted the horsemen properly, but in the end, Zaos, Drannor, and Erean were completely ignored. It seemed what he heard before was true. They didn't care about other noble families. Since the Ojala family was the biggest in Vezar, they only cared for the royal family of the Sairus kingdom. While that attitude wasn't good, it didn't mean anything until Zaos saw the head of the family in person.

Just like before, Zaos and Drannor traveled inside the first carriage alongside Ameria, while the other guards stayed behind and around, and the maids stayed in the second carriage. While things have been pleasant enough, Zaos couldn't relax since he didn't know much about the country yet. The people were moving around dealing with their own lives, the houses were pretty similar as well, but Zaos had a feeling that something was amiss… and yet, he couldn't pinpoint what was making him feel that way.

After leaving the port, Zaos couldn't help but frown since they were following a route that was heading straight to the volcano. That being said, he saw many luxurious structures along the way. They were probably the houses of the heads of many merchant families that lived in the area.

"They sure have some nerve to live so close to an active volcano…" Zaos thought.

While they were moving, Zaos felt many gazes coming from those residences. The people working in the houses were looking, but Zaos once again felt weird, this time, because of the gazes that were hidden inside the homes.

"Did you notice anything weird in those houses?" Drannor whispered.

"No, why?" Zaos asked.

"Because you are staring too much at them," Drannor replied. "Speaking of which… what about that weird presence, did you feel while we were on the boat and are you feeling it now?"

"I didn't feel while we were on the boat even a single time, but as soon as we left the port of this island…" Zaos said.

"They are right back… just how is that possible?" Drannor frowned.

"What are you whispering?" Ameria asked.

"It is just a boy's talk," Drannor forced a smile.

Ameria looked weirdly at Zaos since he wasn't the kind of guy who would have that type of talk, much less with Drannor. In fact, Zaos had no idea what a boy's talk was… Regardless, he focused on the mission.