Chapter 904

Chapter 904: Maiden of the south

Company of Yenth and Hallow, to Yui’s mind, was the best thing fate could have bestowed. Using the momentum of last night’s drinking session, Yui found herself on the wagon headed to the village of Urg.

“I heard rumors,” said Yui wanting more information. Ene village disappeared for growingly tall foliage. The wagon gave the appearance of sinking into the ground – the path seemed to cut within the ground itself, “-about the trip from Ene to Urg being dangerous.”

“Yeah,” returned a pleasantly grinning Yenth, “-bandits and monsters are common. Many have a different outlook on crime, bandits are not a new type. Rogues exiled by the villages and settlements created groups and force themselves into hiding. The trading route goes through the Epizna forest,” to which he rose his fingers at the unchanging scenery, “-the trees can grow to be enormous. Epizna forest and the land here to the south is the territory of the Elven people and comrades. Protectors of the forest. It’s quite a task crossing the route.”

“And, the monsters?”

“Should be simple work,” said a sleepy Hallow, “-long as the elven people take care of the threat, we should be fine. Part of the journey’s become considerably safe – and I use the considered as means to but add a little hint of safety. The council had the elven people sign to work as protectors of the forest.”

“A good and safe trading route is a positive for those at the top.”

And so, their journey traversed many obstacles; dangerous paths, ascending sharp hills, crossing dangerously feeble bridges, braving the unpredicting weather, and more importantly, the coming climb upward to the highlands on were nested the village of Orn. Dusk broke over the forest; an ice-cold glare loomed over the wagon.

.....

“A bit farther,” pressed Yenth, “-we should be there,” pitch darkness swarmed the area as lights flared in the distance – the narrow trail divulged into an open area. Running water splashed ominously – during the day the sight would have been one to wonder. At night, the context and nature changed.

Yenth masterfully guided the wagon regardless of the levels of light. Evidently, the demi-humans were accustomed to the night. Hallow vaulted in her typical fashion, “-hard ground,” she cheered. Yui followed her lead, “-where are we?” she asked, noticing amber lights in the distance.

“A camping ground for merchants and traders,” she replied, “-come along.”

They crossed man-made structures, supportive pillars, campfires, and strange huts placed at the edges of the camp, “-looks different.”

“Don’t mind the huts; tis for the guardians,” remarked Hallow headed to the bed of water, “-come along,” she gestured, “-the flowing water’s best to have at night.” Aided by a trusty metal mug, the mother took a swig and laughed, “-amazingly refreshing.”

Yui, guided by an amber light from a lantern the couple gifted, knelt and accepted Hallow’s drink – the cold liquid swished around her teeth and refreshingly dropped to her core.

“Amazing,” she exhaled a hearty sigh, “-what about the lights in the distance?”

“Adventurers, merchants, travelers or whatnot, who knows really,” she stood upon hearing twigs, Yenth’s shadow materialized from the somber woods, “-I’ve secured our place in the company of an adventuring band.”

Hallow energetically pulled Yui’s hand, “-let’s go.”

A humble gathering of war veterans gathered around a crackling fire. Many exchanged stories of wars and adventure. “-Everyone,” announced a giant of a figure looking over the flame with a mug in hand, “-let’s raise our mugs to lady Hallow and lord Yenth.” Startling applause rattled the surrounding, flying critters flapped the foliage and disappeared into the moonless night.

Yenth opted to side with prominently dressed gentlemen, “-trading,” mentioned his wife scurrying to a band of female warriors. She dropped at their side and smiled; the applause vanished as soon as it appeared. ‘Looks like common courtesy to greet the couple,’ observed Yui.

“Come here!” gestured Hallow, the entourage of fighters scanned the curious addition.

“New traveling partner?” they inquired.

“Yes,” she returned, “-she’s quite the catch.” Without any word said, Yui was seated in the middle of a circle of veterans, “-tell us, m’lady, tell us a bit about yourself,” they sipped, “-pale skin and human appearance, are you a Celestial?”

“No, no,” she warmly said and looked at Yenth as well as Hallow, both gave a nod, ‘-guess my identity’s not necessarily a secret.’ “-I crashed landed on Marinda a few years ago. I spend the worse part of three years surviving the harshness of the isle.”

“Wait a moment,” interjected one, “-crash-landed, are you the fair-skinned lady who was spotted at the zero district a few years back?”

“I suppose I am, saw no one else save myself.”

“Holy shit,” the man roughly rummaged through his knapsack and pulled onto a piece of cheese, “-to the maiden of the south.”

“Maiden of the south?” she blinked and stared at the equally confused faces.

“Sorry, sorry,” the man rose before the fire and saluted, “-my name’s Astic Ottle. A Celestial of the Ottle familia; I fought in the war of independence. Before that, I was in charge of a team tasked to monitor a survivor to the south. The maiden of the south greatly impressed us with the fighting prowess and ingenuity,” her story soon became one that she heard from a second-hand account, “-counting amongst her achievement is the slaying of Ragne, the earthworm demon.”

“Ragne!” they cheered.

“Ragne?” she but kept an observant mien.

“Tell us more!” said the crowd, “-we want more!” they cried.

Took quite a few minutes before remembering, “-so it’s that pest,” she murmured and recounted how it had been on her trail for months. By the end of the story, most fell asleep and the few interested watchers eventually dozed to the sound of the silent night.

*WAKE UP!* cried a distant echo, “-bandit attack!” loud clangs awoken the drunk soldiers, “-over here,” said a familiar voice, “-follow me,” it was Hallow, she’d made a path into the bushes, “-come with me,” she ordered. Yui subconsciously followed. Loud cries and explosions erupted in the distance.

“What’s happening?”

“Don’t worry,” reassured Hallow, “-just get in the wagon,” she grabbed Yui by the pantaloon and flung, the secretary flew for a few seconds and landed harshly. Yenth was readied and sprang the beasts into action. Adrenaline filled Hallow’s face turned bright red, “-the rush of traveling,” she and her husband shared the same sentiment.

“What about them?”

“They’ll be fine,” said Yenth, “-I’m not losing my cargo. The veterans are strong enough to dispatch of the bandits.”

“Why are we running then?”

“Because we have to,” added Hallow, “-a bandit attack is rare and is sometimes signs of a deeper ploy. Those types of attacks are often the work of restless souls trapped by the heaviness of Marinda’s darkness. Killing the bandits is akin to killing zombies – there’s no point save one survival. Even when the zombies are killed – noise, light, the scent of blood, usually serve as premium bait for the Prowlers and Flyers. Forget about the past and look forward,” she tightly held her dress.

‘Who am I to question their judgment,’ Yui’s shameless self-righteousness got in the way, ‘-Hallow and Yenth’s probably went through more than this. I shouldn’t pry.’ The trip resumed earlier than expected; the hours skipped silently. The events rendered the aura quite anxious for the couple and passenger.

Later on, at the clock striking noon – the party arrived at the last landmark before Urg. “-the castle town of Yin,” said Yenth, “-see the path here,” he pointed to a clearing southwest, “-goes to a fishing town,” the carriage pulled opposed the latter path and climbed a steep slope. Glimpses of Yin’s guardian towers sent feelings of dread down Yui’s back, “-the architecture’s similar to nightwalkers.”

“Ahh,” clapped Hallow, “-you know about the nightwalkers?”

“Yes, quite well actually, don’t know about nightwalkers here.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” the carriage finished the arduous climb. Pale stone, Victorian-style railings, overgrown grass over part of the castle wall after which laid a dried moat. Patrolling guards flung their suspicious brows at the carriage, which slowly made way over a suspended bridge.

“Remain quiet for this one,” murmured Yenth carefully. Hallow’s chirpiness dwindled, the wife but watch from her widened pupils – an arch-gate tiptoed a stone’s throw away.

“State your business, traveler.”

“Yenth,” he replied, “-we’re traders and bring items from the trading city. We’d like to spend the night for my traveling buddy’s very sickly,” he referred to the horse-like creature.

“We must check with our lord,” added the suspicious guard.

Yui suddenly vaulted off the wagon and imposingly made her way to the guard, “-state thy allegiance, nightwalker.”

“The Sabbath Clan,” returned the perplexed guard, “-why ask?”

“Sabbath Clan,” she smiled, “-I’m a member of Haggard Dynasty.”

“The Progenitor,” they bowed, “-a member of the Blood King’s faction is always welcomed within our walls. May I have the honor of thy name?”

“Yui Haggard, spymaster of Hidros,” she reached around her neck and pulled a crest, “-here, this should prove my title and background.”

A bat-shaped shadow materialized behind the closed gates, “-there’s no need for such a display, lady Yui,” bowed a familiar face.

“Lord Kyoin?”

“Lady Yui,” he smiled, “-we have much to discuss. Please,” glanced the traders, “- the famed Lord Yenth and lady Hallow, welcome to Castle Yin.” Gates echoed, the entourage split, Yenth, and Hallow were busy showing their wares to the castle residents. Yui, on the other hand, was taken to the upper floors of the fortress, Lord Kyoin, Baron by title, freely strode up spiral stairs and reached an open upper floor.

“Please treat yourself to the armory and have a warm bath. We’ll speak in a few after you’ve freshened up, the trip’s undoubtedly been tedious.” Maids quickly took Yui by the hand and ran for a bath.

‘I had a bath,’ she combed her hair before a mirror. The castle flowers brought outfits of various kinds to please any taste a lady might have, ‘-lost a lot of hair in the process,’ she sighed and looked around, ‘-this feels wrong. I’m accustomed to the basics, everything feels too extravagant.’ A military uniform laid underneath the dresses, “-this is perfect,” she dawned the white and golden outfit, “-Hidros’s uniform’s always classy.”

“Lady Yui,” hailed the baron.

“Lord Kyoin, might I ask to why a representative of the Sabbath clan’s here?”

“To search for you,” he said, “-lord éclair asked the nightwalkers for help in searching for the mythical land of Marinda.”

“And? Did it take three years to launch the search party?”

“No, I arrived on the island a year ago and was mostly focused on the political changes brought by the influential council. A lot’s changed and I have a hint of who’s responsible.’

“I understand now,” her arms crossed, “-you were sent for King Igna.”

The silence was loud, “-must I spell out who’s more valuable?”

“No, don’t waste your breath. So, what’s the situation in the outside world?”

“Bad, very bad I’d say. Hidros’s shakier than before, the Alrosian’s Alliance grew into the worse deal we could have made. Arda’s able to grow despite the pressure pressed by the Wracia Empire and the traitorous inside of Alphia. The same can’t be said for Rotherham and Rosespire – the economic paradise of Rotherham had to forsake most of the trading activity to diplomats of Alphia to ensure an insider-free trading environment. It’s a shitshow, and honestly, I don’t see how the parliament can stand the insult any further. Hidros’s being torn from the inside – Lord Elon, Lady Elvira, and Queen Courtney can only do so much to hold the crumbling innards. Some reports even mention Alphia conspiring with the conglomerates to greatened military might.”

“Who’s a friend and who’s foe?”

“Us against the world,” he said woefully, “-we need the tide to change, and we need the real king to take the throne. Prime minister éclair publicly admitted to King Igna’s disappearance in a staged plane crash.”

“Radical but wise move,” she shuddered, “-we need to find the king.”