154 Disaster in the Village of Eternal Snow Part One (1/2)

They traveled for about a week and a half without any incidents. The weather was starting to get colder to the point that the girls were forced to put on a few more layers. They were still traveling the same road towards the Frozen Forest when Alicia stopped in her tracks and looked out over a small section of trees. ”Alicia?” Starla stopped to ask when she saw Alicia not moving.

”Look, smoke. And I do not think it's just a campfire either.” Alicia said as she pointed at the black cloud of smoke rising into the sky not too far away.

”Isn't that where the Village of Eternal Snow is supposed to be?” Rose asked.

”I have a bad feeling about this. Let's hurry and check it out.” Alicia shouted as she rushed ahead. Everyone else followed along doing their best to keep up with Alicia's speed.

”Sue, Bridget take care of the other girls. I will chase after Alicia!” Blake shouted as he sped up. Sue and Bridget both looked at each other and slowed their pace to the same as the girls.

After seeing how fast Alicia was, Sue and Bridget were quite amazed at her speed. Mainly because she was so young and yet she was faster than them!

Alicia quickly arrived at the entrance of the Village of Eternal Snow. The scene in front of her really caused Alicia's blood to boil. A large group of one hundred plus bandits was raiding the village. She could see the women and children being rounded up, some to be sold and some for other… well, it's best not to say.

”Alicia!” Blake appeared next to Alicia and called her name in a whisper.

”Blake… Why is this world full of so many bad people?” Alicia hated scenes like this the most. These bandits were just running around killing people, looting, and kidnapping.

”No matter what time, or country you are in. When you come out to these thin areas where large groups of bandits are able to run wild, due to the lake of military presence, these are scenes you will always see. Your father has done much to try to reduce the number of bandits in regions like these but it is hard to weed them all out.” Blake explained as he pulled Alicia into a hug.

”Mmm… I figured as much but still… I wish people would just learn to at least be kind enough to not resort to such atrocities as this.” Alicia sighed.

”Then should we deal with it now or wait for the other girls?” Blake asked.

”We will wait. Have Sue or Bridget stay at Annelia's side. If she seems to be losing herself during the fight, drag her out before she gets any trauma. Otherwise, she might end up hurting herself and others in the process or worse get herself killed.” Alicia worried about Annelia since she seems a bit closed off to such things, but she wanted Annelia to be able to experience first hand what it meant to be a knight when dealing with such a situation.