Chapter 98: Springflame [2] (1/2)
As he was passing by a tavern, he saw three men talking in whispers. He could barely hear what they were saying but looked an important matter. He was about to be moving on, when he heard the word 'Scavens'. With his acutely improved hearing, he strained his ears to get more meaning of what they were discussing.
”The Scavens will be all over the place.”
”I say we hire some mercenaries.”
”Mercenaries?”
”Mercenaries could be a bad idea. They can't be trusted not to turn on us.”
”If we don't, we would die on our own.”
”I agreed with the two of you. It will be extremely dangerous to cross the Argonian traits. If we are unfortunate, we could come across the Scavens and the Argonians. We would easily loose our lives.”
Whispered the one at the center, who appeared to be the leader. He paused for a second before continuing.
”Also, if we manage to cross and get the Irrium coins, web still have to deal with greedy mercenaries. They could ambush us on our way back.”
”What about the cavalry?”
”The cavalry going north. I don't think we could afford to join them. It could be a bloodbath at the traits.”
His voice trailed off.
”I'll try to figure something out.”
Ju Feng quietly left the area as he proceeded down the street. It seemed the Argonian traits would be a dangerous place to pass. And his way, happened to pass through it. As it was beginning to get dark, he found a shaded spot at an abandoned house and settled down. He would've preferred a comfortable inn, but couldn't afford that at the moment. After checking to make sure he was alone, he brought out some turtle meat and started eating.
Halfway through his food, he sensed an approach towards his position. Using his spiritual sight, he watched as the figure move quietly and slowly from one shadow cover to another. A shadow affiliate. He couldn't detect any mortal threats from the shadow affiliate since the emanating aura was too weak. Either the person was truly weak or extremely powerful to conceal his or her aura. But he suspected the former. No powerful being would loitering in the shadows watching someone like him. Either way, he had to stay watchful.
He waited for the figure to come a bit more closer before raising his voice.
”No need to hide. I can see you in the shadows.”
Few seconds later, he heard a shaky voice to his right.
”Don't move. Give me everything you have, or else.”
Ju Feng sharply turned to the source of the voice. To his surprise and relief, he found a boy in a tattered robe with a short sword in his hand. The boy's tattered robe made the one Ju Feng was wearing look like royalty. Even the way he was holding the sword showed someone who haven't had a formal martial arts training. He was only a weak and starving boy.
”Stop showing a sword like that, it could get you killed.”
Ju Feng shook his head as he watched the boy with pity. He took some of the meat and lilly tubers and offered them to the boy.
”Take. You look starving yourself.”
”I'm warning you now. You better give me everything you have.”
”Put that sword away before you injure yourself.”
The boy looked at his shaky hand and at the food offered. He shook his head and sighed before taking the food.
”Ah, no matter how hard I try, it never worked. I couldn't even threaten you to give up what you have. You even saw me in the shadows.”
He found a spot opposite Ju Feng and settled down.
”How can I take care of my family if I can't even take from people like you?”