Chapter 253: Follow the plan (1/2)
The blustering, explosive sound that came with the powerful shockwave of energy caused a wave of dread to wash over the large, gathered group of people. Although they weren't fighters, most of the ex-enslaved knew that whatever could produce such an incredible, earth-shatteringly powerful display of force couldn't be normal. The orcs were brutal and fierce but none of them ever seen such a display of power from them. They were mostly physical beings, rarely seen using any of the mystical energies.
The few elves that were more knowledgable in matters of the supernatural, had a much more frightened look on their faces. The twins, who were the last to be set free were visibly shaking as they tightly held onto each other, unable to mutter any meaningful words.
Hearing the grave threat in the blonde amazon's last words, Scarlet turned to look at her with a dour expression on her face.
”What do you mean? What could have happened?”
”The sound came from the orcs settlement. Most likely Aiden has got into some tough battle. The guards will now be on high alert, we can't spend any more time here, we have to leave the jungle immediately.”
Naybeah spoke with the same stoic expression and grave tone in her voice. She pulled her large weapon to her hand, and walked forward, stopping a few steps away from the large crowd. She turned around, and with a cold, icy look she addressed the frightened ex-slaves.
”Get ready people, we don't have any more time to waste, we have to leave NOW!”
Although she had more questions, the look on the amazon's usually cheery face and her unusual tone froze all of them in Scarlet. She turned serious, and whilst pulling the borrowed dagger from her belt she followed after her.
”Seriously, what could he have done? For us to feel and even hear his attack from all the way over here, he had to encounter something unexpectedly powerful.” Sarah kept her gaze looking towards the source of the sound a bit longer before she shook her head with a wry smile appearing on her face.
Following after her 'partners-in-crime', she got in front of the group.
”So how should we do it? We need at least one of us on the front, and someone in the back. We have a very large group, traversing through the forest whilst keeping everyone safe will not be an easy task.” Sarah spoke up with a plan already forming in her mind. Before the other two could chime in, she continued glancing at Naybeah.
”We also cannot return to our camp site, it's way too close, and if what you said is true, then with the increased patrols it is very likely that they will discover that place.”
”I also hate the thought, but our only chance is to get out of the forest. We can only place our trust in him to complete his task.” Naybeah added, agreeing to the purple-haired woman's suggestion.
Scarlet, however, couldn't accept the thought of leaving his dear brother whom she had just reunited with after so many years of being torn apart. Vehemently shaking her head, she almost exploded with these agonizing thoughts.
”NO! We can't leave them behind! I CAN'T DO THAT! NOT AGAIN!” She screamed at the two, her body almost shaking just at the mere thought.
Seeing the state Scarlet was in just at the mere thought, Sarah could only look at her with a wry look on her face. Forcing a compassionate smile on her face, she reached out, gently grabbing her weapon-holding arm, giving it a light tap.
”Don't worry, your brother will not be left behind. Aiden is looking for him, and I'm absolutely sure that he will do his utmost to bring him back.”
Then she turned to look at the expectant-looking crowd behind them, as she continued with the smile on her face curving slightly higher.
”Still, we can't just abandon these people. They have suffered enough. Look into yourself and tell me, could you really leave them be?”
”I… But my brother…” Having trouble expressing herself due to the tumultuous storm raging in her mind and heart, Scarlet could only mumble, turning towards the crowd first, then shifting her gaze towards the distance where the settlement lied.
”Don't worry, hubby will get him back! He is strong, a few mere pig brains, can't stop him!” Naybeah chimed in, her confident grin returning to her face, even if it was forced on for the sake of the fiery, red-haired girl.
”Yes… 'AIDEN' will get him back, don't worry about that. He will return to the city with your brother in tow. We can regroup at the Adventurer's Guild in the morning after we escorted these people away from danger.” Sarah added, emphasizing the boy's name as she gave a cold look to the grinning amazon.
”I... *sigh* Yes, you are right…” Scarlet finally gave in with a defeated sigh escaping her lips, turning back to the group of people. ”I need to trust them, we can't do anything else.”