Chapter 383: Learning about the surroundings (2/2)
”The Trachian Empire has closed borders. 'Outsiders', as they call all those they did not conquer and enslave, are not permitted to enter.” She said, turning to look at the old man as if urging him to speak.
”Before you say, we do have some information, after all, we have several scouts behind their borders, albeit not too deep. Still, most of this information is considered top secret, and it is not displayed on the publicly available maps, such as these.”
He spoke with a smug-look smirk donning his bearded face. In the next moment, before any one of them could speak up, he pulled out another rolled-up pergamen and placed it atop the unfolded map.
”However, I do have a bit more up-to-date and detailed version with me. Though I shouldn't be doing this, to understand everything, I am willing to show this piece to you. Hope you can appreciate it.” He added quickly unfolding it and placing it over Sara's map using her weights as well.
Now, instead of the ugly black paint, many more details could be seen, although, just as Sir Arthur has said, only up to a certain point.
Behind the mountain range and below it, neighboring the Kingdom of Draquilea, a humongous, bloodthirsty giant, the Trachian Empire stretched over and conquered most of what was known about the eastern half of the continent's landmass.
Yes, continent. What was the entire world for most, those at the highest standing have already known from either by the teaching and preaching by the so-called wandering Priests and Priestesses of the Holy Kingdom of Arboria to the north, and through some sea-loving explorers that what they lived on was a giant mass of land over an endless-looking ocean.
Sadly, none who ventured further away from the shores have either been forced to return due to the constant storms and horrific sea monsters inhabiting the dark depths or were never heard from again…
Many small dot-like villages and some amorphously-shaped cities could be seen lining up every now and then, acting like small oases in the giant, stretching Forlorn Desert.
Unfortunately beyond what seemed to be the edge of this giant sandy mass of fiery death, not much was explored besides a Fort-like city that probably served as the checkpoint.
”Fort Borlstadt. What is beyond it?” Seeing that beyond that point, the same black mass was present once more, he couldn't help but ask with an inquisitive look.
”We do not know. So far, we could not get past that point.” He admitted with a sigh. He pointed at a small place just below the Saronite Mountain Range called 'Caephra Valley'.
”This place… The Caephra Valley is what we believe they have a secret base constructed and are currently gathering most of their forces.”
Seeing that no one reacted to his words, Sir Arthur could only sigh and explain a bit more.
”This place is rumored to be connected through a giant, underground maze-like cavern system to the nearby Saronite Mountains, and even supposedly has exits in our end.”
Looking at it, suddenly, an old story came to Drake's mind. He jumped up, with a shocked expression.
”Wait… Isn't that the supposed place of some Trial Grounds? I remember the tales my fath-, khm, that I was told when I was young.”
”Yes.” Sir Arthur nodded, taking a glance at Aiden as he answered. ”It is rumored that there are deathly trial grounds there. Supposedly some ancient, long-since-vanished race lived there or created the trial. The only thing we know is that nobody could really attempt it, as the air inside is strange…”
Suddenly, Aiden's expression twitched, and a strange glint of light flashed through his eyes. Still, he managed to suppress his rising interest in the topic and instead asked as he focused on the Trachian side of the map.
”If that is true, why are you all even worried? Can they cross to our side of the border in any way, or do they need to go through the trial for it?” He asked.
”We are not sure.” The old man admitted, shrugging his shoulders, with a helpless look on his face. ”The cave system is vast, as I mentioned, it's like a giant maze, a labyrinth. Strong, brutal, ferocious monsters inhabit the depths, even adventurer's like myself have to be careful if we were to go explore.”
Then he shook his head as he continued.
”Still, if an army were to decide to clean it up…”