Chapter 207 (2/2)

From the corner of the alley were five shadows. The first of the assassins leapt into the air, their weapon at the ready. He chuckled as he aimed his revolver and aimed it at them. His mind only thought of one thing: take care of this mess and get back to Noah.

“Nice of you to join me. Perhaps your little friends would like to join me, as well.” He said as he pulled the trigger, the first shot firing out.

***

Harrell was a much quieter village than Noah had thought. But just because it was quiet, didn’t mean it was safe.

Every face she passed was covered in grime and filth, their eyes filled with exhaustion. Their clothing was shabbier than those who lived in the cities, mostly consisting of patches sewn onto torn trousers and shirts.

The buildings on either side of the road were in a similar state of disrepair. Worn out curtains, broken and poorly repaired windows, squeaky doors, black rotten fences… It was clear something was happening within the village.

Some young boys were kicking around  a ball in the road. None of them seemed to have the energy to kick the ball, let alone play a game.

“The Empire really doesn’t care about those outside the cities…” Noah said to herself as she weaved between the civilians who aimlessly wandered around. They were all staring at her, as well as her clean and intact clothes.

Noah pulled up the hood of her cloak and hurried out of the area, trying to find a place to hide for a little while. A three-pronged fork appeared in the road, making her wonder how long she’d been walking. An old sign was sticking up from the middle.

It was hard to read everything on it since weathering had taken its toll on it. She could barely interpret the letters.

“East, Harrell School. North, district office and security forces. West, hotel. So there are security forces. That might be the best place to start in order to figure out what is going on here.”

Worryingly, the road leading to the north was more deserted than those leading east and west. Nonetheless, she set off along it, constantly keeping an eye out for any signs of danger. The buildings at the entrance still appeared to be livable, but the more she walked, the more the buildings were run down and abandoned. Not a single person was around.