65 Chapter 30 - The Inhabitants of Another World (1/2)
Not wanting to be discovered as we did not know how the unfamiliar residents would react we began observing the wall, hoping to find a point in a rather weakened state.
Even if Haruka had done most of the scouting in the wide radius around us, she had not examined the fortified wooden walls yet. As we didn't know what was the best way to approach the inhabitants of this world we had to find a way without much disturbances.
As we hid our pressence we quickly split up allowing us to cover more ground as we searched for a way in.
As we covered ground examining the walls whenever the coast was clear, it became apparent that the only ways in where heavily fortified...
Quickly I came to the conclusion we had to confront the inhabitants. After a while Haruka had finished her round giving me the same answer as I had concluded myself. Now together I began discussing the options we had.
”Examining the walls has led me to believe this world might be in a state if war... if we want to win their trust we have to show them we don't mean any harm...”
Haruka turned her head to the left and then to the right, curious about what I had noticed.
To her it seemed like I had come to a conclusion.
”Master, do you have a plan to approach the situation we are in?”
I looked up and faced Haruka with a sigh as it was of most importance that we had a place to spent the night.
”I'm not sure, but, it seems like its the only way to do this, we have to go in through the front entrance, as the guards will close in on us,
it will be of utmost importance that we don't resist them.”
Eve popped out joining the conversation.
”My analysis tells me it is the most peaceful and humane way to get inside, but I don't know what the results might bring...”
Knowing it was the only way there was no reason not to do this. As I had made up my mind I began to walk towards the entrance when the village guards spotted me.
”Halt! Who goes there? State your purpose stranger...”
The city guards had similar attire to the hooded woman I had encountered as most of their face was covered with a black hood and attire in the same shading colors. The only difference was that their ears were totally revealed as well as the patches of grey shading that kept on returning throughout their attire.
I non-chalantly walked up to the guards that covered the front gates and tried to reason with them.
”We are travelers who seek shelter from the dangers at night honorable sir. My companion and me hoped there would be a possibility to spend the night here and maybe even fill up on our supplies.”
The guards never seeing people like us before,
went off on our attire and didn't know how to react.
As they kept up their guards. As we walked closer they became suspicious as they could feel strong essence emanating from our bodies.
But as we didn't resist they decided to take us inside.
As we walked through the gate I took it upon myself to ask about their culture, way of life and whomever would be in charge of the village.
It became apparent that they were very cautious,
not just because of us, but also because of the fact that danger could be lurking around every corner.
As the guards took us inside two others took their place, making sure no unwanted guest could get inside.
”The village is heavily fortified isn't it?
Could it be that the village is in a state of war?”
The guard left of us nodded and looked at his partner with questionable eyes. As the other nodded he got closer to me and wishpered into my ear.
”Not many here know this yet, but our village has been in a state of war against the leading races.
We already have been ambushed a few times,
and are trying to build up a force to strike back.”
The way the guards told me about his suspicions made it clear war had broken out shortly before we arrived, or at least he gave the impression that it has not been long before the war had started in this dimension.
Thinking about the situation we now found ourselves in, I felt it was better not to tell that we were not from this world. But... wanting to know more about the state of affairs in this world I had to speak with those in leading positions.
I quickly grabbed two gold coins hoping this would loosen the suspicions of the guards as I quickly grabbed my chance to ask for their leader.
The guards gladly accepted the coins and took me to a building close to the great oaken tree in the middle of their village. As we arrived there the guards introduced us to their commander.
With her back facing us we didn't regocnize whom this individual was, but when she turned around to sent away her messenger I regocnized her face in an instant.
”I've finally found you...”
The woman looked at me with confused eyes, when I finally realized that she hadn't seen me back when I had saved the baby who was taken by the Savage Angus.
The commander got closer and began speaking in sofisticated tongue.
”Found whom, me? I don't think we have met before... Have we not? Tell me... were is it that you think we might have met young one...”
I noticed she held her authority as she spoke to me in a respectfull but cold manner.
”You are correct, in a sense... we haven't met each other.”
The commander turned towards Haruka and began to mock her as she felt a sense of rivalry towards a fellow woman.
”And who might this flashy lady be? Could it be you're not from here? Guards!! Get rid of them, now!!”
The commander snapped her fingers and signalled the guards to corner us. I had to think of something quick if we wanted to get out of this unharmed.
”Stop... what gives you the right to accuse us and throw us out, right when we don't mean any harm...
As we come in peace, doesn't that mean we should both treat each other with respect? Why make enemies when you don't even know our intentions?”
The woman glared at Haruka,
scratched her head and sighed deeply.
*sigh*
She then proceeded to stop the guards as quickly as she send them our way.
”So... tell me, why it is you are here?”
I took charge as a chance had presented itself.
”I want you to allow us shelter for the night,
as well as supplies for the coming days allowing us to survive in our own. While we are at it,
mind telling us why it is you are so hostile towards us?”
Again the commander sighed...
*sigh*
”Letting outsiders into our affairs...
how low have we ghouls fallen?”
She stared at us before turning towards her commanding table and signaling with her hand for us to come closer. As Haruka and I both walked towards her the guards quickly held back my companion.
It was clear she didn't trust us, yet...
”Only you are allowed by my sight, for now...”
As I joined the commanders side the guards closed the linnen, separating us from Haruka.
Worried she didn't know what to do,
knowing how she was I quickly walked back and told her to wait for me and not to worry.
”It's okay Haruka, let me handle this, don't worry.”
Haruka nodded and quietly sat down,
as she waited for my return.