14 Conversation

The group soon arrived at the entry to the pass, and there, a part of the soldiers remained to watch over the workers while the others continued on. The workers started to unload the charrettes and to make a camp.

It appeared they would be staying for a while.

Some of them took out some maps, comparing them to the local environment before giving directions to the others. They looked to be plotting the terrain and planting some markers.

As the small group which had gone into the mountain pass was progressing at a leisurely pace, Elroy could take his time observing the laborers at work.

They first finished setting up a perimeter before felling all the trees within, piling them to the side. Some of them split off, going east whilst cutting down trees along a seemingly predetermined path.

The ones that remained set down some tents in the cleared perimeter before building some rough structure to shelter the goods from the charrettes.

He continued to observe them working for about an hour until the group of soldiers arrived near the dungeon. The workers had been very efficient throughout this time and had demonstrated physical abilities beyond what he had expected.

As the small group neared the clearing, he had Orkan step out in order to welcome them. Finally seeing, the soldiers' hands drifted to their blades as wariness could be seen from their tense stance.

Standing amidst their protective circle was Lady Erys. Once again, she was wearing white robes, but this time embroidered with flowers and not birds. These flowers seemed to be lotuses, although Elroy was not sure. To his amazement, the robes were spotless, a remarkable feat considering her trek through the forest.

A soldier took out and unfolded two chairs he had been carrying all this time, setting them down a few meters apart in a rehearsed motion. Aileen then motioned for them to go a bit a further away, which they did reluctantly.

Sitting down in one chair, she invited Orkan to sit in the other. "It is a pleasure to see you once again, 'Lord' Orkan", she said, a quick smile making its way to her face as she emphasized the word. She could once again feel this odd presence besides the monster sitting in front of her.

Feeling slightly amused, Elroy had Orkan sit in the other chair before replying to her. "Know that the feeling is mutual, Lady Erys", he started, "I am guessing this is not a simple visit out of pure courtesy."

"Indeed, it is not. I have to inform you that work has started on the town outside the mountain pass, as per the agreement."

"You seem to have contracted remarkable workers, for they look to be almost tireless and as strong as bears."

"That is the result of the absorption of Essence, which you must assuredly understand." She seemed to have caught the undertone of his statement as her eyes widened slightly in surprise before returning to the prior calm, a fact Elroy almost missed. "So, you already knew."

"Yes, you must always be aware of the happenings in your home after-all. And this," he gestured to the surrounding forest, "is my home."

She looked appreciative at this, before seeming to hesitate to bring up another topic. Catching this hesitation, Elroy had Orkan urge her to speak up. "It is very kind of you to have made this trip personally, but surely this wasn't all?"

She sighed, casting her eyes downwards for a brief moment. "In truth, I have come to also inform you of another matter. Some unsavory characters might be paying you a visit in the near future."

Looking at the specks of cyan inside Orkan's eyes, her eyes drifted to the right, where she felt the odd presence. "Let's just say that your glare might provoke a somewhat… inappropriate reaction." She looked a bit reluctant to elaborate further on the matter, glancing at the surrounding soldiers.

Hearing this reminded Elroy of Sir Leonhart's reaction at the sight of Orkan, and his following plea to Lady Erys. Orkan gave an understanding nod. "Will he be a cause for concern?", he asked.

Waving her hand in dismissal, Lady Erys answered his query. "He is but a Baron, a simple annoyance in the grand scheme of things." She continued, with palpable disdain, "A mere puppet who dares get involved."

"Does this annoyance have a name?"

"Baron Bright, he lords over a few towns in these parts and has his manor in the nearest town to this place, Heimdell. He attained his title by performing some meritorious achievements in the last war."

This last statement sparked Elroy's interest. "War?"

"Well, it could more accurately be described as a small skirmish with one of the neighboring kingdoms. The continent has not seen true war for a long time."

Motioning for one of the soldiers to approach, she continued. "I recall you saying you sought knowledge, and although it could be interesting to answer your every question, I fear that I may not have the time to do so and that this might be more suitable."

The soldier held out a bag towards Orkan, it seemed somewhat heavy. Peering inside it, he could see a number of books.

Following this, they exchanged a few more pleasantries before she took her leave. Lady Erys also informed him that adventurers would not be sent for the time being, at least until they had made basic progress with the town. It was still unnamed, and would be put under her direct control as she was his only liaison regarding the agreement. She would be going back to Heimdell in the meantime where she was temporarily lodging.

Examining the books he had received, they seemed to mostly be about the lay of the land and its history. One of them stood out however, being titled 'Principles of Essence'.

Although he had already been here for a couple of weeks, Elroy still remained quite ignorant about this place. Therefore, he had Orkan sit comfortably under the shade of a tree and began to read those books as Orkan turned the pages.

He was quickly drawn in by them as the sun continued its journey through the sky. Soon, evening was approaching.