Village Banquet

Amyntas' deft hands had polished every inch of the wooden floor, dusted all of the old rugs, rubbed clean the mysterious bottles. The oracle's hut was cleaner than it had ever been, yet Amyntas had no time to enjoy the satisfaction of finishing hard-work.

No, he was coughing his lungs out, having breathed-in tons of dust. His eyes were tearing, his lacrimal glands pouring torrents on his cheeks. The oracle was too busy witnessing this strange scene that she made no moves to help him, leaving Amyntas kneeling outside, agonizing.

Only when the sun had almost set did Amyntas raise and walk to the central plaza, ignoring the blind woman that was quietly gazing at him.

(I suffered enough for today. Let's check out the rest of the villagers. I only hope they are not as insufferable as that old hag…)

During the evening, every villager assembled around long tables covered in various food. You could find fruits, olives, some dried meat, pickled vegetables and loaves of bread arranged in ceramic bowls and wooden plates. People were just taking whatever they feel like eating, without worrying about distributing equal rations to everyone.

Women were jokingly criticizing the men for eating too much, sometime slapping their greedy hands that had extended towards one of those tasty meat-loaves for the umpteenth time. All in all, everyone was surrounded by a festive atmosphere, and Amyntas found himself lost in contemplation for a time.

Even the usually cold Annara was smiling happily, gazing affectionately to her kinsmen. Under the dancing light of the bonfire her wrinkles were accentuated, revealing how aged and fragile she truly was.

(I guess they are a bit harsh to outsiders but good to their own. In the end they too are caring and attentive…)

[That's what I thought long ago. But the true face of people was revealed after the Saints' Descent. How barbaric they will become for false ideals that are not even theirs.]

(The Twins wish me to gather enough forces to stop the Saints to rampage once they descend…

Following the men to the nearest city is a good start. There is nothing much to be done here anyway.)

Approaching the evening banquet in full bloom, Amyntas sat in the men's row that was facing the women's one. Squeezing in between two burly men, he was immediately noticed by the surrounding people that expressed no surprise to seeing him here but rather curiosity.

"Hah, kiddo ya are finally awake !

We thought ya were gonna sleep all year round !"

"I must thank the oracle for her hard work and good treatments."

(And her cheerfulness too. Nah, even them won't believe this…)

"And what's a kid like you doing at the table of adults huh ?

You should grab food at the children corner, not here !"

"Hey ya miser !

Just give some food to the kiddo, it ain't like he will eat the whole table !"

"Ha ha don't worry… I have a small appetite anyway…"

(As if. This entire village is full of stingy guys. Should be called the Village of Misers rather than the Village of Azure.)

"Anyway, I wanted to ask a question… The oracle told me to follow you guys to the city and assist you with the merchants. When will you leave the village ?"

"Heh. The oracle has some strange ideas, but I guess that's why she can read fate and not me…

I think we will depart tomorrow morning, but ya should speak with the leader first."

"You mean lady Annara ?"

"HAHAHAHA !!

LADY Annara !

Not a single inch of that old harpy has something to do with a lady !"

"Hum hum. What were you saying, Blagoy ?"

"Irk !

Haha, Annara, I was saying ya… looks more and more like those Imperial Ladies… yeah right !"

"Your name is truly ill-fitting… You can forget about demolishing even more food for tonight. You are on diet. And you, Amyntas, the one you are seeking is at the end of the table. He's called Borislav."

Amyntas raised from his seat and walked to the men's leader while listening amusedly to Blagoy begging for a last loaf of bread under the merciless glare of Annara.

Borislav was eating silently, his two lieutenants partaking in the meal in the same fashion. They stood out even more when compared to the noisy villagers that were now engaged in a joint mocking of Blagoy's misfortune.

(Hm. They've got firearms. The first ones I saw ever since I woke up. I guess they must act as warriors and protectors for the tribe.)

"Hi !

My name's Amyntas. The oracle told me to join you on your next travel to the city."

"I'm Borislav. She told you to accompany us to Saleen ?

Well, the roads are not too dangerous, so we can take you. On one condition though. Can you ride ?"

(The Twins taught me, but well…)

"Let's say that I know how, but I… kind of lack practice…"

"Yeah, you are useless right. Doesn't matter. I will teach you tonight."

(Hiding your kindness behind a rude mask is it ?)

"Thank you very much !"

"Anyway you better learn well, cos if you can't handle tomorrow's ride we won't wait for you."

(As if. He's just like the others, insufferable as hell…)

"Haha, it won't be a problem, I promise."

Looking impassively to his polite yet awkward laugh, Borislav used his coarse voice again after a few seconds.

"No use waiting here. Now is the time to eat. You will train later."

"I see… I shall take my leave then."

Departing under the hawk-like gaze of the three men, Amyntas took back his place next to Blagoy who had managed to be forgiven by Annara after an umpteenth round of begging.

"So, ya're coming with us ?"

"Yeah, but Borislav said he would teach me how to ride first…"

"Hahaha !!

I pity you, Borislav is a hellish teacher !

Ya're gonna spend the night in suffering !"

(Never expected anything less anyway… sigh, I feel like their only purpose in opening their mouth is either to eat or to give me a headache…)

Yet Blagoy's grin was short-lived, as Borislav's voice raised over the surrounding noise, authoritative and merciless.

"Don't rejoice too quickly Blagoy !

Training's also mandatory for you !"

"Nooooooo… why always me ?"

(Because your mouth is the loudest, dumbass…)

[That's quite true. Humanity is really hopeless…]

"Because you are the worst rider of the entire village !

You couldn't even handle last week ride to Novigrad !"

(Well, that's a good reason too. I just found a comrade in uselessness… should I rejoice ?)

"Hehe… don't listen to Borislav I was just sick hehe…"

The woman that had defended Amyntas' share of food earlier then took part in Blagoy's humiliation.

"Yeah right, and ya were sick every day since ya were born right ?

Poor sickly Blagoy…"

(Hah, it's looks quite fun, let's join in…)

"Truly Blagoy ?

I didn't know you were sick ?

Is it serious ?"

"Cough, cough… erm, no, I mean, it's a chronical illness ya know…"

"Ya right, an illness that prevents you from working huh ?"

"It must be a very serious illness then…

"Couldn't the oracle do something for you ?"

"That old ha… I mean, the venerable oracle ?

It's beneath her to treat such illness, I mean, how would I dare disturb her for such things ?"

(Your talent at weaving lies becomes better and better. Quite impressive to not say pathetic…)

"I don't think so, Blagoy. I may be an outsider, but one's health should never be taken lightly.

I will go ask her if you won't."

"No !

I mean, how could I trouble you with it, I will do it myself hehe…"

(Look at how much he's sweating. I'm afraid that if I keep teasing him, he will have a heart attack…)

The rest of the evening went without any more trouble, and Amyntas managed to eat plentifully, feeling even a bit bloated as he left to the training grounds, accompanied by a whining Blagoy.