Chapter 90 Sanctuary or Prison
The journey to the summit where the protector resides is not an easy path. Since there's no developed roads leading to the summit, one needs a strong and healthy horse to make the journey if they don't want to walk halfway through. Even then they still need to ride non stop to reach it within a day.
Fortunately, the Hallows Guild took really good care of their mounts. Alger reached the summit within the day while the elite members who followed him arrived two hours later.
Upon reaching the summit they were halted by a huge iron gate that only one orc has the ability to open it.
"Beyond this gate is the protector's domain! Identify yourself and state your purpose!" the towering orc at the top of one of the tower shouted.
"Alger of House Irlyrri from the Hallows Guild. We have an urgent news that the protector needs to hear!" Alger shouted back. His voice sounds noticeably exhausted due to the lack of sleep prior the journey and the almost a day journey itself.
The towering orc above didn't answered back, instead he wave his hand, signalling someone from the inside to climb up the tower where he is located.
After a few minutes, another orc comes into view at the tower. This orc wields a staff and wears a monocle. The two orcs exchanges a few words that are inaudible to Alger and his guild mates. Once the two orc finished their brief conversation the towering orc turn its attention to Alger and his guild mates.
"Alger of House Irlyrri you're hereby granted permission to step foot inside the protector's domain." The towering orc announced. "However the rest of your guild mates needs to stay outside but rest assured we will provide them tents that they can use to camp outside." he added.
Alger can't really retort or more like he really don't want to since they might change their minds. So he reluctantly order his guild mates to follow the instructions of the orc and he proceed to enter the gates alone.
After Alger says his farewell to his guild mates, the huge gates in front of him slowly opens up. Upon entering the huge gate the clouds above the sky suddenly clears up. If not for the grave news he's carrying he will take a moment to revel at the mysticism that surrounds this place.
The orc that was up the tower earlier escorted Alger to a place that looks like their reception area though it looks more like a mini garden with different floral decorations. The orc orders him to sit at one of the benches available so he can inform the protector.
Once Alger settle down for the first time ever since he arrived at this place. There's some things he didn't notice at first glance. For one there's seem to be multiple Iron Maidens scatters around the area. Since there's really nothing else to do while waiting for the protector he tried checking one of the Iron Maiden near him.
Alger approaches the Iron Maiden that's being engulfs by overgrown vines. His heart almost stops in shock once he saw a set of eyes that is looking back at him.
"Wh-what is that?" Alger asked loudly as he can't hold his shock.
A small yet menacing laugh comes out from the Iron Maiden. Following the laugh a hoarse voice comes out from it.
"You'll get used to it." the mysterious hoarse voice said.
"Who are you?" Alger asked.
"What do you think this place is?" the mysterious hoarse voice answered.
Alger already knows the answer and he already have an idea what kinds of people that are being detained in this place.
"Alger you old fuck!" a somewhat familiar voice comes from one of the Iron Maiden at the distance.
"Camilla?" Alger said.
"Remember this! I will be the one who will kill you once I get out of here!" Camilla shouted in frustration and anger.
"Give it up Camilla, I've been here for almost ten years now. Do you really think the protector will let us go easily?" the mysterious hoarse voice interrupted the fuming Asura.
Alger was left speechless at the revelation he just witnessed.