53 NEW COMPANIONS: PART VII

***

When the both of them entered, the first thing they noticed was the little girl right beside Fuji. It pleased the girl since Fuji was calm towards them despite what happened earlier.

But, the fear seems to be showing in her older sister's eyes instead.

"There's nothing to fear, Fuji will not harm you as long I am here." She said as she entered the room, walking side by side with Lirius.

"My Lady," The old man got up from his seat as he greeted the girl like a humble servant would. The rest soon followed suit to what the old man did.

"My Lady, we thank you for helping us, and for your creature in saving us earlier." He added.

Athena went closer to Fuji as she kneed on the ground to warm herself next to him, "So tell us, why were they chasing you in the first place?"

"One of the men chasing you was a noble, I was unable to identify him since Fuji has destroyed his face." Lirius added, for when he was about to burn the body, he noticed the man was dressed like a nobleman.

They all looked at each other, hesitant to explain the situation.

Then suddenly, the girl steps forward as tears roll down her face. Upset and guilt was written all over her face, "It's all because of me."

"No, it's not big sister's fault. It's my fault." The little girl started crying, which startled Fuji who was taking his nap, for the little girl was next to him.

"Calm now." Athena softly caressed Fuji back to sleep.

"No, my lady, it isn't their fault, but mine. I am to blame." Lance too got up as he tried to assert his claims.

Athena only looked at them with concern, as she couldn't understand what was going on. The fact they were all talking at the same time, plus the little girl crying. It was really hard to get the truth out from them.

"Enough!"

'Finally.' The girl thought as things were about to calmly be explained.

"My Lady, let me explain everything from the beginning if you don't mind." The old man asked permission as it was a long tale he needed to tell.

"Go ahead." She replied.

"I am Greyford, this is Lance, my son, Esme and her little sister Jocelyn. I am the steward of the noble man that was just killed by my lady's creature. He is one of the many sons of the Baron Bruhns who live quite near here."

"Baron Bruhns?" Lirius said, as he thought how great a deal it would take to kill the man.

"That means you must have been on the run for a couple of days then. The baron's land is quite far from here." Serfred stated as he was familiar with the man.

... To be precise, the baron's land is half a day ride by horse or carriage. For them to have run all the way here, means they must have run for day non stop.

As Serfred continues to ask questions and interrogate them. Athena was in her own world as well as she realizes things could get complicated with them.

... As of now, there are only a few towns we sell our crops to. One of them is the town under Baron Bruhns. I wonder if killing his son would bring us some trouble in the future. Technically, he is unaware that we are involved. The fact, by the time we arrived, most of them were dead while the others were already far away running for their lives.

"My Lady, what's wrong?" Serfred asked, noticing how troubled the girl looked.

"I was thinking if they'll seek revenge on the village. I mean, Fuji was the one who killed the man. But, since he is part of the village, I'm sure those who survived will inform the baron of what happened. Who knows what they'll do next?" The girl looked worried as she embraced the creature next to her. To think Fuji will be taken away from her just worries her.

"That won't happen." Lirius suddenly spoke as he patted the girl on the head, "Twilight wolf shouldn't be existing in the Northern Region. If such a creature were to exist in the north, it means it must be travelling with its pack as they tried to find a new home. Thus, making the situation an accident. Which means, the baron is probably thinking that his son was killed along the way by them."

As Lirius continued to explain, everyone was all ears on him.

"As you know, Twilight wolf is very territorial. For them to step on his territory means death. Even if they only saw Fuji, we don't need to worry for them to think that he was alone. As you know, a wild Twilight wolf always travels in packs. So, they would not dare travel with her knowing what they'll be facing ahead. Don't forget, this is the Northern Region where there are more fearsome creatures than Fuji."

"Plus, those idiots who survived will probably inform the baron of what happened or run for their life. Since, the baron's son died while they ran for their lives. Means, they are just seeking death for their own life once they return."

However, Lirius was not done as he looked at each one of them seriously in the eye. "But, I'm sure you have more to explain as to why they are trying so hard to capture you."

The old man only smiled in amusement, he no longer doubts about the man's ability. Since he was already aware of everything, there was no reason to hide the truth. "Jocey, she's the real reason."

"Jocey?" Athena looked at the little girl who was right in front of her. "Why her? She just, but a child."

"It's because..." Esme was hesitant, but someone else completed her words.

"She's a luiniel."

"Luiniel, you mean, an elfling?"

"Wait, what? How is that even possible... That doesn't make sense." Serfred said as such beings have not been seen for thousands of years.

"Technically, they don't exist anymore. However, it seems this little girl was born like one. Which means, there is luiniel blood in her veins."

... A Luiniel also known as elfling, is a mixed race between an elf and halfling. Halfling, are similar to humans, but half the size. They lived a normal life as humans, they don't have any special ability. Whilst elf, as we all know are very powerful creatures. Thousands of years ago, elves used to roam around the lands. Elves were once the great Elementalist of the land. Which is why, the Elementalist is somehow described as descendants of the elves. For having a strong connection with the spirits.

"What do you mean born as one?"

The little girl put down her hood as she revealed her tiny elf-like ears. They were pointed slightly at the end, but its size was the same as a human.

"She's already 11 this year as well." Esme added which shocked the girl.

"She's 11? She is so tiny and cute." The girl was unable to control her excitement as she went closer to the little girl and started hugging her like a doll. "Ah, she's so cute. Lirius, look at her, isn't she just so cute. She's like a doll."

"Hmm, which means the baron must be aware of her identity then?" Lirius ignored the girl as he had more things he wanted for some answers.

"Yes, the baron is aware of her identity which is why we had no choice but to run." Esme spoke truthfully.

"Which means, he must have planned to use the child. B*stards!" Serfred clenched his hand into a fist disgusted by what they planned to do to such a small child.

"Yes, I overheard them planning to sell to the nobles." Esme cried as she recalled such dreadful moments.

"Well, there is nothing to fear now. You all can stay here for now, until you decide on what you want to do." Athena got up as she felt tired and exhausted.

"Let's go to my study first." Lirius said as he needed to give her the potion.

"Hmm, Serfred, I'll leave them to you. Rest well, everyone."

"Thank you, my lady."

"Rest well, my lady."

Arthur too decided to rest for the night as everything had settled, leaving Serfred to take them to their rooms to rest.

Next chapter