28: Ranger Checkpoint Camp

With just around half an hour of following the road, the three eventually arrived at the Ranger Camp.

"Here we are, the Ranger Checkpoint Camp." Yolan welcomed the pair as they set foot on the entrance of the camp, "This is the place where travelers such as yourself stop by first before heading towards Hansela. We, the Rangers of the Eagle Order would conduct checks and verify one's identity."

Two rangers wearing identical uniforms as her were the ones who were assigned to guard the entrance. Not to mention, Defolta and June also witnessed a few rangers as well patrolling the vicinity while they were on their way here, meaning the area was quite well guarded and would no doubt deter any intruders who dared to impose whatever dark agendas they plan right here.

When the ranger guards saw Yolan, one of them, a man, greeted her in a friendly manner, "Ah, Yolan, welcome back. How goes the hunt for those green-skinned little rascals?"

"Dead, ten of them as a matter of fact…" Yolan said proudly, which earned a whistle from the second ranger as a sign that he was impressed, "Well, thanks to a big part from her, actually."

"Ah, I was wondering who your new companions are," The ranger inquired, turning his attention to Defolta and June.

"Travelers, far from the East." Yolan answered and stated the intentions on their behalf, "They wish to seek haven to Hansela. The lady here, Defolta, encountered my lonesome fighting against ten goblins, and she assisted me on her own free will, even slaying most of them with her two hands as a matter of fact."

"I see." The ranger nodded and understood the situation as he spoke to Defolta, "Well met, traveler. It is not everyday that we get to meet a skilled lady warrior such as yourself."

"The feeling's mutual." Defolta responded with a tone of respect.

"If Yolan vouches for you, then I see no reason to bar you from entry." The ranger said while smiling, "Head on inside. You may want to speak with the Commander regarding your issue. Yolan shall be assisting you."

"Thanks." Defolta bow her head as Yolan led them inside the camp.

Once they were inside, Defolta was slightly at awe at the internal structures and arrangement that made up the Ranger Camp.

Unlike the Bandit Camp that she got the displeasuring of infiltrating, this camp made use of sturdy materials of stone and wood for its housing. Instead of tents, the camp was filled with proper cabins that served as the Rangers' living quarters and other small buildings that functioned to keep the camp's daily operations running smoothly.

While they were inside, Rangers were witnessed all over the area going about with their respective daily activities. Defolta even saw a squad of Rangers led by their Sergeant who conducted a series of calisthenics while another group jogged around the perimeter.

As per Defolta's observation, she had a feeling that the Rangers numbered only quite a few here. Perhaps some Rangers were sent outside to perform some hands-on field work while others remained here for jobs that involved logistics, and other jobs that were related to it.

Sufficed to say, the place resembled more of a small military base, which made a lot of sense given that these Rangers were provided with more resources and backed by none other than the Empire itself.

The three eventually arrived at their location, a cabin that was wider than the rest that they witnessed along the way.

"This is the Commander's Quarters, which also served as our main office." Yolan pointed at the structure, "Kindly wait right here while I announced your presence to the Commander."

"Okay." Defolta agreed as she saw Yolan entering the cabin.

Defolta and June waited while their eyes wandered throughout the camp. Their patience was rewarded ten minutes later when Yolan came back outside with a smile.

"The Commander wants to meet you." Yolan delivered the news.

"What does he want?" Defolta asked.

"He wishes to verify your identity in person. It's standard protocol for travelers without a pass." Yolan replied and gave her an assuring tone, "Don't worry about it, the commander is a kind and reasonable man. I'm 100% positive that you'll get your pass, and you assisting me with the goblins also help your case."

"If you say so. Wish me luck." Defolta hated being interviewed, but she had little to no choice here if she wanted to get the pass. Worse comes worst, her request would be denied, and the commander may even grow suspicious and capture her for interrogation since her background was kind of sketchy with many rooms for interpretation. Still, no use in worrying about it now, and it would be best to go through the legal channels rather than pursue unlawful options, like for say, sneaking into town or finding ways to smuggle herself in by some assistance from an unsavory group.

Lot less complicated if you ask her, and she could roam the town freely without any legal authorities in the hunt for her, well assuming that she succeeded in this endeavor of hers.

"Go break a leg, you two." Yolan gave a friendly grin and opened the door for them.

The first thing that greeted Defolta and June when they went inside was immediately an office. The place accommodated a couch on the left, and the right featured a door that probably led to the Commander's actual living quarters. Speaking of the Commander, the man himself was behind a desk in front of them, sitting with a straight posture.

Upon seeing his visitors entering, the Commander stood up and greeted them with an accommodating smile of his own.

"So, you're the traveler who Yolan kept on raving about." The Commander said and sounded eager in his voice while he offered his hand for a handshake, "My name is Gregor Taleon, the Ranger Commander of this camp. A pleasure to meet you, young ladies."

The Commander, Gregor, was a man, a human who appeared to be in his fifties, sporting some white locks on his short brown hair. His forehead was slightly wrinkled, a clear proof that he was now entering old age. Despite his age, the man showed no sign of weakness, possessing a lean body that could only be earned by constant exercise and other physical activities.

"Likewise, my name is Defolta, and the child here is June." Defolta introduced for the both of them and accepted the handshake firmly, "I hear you're the guy to talk to if we wanted an in into the town."

"Straight to the point. I like that." Gregor said with approval, "Indeed, I am. I heard your story from Yolan. First of all, you have my condolence for your grandparents' passing."

"Thanks." Defolta was slightly caught off guard but managed to fake sadness quickly as part of her act, "It's hard to imagine that they're now long gone from this world."

"May their souls rest in peace, together with the Almighty Creator in Heaven." Gregor spoke with sympathy. After that, he proceeded to interview Defolta, "Anyway, Yolan mentioned that you came from a house located in a forest, if I'm not mistaken."

"Yup. Been living there my whole life." Defolta nodded.

"I see." Gregor listened attentively, "May I ask why you never thought of venturing forth outside of the open world prior to your grandparents' death?"

And here came the official interrogation. Defolta better be careful in her answers or suspicion would no doubt be inevitable.

"Oh, I wanted to, but gramps told me that the world was dangerous, and trained me until I was deemed ready to go forth on my own." Defolta responded calmly like lying was a second nature, "When my training was finally complete, I was given the go signal but then, gramps got sick and the rest was… history."

"I'm sorry for opening wounds." Gregor said apologetically, "And your grandma?"

"She died before gramps, two years before him." Defolta answered.

"Okay." Gregor said and set his gaze, this time to June, "And the child? What's her story?"

"I rescued her from a group of bandits who were led by a Witch called Matilda." Defolta answered, finding no harm in telling him the truth this time. Besides, it's probably the correct call to also report a crime to a lawful authority like the Rangers.

Upon hearing the Witch's name, the man's eyes widened with shock, and he clarified in a tone of disbelief, "M-Matilda, you say!?"

"Yeah, that bitch sure is quite something." Defolta responded merrily, "She really loved the sound of her own voice, that's for sure."

"This witch, where is she!?" Gregor anxiously questioned her in an instant, "That woman is wanted dead or alive by the Empire for horrific crimes against her fellow Witches. Any information about her will be well appreciated and compensated."

Compensated huh? Defolta loved the sound of that. Maybe she could use this as a leverage for her to get the pass, or perhaps… even more?

With a huge grin, Defolta said with brimming confidence,

"She's dead, of course, rotting down in Hell for all her sins, I personally made sure of that."