Chapter 127

They followed the sentry into the village. It was bigger than Maxi had anticipated, and she took in the bustling street as they rode down the unpaved path. Modest wooden cottages flanked the road, and goats, pigs, and donkeys grazed freely.

An awful stench seemed to be coming from one of the barns. Merchants sold their wares in stalls lined along the excrement-strewn road, and laborers and armed mercenaries were constructing cottages surrounded by stacks of lumbar.

Riftan furrowed his brow as he pushed his way through the throng of people.

"It's busier than I thought."

"The monster population has increased. Not only do we have to worry about drakes, but red goblins and kobolds are becoming a problem as well. They've already caused heavy damage to the nearby villages. We've become overpopulated in the span of a few months from all the people seeking refuge."

"Do you have enough provisions?"