Chapter 10

Everyone breathe a sigh of relief, relaxing the minute they stepped out of the forest. They got greeted by the chilly breeze and warm sunshine.

Wide green fields replaced the lush, tall trees. There was nothing but grass, rocks, and mounds up to the next hill, which was a few kilometers away. There were no shadows or any possible hiding spots for lurking monsters, putting them at ease.

As everyone seem to have calmed now slowing down their march, Clifford finally had the chance to move beside the knight, as he seemed more pleasant after getting out of the woods.

“Sir Malver, may I ask a question?”

He had to increase the speed of his steps just so he could keep up with the steed. All the while looking up to make sure he and the guy were seeing eye to eye.

He took the opportunity, as both Arty and Jack were goofing off, running through the pasture without a care. Finally able to fool around, since they no longer needed to stay vigilant of their surrounding.

“Of course.”

Malver quickly nodded, dawning a half smile.

Even if he was looking down from his horse, the disparity of his position amounted to nothing. As there was something with the otherworlder that seem to make him feel so small.

The man differed from the youths they had summoned, as, unlike the youngsters, this individual sometimes had this calculating and wary gaze.

Whenever he’d talk, act, or even when he is just listening, he will always get those piercing stares hiding behind those deadpan expressions.

It was as if the fellow was trying to peek into his soul, reaching into the depths of his very being.

He couldn’t understand the sense of vulnerability he was experiencing. But it was enough to make him remain modest.

Also, the man had earned both his respect and trust, having saved them from the recent dire wolf attack.

“What’s the purpose of sending those families to such a far-off village? I mean, the closest town is the one we are traveling to. And we have been marching for five days now.”

This bothered Clifford’s thoughts.

From the looks of it, it was as if they had thrown those people into that desolated place, leaving them in some forsaken land.

It didn’t help that the area was so far off, along with being filled with dangers.

Silence came over them as Malver pulled the reins of his steed to slow it down, causing the beat to neigh loudly, drumming its hooves in retaliation from the sudden act.

With a deep breath, he gathered his thoughts, scraping the depths of his mind to find the proper way to answer without causing a fuss.

He coughs a few times, clearing his throat from the lump that seems to have suddenly appeared inside of it.

“Its to instill our sovereignty over that place.”

Thankfully, he remembered the words passed down to him by the king, saying word per word to make sure he did not mistake his answer.

Even if he didn’t understand the point of it either, he became aware of the fact they were contesting the said territory from the other kingdoms.

“Why? Is there something special in the village?”

Clifford frowned, his forehead creasing in such a way, causing his brow to almost touch. Hand on his chin, he waited for an answer, as there were a few noteworthy things about the place.

Mainly, the mound with minerals he saw when he got transported there. After reviewing his map, he confirmed that the location of the said mine was close to the village.

The other notable thing about the area is its abundance of natural resources, from different flora and fauna.

He can’t say much about its strategical value, since he didn’t have any knowledge of the land.

That got Malver thinking, as he too did not understand why they wasted time and effort sending civilians to such a location.

“That village is within contested territory. The more of our citizens we have there, the better our claim would be.”

Though this was the reasoning from their liege, he didn’t get the significance of it, considering monsters infested the area.

“But isn’t that place dangerous? I mean, those people could hardly defend themselves, and there is not even a wall for protection, let alone guards stationed there.”

Clifford recollected the state the place was in. Besides the make-shift watch tower, there was nothing protecting the denizens from monster attacks.

He can’t help but think that there was something else in there, or if their ruler was a greedy, conquering monger who only cared about the vastness of his land, since this was in fact common in their history if he were to compare it from their own world.

“That is why our soldiers patrol the area once in a while, along with delivering supplies for the villagers.”

Those words put a sour taste in Malver’s mouth, as he, too, can’t accept what they were doing. Yet his own emotions and notion on this matter didn’t amount to anything, as he was but a lowly soldier.

He understood the man’s woe, but there was nothing much he could do except to clear up as many monsters during their visits.

“And the people you send there, they agree to this?”

Clifford heaved a sigh.

He change his manner of investigation, as he was not getting anywhere. Also, there was no point in pounding the poor guy, understanding that this was something beyond the authority of a knight.

As it had no merit in continuing with his little digging, seeing as the soldier remained clueless.

“I’m afraid not.”

Malver shook his head, knowing full well the families they sent there never really wanted to live in such a location.

Again, that put another heavy thought on Clifford’s mind as he was trying to piece out a few details about the kingdom they were in.

“Then why do they bother living in such a perilous place?”

He scratched his head, confused and nervous at certain ideas that were popping up.

“Most who get sent there are slaves or petty criminals.”

That put a scowl on Marvel’s face, feeling uncomfortable saying the same lies they were being told. It was, of course, the only thing he can come up during that time, as he didn’t want to set his master’s in a poor light.

“I see.”

Clifford nodded, returning his gaze to the front.

He did not wish to torture the fellow any longer, as he now had a good idea of the situation.

“I don’t think you need to concern yourself with them, sir Clifford. This has been the way of this land for centuries.”

Malver, noticing the shadow within the man’s expression, quickly to put on his cheerful smile, along with a forced laugh to lighten up the mood.

“Of course, sorry if I was asking too much.”

Clifford waves a hand to shrug it off. He didn’t want to ponder on things as of the moment, having already gotten enough information.

“Not at all. I suggest you focus on yourself, especially with your upcoming assessment. And what are you going to do afterwards?”

Malver heaved a sigh of relief, seeing how the man’s face returned to its calm and collected demeanor.

“You’re probably right.”

Again Clifford nods at the notion.

With the use of his mind, he opens up his windows, making certain he had put the proper settings on his character mode. Though he wasn’t sure if it was going to work, there was no harm in doing so.

“Also, the youngsters are looking forward to you joining them.”

Both of them turned to the two, as the lads finally settled, now choosing to walk and chatter instead of chasing each other all throughout the place.

“I remember they said they needed at least five members?”

Again, Clifford turns to the guy, recollecting that detail that the boys told him about.

“That is true, but I think the king might allow it, considering there’s now three of you. They can probably fill out the missing position with skilled individuals.”

Malver’s smile twitched, as a sudden dread creeped into him upon receiving that odd gaze again.

There was something in the otherworlder’s eyes that made him uncomfortable, shivering as if he was being wrapped by some kind of chill.

“That’s if I turn out to be a hero.”

Clifford’s voice was but a whisper, as he was unsure if he was going through with this.

As he was getting a gist of how that land works, he was having second thoughts of actually proceeding.

He’d read enough books from their world to be certain of how things work there, mixing it up with the information he had gathered.

“Well, with your skill and bravery, I’m sure it wouldn’t be an issue if you’re not.”

Malver was keen to dismiss the notion.

If it were true and the fellow ended up not being blessed, there remains the truth that the person was a skilled fighter, even without the gifts from heaven.

The courage and selflessness the man showed is enough for a veteran knight like him to acknowledge.

“I hope so. I wouldn’t want to disappoint those two.”

Clifford pouts, pointing his lips towards the youngster who now headed the caravan. He can’t help but smile at them, seeing the cheerfulness in both them.

Carefree, filled with glee and innocence. One would think they didn’t worry about being in another world. But of course, this was far from reality, as he cannot comprehend what was going on inside the teens’ heads.

Thrust into a duty such as this was bound to create some kind of effect, especially to a young mind, such as theirs.

It worried him that underneath the surface, those cheerful facade is nothing more than a mask to hide their sorrows.

His pondering ended when loud cheers and cries of joy filled the air, waking him from the sudden trance.

“Ah, we’ve finally arrived.”

Malver chuckled upon the sight that behold them.

Enormous stone walls encased several houses. They had a good view of the entire place, as they had climbed atop the hill to get there.

Invigorated by how close they were, this caused the caravan to hasten. Its speed increasing from the sheer excitement.

This decreased their travel time by half. From a supposed hour of walk, they ended up arriving at the front of the gates in less than twenty-five minutes.

“Welcome to the town of Barsted.”

Malver’s enthusiasm radiated in his voice, arms opening upon setting foot into the settlement.

“Oh, it’s not what I expected.”

Clifford’s laugh had an ounce of disdain. Especially noticing the proud look on the knight’s face.

Muddied roads stretched far, two story wooden buildings populated every corner of the place. This town was brimming with life, seeing more people walking by.

He tried to keep his smile wide, in order to hide the awkward thoughts running through his mind. The style of it was definitely medieval, which only meant one thing. The common comforts of his world have to be put aside.

“Will rest here and resupply before we head to the next town.”

Malver nods, quite pleased at showing their visitor their settlement in the kingdom. Unaware of the gloom which took over his companion.

“We’re finally here!”

Jack’s voice vibrated through the air in sheer excitement, throwing his hands in high up celebration.

“Come on! If we hurry, we can still get to the temple before it closes.”

Arty ran to Clifford, grabbing hold of the man to pull him with haste. His eyes brimming with elation.

“It’s alright. Please go on without us.”

Malver bows his head, seeing the concern on the man’s face.

“We’re heading off then.”

Clifford let out a soft chuckle, somewhat embarrassed upon being tugged by the youths. The two had now teamed up in pulling him away with haste as they made their way into the town.

It didn’t take long before they finally reach the place. A foreboding sense creep over when he set eyes on the structure, seeing an image which caused him to gape in shock.

The color on his face immediately escape from him, as he began feeling his blood leave his body.