บท 103: New city (2/2)

So you helped the Baron... And how did you manage to get close to him? The commander's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Rafael, suspicious of his claims.

They knew from spies that Frederic had only three old men as advisers. Now, hearing about a young man who suddenly appears and claims to have been close to the Baron, they were skeptical. Only after Count Edwin noticed how close Avice was to Rafael did they start to believe the information might hold some truth.

"First, I need to see someone, back in our camp," Rafael said calmly.

"You're in no position to ask for anything. Now, answer my question."

"I am not your prisoner, and we are on the same side—"

"I don't care. You're now working for us, and until the war ends, you and the others will obey us."

Rafael's expression hardened. "I am no peasant, commander, so you better treat me with due respect." The commander raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such defiance.

Not waiting for a response, Rafael pressed on, "When will I be able to go back to my camp?"

After a few seconds of tense silence, the commander finally spoke. "I will have someone take you back, but..." He paused, pointing a finger at Rafael. "...You are staying in Fritsburg with the others. Guard!" A man in light leather armor appeared.

"Take him to the refugees' camp, and after half an hour, bring him back here." Rafael followed the guard without looking back. After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the encampment, where a familiar voice called out.

"Rafael! Oh God, are you okay?" Ella came running toward him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. Bella was with her, looking concerned.

"I'm okay, Ella. What about you? Is everyone free to go, or are you all trapped here like us?"

"No, Mother said that we can leave at any time, but you and the others are staying here... I—Please come with us! Don't leave me!" Tears welled up in her eyes as she clung to Rafael, as if he might disappear at any moment.

"Don't worry, dear. I promise everything will be fine. I promise." Rafael held her close, trying to comfort her. He glanced at Bella, who mouthed a silent "thank you."

She must have been really concerned about me. He thought, feeling a pang of guilt.

"Where is your mother?" he asked, and Ella led him to a tent in the middle of the camp. As they entered, Avice looked up from where she was sitting on the ground.

"Rafael? What are you doing here? Did they set you free?"

"I wish they did, but no. I only have some time to speak with you all. Tell me, what is going to happen with you and the others? Ella told me that you can leave whenever you want."

Avice sighed. "Yes. He's taking our carpenters and blacksmiths, even the ones who don't know how to make the crossbow. I kind of understand his reason; it's about winning the war. When your army is better equipped than the enemy, your chances are greater."

"And yes, he gave his word that we are free to leave, but I gave it some thought and decided not to."

"What? No, hear me out—I think you should leave. This place isn't safe with that man in charge." Rafael's voice was urgent, and Ella paled at the suggestion.

"Mother! Please don't stay here! We were supposed to go to the capital." Ella gripped Avice's hand, her eyes pleading.

Avice looked torn, lost in thought. My dear, if you're listening, what should I do?

"Avice, listen to what I have in mind. You all go to the capital and start our plan of getting on the good side of the high nobility or the king himself. Trade with them on how to make a crossbow and ask for a place to settle inside the walls. If that isn't enough, offer them the papermaking process. When you're all settled, start producing cement or even create the printing press."

"That way, you'll be safe inside the most secure place in this kingdom, and you'll be able to rebuild your house and status."

"You mean we are going to the capital, settle down, and rebuild our house, together!" Ella's voice was trembling with emotion. She couldn't accept the idea of separating from Rafael so soon after everything they'd been through. Before Rafael could respond, a voice called out from outside the tent.

"Your time is up! Let's go back now."

Rafael looked at Ella, pulling her into another embrace. "As I said, don't worry. I'll meet you at the capital in no time. Until then, show them what our house is capable of."

The following morning, a group of carriages and many people left the city, heading north to the capital.

Rafael was abruptly woken up by a man shouting. "Wake up, you bunch of dog shit! It's time to work!" It was a random soldier yelling at the group of men sleeping.

Fucking hell. Rafael had barely slept, his mind haunted by flashes of the massacre they had barely escaped. The desperate faces, the blood, the bodies—It all replayed in his mind, over and over.

...I'm a murderer... Two already...

The bedding was nothing more than a simple mattress made of layered cloth placed directly on the floor. After more shouts from the soldier, they were led to a nearby room where breakfast was served—a thin soup.

Everyone ate in silence, under the watchful eyes of the soldiers stationed around the room.

One of the soldiers approached Rafael, eyeing him with a sneer. "You, the commander has a task for you. You are to upgrade the crossbow or create another weapon within a month. If you don't complete this simple task... Heh." The soldier gave a mocking grin before walking away.

Create a new weapon? Or upgrade this one? Rafael's mind started racing. How can I upgrade it? Well, the design and trigger system could be improved... Okay, let's start with that. And if that's not enough, I could always suggest the trebuchet. He stood up, drawing the attention of the others, and walked outside.

Rafael spent the next half-hour sketching a more ergonomic shape and a simpler yet more secure and effective lock and trigger system for the crossbow, using a stick to draw on the ground.

Task complete. Now, let's erase these drawings; I don't want anyone stealing my ideas. He quickly erased the sketches, leaving no trace behind. So now I have a month free—wait! He reached into his clothes and pulled out a small pouch filled with clustered rocks.

The simplest and easiest compass is made by placing a tiny magnet onto a leaf floating on water, but that can't be carried on a trip... Actually, it can, but I'd prefer something more practical and appealing.

He wandered through the streets, noting the stark contrast between this city and others he had seen. Everything here was better—paved streets, high-quality houses and buildings, and people who seemed to be living a much better life. But he knew he wasn't in the fringes of the city where the reality might be different.

I'm definitely being followed. He was sure of it but didn't let it bother him. They're probably trying to see where I'm going and what I'll do, but I don't care. He walked for a few minutes until he found someone who could carve a piece of wood for him.

After a crude circular wooden case was made, he paid the man a few coins and moved on. He then visited a blacksmith to get a flat needle and a tiny pin made from the magnetized metals he had.

Attaching the pin in the center of the circular wooden box, he placed the flat piece of metal on top. Yes! It's working!