Chương 134: Back to Stygian
Crowell—a modest trading town nestled near the western borders of Wahrheit and close to the contested Alaksad territory—buzzed with activity as merchants, travelers, and refugees filled its streets. Mina and her company had stopped here in their quest to uncover the cause of the mysterious carriage incident. They gave their gratitude to the old man for giving them a ride all the way to Crowell and parted ways with him.
Cornelius, still recovering from his injuries, had remained behind at the inn, dedicating his time to searching for any leads on Luciana's whereabouts. His efforts, however, yielded nothing but frustration.
As evening fell, the group convened in Cornelius's room, in an inn where their expressions somber as they reported what little information they had managed to gather. Fragmented and inconclusive, none of their findings offered a clear connection between the events they sought to untangle.
"Let's return to the Stygian Frontier," Mina finally suggested, breaking the tense silence. Her tone was measured, though the resignation in her voice was evident.
Cornelius frowned. "What good would that do?" he snapped, his frustration boiling over. "How would going back there solve anything?"
Mina met his gaze unflinchingly. "Do you have a better option? The Central Capital is in chaos, possibly in ruins. Do you truly believe Lady Luciana would return to such a place? Pray, not a chance."
Her words cut deep, but the logic in them was undeniable. The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, unwilling to fully accept her reasoning but unable to refute it either. Gradually, they nodded their agreement, their expressions heavy with reluctance.
Meanwhile, Crowell's streets grew more crowded, bustling with refugees fleeing the encroaching war in Wahrheit. The cries of displaced families and the weariness etched on their faces weighed heavily on the group. Even their group barely secured rooms for themselves- luck had bestowed them the luxury for being one of the earliest travellers of the day.
Cornelius clenched his fists, silently conceding that Mina might be right—at least for now.
"We'll set out tomorrow at noon," Mina announced, her tone brooking no argument. She turned to Cornelius. "Think you can manage a ride, big guy?"
Cornelius flexed his arm experimentally, wincing as sharp jolts of pain coursed through his body. The wound had yet to fully heal, and the severed flow of his core energy left him feeling weak and unsteady. Still, he nodded. "I can manage," he muttered, though doubt lingered in his voice.
"Good," Foras said with a grin. "It's not like we're expecting you to win a race. We'll take it slow and easy."
"Stop fretting over trivialities," Ose added, his tone almost teasing. "Honestly, it's surprising how our lady, who trusts us wholeheartedly, has a brother like you."
Cornelius gave a small, reluctant smile. Their words, though lightly mocking, carried an undertone of camaraderie that eased his worries slightly.
By dawn, the group departed Crowell, their path leading back toward the Stygian Frontier. As they rode through the outskirts, Mina prayed silently for Luciana and Erebus, her faith in their safety unwavering despite her mounting fears. She could not have known that this journey would lead to a profound loss—one that would sever her bond with her brother forever.
Their route took them past streams of refugees, their cries of anguish fresh as they mourned loved ones lost to the ravages of war. Beggars pleaded for aid, for food, for hope, but the group could do little but press on, their hearts heavy with guilt.
"Look," Ose said suddenly, pointing toward the southern plains. Black plumes of smoke spiraled into the sky in the distance.
"That's the Southern Bay, isn't it?" Foras asked, his voice tinged with unease. "The place where most of the nobles frequent?"
Ose nodded grimly. "It's also home to the largest trading port in the realm. If that's been hit…"
Cornelius's brow furrowed. "What are you saying?"
"The Southern Bay is the economic lifeline of Wahrheit," Foras explained. "All major trade routes converge there. If the port's destroyed, the realm's already fragile economy could collapse entirely."
"And we commoners will be the first to bear the brunt of it," Ose added bitterly. "The nobles will squeeze every last drop of labor out of us to rebuild their luxuries."
"Then why not join our master?" Mina interjected, her voice sharp.
Ose and Foras exchanged incredulous glances before bursting into laughter, their mirth cutting through the tension like a knife. Mina flushed in embarrassment, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Suit yourselves," she said coldly, steering her horse ahead of the group. "I was only looking out for you, but it seems goodwill is wasted on some people."
Her words silenced the two soldiers, though a trace of amusement lingered in their eyes. Cornelius, however, remained quiet, observing Mina as she rode ahead. Her unwavering loyalty to Erebus was evident, and despite the doubts and whispers he'd heard about Stygian, he found himself admiring her steadfast resolve.
As the group pressed onward, the distant smoke on the horizon served as a grim reminder of the destruction that lay ahead. The road to the Stygian Frontier promised no easy answers—only more questions, and the ever-looming specter of war.
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