章節 68: Chapter 68: Unforeseen
*The province of Ydargos is the largest in the territory of Adje, where half of the Killick population resides. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this place is the stronghold of the average warriors, its main feature being a dense forest with paths dotted with streams. The best way to get around is by small boats, even if there is a terrestrial route. That day, a small boat was approaching a village's coast not far from the riverbank. This village was located deep within the region's lands. A village that Dagur knew well, it was where Sephora had first taken him*.
"I hope they don't shoot an arrow at us again," *said Brett, looking at the Killick to his right*.
"I said I was sorry," *replied Juno*.
*Dagur had included Juno in his small expedition after borrowing him from Kord. Sitting near the mast of the drakkar was Gothrun. The young warrior had covered his body with a cloak to hide his injury, and he sat there, staring at the woods, lost in thought. Just a few days earlier, he was arguing with Dagur*.
"I refuse to go back there. I'm willing to show you the way, but there's no way I'm going back."
"That's precisely what I'm asking. Show us the way."
"I meant on a map."
"Oh, I already know where the kingdom of Galveron is. That's not the path I was talking about."
"Have you lost your mind?"
*Dagur turned to him, grabbed him by the throat, and pinned him to the wall. Dagur might be shorter, but he was physically superior*.
"Listen, Gothy, haven't I been kind enough to you? I think I have."
"Just kill me. It won't be worse than going back there," *he said, choking*.
"I'll let Serina decide your fate. But for now, you have no say. However, I'll give you a chance to agree willingly. Don't tell me you don't want to avenge your comrades."
*Thinking back, Dagur still shivered. He seemed relaxed on the surface, but beneath his mask, he was extremely violent. But he wasn't the only one; the girl accompanying him was just as fierce*.
"Do you plan to find your sister? Well, good luck."
"Don't look at me like that, Phina. I need your help."
"Dagur, you just need my boat, not me."
"Don't take it like that. And I'm asking nicely."
"Screw your politeness," *she said, pulling away his hand*.
*He grabbed her by the shoulder, not with an angry look but with a serious yet pleading one*.
"Phina, I need you. It's about my sister. You probably understand how I feel better than anyone."
*She couldn't refuse when he put it that way. She said nothing and just left without a word. The next day, their small drakkar docked at the village's shores. The group mainly consisted of human guards accompanying Phina, Juno, Gothrun, and Dagur. As they stepped on land, they were greeted by a familiar face. The village chief, the first-order average warrior Ortega, and his wife Visra. At first, when he saw the young man, he almost mistook him for Sepphora, but upon a closer look, he understood and smiled*.
"Daguuur."
"Uncle Ortega."
*They exchanged a very manly hug, and after the usual greetings, they ended up having a drink together. Brett was surprised by their hospitality, especially seeing the human slaves around. Dagur had tied his hair like a ponytail at Kord's request so he'd look less feminine. He also wore loose dark-colored clothing and a hooded cloak, much like the assassins' outfit worn by Varken and Adali. Sitting at a table with Ortega and Visra, he took a drink*.
"Look how beautiful your fiancée is," *said an enthusiastic Visra*. "She will give birth to beautiful Killick babies."
*Phina tensed up and forced a smile, but Fryr jumped onto her lap, calming her down*.
"You seem less wild than the last time I saw you," *said Ortega*. "What's your secret, did your mother take you to see a Shaman or something?"
"He's just grown up a bit," *said Phina*.
"You and your men don't seem scared at all. On the contrary, they're still on edge."
"It's kind of you, but I've lived enough troublesome moment not to be burdened by emotions like fear," *she said, taking a sip from her drink*. "But if you want to see something scary, I can help," *she whispered*.
"It's okay, thank you, Phina. No need to get worked up," *said a flustered Dagur*.
"Well, she sure has a strong character," *said a voice behind him*.
*He turned around, and a shirtless warrior sat next to Phina*.
"Huh, what are you doing here?" *Phina asked in surprise*. "What happened to your hair?"
*The man burst into laughter and took a sip*.
"Sorry, you've probably confused me with someone else."
"Phina, here is Uncle Lerch, Kord's twin brother. He's different."
*Lerch indeed resembled Kord, but he smelled good, and his beard and hair were well-maintened. Plus, he had good manners. On closer inspection of his muscular body and silhouette, Phina blushed slightly and moved closer*.
"I can see that."
"Another victim of his charm," *said Visra*. "So Dagur, it's been a while since you've been here, and I assume you're here for a good reason."
*All eyes were on him as he crossed his legs and smiled*.
"I'd like to hire the family for an external job. Manual labor. It'll involve a lot of demolition and possibly some torture, depending on the situation. Generously paid, of course."
*They all looked at him, surprised. And for good reason; the boy they saw grow up was trying to poach them. On one hand, they were flattered, but on the other, it was more than logical since they were the Killick tribe with the best combat records. Even King Arthos held them in high regard and would sometimes visit in person. However*,
"Sorry, kid," *said Lerch*. "But it's a no."
"No?" *he asked, surprised*.
"Don't make that face; you'll scare us," *he said sarcastically*.
*He stood up and signaled Dagur to follow him. Phina wanted to come, but Visra grabbed her hand. Once they were away, the two Killicks could speak freely*.
"You know, every year, the tribes have to raid to meet quotas set by the kingdom. That's how our island has always operated."
"Yes. Every year, the tribes decide who goes on a raid and who stays to take care of the lands."
"Exactly," *said Lerch*. "Some tribes organize 5 to 6 raids to fill the quota, but the best do 3. However, our tribe," *he said, turning to Dagur*, "only does one raid a year."
"Just one..."
*He didn't finish his sentence, so surprised was he. Sephora had told him about their efficiency, but he hadn't imagined it was to this extent*.
"We're the best in all areas, scouting, looting, mercenary work. Some legions even try to poach our kids, but you know we won't let any of them go."
"Of course, it's our family after all."
"Which brings me to your point, Dagur. We already completed this year's raid two months ago, so we can't accommodate your request."
*The surprised young man looked thoughtful, then they continued walking*.
"I already know what you're going to tell me. You'll probably mention the benefits, but we're not motivated by money. You need an army of good soldiers, right?"
"Indeed."
*They stopped at the edge of a clearing where young Killicks were training to fight in groups*.
"What if I offered you something better than an army?" *Lerch said with a sly smile*.
*Meanwhile, in Arsiaga, at the administrative office of the Dedalus Legion, a man was rocking back on his chair, gazing out the window. He wore a red armor with gold stripes on the edges. On his shoulders was the number II, indicating his company's number. The warrior had braided hair except for the left side, where he had a bird tattoo. In the same room, a woman in the same set of armor sat on a desk, handling paperwork. She had short, flame-red hair with a white hue on the side strands*.
"I'm sorry for burdening you with this, Odelia. I'm just distracted lately."
"I understand, captain. With the recent major battle, we all have a lot on our minds. I think all the legions agree with the war minister's decision. Even the chief strategist agreed with this idea."
"That's not what's bothering me. It's just that the enemy was so strong that we had to mobilize three Legions, including ours. It's terrifying, don't you think?"
*She stopped writing and placed her hands on the table*.
"Stop overthinking. Focus on your family reunion instead."
"Oh, that. Hussein will probably make our ears bleed. Still, it would be nice to see Sin and Nova again. As for the young one... I've never met him; I wonder what kind of person he is."
"Dagur ? He's of the same generation as the prince. They say he's the strongest."
"The strongest, you say."
*Suddenly, the door burst open, and a warrior walked in with a letter*.
"The door, Levitus. The damn door."
"I'm sorry, captain, it's an urgent request. An order for remobilization."
"I decline. Tell the HQ that I refuse any remobilization orders until after my family reunion."
"It's a direct order from the war minister himself."
"The war minister?" *he said, widening his eyes*.
*Elsewhere, in the library where Hussein worked, a man brought him news*.
"So Hakim has been mobilized again, huh? That didn't take long. It means the reunion will have to be postponed. And what about the other one, Dagur? Did he get the letter?"
"Master, your younger brother sent a message saying he's going to look for your sister, and he'll be gone for at least a month."
"Why is he going to look for Serina? That makes no sense," *he wondered aloud*. "Okay, I understand the situation. Keep me informed."
"Yes, master. And your brother Nova?"
"He can free himself even in the middle of combat. I'm not worried about him. It's Hakim and the other two I'm concerned about. Nothing's ever simple with this family."
*End of the chapter*.
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