‘Alright, two of the three ultimate questions,’ Keagan thought with a laugh as he answered, "Keagan, from the land beyond the violent sea... You didn't answer my question," Keagan simply said.
The priest seemed taken aback by the answer. "How did you learn of the old language?" he asked.
Keagan simply looked at him with raised eyebrows. The priest sighed. "Somewhat," he admitted. "It's written in our celestial book. It could be interpreted as a prophecy or a statement, but truly, it's a reminder..."
"A reminder of what?" Keagan asked, curios.
"As long as we walk in this land, damnation is at hand, whether it be by our hands, diseases, war, or famine, it is inevitable. Now, answer my question: how did you learn the language?"
‘Damnation,' Keagan thought, then absentmindedly answered, "From someone who knew it. I studied it for a time as well. You mentioned this 'celestial' book. What does it contain?" he asked, as if they were playing a game of questions and answers.
The two children had lost interest in the conversation and were now littering the room no longer afraid of the guards. Seeing the situation, the guards drew their weapons back.
"The books contain the musings of an ancient civilization," the priest answered and then asked, "How did you learn the language?"
"His ancestors might know of it, so he learned it too," Keagan said simply, eyeing the priest. He knew his answer had sparked some kind of thought in the priest's head, but he wasn't sure what exactly.
"Can I see this book?" Keagan asked. The priest quickly shook his head. "Only the priests of the temples are allowed to read it," he explained. "We aren't even allowed to make copies or notes of it."
Just as the priest was about to ask his own question, newcomers entered the room. Unlike the tower guards, who only carried spears, the newcomers, five in number, wore a type of thin steel and plated armor, cleverly combined to offer protection without sacrificing mobility.
With them was Russ, looking wary and a little afraid. Keagan and Russ exchange looks as Russ let out a wry smile.
"You're definitely the one we're looking for," the person in the middle declared. He was the only one of the group with complete chest plate, and a sword hung from his waist. He scanned Keagan up and down with a scrutinizing gaze.
"You and your companions are to come with us," he said in an authoritative tone. The siblings huddled closer to Keagan at his words.
Keagan eyed the man in chest plate armor before turning back to the priest. He placed ten primal coins on the table. "Ten primals," he said. "Take care of them."
From what he could see, the tower seemed a suitable place for children, at the very least they have a reputation to keep so they shouldn’t be abusing children.
"You haven't finished teaching me to fight..." A voice, strong at first, faltered on the last word. Keagan turned to see Ollie, his head hanging low. His sister clutched his clothes, her eyes wide and watery as she looked directly at Keagan.
Keagan couldn't hide a sigh. He squatted down to meet their eyes. "You're better off without me, kid," he said, his voice heavy. "Be strong for each other, and for yourselves." It was final. He could forgive those who wished him harm - there were plenty of them already. But he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if something happened to these kids because of him.
Meanwhile, seeing the amount, the priest hesitated even more than before. He stared at the children, then sighed. "I suppose I could take care of them personally until the Tower accepts them..."
Just as the priest reached for the coins, the man in chest plate armor spoke. "All your companions," he said, eyeing the two children before glancing back at Keagan.
Keagan stood up and frowned slightly at this. "They're just children without a home," he said. "I'm simply handing them off to someone like the Tower who can care for them properly, they’re not under me, hence they’re not included."
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The man with his hair tied in a ponytail frowned in response. "Nevertheless," he insisted, "they have been your companions. Therefore, they must come with us as well."
Keagan pondered this for a moment, then glanced towards the priest. The priest seemed to have regained his dignity, his expression now passive as he watched the exchange with the coins untouched on the table. His earlier acceptance had vanished.
Keagan sighed. If the priest insisted on taking the children, Keagan would have supported it. But the priest clearly didn't want to go against whoever sent these men. "Let's go then," he said flatly.
----------------------------------------
"We can set aside the issue with the Frey family for now. No decision can truly be made until the heir is born."
"Agreed."
"On to the next matter..."
In a meeting room, a long, large table sits in the center enough to seat more than a dozen people. However, only five people are seated around it. The Lord of Reede, despite the hall and castle being his, sits at the side of the head table. Instead, the High Lord sits at the head of the table, with his advisor to his right. His former daughter-in-law sits across from him, with another advisor beside her.
"The chaos at the blood mines continues to escalate. More and more mercenaries are joining the battle. If this must continue..." Lord Reede's sentence was cut off as someone entered the door and whispered something in his ear.
When the whispering ended, Lord Reede's face showed raised eyebrows. Surprise was evident in his eyes.
"Is something wrong?" the High Lord seated at the head table asked. Lord Reede immediately responded.
"Hmm, it seems a peculiar person has entered the city..."
"What kind of peculiarity?" The advisor from House Jade asked.
Lord Reede turned towards the High Lord, then at his former daughter-in-law.
"A man with an appearance unlike anyone from this land. He has hair with streaks of orange, and his eyes with the same color,"
The High Lord's granddaughter reacted with a raised eyebrow. "A foreigner?" she asked, her gaze fixed on her grandfather. "Is he one of those people with the well-made weapons?"
The High Lord let out a small sigh. "Is there a letter from House Rain regarding this foreigner?"
Lord Reede, was surprised that the High Lord seemed to know more but only mildly, replied, "Yes, there is a letter, though I'm unsure of its content. Lord Lesly has only just informed a servant and quickly informed me."
"Well then," the High Lord said, scanning the room, "Let us welcome this friend from afar."
A small commotion soon buzzed through the castle at the sudden news. A foreigner from the land beyond the violent sea had arrived. What's more, all the lords had been called to "welcome" this foreigner, as if he were some kind of important man.
'Who is this foreigner to warrant them all to gather?' they thought collectively. Only two lords had a faint idea of who this foreigner might be or at least possessed some knowledge about him. One lord in particular was probably not having a good time right now. Lord Reede grinned at the thought. He had briefly spoken with the heir of House Rain after the metting, and he had an idea why the foreigner was in the city.
Once the receiving hall was filled and everyone had taken their usual places, he beckoned a servant to bring in the foreigner immediately.
As they waited, Lord Reede turned to Lady Aria. "It is fortunate this foreigner is alive, my lady. At last, we may gain some insight into our neighbors beyond the violent storms."
"Yes, Lord Reede," The high lady replied, "I can only hope this foreigner isn't a savage."
"Let's hope so," Lord Reede said, glancing at the weapons placed beside the High Lord's chair. "Your Excellency," he addressed the High Lord, "I'm sure you're aware, but this foreigner is likely the owner of these items. I fear he might request their return." As he finished speaking, he cast a sidelong glance toward Lord June, who briefly flashed an ugly look. Lord Reede couldn't help but grin seeing that.
"That may be so," The High Lord simply said. "Let us first hear what he has to say." At those words, the doors opened. A man stood there, his appearance immediately sparking faint gossip and mutters in the hall.
The High Lord narrowed his eyes as the foreigner approached. The man's gaze was casual, scanning the people and the hall without seeming like a bumpkin. He walked with steady steps, exuding strength. His demeanor and expression were relaxed as if he were at home.
Whoever this commoner was, he wasn't ordinary, Lord Reede concluded. As the foreigner drew closer, Lord Reede could examine his face more closely. With his gleaming orange eyes and black hair streaked with orange, the man was quite handsome, albeit a little dirty. It seems there wasn't enough time to give him a bath.
Finally, the foreigner stopped. The seats where they sat were elevated by a few steps, placing him below. Yet, his gaze and attitude made it feel as if he stood before them as an equal.
A herald stepped forward and boomed, "You stand before the lords of the region and the Great Lord of this castle: Lord Reede. Here too are the High Lady Aria Jade, daughter of the Head of the High House of Jade, and the most distinguished, the most high, former head of House Jade, Wyan Yuuge Jade!"
The herald's voice boomed. The lords in the hall bowed in respect, but the foreigner remained standing, his gaze sweeping over them. Some lords seemed to take offense and bristled, but upon seeing Lord Reede's amusement, they stopped.
The foreigner piqued the castle owner's curiosity even further.
"Welcome"