The next morning, Aeric and the freed slaves were woken from their slumber by loud howling emanating from the forest. Aeric was used to hearing the calls of the howlers and was not bothered by it. Tinu has not heard of such primal calls before and awoke with a loud gasp. The calls of the howlers are well-known for its loudness and its deep timbre.

Tinu sat up quickly, eyes wide and darting around, looking for threats. He unwrapped himself from the cloak he was using to soften the ground he was sleeping on and crawled towards the softly snoring Aeric.

"Señor, señor, are we in danger?"

The frantic, whispery voice of Tinu woke Aeric from his rest. He found the man crouched low beside him, rubbing his hands in anxiety.

Aeric sat up and yawned loudly. He cracked his neck sat there with his eyes closed for a moment, fighting off the fog of sleep.

"Señor?"

It seems like Tinu would not allow him to go back to sleep. He opened his eyes and gave the rattled man a small smile.

"Good morning, Tinu. Yes, we are safe. Howlers are only a danger if you invade their space by approaching a family. The howling you are hearing right now is their way of scaring off predators and to announce their territory to other howler families. Besides, they don't like open spaces. The camp will be fine. Now, check on the others. If you are what I am to go by, they are probably panicking right now. Once they are reassured, start the campfire and get us some water. We have a long way ahead of us."

Tinu nodded then crawled back to his spot. He put on his new shoes then exited the small tent. The humid yet cool air of early morning entered through the open flap, filling the tent with the fresh smell of greenery. Aeric loved the smell of the jungle. It always helped clear his mind and remind him that the beauty of nature does not have to be strictly on how it looks like.

With Tinu busy with the others, Aeric took the time to take stock of himself. He was not injured during yesterday's raid, so that is a relief. He might know a thing or two about healing but most of what he learned about health is how to keep your body in good shape. It was something the militia had taught him and was expanded upon when he worked briefly with his town's wisewoman.  

He still has his spear but he has lost his arrow and atlatl to Kusaba. That was not a problem. Bamboo is plentiful in the Howling Jungle and Aeric knows the perfect place to harvest some good quality ones. He would make a couple more arrows but not for him. He now owns a much better ranged weapon. Aeric looked at the well-made crossbow placed on top of a small sack. If he could trade for or purchase some war shot quarrels, he would be much better prepared in confronting an armored foe.

Aeric silently chuckled at the thought. Since he came to living below the canopy of the green sea, he has yet to find the need for armor piercing weaponry. Most of what he battles are covered in fur and hide. Titan is probably the most well-protected creature in the jungle.

Speaking of the stone dog, a massive muzzle poked itself through the tent flap. Titan's head followed inside, sniffing around the small space. The stone dog whined since it couldn't get to Aeric. The tent was too small to accommodate something of his size.

"Here now, what are you whining about?" Aeric got up from his bedroll to scratch behind the dog's ears. Titan's eyes squinted in pleasure, his tongue lolling on the side. It is during these times that the stone dog reminds Aeric of his smaller cousins.

As the story goes, stone dogs were the product of the hubris of Agoutian war mages. In their insatiable quest to find more and more ways to make war, some long-dead mage had a bright idea of taking a wolfhound and making it the size of a horse. The mage argued that the dog would be the perfect war steed. Quick on its feet, dangerous to face, and extremely loyal. What they didn't count on was the growth of its intelligence during the experimentation in developing the breed. The process was supposedly a very painful one for the dogs under their care. Once they have perfected the procedure, the mages casted their magic on a pack of three hundred dogs, plentiful enough to test their mettle in battle. The casting took a lot from the mages because it required an enormous amount of energy and concentration. They were greatly weakened during the procedure and were extremely vulnerable. One of the smarter wolfhounds took advantage of that. Just as the last dog was transmuted, the alpha of the pack led the large, angry wolfhounds to attack their tormentors. The mages couldn't defend themselves and were not prepared for such a situation. There are still some people that say that the blood of the war mages still stains the war college in Agoutia.

"We have a big day today, boy. We'll be helping these people to the city so behave. They are friends now. Understand? friends." Aeric held the stone dog's jaw in his hands so that he could stare at his soft, brown eyes. He made sure that the dog understood him before giving him a quick pat on the snout then shoving him outside. Titan backed out of the tent flap he was blocking and padded his way towards the hounds. It seems like the hounds had made peace with the larger creature and were jumping and yipping at the arriving stone dog. Titan strode among them, not paying attention to the hounds as they nudged at him while presenting their bellies. They have a new pack leader now.

Aeric stood outside the tent with his spear in hand and crossbow clipped to his belt. He decided not to wear the sword since he didn't actually know how to use it and that would just feed his ego. He doesn't need to impress anybody here in the jungle.

Aeric took a deep breath as he surveyed the camp. The larger tent disgorged the others as they filed out into the morning light. It was yet early in the morning so the brightness of the sun does not bring with it the heat but that would change soon.

The group approached Aeric while he stood there. Aeric frowned when he noticed that they were keeping their eyes on the ground. He understood that it was slave training to not look at your betters in the eye but that is dangerous out in the wild.

"Keep your heads up. Eyes on the horizon. Danger would come from the trees once we enter the jungle. There is no need to stare at the ground. I know it would take some doing but we are going to work on that for the next few days." Aeric said.

The group was a little surprised then understanding dawned in their face. The idea that they were no longer slaves is more than saying it. The days ahead would be hard for the group when they arrive at the port city. Their caretakers for the initial months of their stay there would have their work cut out for them as they try to make the group unlearn their slave training. The Agoutians nodded or verbally affirmed but Aeric doubted that it would happen anytime soon.

"Alright, time to get to work. Tinu and Amon, please start packing up the things we will need from the camp. We have three striders we can use so you can load them up. We would be traveling by foot. Kusaba, take out the meat we've set to cure last night and make a smoker for it. There's a lot of meat to jerk so make it a good size one. Mella and Piyesa, let's go and check up on our animals. The striders and the hounds could probably do with some water."

Our small group moved around the camp, doing our duties. Tinu and Amon weren't so sure as to what qualifies as something necessary other than food and water so they constantly had to check with Aeric. The striders are strong animals and could carry everything, they did so coming here, but it would be best to keep them lightly burdened. They have four days of travel ahead of them. They would last longer with a lighter load. Kusaba went to the nearby underbrush to collect some deadfall for the smoker. He lashed together some poles made from branches he cleaned to make a typical smoking rack. He then used some of the canvas to wrap around the poles to concentrate the smoke coming out from the fire pit he made underneath the rack. It was done neatly and efficiently. It would take about four bells before the meat would be done. By then, Aeric was expecting that they would be ready to leave.

While the men were busy with their camp duties, Aeric and the women took a look at the hounds. They look like they were doing well, rolling around on the ground playing with each other. Titan had situated himself in the middle of the pack, laying there like a bitch with her pups. Mella and Piyesa looked at Aeric for reassurance as they were wary of approaching the stone dog. Titan made their lives easier by getting up and moving to greet the women. Mella made a small squeak when Titan stood before her. She closed her eyes and stood frozen in fear. Her eyes flew open with surprise when Titan bathed her face with his long tongue, giving her a good lick. He then nudged her in her breast, asking for some petting. Mella hesitantly reached out her arm then slowly rubbed the stone dog's head. Titan's squinting eyes evidenced his pleasure, putting the woman more at ease. He then repeated the same greeting with Piyesa. She was more willing to touch the stone dog after watching the interaction between Titan and Mella.

With both women more comfortable with the stone dog in their midst, both Mella and Piyesa corralled the hounds before Aeric. He could see that there were no visible impediments in the movement of the hounds but he wanted to check them to be sure.

Aeric learned about animal care from one of the cattle ranchers bordering the jungle. When Titan first came into his care, he had no idea on how to address the injured stone dog pup. There were some cuts and bruises along its body and some of the injuries were weeping blood. He was thinking of leaving the pup to the mercy of the jungle but the whining little thing tugged at his heart strings. There was a family of cattle ranchers living a couple of day's travel from his home so Aeric decided to take a trip there and see if he could find some help. If they were not able to treat the pup, then the pup was destined to enter Gaia's embrace. In the three days he took to get there, Aeric had cared for the pup at the best of his knowledge. He used a small pouch to carry the injured stone dog and fed him bits and pieces of his meals. The pup was old enough to be able to eat solid food but only if it was softened.

Aeric arrived at the ranch mid afternoon of the third day. The ranch was a sprawling affair, a largish stone home with an attached stable in the middle of a large, flat land. Aeric noticed and approved of the work done on the land. There were no stumps and most of the larger stones have been removed to maximize the space. Grass grows quick in the tropics so by the time the herd had worked itself to one end of the property, the other side would have tall, green grass available for grazing.

The rancher and his family greeted Aeric by the steps. He had met them before, trading hide and herbs for some worked leather. The owner of the land is an older man, gray streaks running down his hair and beard. He was shocked to see Aeric with a stone dog pup. These creatures are normally owned and bred by the nobility. To see a hermit with such a noble creature was like seeing a street urchin owning an imperial war horse.

Aeric showed them the injured, and probably, sick pup and asked if there was anything they could do. The mistress of the home was knowledgeable in hound care since they use hounds to protect their herds. They agreed to help the pup and teach Aeric on how to care for it if he could get rid of the duskwalker that had been stalking their cows. Aeric agreed and set out to trap the creature. He left the stone dog to the rancher's ministrations.

Duskwalkers are bipedal, cold-blooded hunters that normally live a solitary life. They only meet others of their kind once a year to mate. Duskwalkers have thick, scaly hides and long serrated claws that they use to disembowel their prey. They are nominally ambush predators, they keep themselves behind bushes or trees. Their wide mouths are filled with half a finger's length of teeth. Some made the comment that duskwalkers look like walking sharks, if they had arms and claws.

Aeric returned two days later with the hide of the duskwalker. It didn't take him long to find it. Killing it proved to the more challenging task. Duskwalkers are strong, fast in a straight chase, and vicious in a fight. Their main failing is their stupidity and single-mindedness. Aeric trapped a long-tooth deer early in the hunt and used the animal as bait. When the duskwalker pounced on the hobbled deer, Aeric threw an arrow at it from his constructed low platform on a tree. It didn't penetrate too deeply because of the duskwalker's thick hide but it did slow it enough that he was able to drop on it from above, killing it with his spear.

The rancher was happy that the threat to his herd was gone and his wife immediately set to teaching Aeric how to care for hounds and their ilk. She used their ranch hounds to demonstrate some caring practices and showed Aeric how to heal the stone dog pup properly. A couple more days and the pup was showing signs of energy, playing with the family hound. When Aeric finally left for home, the pup was able to walk beside him for short periods of time. Aeric never questioned how he came about to finding a lone stone dog in the middle of the jungle. He said as much to the rancher who offered to buy Titan, which he declined. All he knows is that he found a companion to make his jungle life more comfortable.

In the years that followed, Aeric would make a trek a couple of times a year to the ranch to trade for some metalwork or leather. Nails, hinges, and modern tools he cannot make for himself. He paid them back with rare herbs and the occasional predator-clearing work. He became friendly with the rancher family. It still warms his heart every time he sees the orderly stone house whenever he visits.

Aeric snapped out of his nostalgia as one of the hounds sniffed at his feet. Aeric smiled and crouched down to present a smaller form, making himself look less of a threat and more of a friend. He let the hound approach him on its own accord while speaking nothings in a soft tone. Eventually, the hound must have decided that he was not there to hurt it as it allowed Aeric to pet it.

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Aeric repeated the process with the other hounds while checking them for sickness. They were all well-fed and energetic but he did notice that the hounds were coughing and vomiting at times. That normally is a sign of worms in their body. Calling Mella and Piyesa to sit beside him, he started instructing them in the rudimentary ways of detecting sickness in hounds and what are the possible cures for it. Thankfully, most of the medicine they would need can be found in the jungle, if you know where to look for.

"Señor, you fight and also heal. Is there no need of your skills in the city?" Mella asked as she rubbed the tummy of a brown-spotted hound on her feet.

"In Idaca, all men of sixteen years are to serve in the army. I've served as a hastati, that is a raw recruit, for my town's militia until I finished my second year. After that, I was made peditatus, an infantryman, for three more. Our town's militia was mostly used to chase bandits and guard the cities when the legionnaires are away fighting somebody. We are to serve five years or face imprisonment and branding. I've learned to heal mostly just to keep myself from getting sick since my family at that time was poor and cannot afford a healer.

So you see, there is no lack of fighting men in Idaca. In fact, there are too many of us. Most that come back from the battlefield have lost a limb or an eye, making them undesirables. Agoutia is always pushing and testing our borders, trying to look for weakness and an excuse to go to war. the Idacan lands are half the size of Agoutia. We have to conscript or face invasion.

Like I've said last evening, my living in the jungle is of my own free will. The city has lost its appeal to me. I've come to love the simplicity of living in the wild. It marks me as an odd one in the eyes of most Idacans, even among my siblings, but I'm content. Besides, I still serve in my own way. I report strange soldiers that brave the jungle to the local garrison captain in Cornago. Also, you are not the first group of slaves I've had helped make it to Idacan lands. Salvación is about a ten-day trip from here. Many had crossed under the green canopies to find freedom."

Mella listened closely to Aeric's reasoning. It has not come to a surprise to him. Most people associate jungle-living hermits as unsociable, moon-crazed old men. Granted, he hasn't told her the other reasons why he was in the jungle but he chose not to burden her with that.

Piyesa cleared her throat to get Aeric's attention.

"Yes, Piyesa. No need for subtlety. Just ask if you need something." Aeric said with a grin to the abashed woman.

"Well, señor, I was just wondering about you saying you report to a, what is it? a captain? I am not familiar of this title. Mella and I were house slaves and have become familiar with the ranks of the soldiery of Idaca. We normally overhear the nobles talk about, or curse, the legionnaires of Idaca but never heard of this title."

That was a revelation to Aeric. The women were not just some mute slaves that sit in a corner agonizing about their station in life. They actually educated themselves from overheard conversations. This is good for them.

"Very observant, Piyesa. Yes, Captain is the rank and it is a new one. A year after my 5-year service, the Idacan senate went through a period of reformation. The old senate body was abolished and was replaced by a meritocracy patterned after a council-guided monarchy. So we have a king, but the king could be replaced by anybody deemed worthy by the council after a period of at least ten years of rule. There are the Laws of the Land that is immune to royal decree so even if they change the king every year, the basic rights of the land would be upheld.

Under this new form of government, the army also was restructured. Gone now are the old ranks and obsolete practices. A number of our well-traveled Legates brought back new knowledge in the military arts from the nations across the sea. Many things have changed in the army, and the ranks are the least of them. I am not fully informed of how much it has changed since it has been a long time since I've held a spear for the king. I suspect you'll know more once you're settled in Cornago."

The hounds will be fine after a few days of medication. Aeric would be mixing some powdered Gallata roots in their food to kill their worm infestation.

After looking after the hounds, he asked that the women check on the striders. Aeric has very little contact with the creatures. They would know better how to care for them than him. Aeric could see that the camp was halfway torn down. Tinu and Amon were working in tandem to pack everything they could possibly need. He had to advise them to leave some things since where they are going, they're not going to need a lot.

The air was starting to warm up as the sun moves higher in the sky. A light sheen of sweat formed on Aeric's face while he gave a hand here and there in clearing the camp. It amused him that he was rendered mostly useless in this. The Agoutains work fast, efficient, and without complaint. It took half a bell before everything was packed and ready to go. The meat still has some time to smoke on the rack so Aeric had the group training with their weapons. Aeric had Tinu and Amon move their targets to sixty paces and worked with the other three on their polearms. Aeric had them practice presenting a firmer front in case of larger creatures or more proficient foes such as trained fighters. He primarily focused on having two engage from the front while the other circle towards the offhand to flank. Aeric had them move around and switch roles while he attacked them with the butt of his spear. There is a lot left to be desired with their handling but Aeric is confident that to a man, they could handle an enemy equipped with a shorter weapon and middling skill.

The morning was getting on and the meat was about done. Aeric tried a strip of jerky and was pleased with the result. The herbs worked itself in the meat, giving it a slightly earthy taste.

Aeric ended the weapons training and had the Agoutians ready for travel.

The bright sunlight was already becoming uncomfortable when they left. It was a relief for Aeric to be under the canopy of the Howling Jungle. The humid air ensured that everybody was sweating but it was familiar discomfort for Aeric. It was not unpleasant for him. They had only been traveling for two bells and he could see that his companions were breathing heavy and soaked their clothes through with sweat. They've already finished off one skin of water. Aeric almost gagged when he drank from one of the skins. The water was stale and has a peculiar taste that he didn't care for at all.

The group has entered a small glade dotted with clumps of bamboo trees. There were some areas covered with them in the Howling Jungle but they can generally be found everywhere. Aeric called for a stop and let the group rest. He realized that the Agoutians have very little experience in walking through a thick jungle and it was sapping their energy quickly.

A small stream meandered through the clearing. The small, tired group halted by its bank. Aeric took the axe from one of the lead strider's bags and went to the nearest bamboo growths.

Finding a size that he liked, Aeric cut the bamboo into segments, ensuring that each segment has its membrane intact. He worked each of the six segments that he had cut has one end closer to the membrane and the other cleared of it. Using his hunting knife, Aeric cut a small lip on the opened end then shook the segment to rid of it of splinters and shavings.

Aeric brought the worked segments back to the group and gave each one a segment of their own.

"Ah, señor?" Amon asked, looking confused with his bamboo segment.

"I don't like how our water taste. This is how I carry water and I wanted to share it with you. I gave each one of you your own so if you want to use it, you can."

Aeric dipped his bamboo bottle in the stream and filled it with fresh water. He drank from the lip and covered the open hole with a small wooden plug he retrieved from his old one that he threw.

"This way, my water would not taste strange." Aeric said with a smile. The others' interest were piqued and they all tried their water bottles. The group was visibly pleased as they all smiled on how the water didn't have the taste of leather or hide. Aeric helped them find the appropriate fibrous wood to make into small plugs.

"Bamboos are excellent crafting materials. I've used bamboo for all sorts of things. I even use it to cook rice, when I could afford to buy some from the city, that is. It's light in weight and is readily available here, in the Howling Jungle." Aeric waved at the cluster of bamboo hugging the stream bank.

"We do not have such plants, señor. We have just recently arrived at Salvación with señor Miguel. Across the sea in Eksamia, we have tall trees that grow to great heights. They are at least three men in width and is very hard to cut. Our forests are as big as what we have seen here, señor but not as dense. It is very difficult for us to move here. Even the heat and humidity makes breathing a battle." Mella's soft voice was tinged with exhaustion. She was working on her legs, massaging the knots that have formed.

"It is also much more dangerous from what we have heard, señor. We have seen a terrifying creature when we first entered the jungle. Our master was able to scare it away and we've only seen it from a distance but it was horrible." Kusaba's wide eyes evidenced his fear for it.

"You've probably seen a duskwalker. They're the only predator here that presents a danger to skilled woodsmen. We also have some spitter snakes and howler-eating eagles but they give people a wide berth. Do not worry, Titan can smell duskwalkers from far off and if we do stumble into one, I am confident that we could handle it, together." Aeric shook the spear in his hand, reminding the others that they are properly armed too.

Aeric made sure that they understood that they would face challenges together. Making them feel as worthy comrades in a group will help them think that they are valued, not just some walking furniture. Titan also helped by showing some affection to the Agoutians. He would lick at them or whine for a petting once in a while when he fades in back to the group after scouting from the front. That simple action of petting the stone dog made the Agoutians smile and appreciate the fact that nothing is asked of them, just a touch of a hand on the head.

"Come, Kusaba. Let me show you how to make an arrow for that atlatl you have." Aeric thrust out his arm, helping the man up.

Together, they searched for an appropriately sized bamboo to make ammunition. The bamboo arrow has to be thin enough for it to be light and easily thrown but not too light that it would not have enough penetrating power. A bamboo arrow would be enough for any creature they would meet in the jungle. It could also down an unarmored man, as Aeric had done the previous night. Aeric instructed Kusaba on how to select a good, straight bamboo and how to cut it to a point. He let the man do it by himself and just stood by his side giving instructions. Aeric had him make two arrows and had them racked on the striders.

The group spent a couple more knuckles before Aeric had them up and walking in short order. The day ended with them having to take two more breaks at two bell intervals but they made good time. With Titan scouting ahead, they were able to avoid any lurking predators and Aeric would drop back every so often to check on Kusaba, who he had guarding their rear. He had to admonish them to put eyes on the canopies regularly. It is a human failing. We as a species do not find it natural to look up.

On the second day of their travel, Tinu walked abreast Aeric. They were in a particularly dense area of the jungle and they had to find their way around an impassable undergrowth.

Aeric gave the man a nod and let him set the tone of the conversation. The Agoutians generally keep to themselves and this is the first time one of them have approached him for something not necessary.

"May... I ask a question, señor?"

"Tinu, I ask for no toll for knowledge. How can I help you?"

"My gratitude, señor. I was wondering, why do you help us? Of course, we are in your debt and are very happy to no longer be slaves but, why? We do not have anything to give in return." Tinu hurriedly wanted to assure Aeric that they were ecstatic about their current freedom but was also apprehensive of being asked to give something they're not in possession of. Damnable Agoutian slave culture.

Aeric wanted to give the man as honest an answer he could give some he took some time to think about it deeply. Tinu walked beside him silently, giving him quick glances often to see if he was thinking or didn't want to answer.

"Why not?" Aeric finally said.

"Señor?"

"I said, why not help you?"

"Er... I don't know?" Tinu's face almost made Aeric laugh. He grinned at the bewildered man and opened his arm wide.

"What is wrong in helping you? Granted, I originally thought of hiding and avoiding your hunting party when I heard those striders crashing through the jungle but then I saw that bastardo nobleman. I. Hate. Slavers. So, I waited until the dead of night before I introduced that drunken stolto to my spear.

Once he was dead, all of you would have died in the jungle. Like what I have said multiple times before, the Howling Jungle is dangerous. It does not cost me anything to help you. In fact, I have more valuable possessions now than I have ever before.

There is also my duty as an Idacan. I do not live within the kingdom but that does not erase the fact that more than half of my life I've lived under Idacan culture and law. To let you and the others die as slaves is abhorrent to me.

Lastly, I do not live in the jungle because I hate people. I like people and visit my friends and associates regularly. I do not see others on a daily basis but do not mistake that for a dislike of companionship. I am enjoying your companionship right now. I'm no miser to ask for payment for knowledge that you will need to survive or make a life for yourself or some old hermit tired of others. I am simply doing what I feel is right and what I want." Aeric said, pleased with how well he was able to put his thoughts into words.

Tinu listened and bobbed his head when Aeric made his points. The man was visibly pleased to hear that they were freed not out of need but due to a man's principle and good intentions.

"Thank you, señor." Was all Tinu replied before he moved back to his place.

The third day went faster as the Agoutians were becoming more used to the jungle. They still need breaks but they could travel at a more brisk pace. They would camp near the edge of the jungle tonight before they take the king's highway to reach Cornago. Amon was able to shoot down a plump, bright red pheasant that they made into a stew. Piyesa was also able to dig up some sweet potatoes to add to the pot.

The fourth day, they started early. Aeric wanted to reach the city before the gates closed. A good mug of ale tantalizing his thoughts. He has a favorite tavern that he often visits. He also considered that he would make a lot of money from this trip too. He planned to sell the nobleman's small, ornate chest. There were some gems inside that he split with the Agoutians. They initially rejected and tried to give it to him but he insisted and shoved the gems back. He explained that city life in not cheap and it would go a long way in keeping them comfortable. They agreed, albeit reluctantly.

Aeric must have been day dreaming because he was startled when Piyesa called for him.

"Señor, señor!" She was talking softly but it was apparent that she didn't want to bother Aeric if he was thinking.

"Yes, Piyesa?" Instead of answering, the woman just pointed at the sky. The canopy was thinning out a bit now that they were in Idacan lands and Aeric noticed that the sky was dark. It was still noon so it shouldn't be.

Finding a more open space, Aeric could see that the sky was dark because of smoke. He frowned and halted the group. The smoke was too big for it to be a campfire and too far away for it to be the jungle. Besides, it is difficult to set the jungle on fire. There is too much moisture.

Aeric had the group find a small clearing and had them rest.

"Stay here. I have to check on something. I'll be back in a couple of bells." Aeric announced to the resting group.

"But, señor! what if there is danger about? We are not familiar with this jungle." Kusaba's concerned voice made the group's thoughts known.

"Titan will stay here to guard you. He can protect you if needed. Do not fear. I will not be gone long." The Agoutians watched as Aeric took Titan's massive head and looked into his eyes.

"I have to leave. I'll be back soon. Protect the group, understand? Protect." Aeric pointed at the sitting Agoutians. Titan chuffed softly and nudged him on the chest. Satisfied, he waved to the group and left.

Without the need to keep pace with the Agoutians, Aeric made good time walking through the jungle. It was less than a bell when he stopped at the treeline. Cornago had cleared a wide space of jungle surrounding the city to prevent being surprised by a hostile force.

It did not help.

Crouching behind tall grass, a file of soldiers patrolled the king's highway. Aeric could see that these were Agoutians based on the light tabards they wore. The golden sword was emblazoned in the middle surrounded by a thorny wreath, the symbol of the Agoutian empire.

Aeric watched them pass him by, they were riding mountain horses and were traveling towards the farmlands. Aeric waited a few more knuckles after they were out of sight before he climbed a tree to get a look at the city. It was still a ways off but very visible. His fears were founded.

The city was under siege.