"GARRICK! WHERE ARE YOU? SHOW YOUR FACE!" Magnus's deep voice echoed through the village as he stepped down from the wagon, his boots hitting the ground with a solid thud. His eyes scanned the area with a mixture of urgency and determination, clearly expecting a response.
Cedric followed, his keen eyes taking in the surroundings. The village seemed ordinary enough, with a scattering of huts and houses built from a mix of wood and stone. However, what caught his attention were the inhabitants—lizardmen. They moved about their daily tasks with a natural grace, their scaled bodies glistening in the sunlight. Smaller versions of them ran around, playing like human children, their laughter and playful screeches filling the air.
The lizardmen looked at the newcomers with confusion, their eyes wide and curious. One lizardman, larger and seemingly older than the others, approached them cautiously while the rest hurriedly gathered their children and retreated to their homes, casting wary glances at the intruders. The air was thick with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"Welcome, human," the elder lizardman said in a neutral tone, his voice a deep, resonant hiss that carried a subtle authority. "What is the reason for this commotion?"
Magnus, still agitated, demanded, "I need to meet a man named Garrick. Where is he?"
The elder lizardman tilted his head, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Garrick? We do not know anyone by that name. Travelers come and go through our village. Perhaps the Garrick you seek has already moved on."
As Magnus's eyes darted around the village, he realized that his outburst had caused unease among the villagers. Children peeked out from behind their parents, their eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of fear. Adults watched warily from doorways and windows, their bodies tense.
Magnus took a deep breath, his demeanor softening. "I apologize for the disturbance," he said, addressing the elder lizardman with a respectful nod. "We didn't mean to intrude."
The elder lizardman nodded, his stance relaxing slightly. The tension in the air began to ease. "Your apology is accepted. You and your companions are welcome to stay in our village if you wish to rest. We have provisions and lodging for travelers."
Cedric stepped forward, his tone respectful. "Thank you for your hospitality. We appreciate it." As he spoke, his eyes continued to scan the surroundings, noting the positions of various huts and potential escape routes. He was still on high alert, assessing the village for any possible danger or hidden threats.
The village itself seemed peaceful, but Cedric's instincts kept him vigilant. The way the lizardmen moved, their cautious glances, and the subtle tension in the air all suggested that while they were not hostile, they were certainly wary of strangers.
Tristan and Elysia stepped out of the wagon, their curiosity piqued by the commotion. As the elder lizardman saw Tristan, he immediately bowed low, showing respect toward the human prince. "Your Highness," he intoned respectfully.
Tristan raised his hand with a warm smile, saying, "It's fine. If anything, I should be the one bowing, as we're intruding upon your village without warning."
The elder lizardman smiled a little and nodded his head. He waved his hand toward a nearby hut, indicating a place for them to rest. "Travelers can use this area to rest. There are no other travelers here currently, and you are welcome as long as you do not cause any trouble."
Tristan then added, "Most people don't know about my presence here. I'd prefer it if you could treat me just like any other traveler."
The elder lizardman’s eyes twinkled with understanding. "Of course, Your Highness. You and your companions will be treated as any other guests in our village."
Cedric stepped forward, "Thank you for the hospitality, but we're in a hurry to get somewhere else."
The elder lizardman glanced up at the sky for a moment, then looked back at Cedric. "There will be heavy rain in a couple of hours," he advised. "This time of the year, rain is frequent. It would be wise to rest here for the night."
Cedric considered the elder's words and nodded. "Well, we'll stay for a night then"
The team thanked the elder and went to the hut to check the inside and Cedric took charge of moving the wagon to a suitable spot. As he guided the horses, he noticed a child that looked remarkably like a human child running around with the lizard children. At first, he didn't think much of it, but then he took a closer look. The child had striking violet hair that cascaded in gentle waves down to her shoulders, catching the light with a soft, ethereal glow. Her eyes, a vivid shade of purple, were wide with curiosity and sparkled with a hint of mischief. Her delicate features and fair complexion stood out among the lizard children, making her presence even more perplexing. Why would there be a human child if there were no other humans in the village?
Curiosity piqued, Cedric stopped the wagon near the hut and dismounted. He walked over to the child, who was playing near a small garden. Kneeling down, he waved gently. "Hey there," he greeted with a smile.
The child, wide-eyed with surprise, turned and ran away, calling out, "Mom!"
A female lizardman emerged from a nearby house, her scales glinting in the sunlight. She picked up the child and asked, "What's wrong, Liora?" The child pointed at Cedric.
The mother smiled at her child and looked at Cedric reassuringly. "He's just another traveler, nothing to be scared of" she said softly, stroking the child's head.
Cedric then asked about the child, curiosity evident in his voice. "How did she come to be your daughter? I've never seen a normal-looking human with parents from another species."
The mother chuckled softly as she lowered the child, who quickly ran back to the other children to continue playing. "Liora wasn't my own child," she began, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and affection.
"She was left here by accident after a caravan passed through this village years ago. At first, I gave her a place to stay in case her parents came back to find her. But there were no signs of them returning."
Cedric listened intently, watching the children play as she continued. "As time went on, I felt a bond growing with Liora. I decided to raise her as my own. I'm happy that at least Liora was able to get some education. A benefactor came to take the children to a school. I'm grateful that a kind man helped us, I'm sad to see Liora leave home and go to school. But I also want her to explore the world outside the village and live her life to the fullest."
Tears seemed to be forming in Myssara's eyes as she spoke about the past. She wiped them away with a quick motion, then extended her hand. "My name is Myssara," she said, offering a smile through her tears.
Cedric shook her hand, feeling the hard, slippery texture of her scales. "Cedric," he introduced himself, matching her smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Myssara."
The exchange was brief but meaningful, a testament to the unexpected connections that could form even in the most unlikely of places. Cedric felt a deep respect for Myssara's kindness and strength.
Cedric went back to the hut and found Magnus unloading supplies from the wagon. Magnus glanced up as Cedric approached, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Where did you wander off to?" he asked.
Cedric began helping to unload the necessary items. "I was talking to one of the villagers. Her name is Myssara, and she told me about her adopted daughter, Liora. A benefactor came to take children to a school, so Liora was able to get some education. Myssara is grateful for the help but also sad to see Liora leave home."
Magnus laughed heartily. "Nice! Haha! I used to skip school with my mate Samus..." His laughter faded, and a shadow crossed his face. He quickly brushed it off, his tone changing abruptly. "Anyway, let's move these boxes into the hut, shall we?"
Cedric noticed the shift in Magnus's expression but decided not to press the matter. Everyone had memories they wished to forget. Instead, he focused on the task at hand, lifting a box filled with provisions and carrying it into the hut.
The interior was simple but welcoming, with straw mats laid out for sleeping and a small fire pit for warmth. The modest space was divided into two rooms. Elysia get the smaller room with the single bed, leaving the main room for the others.
Cedric looked around, assessing their sleeping arrangements. He then turned to Magnus. "Do you think the prince will be comfortable sleeping on the floor?"
Magnus replied. "You'd be surprised. He's more down-to-earth than most people think."
As they worked together, the mood lightened slightly. Elysia and Tristan joined them, organizing the supplies and making sure everything was in order. The small team worked efficiently, setting up their temporary lodging.
Elysia glanced at Cedric, noticing the contemplative look on his face. "Something on your mind?" she asked gently.
Cedric placed down a box and turned to Elysia. "We were just talking about the villagers and the school," he said.
Elysia smiled as she sat down and opened the box. "It's great that the children have a chance to get an education," she said, revealing an assortment of leaves and spices. She picked up a handful and looked at Cedric with a curious glint in her eye. "Do you have a favorite kind of tea?"
Cedric shook his head slightly. "I don't really have a preference. Anything will do."
Magnus, setting down a box next to Cedric, joined in the conversation. "Just as long as it's not black tea. I can't stand that smoky taste."
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Elysia giggled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Black tea is good for you, though."
Magnus crossed his arms and shook his head emphatically. "I don't care. I'd rather drink from a river than have black tea."
Their lighthearted exchange was interrupted when Tristan emerged from the bathing room, half-naked with a towel wrapped around his lower half. Elysia quickly turned away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Magnus seized the opportunity to tease her. "Looks like someone's appreciating the prince's firm chest," he said with a laugh.
Elysia smacked Magnus on the shoulder before hurrying out of the hut, still blushing. Tristan, realizing the situation, quickly apologized. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable."
Magnus chuckled. "No harm done, Your Highness. Just some harmless fun."
Tristan, still fastening his tunic, looked towards the door where Elysia had exited. "I should go after her and apologize properly." He continued dressing hurriedly as he spoke. "What do you think of the village?" he asked, fastening his belt. "We'll only be here for a short time. We'll leave at first light tomorrow."
Cedric answered Tristan's question while continuing to organize the supplies. "I met a villager named Myssara and her adopted daughter, Liora. Myssara mentioned a benefactor who takes the children to school."
Tristan paused, turning to Cedric with a puzzled expression. "A school? Out here? I don't remember any registered school around this area."
Magnus, still sorting through the supplies, added, "It could be just a small classroom or an informal place for basic education, Your highness. Most villages don’t have anything large enough for official registration. Plus, registering officially could cost them more money than they can afford."
Tristan nodded thoughtfully. "You’re right. That makes sense." He then hurried towards the door, calling out as he went. "Miss Priestess! Miss Elysia!"
Cedric watched him go, then resumed putting everything in its place. He set down his cloth and coat on his mattress, preparing for a bath. His mind, however, kept circling back to the benefactor. Could it really be a kind man helping a random village out of sheer benevolence? He agreed that children needed education, but something about this benefactor didn’t sit right with him.
Magnus noticed Cedric's pensive expression. "You look like you've got something on your mind, my friend"
Cedric nodded slowly. "This benefactor... it’s unusual. A stranger coming to a remote village, taking children to school out of kindness? It sounds noble, but I can't help feeling there's more to it."
Magnus shrugged. "Maybe he's just a good guy. There are some people who do charity to increase their influence in the society"
Cedric sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Hm…"
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After his bath, Cedric began putting on his clothes. As he buttoned his shirt, he glanced over at Magnus. "So, what’s your plan now that Garrick isn’t here?"
Magnus shrugged, a wry smile on his face. "I don’t know. I guess I’m stuck with you guys now. More helping hands will make things easier, right?"
Cedric sighed, shaking his head slightly. How did the guy who fought him become a teammate? But Magnus had a point. More help was always appreciated, especially when it wasn't a stealth operation he could handle alone. People's lives were on the line.
Magnus laughed and smacked Cedric on the back cheerfully. The force of the friendly gesture nearly sent Cedric sprawling face-first to the floor. He steadied himself, giving Magnus a half-amused, half-annoyed look.
"Easy there" Cedric muttered, rubbing his shoulder.
Magnus just grinned. "Come on, let’s see what’s going on outside."
The two walked out of the hut and saw the lizardmen gathering around a small campfire with a boiling pot suspended over it. The scene was warm and communal, with villagers chatting and preparing dinner together. Tristan and Elysia were already sitting with the group, their faces lit by the flickering firelight.
Cedric noticed something odd—both Tristan and Elysia seemed to be blushing. They were sitting a bit closer than usual, exchanging shy glances and smiles. Cedric raised an eyebrow, not particularly interested in their personal interactions but finding it a curious observation nonetheless.
As they approached the group, a lizardman looked up and waved them over. "Join us for dinner, friends," he said warmly. "We’re preparing a hearty stew."
Cedric and Magnus took seats near Tristan and Elysia. The aroma of the stew was inviting, filled with a mix of spices and fresh vegetables. The lizardmen continued their preparations, adding ingredients and stirring the pot.
Magnus leaned over to Cedric, whispering, "Looks like the prince and the priestess had an interesting talk."
"Yeah, but let's not intervene in their business"
As Cedric and Magnus settled near the campfire, they noticed another human sitting among the group. He quickly stood up and approached them with a wide smile, extending his hand in greeting. "Hello there! I'm Morvin, the benefactor."
Cedric shook his hand, taking the opportunity to observe him closely. Morvin had white hair and pale skin, but his face was marked with wrinkles despite appearing to be around Cedric's age. He looked skinny, with a friendly yet tired expression, suggesting he might not get much sleep.
"Cedric," he replied simply, releasing Morvin's hand. "Someone mentioned your school. Where is it located?"
Morvin beamed with pride. "It's not too far away, just an hour's walk from here. I love providing for others in need," he said, patting the head of one of the lizard children who had gathered around.
Magnus stepped forward to shake Morvin's hand. "Magnus Bertrand, nice to meet ya!" he introduced himself.
As they exchanged introductions, Cedric couldn't help but notice that Morvin's eyes kept drifting towards Liora, the young girl Myssara had adopted. The man’s gaze lingered a bit too long, a subtle intensity in his eyes that made Cedric uneasy.
Cedric decided not to say anything immediately but resolved to keep a close watch on Morvin. Something about the benefactor felt off, and he wanted to ensure the children, especially Liora, were safe.
Returning to his seat by the fire, Cedric kept his demeanor relaxed but alert. The group continued to chat and enjoy their meal, the aroma of the hearty stew filling the air. The lizardmen were excellent hosts, ensuring everyone had their fill and engaging in friendly conversations.
Morvin regaled the group with stories of his travels and the various children he had helped educate. He spoke passionately about the importance of learning and providing opportunities for those less fortunate. Yet, every now and then, his eyes would flicker back to Liora, who was playing nearby.
Magnus, ever the social one, asked, "So, Morvin, what made you start this school?"
Morvin smiled warmly. "I've always believed in the power of education. Growing up, I didn't have much, but I had access to knowledge, and that made all the difference. I wanted to give that same chance to others."
Understand, I'll proceed from your points and make the school seem empty with the adjustments you requested.
They enjoyed the dinner, which seemed early for the usual dinner time, but Cedric guessed it was due to the rain. The group sat around the campfire, the aroma of the hearty stew mingling with the fresh scent of rain. The atmosphere was warm and communal, with the lizardmen engaging in friendly conversations.
Time went on without any unusual events, except for the obvious tension between Tristan and Elysia. They kept stealing glances at each other, only to look away blushing whenever their eyes met. The children gathered around Morvin, captivated by his stories.
After dinner, Morvin thanked the villagers, who seemed genuinely fond of him. He bid them farewell, saying he would retreat back to his place.
Cedric waited for a few minutes before standing up. Magnus noticed and asked, "Where are you headed?"
Cedric replied, "Just want to check something out."
He began discreetly following Morvin, keeping to the shadows and hiding behind trees whenever Morvin looked back to check if anyone was following him. As he moved, the drizzle that had been falling turned into a steady rain, soaking the ground and making the air cool and damp.
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Morvin walked to an old building. Cedric took in his surroundings—a brick wall, a tiled roof, some cracked windows. Despite its age and wear, the building still appeared sturdy.
Understand, I'll proceed from your points and make it detailed.
They enjoyed the dinner, which seemed early for the usual dinner time, but Cedric guessed it was due to the rain. The group sat around the campfire, the aroma of the hearty stew mingling with the fresh scent of rain. The atmosphere was warm and communal, with the lizardmen engaging in friendly conversations.
Time went on without any unusual events, except for the obvious tension between Tristan and Elysia. They kept stealing glances at each other, only to look away blushing whenever their eyes met. The children gathered around Morvin, captivated by his stories.
After dinner, Morvin thanked the villagers, who seemed genuinely fond of him. He bid them farewell, saying he would retreat back to his place.
Cedric waited for a few minutes before standing up. Magnus noticed and asked, "Where are you headed?"
Cedric replied, "Just want to check something out."
He began discreetly following Morvin, keeping to the shadows and hiding behind trees whenever Morvin looked back to check if anyone was following him. As he moved, the drizzle that had been falling turned into a steady rain, soaking the ground and making the air cool and damp.
Morvin walked to an old building. Cedric took in his surroundings—a brick wall, a tiled roof, some cracked windows. Despite its age and wear, the building still appeared sturdy.
"Looks like a normal school to me," a voice said from behind Cedric, startling him. He turned quickly, elbowing the source of the voice, only to realize it was Magnus.
"Ow!" Magnus grunted, rubbing his face. "Easy there, it's just me. Why are you following Morvin?"
Cedric sighed, lowering his arm. "Sorry about that. I have a bad feeling about him. Something doesn't sit right."
Magnus nodded, looking around the building. "Fair enough. But from what I can see, it seems like a regular school. What's your plan?"
Cedric glanced back at the building, considering his next move. "We need to get a closer look. See if there’s anything suspicious."
Magnus grinned. "Alright, let's do it. Just try not to hit me again."
They approached the building cautiously, keeping to the shadows. The rain was now falling steadily, creating a rhythmic patter on the roof. Cedric peered through one of the cracked windows. Inside, he saw a simple classroom setup—desks, chairs, a chalkboard. Nothing out of the ordinary.
"Looks normal," Magnus whispered, glancing over Cedric's shoulder.
"Yeah," Cedric agreed, but something felt off. "Let's circle around, see if we can find another way in."
They crept around the building, checking for any signs of hidden activity. The rain made it harder to move silently, but they managed to find a side door slightly ajar. Cedric motioned for Magnus to follow him as they slipped inside.
The interior of the building was quiet, the only sound their footsteps echoing softly. Cedric led the way, checking each room carefully. They found more classrooms, a small library, and a storage room filled with supplies. Everything appeared normal, but Cedric remained vigilant.
"This place is deserted," Magnus muttered. "I guess it’s late, but still…"
"Yeah, and where’s Morvin?" Cedric added, his unease growing. "He should be here."
In the last room they checked, Cedric noticed something odd—a large, locked cabinet. He approached it, examining the lock. "This seems out of place."
Magnus looked around, making sure they were alone. "Want to open it?"
Cedric nodded. "Yeah, let’s see what’s inside."
Producing a small set of lockpicks from his pocket, Cedric got to work. Within moments, the lock clicked open. He opened the cabinet slowly, revealing not a collection of artifacts, but a hidden entrance to an underground cell.
Magnus whistled softly. "Well, that's definitely not normal."
Cedric looked down the dark stairway. "Looks like we found our answer. Let’s see what’s down there."
They descended the narrow steps cautiously, the damp air growing colder as they went deeper. At the bottom, they found a series of rooms. Inside one of the rooms, a group of children sat at tables, reading books with the titles: "Morgath: The Misunderstood Hero."
"This is insane" Magnus whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Cedric looked around, noting the fear in the children's eyes. "We need to get them out of here," he said, urgency in his voice.
Magnus nodded, moving quickly to unlock the cell doors. "Come on, kids, we’re getting you out of here," he said gently.
The children looked up, hope and confusion in their eyes. Cedric helped them to their feet, reassuring them as they guided the children up the stairs.
Once they were back in the classroom, Cedric turned to Magnus. "We need to find out more about this. Morvin's involvement and who’s behind this."
Magnus agreed. "But first, let’s get these kids back to the village."
As they walked out of the basement with the children, they encountered Morvin, who had come to check on the noise. His face twisted in anger and fear as he saw them.
"What are you doing!?" Morvin screamed.
Magnus acted swiftly, grabbing Morvin and pinning him against the wall. "Cedric, get the children back to the village. Now!"
Cedric quickly gathered the children, who looked bewildered and confused. They had no idea what was happening, thinking this was just a normal school where they were supposed to stay until they finished studying so they could go back home. Cedric took charge, leading them back through the rain, holding one of the children who seemed to be sick.
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As they arrived at the village, the lizardmen who saw them walking in the rain quickly called for everyone else to come and help. They brought warm clothes and blankets to dry and warm the children. The villagers moved efficiently, a testament to their strong sense of community.
Tristan and Elysia emerged from one of the huts, their faces filled with concern. Elysia rushed to Cedric. "Where did you disappear to? What's going on? Who are these children?"
Cedric explained, his voice steady but urgent. "Morvin was locking up these children, tricking them into believing that Morgath is a good person. He had them reading books that praised Morgath."
Tristan's face twisted in disbelief. "What? That can't be true. Where's Magnus?"
Before Cedric could respond, a loud crash interrupted them. Magnus came flying through the air, crashing into one of the huts with a thunderous impact. The walls splintered, and debris scattered as Magnus groaned in pain.
The lizardmen and villagers gasped in shock, their eyes widening at the sight. Elysia immediately ran to Magnus, her healing powers already at work, a soft glow emanating from her hands as she assessed his injuries.
Tristan's eyes narrowed with determination. "Stay here and protect the children," he ordered, his voice firm. "Cedric, you're with me."
Cedric nodded, his hand already moving to his sword. "Let's go."