Chapter 17

  The journey to the south of the Empire was easier than Drakkel first thought. The weather was beginning to warm up and thick cloaks were no longer needed to travel around.

  Taking the exit that laid in a forest between Immortal Peak and Lunala Isle, they reached Shadowy Ridges in only a few days.

  They passed some Sword Fighters on the way, but none were aware of them. It seemed they were still specifically looking for Drakkel or Drakkel and Rillian Adore together as the portraits they held now pictured both of them. When they passed these groups and were asked about the people on the portraits, they only said they hadn't seen anyone strange and went on their way.

  Because they all knew Ri’en and Secily, and Aurien Wavel wanted to thank them again for their help, they decided to stay at Shadowy Ridges for a day or two.

  When they reached the outer town, it was much different than Drakkel had remembered. The once sad and desolate town was now filled with smiling people.

  Stalls sat along the street side as people waited in lines to buy from them. The streets were well-lit with hanging lamps and the abandoned buildings were now cleaned and filled.

  With sounds of cheer drifting through the air and surrounded by a healthy atmosphere, Drakkel had to say that Ri’en and Secily had done a great job.

  Although the town looked different, the layout was still the same. So as they headed to the Town Lord’s manor, Drakkel already knew the way.

  The once large and extravagant Town Lord’s manner, surrounded and filled with expensive embellishments, now modestly sat in its previous location, smaller in size and with only a few local flowers sitting at the front.

  With the sky displaying an array of orange and yellow hues overhead, the group waited as Aurien Wavel knocked on the door.

  The person who came to answer a few moments later was someone that Drakkel hadn’t seen in a long time.

  Aurien Wavel smiled. “We’re back, Ton.”

  Ton’s eyes widened as he heard the familiar voice. “Sir Aurien? Is it really you?”

  Aurien Wavel nodded.

  Ton opened the door wider and stepped aside. “I suppose these are your guests as well. Please come in. Lord Ri’en and Lady Secily will meet you at the greeting room.”

  “Thank you.”

  After letting them all in, Ton took the lead in guiding them to the room.

  As they were walking, he took a short break to whisper to a servant, before continuing.

  Now that the Town Lord's manor had been rebuilt, just like the outside, the inside looked nothing like it previously did. As with the outside, the expensive decor on the inside was gone and replaced with more affordable pieces. The layout wasn't quite as complicated and there were less rooms. The workers even walked around busily, dressed in moderate but good-quality clothing and looking focused on their work yet relaxed.

  The room that they arrived in wasn't too bad. The walls and flooring were cheap, but sturdy. As for the seats, instead of the lavish silk-covered pieces made of expensive wood, the ones here were made of cheaper wood and covered in cotton.

  The room was a decent size with several seats situated near the walls and with small tables in between each one.

  In the middle, was an open space that started from the door.

  Ton gestured to the area and said, “Please, take your seats. Lord Ri’en and Lady Secily should be arriving shortly. I will have the kitchen prepare refreshments.”

  Aurien Wavel nodded and everyone took a seat. Ton, then left the room, closing the doors behind him.

  A few minutes later, Ri’en entered with Lady Secily following behind him.

  ‘Welcome back, Aurien!” he said as he entered.

  He looked around for a moment, wondering where Aurien Wavel was. But when he saw the attention of everyone in the room focused on a singular individual, he no longer had any doubts.

  He stepped forward. “Everyone in this mansion is trustworthy. You can all remove your covers. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable, you can keep them on.”

  As he said this, he gave Rillian Adore and Drakkel who sat by the side, a curious glance.

  Aurien Wavel took off his hat, showing the bright smile that laid on his face and the rest followed suit. Only Drakkel and Rillian Adore didn't move.

  Ri’en returned his gaze to Aurien Wavel. “It really is good to see you all today. I’m sorry I couldn't prepare more for your visit.”

  “Don't worry about it. It's our fault for dropping by unexpectedly.” Aurien Wavel answered.

  Ri’en laughed.

  “I have to say, you appear to be in better spirits this time around. Did something good happen?”

  Aurien Wavel laughed nervously, but didn't provide an answer. Instead, he moved his attention to Lady Secily. “Lady Secily, it’s been a while since I've seen you as well. How are you?”

  Lady Secily stepped out from behind Ri’en and only then was her figure made more clear. She sported a small bump on her belly. With her calm and gentle expression and the way with which she carried herself, it could really only mean one thing.

  As Aurien Wavel looked down at her belly, she smiled.

  “You’re pregnant?” he asked in surprise.

  Lady Secily nodded.

  Aurien Wavel cupped his hands together, addressing both Lady Secily and Ri’en, “Congratulations! Congratulations!”

  Lady Secily then spoke. “Thank you, Aurien. I've actually been in great health. Since I'm pregnant, I chose not to concern myself with matters outside during this juncture. For now, I mind the manor and all of its workings. Of course if Ri'en needs assistance with a civil dispute or other issues, I'll lend an ear, but with everything that has happened these past few years, I want to focus on my health and the health of our baby.”

  She touched her belly as a thoughtful smile spread on her face.

  She continued. “And this was only made possible because of our saviors...”

  The corners of her lips turned down. “If only they could see this too. Instead, they are out there being blamed for crimes they didn't commit.”

  After saying this, she apologetically looked Drakkel’s and Rillian Adore's way.

  Ri’en did the same and sighed. “It truly is too sad. I won't even get the chance to apologize to them. Everyone in Shadowy Ridges knows the truth of the matter. The incident of the mines was not their fault. Yet, we chose not to say anything to protect ourselves. I wouldn't blame them for holding grudges against us after that.”

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  Drakkel sighed. It was pretty obvious what they were doing.

  He took off his bamboo hat and Rillian Adore did the same. Ri’en and Lady Secily then smiled.

  “Fine. I hear you two. No need to feel guilty. Your actions are understandable. You have your own people to protect. Besides, amongst the long list of crimes currently on my head, what benefit would I gain from getting rid of one?”

  Ri’en and Lady Secily were about to bow, when he stopped them.

  “Don't. You are with child, as you said you should focus on your health.” He said to Lady Secily.

  She nodded in response.

  Ri’en then looked at Rillian Adore. "We apologize to you as well, sir Rillian Adore.”

  Rillian Adore slightly bowed his head at them in acknowledgement.

  Then, there was a knock on the door and Ton's voice rang through. “The refreshments have been prepared. Would you like them now, my lord?”

  Ri’en nodded. “Yes. Bring them in.”

  Many servants poured into the room carrying plates filled with pastries and tea pots. After directing the servants to arrange them carefully on each table in the room, Ton sent them out and said to Ri’en, "Would you like anything else, my lo…”

  But his gaze drifted to the side. When he caught sight of the golden haired man with brown eyes and the man with long white hair and black eyes, his eyes widened.”

  “Our saviors…” He bowed deeply. “You're back.”

  Drakkel and Rillian Adore gave him a nod.

  “I…”

  He looked at Ri’en, as if asking if it was ok to speak. Ri’en nodded, so he continued, “I’m sorry for all that you've been through. The gratitude of those who lived through Lord Tincaid's reign will always be with you.”

  Drakkel answered, “You say too much. Lord Ri'en and Lady Secily have already apologized.”

  Ton gratefully nodded.

  Fiddling with his hands, he continued, “By the way, I heard about what happened at Lunala Isle. I believe that was where Ro was headed. I wouldn't say we were close, but thinking of how I treated him when he was initially caught, I might have been too harsh. He never wronged me and even helped me out a few times. I... I don't suppose you’ve seen him, have you?”

  “We have,” Drakkel answered. “He should be settled somewhere at Towering Heights with his daughter.”

  Ton’s expression brightened. “He found her? That's great news!”

  Drakkel smiled.

  “Then I won't bother you anymore.” Ton said. “I’ll leave you to talk more.”

  Appearing to be in a happier mood, he bowed to Ri’en before leaving and closing the doors behind him.

  Once he was gone, Drakkel recalled what he had seen. The two deserved to be commended for getting Shadowy Ridges to its current state after it was left in shambles by Lord Tincaid. “You’ve done a very good job with this place you two. It's much better than the last time that Rillian Adore and I visited.”

  Ri’en and Lady Secily smiled. Then Lady Secily commented, “We appreciate it. It really wasn't easy. Even now, we still have to show that we're capable…”

  “What do you mean?” Drakkel asked.

  Ri’en answered, “The Emperor has been sending some people to check in on our work…”

  After they mentioned the Emperor, Drakkel remembered. When a new Lord took over that was voted in by a town or city instead of appointed by the Emperor, the Emperor would send an official to periodically check on their progress. For the first year of the new Lord's rule, that person would come over four times. After that, the checks only occurred once a year.

  This regulation was created because a long time ago during a previous Emperor’s reign, one particular outer town that no longer exists due to internal conflict, had a rebellion set up by the wealthier people of the town. The people killed the Town Lord, faked evidence against him, and by the rules, forced the citizens to vote one of them in as the new Town Lord. This group then ruled over the town, making the people suffer and forcing their silence for years until a Sword Fighter heard of this and had their clan escalate the issue to the Emperor. Then, the Emperor made this new rule in response.

  Drakkel frowned a bit. “I know it starts off with four visits for the first year, then reduces to one visit per year afterwards. Have you had all of your visits for this year?”

  Ri’en shook his head. “We are expecting one more and they should be arriving any day now. You understand that due to the nature of the checks, the visits are somewhat random. That's why we’ve been working extra hard to make the town more prosperous.”

  Drakkel nodded. Of course he understood. But now he was concerned. Any day now? What if they showed up while they were there? Yes, the Emperor wasn’t too involved in the Sword Fighting world, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t get more involved if he wanted to.

  If Drakkel was found to be here, he could at least report it to the neighboring swords clans. Even if the Emperor wasn’t after him as he had thought, he didn’t seem to have many trustworthy people in his court. The person he assigned to do the check ups might be capable for the job, but in terms of keeping quiet while knowing the “Demon King” they are after is in Shadowy Ridges, the same might not hold true.

  Ri’en seemed to pick up on this and continued, “If you only stay for the night, the chances of them arriving while you’re here are quite low. But even if they do, we can just tell them that a famous dancing troupe is staying with us. Even from here, we have heard some praises about the famous Dancing Swords Dancing Troupe which is said to be both talented and elusive.”

  He looked at Aurien Wavel. “When you told us the name, we naturally kept track of your ventures both to verify your safety and to be ready to help you to the best of our ability at any moment.”

  Aurien Wavel smiled and nodded at him while Drakkel cupped his hands. “Then thank you, Ri’en. We will graciously accept your offer to stay and we apologize for intruding during such a busy time.”

  Lady Secily now spoke. “Don’t mention this. The ones who saved us would never be intruding.”

  Suddenly, a grumble sounded from one of the stomachs of the disciples.

  Piral Bifa exclaimed, “I know we can survive for a while without food, but that doesn’t mean that hunger isn’t still suffering! The pastries and teas are good, but please, can we eat some meat now?”

  Ri’en laughed. “Of course. I already had someone prepare us some food. It should be ready soon so we can move over to the dining room.”

  In the dining room, around a table filled with delicious foods, they continued their conversation.

  “By the way,” Ri’en said. “Would it be rude to ask what brings you here?”

  Aurien Wavel shook his head. “Not at all. In fact, you might provide us some insight. We’re looking for Sword Master Ebinenda Itor.”

  Ri’en's eyebrows went up. Then his hand touched his chin. “Actually, I've been paying attention to talks around the Sword Fighting World for a while, even after I became a sword outcast. Her name hasn't been mentioned in a very long time. In fact, I believe the last time she attended a Sword Summit was before I was even born.”

  Aurien Wavel nodded. “We’re aware. She is hard to find. We had to send some people North to look for her while we went South.”

  Ri’en nodded.

  Then Lady Secily spoke up, “Actually, my village used to be located near Densai Forest before my people moved further away from it according to the order from the previous Emperor. Before then, there was a story about a Sword Master who, after quelling a Sacred Beast attack, headed into the Forest. Afterwards, this legendary Master was said to have never been seen again.”

  Aurien Wavel nodded, deep in thought, then replied, “Yes, but Ebinenda Itor…”

  He looked at Drakkel.

  Drakkel knew what he wanted to say and so continued for him, “Ebinenda Itor was last heard from by someone I know around 27 years ago. If the story you speak about is older than that.. then…”

  Lady Secily shook her head. “Actually I'm around 28 myself. I was there when the hero showed up. I seem to recall a memory at around the age of 3. A dangerous beast attacked us and someone did save us. It's just that I was too small, I don't remember much else. I learned about it more as I grew from the stories passed around the village. Later, when I was 15, due to the command of the Emperor, my village was moved further away from the border of Densai Forest.”

  Ri’en looked hurt. “You never told me about this.”

  Lady Secily turned to him and caressed his cheek, “You didn't ask. Besides, did you tell me every little thing from your past?”

  Ri'en’s mouth twitched

  Lady Secily smiled. “See? We’re still learning about each other and I think that’s ok. Don't you?”

  Ri’en returned her smile. “You're right. Sorry, Secil.”

  Lady Secily nodded.

  As they interacted, Drakkel thought about it. There might have been something to the story.

  He looked at Aurien Wavel who glanced back at him and nodded.

  Once Ri'en and Lady Secily were done speaking, Aurien Wavel said, “Thank you for the information, Lady Secily. At least now, we have a destination.”

  Lady Secily smiled. “I’m happy I could help.”

  Ri'en clapped his hands. “Let's eat now. We can talk more afterwards."

  While eating, they spoke of their adventures, talked about general news, and even revealed some experiences about their daily lives. Ri’en and Lady Secily also commented on how different Drakkel looked compared to when they last saw him. They both said that he looked much more handsome and that Rillian Adore was even looking better as well.

  Later, they all settled in for the night. The fire was too strong for the previous Town Lord’s manor to the point that even the foundations were destroyed. So the new one was rebuilt in a smaller size to save funds.

  Because of this, there weren’t enough guest rooms for all of them. They had five and kept two open for the Emperor’s official, so only three were left.

  Being women, Piral Bifa and Winfra Loul shared a room. Then, Aurien Wavel insisted on staying with Font Seig and Antin Jerio saying that they sometimes got into trouble when he wasn’t around to discipline them. With all the rooms taken, Drakkel was forced to stay with Rillian Adore. He was afraid that the string of bad luck that surrounded their stay at rooms had returned with a vengeance. But when he opened the room and saw that it had two beds, he breathed out a sigh of relief.

  Settling in for the night, he thought about the days ahead. The enemy that stood in front of them was great indeed with influence over the world and the powers that be. And yet, he wasn’t afraid.

  If this journey proved fruitful, the powerful enemy could be toppled and the victims who were wrongfully killed could rest in peace.