Free Web NovelChapter 211: Capital of the Athina Kingdom
Victor kept his hand firmly on the hilt of his sword, his eyes fixed on the stranger. Hektor and the other travelers waited behind him, tension palpable in the air. Aluella and Wanda were just ahead of him, ready to act at any moment.
"A group of mercenaries, you say?" Victor asked, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the hooded man. "And why should we trust your words?"
The man stepped forward, his hands raised in a peaceful gesture. "I understand your mistrust, but I’m not your enemy. My name is Eamon, and I too am a traveler, an observer of the roads. I saw your group approaching and felt the need to warn you. These mercenaries are known for ambushing caravans and stealing whatever they can. They are well armed and show no mercy."
Victor exchanged a quick glance with Aluella and Wanda. Experience had taught them not to dismiss any warning, no matter how suspicious. Aluella stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination.
"If you’re telling the truth, Eamon, why are you here alone? Where is your group?" asked Aluella, her voice firm and authoritative.
Eamon sighed, lowering his head for a moment before answering. "I was traveling with my family. We were attacked by those same mercenaries. My wife and children... they didn’t survive." His voice broke, and the pain in his eyes was unmistakable. "I escaped, but I swore that no one else would suffer the same fate if I could help it."
Wanda, who had been watching silently, stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Eamon’s shoulder. "I’m sorry for your loss," she said softly. "We appreciate the warning. But we need more information. How many are there? Where are they camped?"
Eamon took a deep breath, pulling himself together. "There are about twenty of them, well armed and disciplined. They’re camped in a narrow valley, just after the bend in the road. They have lookouts positioned at strategic points. If you continue down this road, you will certainly be ambushed."
Victor frowned, pondering the situation. "We need to pass through this area to reach the capital," he said, his voice deep. "We have no choice."
Hektor, who had moved closer to hear the conversation, stepped forward. "Victor, perhaps we should consider a detour. We could find a safer route."
"A detour would slow us down significantly," replied Victor, shaking his head. "We need to get to the capital as quickly as possible. Every day counts."
Aluella put a hand on Victor’s arm. "If we face the mercenaries, we need to be prepared. They are numerous and organized. But we can use the element of surprise to our advantage." freёwebnovel.com
Victor looked at his companions, feeling the responsibility of his decisions weigh heavily on his shoulders. "Let’s put together a plan. Eamon, can you guide us to their position?"
Eamon nodded. "Yes, I can show you the way. But we need to be quick and quiet. They’re cautious." freēwēbnovel.com
Victor turned to the caravan, his voice echoing with authority. "Everyone, get ready. We’re going to confront these mercenaries and ensure our safe passage. Organize yourselves into groups and follow Hektor’s instructions. Aluella, Wanda and I will lead the offensive."
The travelers nodded, a mixture of fear and determination on their faces. They began to move quickly, preparing for the imminent battle. Victor watched as Hektor organized the groups, making sure everyone was armed and ready.
As the caravan prepared, Victor, Aluella and Wanda met with Eamon to discuss strategy. "We’ll approach silently," said Victor, pointing to the makeshift map that Eamon had drawn in the dirt. "Aluella, you take the lead and eliminate the lookouts. Wanda, use your spells to create distractions and destabilize the terrain. I’ll lead the main attack."
Eamon looked at them gratefully. "Thank you for trusting me. I’ll do what I can to help."
With the plan in mind, they began to move along the road, keeping to the shadows and using the terrain to their advantage. Aluella, with her agility and stealth skills, led the group, her eyes alert for any movement. She located the first lookout, hidden among the rocks. With a quick, silent movement, she eliminated the threat, signaling for the others to advance.
Wanda followed close behind, her hands glowing with a soft light as she cast reinforcing spells along the way. Every step they took was meticulously planned, every move calculated to ensure they wouldn’t be detected.
Finally, they reached the mercenaries’ camp. Victor observed the area, counting the enemies and assessing their positions.
"We have the advantage," he whispered. "They don’t expect an attack."
With a nod, Victor gave the signal for the attack to begin. Aluella advanced quickly, her blade glinting in the dim light as she eliminated the mercenaries with lethal precision. Wanda, using her magic, created illusions and sounds to disorient the enemies, allowing Victor and the others to advance.
The battlefield quickly became controlled chaos. Victor led the main attack, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. Eamon, although not a trained warrior, fought with the ferocity of a man with everything to lose, taking down mercenaries alongside Victor.
The mercenaries, taken by surprise, struggled to reorganize themselves, but the determination and skill of Victor’s group was overwhelming. The battle was fast and brutal, with the mercenaries falling one by one. Finally, when the last enemy fell, a heavy silence fell over the valley.
Victor looked around, taking a deep breath as he wiped the blade of his sword. "It’s done," he said, his voice firm. "We’re safe."
The travelers emerged from their positions, relieved but exhausted. Eamon, covered in sweat and blood, approached Victor. "Thank you," he said, the gratitude clear in his eyes. "You saved a lot of lives today."
Victor nodded, placing a hand on Eamon’s shoulder. "You’ve done your bit, Eamon. Now, let’s continue our journey. The capital still awaits us."
The caravan reorganized quickly, moving with a new determination. The danger from the mercenaries had passed, but Victor knew that there were still many challenges ahead. They needed to reach the capital of Athínas, and every moment was crucial.
The next few days were a blur of constant movement. The caravan crossed open fields and rolling hills, the milder weather providing a brief respite from the previous tensions. The landscape of the Kingdom of Athínas was stunning, a constant reminder of what they were protecting.
Finally, after days of exhausting travel, the imposing walls of the capital appeared on the horizon. Victor felt a wave of relief and satisfaction. They had arrived.
"Welcome to the capital of Athínas," announced Victor, a smile forming on his lips as he saw it on the horizon.
The sun was beginning to set over the horizon, tinging the sky with shades of orange and pink. The imposing walls of the capital of Athínas, made of white stone and adorned with flags that swayed gently in the wind, stood majestically before the caravan. In the distance, the grandiose castle of Athínas dominated the landscape, its towers rising like vigilant sentinels. The city, home to two million people, pulsed with life and energy.
Victor paused for a moment, admiring the view. He felt the weight of the responsibilities still present, but also a palpable relief at having made it this far. He turned to his companions, who were equally amazed and exhausted. "Welcome to the capital of Athínas," he repeated, now more firmly, while a tired smile formed on his lips.
Hektor, standing next to Victor, sighed deeply. "It’s as impressive as I remembered," he commented, his eyes shining with a mixture of admiration and nostalgia. "Every time I see these walls, I feel as if I’m seeing them for the first time."
Aluella, her hand still firmly on Victor’s arm, nodded. "It’s a magnificent place. But we can’t afford to relax just yet. We need to find somewhere safe to rest and then get on with our plans."
Victor nodded in agreement. "You’re right. First, we need to make sure everyone has a place to rest. Then we’ll discuss our next steps."
The city gates opened with a soft creak, revealing streets paved with polished stones that reflected the evening light. Guards in dark blue uniforms and shining armor kept a constant vigil, their gazes alert and professional. Victor led the caravan through the entrance, being greeted with curious and respectful looks from the passing citizens.
The streets of the capital were wide and well-organized, lined with elegant buildings and stores with attractive facades. Victor felt revitalized by the vibrant atmosphere. People chatted animatedly, children ran and played, and shopkeepers drew attention to their wares with cheerful voices.
Victor gestured to Hektor, who immediately began organizing the travelers into small groups, guiding them to different inns along the main street. "Everyone rest well tonight, and thank you very much for your company on the journey.
Eamon nodded and shook Victor’s hand. "We’re the ones to thank. If it hadn’t been for you, the mishaps would have put us several days behind schedule. Anything you need, please look for me in Whisper Alley."
