Chapter 14 - Signs of trouble

“This is Martin.” Silinth introduced their guide. “He will make sure you are safe through the trip and make it to the town and back.” He dissipated the translation spell and gave the man stage.

The man was almost as tall as Silinth but had none of the muscle. Martin was gaunt, with long limbs and looked perpetually tired for someone in his thirties. His weapon of choice was a spear, which he had left in the cart he arrived with earlier in the morning. Dressed in light leather armour, he looked out of place.

After Silinth had introduced him, Martin made a few gestures and tried to cast the translation spell. He fumbled it a couple of times before succeeding. “Hello, my full name is Martin Jerlmaon.” He waved. “I am not that proficient with spells, but I can hold my own with the spear. I am already familiar with Kefo and Tiff, but not with the three of you. How about you introduce yourselves.”

While they did their introductions, Mila considered the man. While Silinth did say he was trustworthy, he also told them not to reveal they got summoned from a different world.

It did mean Martin was not all that high in the chain of command and would not ask any unnecessary questions.

Mila did her introductions last, and they headed for the wooden cart pulled by beasts of burden. Similar to oxen in look, these beasts were enduring and easy to sustain.

With a cloth draped over the cart, it was meant more for transporting people than cargo.

Andrew immediately pointed it out. “So, where will we put our supplies?” He asked as they climbed inside the cart with Mr Crow balancing on his shoulder.

“I have another cart at Gerakril for that,” Martin explained. “We just have to get you there and let you see the world, as it were.”

Gerakril was the closest town to this remote place. There wasn’t anything special about it. Despite being more or less in the centre of the kingdom, due to the mountainous terrain, larger roads stretched around it.

When Mila sat down, she half expected Isabel to sit next to her. Instead, her friend found the furthest seat from her and buried her face in her hands.

Mila found it a bit annoying. Sure, she had teased and played-

Okay, so perhaps it was Mila’s fault Isabel was now avoiding her. Well, this was the preferable outcome. It wasn’t like she wanted to chat with her friend anyway.

Tiff joined Isabel at the further side of the cart, letting Kefo and Andrew fill the middle.

With everyone inside, Martin settled in the driver's seat and gave the creatures at the front a command, which they obeyed.

The cart jerked and started to move. The lack of roads leading to this place meant a bumpy ride was in front of them for at least a couple of hours.

It turned out not only bumpy but also dull. Martin didn’t have enough mana to keep the translations spell running for long. Soon, their idle chatter died out. There was nothing worth talking about along the road.

Andrew did try to practice his language skills with Kefo, but aside from that, Mila had almost a full day to regret her yesterday's behaviour. Even during the launch break, Isabel kept dodging her.

Mila still felt Isable’s eyes on her, appraising her new attire. Silinth had given them all new gear, more suited for visiting a city than the usual grey training outfit.

The new attire consisted of different coloured tunics and pants. In addition, they also carried real weapons. Swords mostly, with Isabel having a wooden shield in addition, as she didn’t want to show her heater shield to anyone.

Even Mila had one, though she still had trouble swinging it. She did have the dagger she had taken from the armoury so long ago. Her free time had been filled with her growing familiar with it.

When they finally hit the dirt road, and the ride smoothened out, it was still peaceful, with no travellers around.

At that point, Martin had recovered enough to cast the spell of translation again, and they did a quick rundown on how to act.

Only towards the evening, when they finally were close to their destination, did Mila see the first signs of civilisation - worked fields covered in grain crops and some shacks in the distance.

When they could see the town, Mila noticed humans milling around, mostly finishing their day's work and returning home. They were simple farmers. Nothing about them stood out.

And then they were there. The first town in a world with magic they visited. Gerakril was- Well, entirely mundane and boring.

It didn’t surprise Mila, but Isabel and Andrew did note the lack of anything exciting. The most interesting thing about the town, at least looking from the outside, was the wooden fortification.

“What are those for?” Andrew pointed at the two-meter-high wall and asked in a broken local dialect. He was much better than Isabel at it, as he took his time to regularly practice with Tiff and Kefo.

“Mostly to keep those dangerous beasts that come down from mountains out of the town,” Martin explained.

Andrew chewed on the words before stringing together another sentence. “There were no dangerous beasts where we live.”

“Instructor Ampry takes care of that.” Martin shrugged. “That’s where your meat comes from.”

“He hunts those?” Andrew glanced at Kefo. “Didn’t you join Teacher sometimes?”

“Well, yeah.” Kefo scratched his ear. “I did say it’s too early for you.”

“Huh, so because of danger.” Andrew thoughtfully hummed while Mr Crow excitedly chirped in his ear. “I want to join.” He finally added.

Before they could continue, they finally arrived at the gates. A couple of guards armed with simple spears stopped them. After exchanging a few words, Martin paid the toll, and they were allowed in.

The cart slowly rolled through the town towards the only inn. Mila watched people go about their business. They were well-fed, chatted happily and showed no signs of distress.

Whoever was running this town was doing a good job. But before Mila could calm down, the first signs of trouble reached her ears.

Shouting and cursing somewhere to the side garnered Mila’s attention. She leaned out of the cart to have a better look just for Martin to pull her back in.

“Keep your head down.” His voice was alarmed. “All of you, be quiet.”

A few tense moments later, the commotion was left behind. They slowly rolled into the central square, which was surrounded by a couple of large buildings, including the inn and a temple.

Martin steered the cart towards the inn, which had a stream of people flowing in and out of it. Laughter and shouting filled the air as a few drunken lads staggered past them.

“Get out and go inside. Don’t wander around.” Martin instructed them. “I’ll join you after I speak with stablehands.”

The summoned trio did not quite understand what was happening, while Tiff had an expression full of worry. Kefo though? He was looking back at where the uproar had been with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

Despite Mila’s curiosity, the instructions were clear. They shuffled past a group of rowdy farmers inside the inn.

There, they were greeted by more noise. The large hall was full of scattered tables, with a large counter covering one of the walls.

“Travelers, eh?” A jolly voice greeted them from behind the said counter and waved them to come closer. Kefo led them closer to the speaker - a short man with a wide smile. “Oh, I remember you two!” He studied their younger companions. “It’s been a couple of years since you two came through Gerakril.”

“Hello! Mister Jerlmaon will soon join us.” Kefo greeted the man while the rest mimicked him.

“Ah, so Martin is with you five? Will you be staying for the night? Maybe you are here just for a meal? We have the best stew in the county!” The man winked.

“We will be staying.” Kefo hesitated. “And-”

“And we will be eating in our room.” Martin entered behind them and finished Kefo’s sentence.

“We don’t do room service. Be more reasonable, Martin.” The man behind the counter complained.

“For what you ask, you should, Tonty.” Martin shot back. “It’s twice what inns in other towns take for a night.”

“Their service just is not up to our standard.” Tonty disagreed.

“That is to say, they are not the only inn in the town,” Martin grumbled. “Give us two rooms with three beds.” He threw a few coins on the counter, stopping Tonty’s rebuttal.

“Right up, so will it be our speciality you’ll be having?” Tonty swiped the coins from the surface and replaced them with a couple keys.

“Sure, whatever. Bring us drinks as well. No alcohol.” Martin grabbed the keys and led the group through the hall - towards the stairs leading to the second floor.

The local clientele studied them with curiosity but didn’t interfere, opting to loudly whisper between themselves while judging their appearance.

On the second floor, Martin quickly found their rooms and showed them all inside one of them.

Seeing everyone was here, Marting cast a simple detection spell, checking for any eavesdropper. “Okay, the air seems to be clear.” He began.

“It looks like the people from the Pillar of Eternity have found their way here,” Martin revealed.

Mila frowned. Silinth had told them about this faith. It was one of the several hunting them down. This particular one was centred around stability and longevity. They worshipped the concept of continued existence.

From what Mila could tell, the neighbouring Empire on the south of this kingdom was doing very well with this faith at its core. Silinth had tried to portray them as some kind of nest of corruption, but when they had learned about the economy, it had painted a different picture.

“What are the people of Maltra Empire doing here?” Mila could not help but ask.

“They probably are from the Kingdom.” Martin paused. “Pillar is generous in their funding and can buy the loyalty of many people. Let’s hope that’s the case now. People like that won't be too troublesome.”

“And what if they are true believers?” Mila pressed on.

Martin looked at them and sighed. “Then our lives could be at risk. Shit, this wasn’t supposed to happen.” He clapped his hands. “Because of that, there is a change in plans. I won’t be able to guide you around the town. Kefo and Tiff know where our supplier is. He is already paid, and the cargo should be loaded. Don’t try to hide here. It will make you all suspicious. Try to move around the town and act like travellers. The local temple runs a beauty parlour a bit further to the south. Honestly, it’s the most interesting place in this shithole'. I recommend visiting it.” He took a deep breath.

“Here are some funds. Try not to spend too much.” Martin handed Tiff a bag. “I’ll try to lure Pillar guys away. Make some noise. I’ll be back by tomorrow evening. If not, leave without me. I’ll send a message to Silinth to pick you up at the road. He won’t come any closer to the town.” He looked at each one of them to see if they understood. “I’ll go see Tonty now. I’ll tell him I’ll be visiting a brothel. That should give me a cover.” After leaving for more sentences, Marting left the room.

Isabel and Andrew exchanged confused glances while Mr Crow let his displeasure known.

“Uh, what?” Andrew opened. It was clear he had trouble understanding Martin’s quick barrage of words.

“What did he say?” Isabel mirrored Andrew’s expression.

Mila sighed. Of course, this was the way the cookie crumbled. The first time they left safety, the world rushed to remind them how dangerous it was. She fingered her useless sword while shifting the dagger under her clothes to be easier to pull out.

The evening promised to be long and unpleasant. Even more so because Mila saw the look in Kefo’s eyes. He looked ready to kill.