"What are you doing here?"
The commotion here had drawn soldiers, who naturally discovered the Romani’s cart. They were, of course, wary of these people who didn’t fit in with the refugees.
"We are looking for your Lord."
The woman spoke truthfully. If they were here to cause trouble, they wouldn’t have appeared so openly before them. These soldiers might be quite capable, but I have at least nine ways to bypass them and sneak in. But it was obvious they were here to seek peace, not to kill, so they naturally couldn’t afford such a tense approach.
Upon hearing this, the soldiers beca serious. They had undergone confidentiality training, so they didn’t reveal that the Lord was not in town. Instead, they indicated the need to report this upwards while inquiring about their purpose.
The old woman hadn’t spoken all this ti. Her attention seed to be elsewhere as she observed everything, and the younger woman handled all negotiations.
"You just need to inform your Lord that I have a business matter to discuss," the younger woman said.
The soldier didn’t know if this was true, but he knew that if he reported it accordingly, soone else would be responsible.
Two soldiers ran back quickly, and the ssage naturally passed up the chain. Reynard, for the first ti, took the initiative to approach Grendel, as the Lord had instructed before he left. Reynard was in charge of military matters, while Grendel was responsible for political affairs. One could say that after Lance’s departure, they were the true leaders of Hamlet.
"These Romani have co," Reynard said, who knew a bit about them. "I thought they might be planning an assassination or sothing, but their deanor seems more benign."
Grendel was even more inford. She knew the Lord had fallen out with those people, even coming to blows, but the Romani’s current attitude was puzzling. Is it a façade of goodwill while they plan to strike in secret? Truth be told, I can’t fathom the Romani’s motives, but I know I have to keep these people stable until the Lord returns.
"First, take them to the guest reception area. I’ll prepare a bit and then et them," Grendel said. Realizing sothing else, she added, "Keep them far from those two Romani; don’t let them know or co into contact. Tell William to be relaxed on the outside but vigilant on the inside, guarding against their people taking the opportunity to distract us and infiltrate."
Grendel was calm and composed, handling things quite properly—it was clear she was cut out for this. Reynard didn’t hesitate much. The Lord had said to follow her lead on internal matters, and besides, the decision seed sound.
While Reynard went to arrange the eting, Grendel took out the ssenger to pass on the information about the Romani.
anwhile, Lance was surprised when he received the news. He was galloping along the old road, yet the Romani had already arrived. So fast—the Romani are indeed skilled at "wandering"! What intrigues more are the subtle nuances of their attitude. What does "business" an? It implies there are profits to be made.
He sent an instruction through the ssenger: "Hold them off. Be cautious of the old woman; she’s likely their Elder, and she’s the real decision-maker."
After giving the order, Lance delegated command of the Cavalry and then sped off alone towards Hamlet. With the ssenger, Lance could stay updated on Hamlet’s situation. It was a pity there was only one pair. It would be great if he could get more from the Romani. I hope they divine my fortune more often...
anwhile, the Romani had been taken by Reynard to a reception room in the training camp, completely isolated from the outside world. Even their driver was under close surveillance, with soldiers monitoring their every move.
The old woman showed no sign of nerves. She had prepared for the worst on this trip and was naturally fearless. The younger woman, however, was having a harder ti despite her calm exterior. Inside, I’m under considerable pressure, mostly focused on how to escape if trouble arises.
Just then, soone pushed open the door and entered—who else could it be but Grendel?
Grendel had adapted to life in Hamlet. She no longer radiated the strong style of the Barbarian Tribes she had when she first arrived. All sorts of fanciful but impractical ornants had been set aside. She wasn’t wearing the Antler Mask, just a simple long-sleeved white coat, a new cloth bag, and her inseparable Deer Head Staff. Of course, there was also the Thorn Bracelet, barely visible, lush green with hints of blood-red.
The younger woman hadn’t reacted yet, but the old woman’s gaze locked onto the staff instantly. How could this be here? her mind exclaid. Then her eyes fell on Grendel’s long green hair, and a suspicion imdiately ford. But the answer to that suspicion seems unbelievable. Hadn’t the Deerhead Tribe been extinguished? Why would they appear here?
Indeed, the old woman recognized Grendel’s origins and the significance of that staff at a glance. The herbal dicines produced by the Deerhead Tribe were highly popular. Many traded with them, and the Romani were among them. She had once interacted with the leaders of the Deerhead Tribe and seen that staff, but that was many years ago, when she wasn’t even an Elder.
"The Lord is busy; he won’t et with just any obscure people," Grendel said, noticing the old woman’s gaze. She guessed the old woman might know sothing about her tribe but had no intention of revealing her identity. Instead, her words carried a clear hint of aggression.
User Comments
0 comments from readers