Now that the doubts in their minds had dissipated, they walked faster and more steadily.
When the mind calms down, the eyes become brighter. They climbed up a hill covered with dense woods, and their eyes suddenly opened up. A small wooden house was revealed among a row of low trees at the foot of the mountain. The house was small, but it gave them a great shock.
Although Grein had told them that there might be a person with unknown intentions hidden somewhere who had caused great trouble to their progress. But when they actually saw a room, they couldn't help but slow down and their hearts were pounding. Loida and Trinville looked at each other, both holding swords and spears in their hands.
They have reasons to do that. Although they had not seen anyone yet, the heavy fog and the trail that had been deceiving them still convinced them. The person who has not shown his true face until now will certainly not want to see and sincerely welcome them like any friend.
What's more, I actually saw a house in a place where no one would ever appear. At least that's what they believed until they saw it - Mount Pedetalan, and they were the only ones to set foot on it.
Glenn walked to the wooden house and said loudly: "Uninvited guests, I have taken the liberty to disturb the owner. Please believe that we came uninvited, but there is no malice at all. I believe we can become friends."
The room was silent.
In the small courtyard, pink flowers were blooming on a tree, and a few bees were flying around "buzzingly".
Glenn repeated it again, but still no one answered.
He made a move to Trinville. Trinville stepped forward and gently opened the door. The house was empty. He turned back and gestured to Glenn and walked in.
The house is small but very neat. There is also a robe hanging on the wall made of logs, showing that someone does live here. A chair made of tree branches that had long lost its original color leaned quietly beside the same simple wooden table. Trinville accidentally touched it and made a "squeaking" sound.
Glenn walked out of the house again and explored the courtyard for a long time. Until he was convinced that the owner of the cabin had not returned.
He returned to the cabin. But everyone stood there and waited for him.
Glenn smiled and said: "Since the master still refuses to show up, we have to wait for him in his house."
After hearing what he said, they hurriedly put Yamina, who was still sleeping, on the wooden bed and covered her with a thin blanket.
What was happening before me was really weird. In the wild mountains, what kind of person can be willing to be lonely and regard this place as his home?
Everything in the house was old and shabby. On that table, there were several thick books. Glenn walked over and picked up a book. The book is very clean, not a speck of dust has fallen on it. He opened the book and read a few pages, frowning.
Trinville has not put down the spear until now. Seeing Gray's expression, he walked to him uneasily and asked, "What did you see? Gray, what kind of book is that?"
Glenn shook his head. He stretched his brows and smiled: "It seems that although the owner here is living a very poor life, he is not without fun. Moreover, he must be a knowledgeable person. I still can't understand some of these books. Woolen cloth."
After Trinville heard what he said, he also frowned and said: "Then I definitely can't understand it even more. But who cares about it."
Glenn nodded. He put down the book and looked back at the table when he walked to the door. The books that contain thousands of wonders and phenomena in the world are as silent as this mountain at this time.
Some bread and bacon were turned out by Trinville. He was very happy: "As long as we have these, this house has become hospitable. I have begun to like the owner of this house."
Seeing him smiling so contentedly and showing his true feelings, it was as if he had completely forgotten that the unknown master in his mouth had played with the big man Vika not long ago!
What else is there to say. Although they had not received permission from the owner, the smell of dried meat and soft bread made them wake Yamina immediately. As soon as she rubbed her eyes, a large piece of bread with an alluring aroma was handed to her mouth. Before she opened her eyes, she took a bite of the bread, raised the corners of her mouth, and almost ate it in her sleep. A large piece of bread.
The sleepy look of little Yamina made everyone feel sad and ridiculous at the same time. Of course, although they looked like gentlemen and ladies when eating bread and dried meat, they ate much more bread than the little girl.
It's been a long time since they had a serious meal at the same table. When I feel so happy about eating, I feel a little forgetful.
Suddenly, Loida asked with a smile: "Mr. Trinville, were you really a hunter?"
Trinville was enjoying his meal. Fortunately, there was a lot of bread, and for the first time he felt free to eat without worrying about others. Hearing Loida's words, he raised his head and looked at the smiling female warrior.
Yamina wakes up. With her eyes wide open and her mouth still full of bread, she asked him vaguely: "Mr. Trinville, you turned out to be a hunter? Have you ever caught a tiger?" She turned her head and looked proudly. With Loyda. "Sister Loida said that she shot a tiger when she was a child."
Everyone laughed. Trinville also smiled: "Of course Mr. Trinville is a hunter. However, not all hunters are as brave as your sister Loida. Mr. Trinville only catches robbers and thieves. For example, those who steal from others Those bad guys of stuff.”
Loida smiled: "So, Mr. Trinville, what do you think we are doing now?"
Trinville couldn't help but open his eyes wide and was speechless. It turned out that Luoyida asked him like this just to tease him.
Glenn also smiled: "There is no need to be so embarrassed, my friend. At least, the respectable Lord Yogana will not see us in a house without an owner, as if we are happy just for a few pieces of bread."
When he saw Trinville's expression becoming taken for granted, he joked again: "Actually, it's not all our fault. If it weren't for the loyal Sheriff who was chasing after us, we wouldn't have to do this. of."
Trinville smiled and said: "Of course. It's all to blame for that damned Lord Yogana. We are already unlucky enough, and I don't want to bear the reputation of a thief anymore. I can't arrest myself and lead myself The bounty, right? Besides, I won’t eat for free.” He took out a bag from his pocket and made a loud noise. "Especially when I still have a lot of gold coins with me."
Loida didn't know that Trinville had so many gold coins on him. She smiled and said: "Mr. Trinville, you really surprised me again."
Glenn and Althea also laughed.
Glenn said: "Well, that's it! Count our share, old friend Trinville. But I don't see how the owner, who has not yet shown up, will have a chance to spend it. Even if he is willing to accept it, I have no doubt about it.”
They were joking and joking, and their happy laughter filled the room.
The afternoon sun is no longer as strong as in the desert, and the wind has become cooler.
They sat on several large stones neatly arranged in the yard, which served as seats left for them by the hospitable host. They looked at the mountains in the distance, and the white mist on the top of the mountains was still swaying in the wind.
The longer time passed, the more curious they became. What kind of person would the owner of the cabin be? They couldn't help but look at Glenn again. However, even he could not respond to their questioning glances.
The sun cast a faint golden light, the wind became gentle, and the bees flew around tirelessly "buzzing". Looking at the clouds in the sky, they enjoyed the peace without any distractions. Since they couldn't predict what would happen next, they simply didn't think about it anymore.
Yamina fell asleep again in Royda's arms. They talked in low voices.
Time passed slowly. Suddenly, Glenn stood up and walked to the tree. The look on his face made them confused.
Glenn bowed deeply to the tree. Trinville wanted to laugh when he saw how respectful he was to a tree. But, that was too weird. A smile formed on his face.
He heard Gray's calm and respectful voice: "Please forgive us for our presumption and disrespect. If we had known that the master was always here, we would have got your permission in advance. So, for everything I have done for us, I say again Feel sorry."
Trinville's mouth dropped open. What happened to his friend?
The tree stood quietly in the small courtyard, but a gray figure stood under the tree.
His blood suddenly turned cold, his voice was stuck in his throat, and he couldn't even say "Ah".
Loida and Althea had also been attracted by his strange behavior. At the same time, they were as frightened as Trinville.
The gray shadow stood there quietly, motionless, but the look on his face was more surprised than the few people who were scared by him.
He finally spoke, his voice hoarse and low: "Can you see me? How do you know I'm here?"
Glenn smiled and said: "I'm sorry. If I had seen you earlier, I wouldn't have been so rude when there was a master."
When they heard Glenn's voice, they all let out a long breath. The shadow was just like them, just a man in a gray robe.
He was no longer young, for the wrinkles were deeply etched on his face. Those were the long lonely years in the Pedetalan Mountain Forest, leaving an indelible imprint on him. But his voice is not as old as it looks.
He stopped talking and just stared at Glenn. "I admire you for coming out of the fog. I did underestimate you. But, I still want to know, how did you find me?"
Glenn bowed again. He said: "We who broke in privately will certainly not hide anything from the owner's inquiry."
His friends were equally curious. Trinville pricked up his ears even more. He really couldn't see any difference in that tree.
It was just an ordinary tree as he had seen it from the beginning.
Glenn smiled slightly and said loudly: "From the heavy fog that troubled us to the path we walked repeatedly, I knew that those things we saw did not exist. Just like you standing under the tree, if You don’t want us to see it, we really can’t see it.”
The master in gray clothes said coldly: "Are you showing off?"
"It's not like that." He said, "Coming out of the heavy fog was completely unexpected. So, we don't feel proud at all. However, it was the accident that reminded me. It was not that we saw through it. The magic you carefully set up."
Upon hearing the magic, Loida couldn't help but hug Yamina tightly in her arms.
The master's face softened a lot.
He continued: "As for finding you standing under the tree, it is even more of an accident."
Trinville couldn't help it again. He couldn't help but ask: "But you kept us all in the dark about so many accidents. My eyes were wider than yours. But I saw nothing and heard nothing."
"My good friend, you also saw it. But you just saw it but didn't think about it."
"But I only saw this tree. The flowers were very beautiful, so it attracted a few bees to circle around it. That's all I saw."
"Me too, I only saw those flowers and a few diligent bees." He still smiled happily.
They are even more confused. Glenn turned to the master who was also confused: "When I understood that those illusions were created by a person who was used to loneliness. I also saw clearly that behind the illusions, there is real existence, which is the truth that cannot be concealed. You You must have been standing there a long time ago, although we didn't find you in time. However, you are not a shadow, you are really standing there."
He walked under the tree, where a few bees were still busy. "You were betrayed by these bees. I accidentally discovered that there was a bee flying very low. You must not have noticed that it landed on your feet. When I found it stopped there, it did not flap. We knew it when it had wings. Standing under the tree is the owner we have been waiting to see."
So this is ah. Trinville couldn't help but slap his head. It turns out that bees have such abilities. He couldn't help but feel a great affection for those bees. While he blames himself, he also admires Grenn even more.
If he had seen it, he would probably have been counting the bees again.
Although the master was still cold, he looked much relieved. He ignored the few people who were still in a daze and walked into the house.
Glenn followed him in. The house had been tidied up and was no different from when they first walked in. Of course, they all know. Except for the missing bread, there really isn't much difference.
The master sat down at the table, and when the others had followed him, he said: "You are an honest man, and I think I can forgive you for trespassing on my property."
Glenn said happily: "Thank you for your kindness and generosity. This way we can feel a little less guilty when we stand in your wooden house."
"Even though you were almost trapped in the maze I set up, do you still thank me?" Although his tone was no longer as cold as when they first discovered him, there was still a hint of unfriendliness in his voice.
His arrogance made Trinville uncomfortable. If the fog had not been inadvertently dispersed, one can imagine their situation. "You're stumped and you still want me to thank you?"
He wanted to complain, but when he saw his sunken eyes and wrinkles on his face, he couldn't bear it for a moment. He muttered secretly: "Your territory? Did it become yours just because you came a few days before us?"
He did not say these words. Glenn said, "Yes. I believe that the illusory fog was not dispersed by our shouts. Seeing you makes me even more convinced that it was entirely your kindness that stopped it."
The old man's expression finally became peaceful and tranquil. He stared at Glenn, and after a while, he sighed softly: "After another twenty years, I finally saw an outstanding young man again. So, can you tell me now, who are you?"
"I am Gray from Apodoli. This is my friend Trinville. They are Miss Althea and Miss Loida and Yamina from the Purple Bamboo Kingdom." Gray replied.
"High mountain country." He mused, "Why did you come here? Did you come from the Aignor Desert?"
"Yes. Those were really unbearable days. Although we are far away from it, it still makes us unable to calm down. So, you can imagine how happy we are to be able to sit in your cabin."
The old man looked at him with squinted eyes, and his tone became unpredictable again: "I have passed through the Aignor Desert and can still sit here unscathed. Seeing your performance again can confirm some of my guesses. However, you are still happy It's too early." He added,
"Before you, I only knew of one person who had done it. And he was alone. So you, even me, are still far behind compared to him."
"Of course." Grenn replied humbly, "We went through many hardships to cross the desert. If we say we were unscathed, that may not be the case. A bug monster once made us suffer a lot."
The old man sneered: "If you encountered the insect monster and escaped unscathed, I should have guessed it long ago. Unless there is a magical power to help you. Otherwise, you will never stand in my house and take my All the bread has been eaten." Trinville's face turned red quietly. Speaking of which, he ate more bread than the others combined.
"I'm sorry for our actions and we will try to make amends if we can," Grein said.
The old man snorted: "That's not necessary. If you just carry bread with you, you won't covet the food I baked so hard. I originally thought I could survive a month with it." "
Althea and Loida remained silent. The appearance of the mysterious old man did shock them at first, but now he seems to be nothing more than an eccentric old man. So now their mood is not so solemn.
Although they had their share of eating up the food that the old man had worked so hard to save, they still looked at the giant Trinville with a smile. But he would just blush and wave his hands.
The old man changed the topic and his eyes became strange. He said: "So, I will also let you see my kindness. I don't want your so-called compensation - I just want you to tell me, among your friends, who is the magic bearer?"
After hearing his words, Grein was silent.
The old man said coldly: "What, you won't tell me? Is this how you repay your master's kindness and generosity?"
Glenn glanced at Loida and said, "How did you find out? Is it because you are also a magic carrier yourself?"
The old man sneered: "If I hadn't heard a powerful and mysterious force in your shouts, and couldn't help but be curious and compassionate, how could you have easily escaped the fog I set."
"From the moment the heavy fog suddenly lifted, I knew that in fact, you didn't really want to trap us all the time. Is that right?"
The old man's mouth moved but he didn't speak.
After a while, he asked again: "Who is it?"
Trinville couldn't help but cast his eyes on Yamina, who was still sleeping. She must have been exhausted because she never woke up.
The old man stood up and walked to Loida. She stood in front of Yamina's bed and held out a hand to stop him. Although she didn't say anything, her actions gave the old man the answer he wanted. He couldn't help but leaned over and looked at the little girl's rosy face in surprise, with a trace of surprise and tenderness in his eyes.
Luoida saw the look in his eyes, which showed love and cherishment. She stopped hiding.
Yamina pouted and yawned, but she still couldn't wake up. Of course she didn't know that everyone in the room was watching her sleeping with complicated eyes mixed with love.
After watching for a while, he regained his fleeting warmth and became filled with doubts. Suddenly he said: "Leave her here."
"What did you say!" Loida shouted. Her voice woke Yamina. She pursed her lips and was about to cry.
"Leave her to me. Otherwise you won't be able to leave!" He returned to the arrogance befitting a master.
"Why?" Trinville's face turned red and he shouted, "Do we have to listen to you just because of your words?"
The old man looked at the furious Trinville and said coldly: "You have no idea how dangerous it is to take her with you. You can't protect her."
Trinville retorted angrily: "That's none of your business! No matter how dangerous it is, we will protect Miss Yamina."
"I'm afraid you can't protect yourself, right? If you can protect her, how can you be so desperate that you cross the terrible desert and come to the desolate Pedtalan Mountains? Let me tell you! Even if you get to the Holy City, you won't be able to protect her. It’s impossible to get the protection you’ve always fantasized about.”
They never mentioned the Holy City at all, but the old man made it clear. Glenn was shocked by his thoughtfulness. What an amazing person he is.
Grein held Trinville's hand and said to the old man: "Even if it is like what you said, we will never give up our responsibilities and commitments because we are afraid of a future that we cannot see clearly. No matter what happens , we will always be by her side. No one can ever take her away from us."
Trinville clasped her hands, and Loida turned her eyes to her sword. Althea held Yamina in her arms and kissed her tenderly.
The old man suddenly sighed, his voice sad and sad.
The corners of his mouth trembled as he looked at the people in the room and said slowly: "Why don't you believe me? I'm standing in front of you - a person who once wanted to be protected."
They could see his helplessness in his eyes. He suddenly changed from a domineering old man to a lonely and pitiful man.
Glenn glanced at Trinville. He asked: "Can you tell me who you are?"
He slowly returned to the table, sat on the chair, lowered his head, and closed his eyes. After a long time, he raised his head and smiled bitterly: "It's okay not to say my name. I haven't heard anyone call my name in more than 20 years."
The night was already very deep, and a dim candle was lit.
