There has never been such a noisy day in this land.
After leaving the mountain where the elves have been entrenched for generations, the vision suddenly opened up. The vast plains are perfect for galloping horses. Several horses galloped across the wild land, leaving behind their hooves to stir up dust that had been silent for a long time.
Prince Milerian's strong figure leaned on the horse and whistled away. He was young and high-spirited, and the noble blood of the elves flowing in his body inspired his heart and inspired him to move forward. Trinville looked at his back and couldn't help but admire secretly in his heart. Not willing to be left behind, he also chased all the way with his horse and whip.
Glenn, Althea, Loida, and Yamina were all following at a distance, laughing about the elf prince and Trinville's competitiveness.
They ran across the wilderness for two days, and the scene changed a lot. The wasteland is covered with low weeds, like an autumn scene. The road still looks like it was when it was built a long time ago, hidden by weeds.
Even as the road gradually smoothed out, Grein kept reminding everyone to protect their mounts. Because they want to get to the Holy City as soon as possible, they must take care of them.
After marching for another day, towering peaks could be seen in the distance, and sparse trees appeared in the wilderness. The road is no longer covered in weeds, and you can still see the shallow ditches left by the ruts.
However, no matter day or night, they are still the only travelers in this wild land.
They came to a fork in the road ahead and stopped. Glenn urged his horse forward, looked around and then chose a direction. He said: "We continue to follow the road south. As for the other road, I think it leads to the Principality of Paksa."
No one could be more qualified to serve as their guide in this desolate land than Grain. Although the Elf Prince is capable, don't forget that this is the first time he has left the territory of the Elf. In many places, he is not even as good as the former hunter Trinville.
The wilderness they set foot on did not belong to any country on the continent. In the flat field, you can vaguely see a straight road paved with fine stones, covered with low weeds. Except for a few flying falcons that could be seen above the white clouds, only the sound of the horses' hooves beneath them was clear, indicating that they were the temporary masters of this wasteland.
In total, Grein and the others have been on the run for nearly four months. Only during those days in the Elf Forest, their bodies and minds were comforted by the protection and kindness of the Elf. The rest of the time, they were always on guard against sudden enemies.
Walking on this land, Glenn had to be cautious again. Although we are far away from Apodoli, who knows whether King Orzin's black hand will extend here?
They traveled on this wild road for three days. Only this time they were well-supplied and their clothes were warm, clean and comfortable. The arrow pot was filled with the most exquisite arrows, and the horses were all in full swing. Coupled with the addition of a handsome and agile elf prince, it is really different from the narrow escape in the desert. The journey no longer seemed dull and lonely, and they were in great spirits along the way.
On days like this, Grein still reminded everyone from time to time that the danger would not be far away from them before reaching the Holy City.
The grass on the road is gradually disappearing, and there are more and more horse hooves and rutted tracks. There are more opportunities to meet other pedestrians on the road. Although there is no guarantee that everyone they meet has malicious intentions, some people even eagerly want to see more people. That is the Elf Prince, Milerian.
He wanted to see if all humans were as calm and wise as Glenn, as powerful as Trinville, as beautiful and affectionate as Althea, as strong and graceful as Loida, and as cute and well-behaved as little Yamina.
However, at least so far, he could only see the few people in front of him. From time to time, he would show a somewhat regretful expression, and he was soon discovered by the big man Vika.
He sat on the horse, carelessly comforting his new friend who was happily looking for trouble. He smiled and said: "Milian." Trinville always called the Elf Prince this way when he was still in the Elf Mountain. Only he calls the Elf Prince that way. He said,
"In King Babu Keli City, I interact with many people all day long, and almost all of them can become my friends. However, I still feel that since I escaped, I would rather meet a lot of people. Monsters, and I don’t want to meet people who can’t see what’s going on in their hearts.”
The Elf Prince smiled and nodded.
Finally, we reached another fork in the road, and several tall houses appeared in sight. It was a hotel standing in a wild wilderness. In this way, before they even stepped into the warm room, their tired bodies and minds had already received some comfort.
They were undoubtedly delighted. However, Greene still exchanged a look with Trinville. Trinville understood and was extra careful.
When I got closer, I saw that although the house was tall and elegant, it was in a state of disrepair. There are broken and exposed gaps everywhere on the wall, covered with moss and weeds. The stable was empty. It seems that even in this place that can bring the most comfort to travelers, what is missing is precisely the guests.
The fat shopkeeper of the Black Horseshoe Inn was scolding several of his waiters in a confused manner: "Hurry up and work, you lazy guys. You don't want to get paid, if you are still so lazy. Look at me How pitiful, no more customers come to the door, even I am about to starve to death."
He held his head in his hands and looked sadly at the empty yard. Several guys were so frightened that they ran away. But it’s really hard for these little guys, they really can’t find anything to do. There was not a single customer, so they could only wipe the table and the floor again and again, while listening to the complaints of the fat shopkeeper with fear.
The dilapidated gables of the Black Horseshoe Inn are tall and solid, vaguely revealing its past glory. But now their situation is dire, and they don't even have the money to repair the roofs that were damaged by wind and rain. A huge weathercock was still spinning helplessly in the wind, overlooking the traces of rainwater on the wall.
The fat shopkeeper walked around the yard with a sad face. Suddenly, he grabbed a thin boy and shouted: "Aka, Aka, do you want me to go bankrupt? How many times have I told you that these chickens only need to be fed once a day. Why do you take my grain?" , go and feed these guys who never have enough to eat? Unless you agree, you will eat less for dinner. "
The boy Aka Aka, who was scolded for no reason, said with a smile: "These chickens were only fed yesterday, and today is the first time."
The fat shopkeeper roared and shouted: "That won't work anymore, don't feed them anymore. If no more customers come to the door, I can't afford to raise these chickens. Catch them all, take them to the city and sell them, maybe there will be more chickens." I can get some money back."
Aka Aka advised him: "Don't be impatient, maybe there will be guests today."
Before he finished speaking, a waiter who was looking boredly into the distance at the door suddenly shouted, "A guest is coming."
This shout immediately made everyone in the Black Horseshoe Hotel energetic. The fat shopkeeper looked up to the sky with tears in his eyes: "God finally saw how pitiful I am, so he is so kind. I say, go greet the guests! If you neglect them, be careful I will kick you all out. .”
Those guys who had just been scolded still had angry expressions on their faces, but they all turned their attention to the direction of the road. The sound of horse hooves made the expressions on the faces of strangers immediately become as friendly as those of friends and family whom they had not seen for a long time.
The fat shopkeeper and a few waiters stood in front of the gate to greet the long-lost travelers.
Before the group could dismount, three waiters rushed up, hurriedly holding the reins and helping the guests dismount. They were even more attentive to the ladies. The Elf Prince was not used to this yet. Although he was a prince of the Elf clan, he still couldn't understand why these people were so friendly to them.
Trinville couldn't help laughing when he saw the elf prince's unseen expression.
The fat shopkeeper had already walked over, nodding and bowing, the wrinkles on his face deepening due to his bright smile. He smiled humbly and said hello: "Dear guests, welcome to the ancient Black Horseshoe Inn. I dare say that you will not find a more comfortable and clean hotel than the small inn along the way. Since my grandfather's grandfather opened this hotel, the most welcome ones we welcome are distinguished gentlemen and ladies like you." As he spoke, he glanced at Althea.
As soon as Althea left the Elven Mountain, she put on her hood again. Under the direct gaze of the fat shopkeeper, she turned slightly. The Elf Prince also dressed like an ordinary traveler, but his long flowing hair and handsome face still made him quite eye-catching. And he didn't take kindly to such an impolite look.
"Are you guys going to eat or stay in a hotel? It's getting dark now, and I'm afraid I won't be able to find an inn in front of you." The fat shopkeeper asked with his head lowered. "I hope you haven't suffered too much hardship on the journey ahead. Look, your faces are rosy, and your clothes are beautiful and clean. I dare say that the journey is not miserable for everyone. .”
He shouted at the man in the yard again: "Aka, Aka, why are you still standing there stupidly? Take all the guests' horses to the stable, use the best fodder, and then use The clear water is good for brushing. Oh, how beautiful these horses are. Tsk tsk."
Glenn was already used to the shopkeeper's politeness. However, when Trinville saw this respectful and attentive shopkeeper, he couldn't help but think of Daddy Blueberry, whom he had not seen for a long time, and he did not mind his nagging.
The guy named Aka Aka looked like he could barely reach the shoulders of the giant Trinville, but he was lean and lean, with bright eyes. Glenn didn't expect to see such a person in this small place, so he couldn't help but take a second look at him.
Aka Aka took the horses to the stable to wash and feed them. The fat shopkeeper has also retreated behind the counter. As soon as the guests sat down at the table, he winked, and a waiter came up with an apologetic smile on his face and asked: "I wonder what the guests want to eat? We don't look inconspicuous here, but the guests We will do our best to meet your requirements.”
Trinville's gold coins came in rare use, and naturally he would not let this opportunity pass him by. Of course, he didn't have much hope of getting any good wine in this dilapidated, shabby little hotel.
But the guy actually smiled: "Guests, don't underestimate our Black Horseshoe Hotel. A few decades ago, we were the largest and best hotel on this road. The old wines in our store are all from the best wineries. It's shipped. It's just that the journey is far and the price is a bit expensive."
Trinville laughed and said: "Since you dare to say that, I want to try it. It is indeed a good wine, so I will not give you less money. If you are lying and it doesn't taste good, be careful, I will pour all the wine on your table. Bragging face.”
The fat shopkeeper saw that Trinville was well-dressed and looked like a wealthy customer. I also saw that he had a bold temperament, so he must have a large drinking capacity. Perhaps the wine consumed by such a person can equal the wine consumed by the guests who passed by in the past month. Although he only sold two bottles of wine this month.
I saw the wine had been served. Grain didn't have the heart to dissuade Trinville. After all, he had only had a few sips of wine in the Elf Forest for a long time. Seeing Trinville's excited and expectant look, he decided not to drink, just in case.
As soon as he opened the bottle, the aroma of wine filled his nostrils, and Trinville shouted "Hello" first. He carefully picked up the wine glass, tasted it carefully, and then drank it all. Then, he drank two large glasses of wine in a row and couldn't help but praise him again and again. "It really shouldn't be underestimated. I didn't expect that there is such a good wine in this shabby old shop. Miriam, you must try it."
Prince Milerian had only tasted the wine at the Elven Feast, and he really couldn't distinguish the taste of the wine. If Trinville had not always adhered to the rule of not drinking alone, and forced him to have a drink, he would not drink it. But seeing Trinville's satisfied expression, he also found it funny.
Aka Aka walked up to them and said: "Dear guests, in addition to good wine, the Black Horseshoe Hotel can also provide other services." He said, raising a shoe in his hand. "When I went to feed your horses just now, I found that the iron paws of several horses were worn out. How could this be possible? For people who travel long distances, a small mistake may lead to serious consequences. You are in big trouble. Let me put new shoes on all your horses."
The elf prince looked at him, then looked back at Grenn. Glenn nodded towards him. He said: "How could it be? Our horses all have brand-new horseshoes that have been replaced not long ago. Besides, the road we have been walking on is just gravel, so it won't wear out so quickly."
Aka Aka said stubbornly: "You'd better check it out. Besides, it won't cost you much to change a few horseshoes. If you don't believe it, you can come with me and have a look, and you will know what I am talking about." It’s not true anymore.”
From Trinville's point of view, this young man just wanted to earn a few more silver coins from a few wealthy patrons, so he tried his best to facilitate the deal. Seeing him pestering the Elf Prince, he couldn't help but sneer. His tricks couldn't be hidden from the big man Vika's eyes!
He was about to speak to remind the Elf Prince not to be fooled. Aka Aka continued: "It's better to be careful. It's still a long way to the White Dragon City. If the horses have an accident along the way, I'm afraid it will delay the guests' schedule even more."
Glenn pondered for a moment and asked: "There are two roads at this fork. How do you know we are going to the White Dragon City?"
Aka Aka smiled and said: "If you go forward from this road, of course you can only go to the White Dragon City."
"Who told you that we must go to the Holy City?" Trinville also became interested in this little guy, and he talked nonsense while drinking. "To be honest, we just want to go to Pharisee."
Aka Aka smiled: "Guest, you must be joking. Those who want to go to La Pharisa but pass by the black horse's hooves must not have woken up yet. The other road you mentioned can indeed lead to La Pharisa. and Paksa, that place is even more desolate than what you see in front of you. You will rarely see villages and inns along the way. But I think your clothes are new and beautiful, but the luggage you bring is very thin. It must be Just bring enough food for the journey to the White Dragon City - if you really want to go to La Pharisa, you should turn east at the last fork in the road, and passing through the Principality of Paksa is the nearest and best way. "
Glenn didn't expect that this little guy would be so attentive, and he concluded that they were going to the Holy City just by looking at the shriveled duffel bag next to them. He glanced at the big man Vika who was in trouble, and said with a smile: "You are right. Then can you tell me how far it is from here to the Holy City?"
Aka Aka smiled and replied: "Guest, you asked the right person. And the road ahead will be easy. If it's just the three of you, hurry up and it will only take two and a half days to reach the White Dragon City." But you still have two ladies and a child with you. Then it’s hard for me to say how many days you have to go. Besides, I think it’s going to rain soon, so it seems you have to stay here. This is I will delay you all night."
He was minding his own show, but the fat shopkeeper saw it and shouted again: "Aka, Aka, hurry up and cook, don't disturb the guests."
Aka Aka walked away with a smile, and Glenn looked at his back and couldn't help but nodded secretly.
Aka Aka was articulate and answered fluently, with sharp eyes and thoughtful thoughts. Even Grein had to admit that after traveling on the continent for a long time, he rarely saw anyone who could compare with the little guy in front of him.
The experience after escaping from Barb Clay made Grenn extremely careful about everything around him and in front of him. He couldn't figure out the origin of Aka Aka, but he was secretly wary of it.
Seeing that Trinville was drinking happily, he called the shopkeeper and asked: "The wine in your shop is good, but I think your business is not very prosperous."
The fat shopkeeper blushed and said with a sigh: "Guest, you have such good eyesight. To be honest, I just can't bear to part with this old house left by my ancestors. But business is so bad now. If you don't come today, I'll open a shop." I can hardly support the century-old Black Horseshoe Hotel."
Glenn nodded: "It looks like it's not as hard as you said. After all, you can still afford to hire so many guys."
The fat shopkeeper poured out his hands and complained: "These guys, two are my nephews, and one is my nephew. They are all family members, and there is nothing we can do about it. Only this Aka Aka is the real guy."
"Oh. For such a capable guy, the salary must be quite high."
"Guest, you know." The fat shopkeeper said with a smile, "This Aka Aka has been here for less than two months. We don't need more people here. But he said, as long as he can eat It's enough to have enough food and a wooden bed to rest on. I saw that he was a smart worker, one person could do as much as three people, he didn't eat much, and he didn't need any wages, so I took him in. Otherwise, I would actually use a waiter. I'm sorry."
"Oh, that's it." Glenn said silently. The fat shopkeeper saw that he didn't ask any more questions, looked at them again, and then slowly withdrew.
The food and wine are all ready, and the food is delicious. When I asked, it turned out that it was Aka Aka's craftsmanship again. Everyone praised his cooking for being comparable to the best cooks in big cities. The fat shopkeeper saw that everyone was having a good time, so he took the opportunity to ask for more money for food and wine.
The sky was clear just now, but suddenly it started to rain lightly. After a while, the rain became heavier and heavier. It was getting dark soon, and it seemed that we could no longer continue our journey. Aka Aka's words that they would stay here came true again.
Trinville and the Elf Prince both said: "This little guy is not only good at cooking, he is also very smart." Their words unexpectedly made Loida and Yamina nod in agreement. Glenn looked at the rain outside the window, full of doubts.
