In total, four months had passed since they left the royal city of Babukole, and it was already late autumn. It's just that the weather in the south is not as cold as Apodoli. I wonder if it is also raining in Babukole? The same sky, the same rain, but they are in a foreign land. In the wildness, the sky and the earth are chaotic, with only the slightest hint of autumn rain, which can't help but arouse the homesickness in the hearts of travelers.
Grein, Trinville and the Elf Prince all listened quietly to the sound of rain hitting the roof and dripping from the eaves. The night was already deep, but they were not sleepy, each thinking about their own thoughts.
Suddenly, low footsteps were heard in the corridor. The three people sat up in unison, their hands touching the sharp sword from the elf.
The footsteps stopped outside the door. Then there was a slight knock on the door. The voice was cautious, as if it was afraid of waking up a sleeping person.
Trinville and the elf prince both looked at Grayn. Grayn put his finger on his lips, then he suddenly opened the door, stretched out his hand and pulled the person standing outside the door in.
Standing in front of him was Aka Aka. The candle was blown by the wind, flickering on and off, illuminating his face with an uncertain expression.
Before Grayne could ask, he lowered his voice and said hastily: "Don't ask anything, come with me quickly. Someone has tipped off the information, and I think the men and horses chasing you will be here in a short time. Your horses, I will It’s all ready, right outside the gate.”
Both Trinville and the Elven Prince were astonished. Glenn stared into his eyes: "We are not murderers or thieves. We have nothing to be afraid of. Why should we run away?"
"It's your right to question. But please don't waste your time listening to my judgment. Please believe me, Mr. Glenn. I know who you are! The shopkeeper also knows. My shopkeeper has sent his son to I've reported you—said you are spies who escaped from Gaoshan Country. Come with me, I can take you away."
Hearing "Apodoli" come out of his mouth, Green couldn't yet tell whether what this mysterious Aka Aka said was true or false. But there is no doubt that their identities have been exposed.
There was no time to hesitate. He nodded to Trinville and said: "Go and wake up Althea and Loida." Before he finished speaking, Loida had already rushed in, holding a sword in her hand, followed by Althea.
Aka Aka said: "Be careful and don't alarm other people. I don't think you want to embarrass those ignorant country people, right? After all, if you can run out, don't kill people randomly."
Glenn looked at everyone and said, "There is no time to explain. Let's leave here first."
Everyone walked quietly downstairs and walked out of the door in the heavy rain. Sure enough, the horses were saddled and bridle ready. Everyone got on their horses, ignoring the cold and mud in the dark, like birds rushing out of their cages.
In the rainy night, Aka Aka shouted: "Follow me. I know a small road, and the main road is no longer safe. Besides, you can't keep galloping in such a dark night. I will take you to a safe place first. Where no one can find you."
Glenn had no choice. Since I trust Aka Aka, I can only leave everything unknown to him.
It was too dark. If it weren't for the guide Aka Aka, letting the horses run on a rainy night when no torches could be lit would have been an extremely dangerous thing.
Aka Aka kept reminding everyone - it's time to cross the river, it's time to avoid the big rocks lying on the ground, and it's time to go uphill again. When they climbed a hill, they looked back and saw the distance in the dark night, brightly lit in the direction of the hotel. Those were numerous torches, lighting up the night sky with heavy rain.
At this time, Green believed Aka Aka's alarm, but still did not dispel his doubts.
The rainwater under their feet had gathered into a small river, and Aka Aka kept urging them to go faster. They trekked in the rain and came to the foot of a valley cliff, where they could finally get shelter from the wind and rain. Aka Aka dismounted first, and saw him turning three times and two, leading them into a cave. The cave was very spacious, dry, and covered with thick grass, as if it had been prepared in advance.
Aka Aka lit a fire and they sat around it. The clothes that were soaked through the rain soon began to steam up, and they gradually warmed up.
Finally got out of the cold rain temporarily. Trinville took Yamina out of his arms. The little girl was still sleeping soundly. The embarrassing running around and the pouring rain just now could not wake her up from her sweet dream for a moment.
Loida took Yamina from Trinville and gently placed her on the thick straw mat. Everyone looked at her peacefully sleeping face and felt peaceful and happy in their hearts. Just a moment ago I was running for my life during the chase, but now I have forgotten everything.
Aka Aka didn't wait for Gray to ask questions, and then started talking to himself: "I discovered this path when I was wandering. I have walked here several times, and I am the only discoverer of this cave. Except for Me, no one can find me here. This is a safe place, and I prepared these hay. But I didn’t expect that so many people would suddenly crowd into the cave where I am usually alone.”
Seeing that everyone was settled, Grayn lit the fire, looked at Akaka, and asked casually: "You called my name before. But I don't remember saying it to anyone in the store. .Then do you know who we are? Why do you want to help us?" Everyone's eyes were fixed on him.
Aka Aka smiled slightly and said: "I really don't care who you are. However, I know what kind of person my employer is. He loves money as much as his life, and he can do anything for money. If he is not too courageous, Xiao, he will definitely kill those customers who are alone and weaker than him. I just can't stand him reporting on you for money, and he doesn't care what kind of spies and traitors you are, what does that have to do with me!"
"How do you know he reported us for money? Is there no other reason?"
"I really don't know anything else, but I am certain of one thing. From the moment you stepped into the door of the hotel, my owner knew who was coming. Because, I saw with my own eyes what was going on. One Many months ago, someone told him - asking him to pay more attention to anyone in his store, especially two young men with an equally young woman. They also told you in detail about your body shape. And appearance. You two are exactly the same as they said. Including the lady in green clothes, and her face hidden by the hood. But I didn't expect that there are five of you here." He looked again I glanced at the little girl who was still sleeping soundly.
"Actually, there are already six. I also heard your names. I know there is a man named Trinville, who is a famous bounty hunter in the Mountain Kingdom and the person I admire the most. I have always aspired to become For a hunter like him, I will never allow anyone to want to harm him. So I warned you from the beginning because your horseshoe is broken and you will be in danger, so you need to be careful. Unfortunately, Mr. Trinville regarded me as an alarmist, just for Are you a liar who made a few extra small silver coins?"
Trinville felt a little weird when he heard it. I just caught a few little-known thieves in Apodoli, and I could only brag to my friends in the tavern. Unexpectedly, his fame would spread to the distant Black Horseshoe Inn, and he would become a great hero in the eyes of this young man.
"Since you are so dissatisfied with your master, why don't you leave him? As far as I know, you have only been there for two months, and you don't need wages."
Aka Aka was stunned for a moment, and then he replied with a smile: "Unexpectedly, you even know this. Yes, that's right. If I had known that he was such a person, I wouldn't be there to serve him. .I came here from Ardfleet. I have no relatives in my hometown, and I have been wandering and living all over the world. I yearn for the free life of a hunter, but I have never been able to find the right opportunity.
By chance, I passed by the Black Horseshoe Inn. I wanted to live a stable life for a few days, so I offered to stay there for free, as long as I could have a full meal there and have a place to shelter from the wind and rain at night. Please believe me, I didn't intend to stay there for a long time. I was planning to leave there in the next few days. "He smiled again and said,
"That mean guy. It makes me happy to think that I can shatter his dream of money when I leave. When he is asleep, he is probably still counting the bounty he dreams of."
Glenn is still very grateful to this little guy. No matter what, if he hadn't tipped them off, they would have been surrounded by soldiers who came after hearing the news. Even if they could break out of the siege, they would have to go through a fight. He and Trinville have already experienced hundreds of battles, and together with Loida and the Elf Prince, they will naturally not be at a disadvantage against dozens of soldiers chasing them. But in the dark night, coupled with the weak Alsia and little Yamina, they had to be a little more scrupulous.
It's still raining outside. There are plenty of hay in the cave, and the fire can warm people's bodies and hearts. Everyone was exhausted. Althea and Loida dried their clothes. They cuddled up to Yamina and fell asleep on the haystack.
Glenn said: "Everyone, let's go to sleep. We are all tired. I will keep vigil." After thinking about it, he changed his mind again. "I guess forget it. Since Aka Aka said they can't find this place, everyone can rest assured and have a good night's rest."
Aka Aka's eyes showed joy and gratitude.
It rained heavily all night, and the tired people slept peacefully. When the sky dawned, the rain gradually stopped. When the dawn entered the cave, everyone woke up. But Yamina woke up earlier than them all. She sat between Althea and Loida, rubbing her eyes and looking around. She still didn't understand how she could wake up from a warm and soft bed to sleeping in a cave and sleeping on hay. And, everyone is here.
She actually laughed and screamed happily, without any sign of surprise or fear.
The fire left only warm embers. Aka Aka added dry firewood and went outside to fetch sweet mountain spring water. Everyone took out the dry food they had brought with them and gave Aka a share. He ate happily.
Although it is safe here, their final destination is the White Dragon City. And it’s only three days’ journey from here. If you want to completely put all danger behind you, you can only rush to the Holy City as soon as possible.
Aka Aka grabbed Glenn and said, "You want to leave now?"
"Yes." He said, "But I still want to thank you for the timely warning you gave us last night. Now we are going to continue on the road, so let's break up here."
Aka Aka was a little anxious, and he said with a red face: "No. What should I do if you leave? The shopkeeper saw that I disappeared with you, and he would definitely guess that I was the one who tipped you off, saying Maybe they are arresting me now. I told you, I am an orphan. I have nowhere to go. If you don't take me with you, I will be caught by them soon."
Seeing that Grain didn't answer, he hurriedly turned to Trinville, grabbed his hand again, and begged, "Mr. Trinville, you are the hunter I admire most, please let me follow you, let me be yours." Servant. I want to be a great bounty hunter like you. Please take me with you."
Loida and the Elf Prince couldn't help laughing.
Although these words were very helpful to Trinville, he couldn't help but feel happy and comfortable. But then I remembered that there was indeed a person who could truly be called the "Great Bounty Hunter", and he was in this small cave, but it might not be him. Even his ears turned red.
Seeing everyone laughing, he said angrily: "Who said I was a great bounty hunter? Don't think that just because you said that, I would agree to take you in. Do you still want to be a hunter?" He looked at Ah. Kaaka, "With your small and dry body, let alone a robber, I think you might not be able to catch a chicken in the yard."
Everyone laughed again.
Glenn has never been able to figure out the origin of Aka Aka. Although everything he said seems to be impeccable, he is always a little uneasy. Taking this opportunity, he even teased Trinville, "Old friend Trinville, Aka Aka admires you so much, you might as well accept him. You really need a smart and capable servant by your side."
"Yes, yes. Take me with you. I will be obedient and be a good servant." Aka Aka hurriedly begged again.
Little Yamina didn't know what they were talking about, but she also liked the giggling Aka Aka. So he joined in the fun and said, "Yes, yes."
Trinville's face turned redder. He waved his hand and said, "Don't even think about it! I don't want any servants. Besides, what will you do? I don't want to have to take care of a little guy like you when I'm catching robbers."
Aka Aka heard that there was a little bit of looseness in Trinville's words, and quickly said: "I can do anything! You become my master, and I will serve you well. When you go to catch those evil robbers , I will lead your horse into a stirrup, sharpen your sword faster than the wind, polish your armor brighter than a mirror, so that your boots will never be stained with a little bit of dust and mud - even if you just Trudging out of the rain. Like now."
At this point, he seemed to remember something, and quickly sat down on the ground, grabbed one of Trinville's feet, and rubbed it vigorously on the boot.
Everyone was amused by his good sleep, and they all laughed, praised him, and said good things to him. Trinville's face turned redder, and he hurriedly tried to break away from Aka Aka's hand. Unexpectedly, that little thin man was much stronger than he looked.
Glenn smiled and said: "Trinville. The future of an outstanding young man is already in your hands - become a brave hunter who works tirelessly to hunt down fugitives. Or, be a diligent and capable person who is most popular and loved by guests." Man. It's all going to be your decision, so think it through."
Loida smiled and said: "Take him, Mr. Trinville."
The elf prince also said: "Mr. Trinville, accept him."
Althea also nodded.
Yamina grabbed his beard and stroked his face: "Kind Mr. Trinville, please accept him. Look how pitiful he is."
There was nothing Trinville could do. He said: "But..."
Seeing everyone's looks, he could only sigh. "Okay." Then, he said viciously, "If you let me see you being disobedient, I will drive you away immediately."
But everyone can see that Trinville is actually very happy. He already liked this smart little guy, and he was so capable.
But he seemed to have remembered something again, and said hurriedly: "I am a very poor master, I'm afraid I can't pay you too much wages."
Aka Aka wiped his boots harder, raised his head and smiled: "Master, as long as I can follow you, I will be satisfied. Besides, being a hunter who punishes the strong and eliminates evil, and fights against injustice is what I have always wanted to do. It’s a dream. When I think that I can be a great hunter like you in the future, I can’t ask for anything else.”
Trinville was afraid that he would say that he was the "greatest hunter" in front of everyone, although he was still happy in his heart. In order to hide his inner joy and embarrassment, he had to put on a straight face and said: "What kind of weird name do you have - Aka Aka? I have never heard such an unreliable name. It sounds like the call of a strange bird." .”
Aka Aka looked at him with admiration: "Master, no one is as knowledgeable as you. That's right, a bird in my hometown calls like 'Aka, Aka'. My This is what my mother told me—the day I was born, a bird fell in the yard, Aka, Aka, and kept calling. So my father named me Aka Aka. "
Everyone couldn't help laughing again. Trinville shook his head helplessly and immediately laughed.
Prince Milerian opened his arms and took a deep breath of the fresh wind on the grassland.
This is the Holy City. It is said that the free and holy city-state is immune to evil spirits. Under the blessing of God, mankind is the last paradise on the continent of Palinkabakama.
The towering green mountains in the distance are covered with snow, the weather is bright and sunny, and the climate is pleasant. Apodoli has already entered early winter, but the land in the Holy City is still green and grassy. The clear river flows through the grass and curves around. The land is rich in water and grass, filled with flowers of various colors, large and small, and the leisurely figures of sheep and shepherds can be seen everywhere. On the rushing river, the mill roared.
They had just entered the edge of the Holy City and had to walk for another day to reach the city-state. But they are all safe. No matter how cruel the gangster is, they would not dare to chase him here. The Holy City is outside all the laws of the mainland, and it also gathers the expectations of all the good people in the mainland.
Although they still didn't know what would happen next, they all dismounted and walked slowly on the grassy grass. Yamina ran at the front, occasionally running too fast and falling, but then she got up and continued cheering. Loida let her go.
Trinville saw the Elf Prince beaming with joy and being so obsessed with it that it was funny. He smiled and asked him: "Milian, how is this place better than your hometown?"
The Elf Prince sighed longly and said with fascination: "The Elf Forest is lush and green, cold and quiet. But the grassland of the Holy City has an extra kind of holiness, even I can feel it. I will travel with you this time, even if I only come here A visit to the Holy City is considered a worthwhile trip."
Glenn said: "It is indeed beautiful here. However, there are still many beautiful scenery on the mainland. But when people come to the White Dragon City, they are always more touched. This is the heart of the people of the Palinkabakama continent. Hometown. It’s not unreasonable for people to long for and worship the Holy City. There is no place in the world that can compare with the peace and tranquility here. There is no place where people can’t help but burst into tears.”
Although I haven't seen the Holy City yet, the Holy City is no longer as far away as it once was. In order to set foot on the Holy City, they fought all the way. But the closer I got, the more respectful I became, and I also slowed down my pace even more, for fear of disturbing the invisible gods and breaking the intoxicating tranquility.
Trinville smiled and asked: "Grain, is this your first time in the White Dragon City too?"
Glenn nodded and said: "Yes, old friend. The Holy City has long been in my heart. I have longed for the Holy City for more than a day. Today I had the opportunity to set foot on the land of White Dragon City."
Of course, it was also the first time for Trinville and Loida to come to this mysterious and sacred place. She said: "You must come to White Dragon City once in your life. The sunshine and land here alone can already cleanse our souls and make us understand the dignity of life better."
Yamina also smiled mischievously and said: "Although I don't understand what Sister Loida said, I think what she said is very good."
As a result, everyone was amused by her.
Since it was still a long way to the Holy City, and no pursuers dared to harass them, everyone was in no hurry to get there. Therefore, Trinville wanted Gray to tell everyone about the legend of the White Dragon City. Even Prince Milerian agreed with this.
In his heart, the elves themselves were already extremely noble, far superior to mortals. But he didn't expect that in the land of mortals, there would be such a city that awes the elves and the profound spiritual world it contains.
Glenn looked into the distance and said with a smile: "Let's eat something first. This is a unique delicacy in the world, given by Queen Blisa."
