Surprisingly, Pepper was the first to start crying. He sobbed silently while giving Androx a look of abandonment that seared his heart. Then Pepper saw Androx looking at him and begged, "Please don't go. You can't! There won't be any of us left!"
Flower said: "I can become stronger, Mr. Androcks. You will be proud of me. Please don't go. Don't leave me behind like my last family member!" He gritted his teeth, his eyes were full of admiration. Same as Per.
Androx stopped shoveling for a moment. He had to clear his throat and concentrate on speaking evenly. "Kids, I'm not abandoning you. I'm going to give you what you deserve, a good home. You both deserve someone better than me. I can't take care of you. Not really. I'm not that kind of person . I hope you will understand one day. But it's not because you two are bad." At this point, he had to pause to avoid a lump in his throat. "You two kids are adorable and respectable in a way that no one can ever hope to be. Because I swore an oath and that's the only reason."
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okles poured the can, oil and coins into the hole. Then he filled it back in, being careful to make the ground look smooth and trying to hide his digging, while the little goats held hands tightly, sniffing quietly and whimpering. Wearing only loincloths, they looked frail, with nothing but skin and bones and hairy ears. Small, fragile and pathetic. They wrapped their tails tighter.
Once the hole was drilled, he hugged them tightly and they hugged him lovingly, each giving him a few kisses on the cheek. He found it unbearable. He took them by the hand and led them back to the carriage, where he caught a few figs for them to eat.
Then he had an idea. "I'm not leaving yet. We still have time. Pick up your slings, boys," he said, picking up his from the hut. They agreed, and he led them out of the north gate again.
“I thought, I need to teach you how to actually use these things,” he said.
Over the next hour, he demonstrated proper rope throwing technique and three common rope throwing methods, explaining their advantages and disadvantages in hunting and combat. He carefully observes their posture and moves their joints into the proper positions to ensure they learn correctly. For a while, they were able to enjoy themselves. Pepper, in particular, is a very smart learner and usually gets very close to his goals. Flower, while not lacking in enthusiasm, had no talent for it.
If he ever had boys, he figured this was something he'd spend time doing with them, but, he wouldn't think about it. Teaching them to sling is a great way to teach them a skill. Every shepherd must be good at this, and it allows you to hunt in a pinch, or even fight if necessary. A good slinger is welcome in any army. He didn't have time to teach them everything they should know, but he could teach them this.
The evening was just like last time, with food and beer being passed around casually, along with music and goodwill. The sound was much softer than the night before, though; Androx overheard people discussing his murderous intent and wondered what it was. Some people worry that this is an evil spirit passing through, or the goddess's displeasure. He didn't want to clear the air for them, and apparently neither did Komen, who was tight-lipped about the matter.
After the choir had finished singing and dispersed, Androcles asked Flower if she would sing for him again, as a reminder of the journey. Toolkit nodded seriously, then found a good rock to stand on. Somehow, a ray of sunlight hit Flower's head, illuminating his white hair like a god in a painting. As he sang, his sweet, perfect voice wafted through the crowd, and many people stopped talking to listen to him sing. First, he sang a song about A
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The songs of gods unknown to okles sounded like they were sung to children. Then he sang another song from last night, the one about a dead lover. Finally, he sang Androker's song, the one from yesterday, and the fire a few days ago.
The sound of the kit drove the words deeper into Androx's heart than usual, and he thought again of all the friends he had lost in the war. His father abandoned him by committing suicide. his mother and sisters. his wife. Now, kids. All the joy and happiness was shared and then gone forever. After all, that's what the song is about; have fun because it will all come to an end. It always ends.
When Flower finished speaking, Androclus's cheeks were filled with tears, although he showed no other emotion. Pepper noticed and hugged his waist tightly again. Flower jumped down from the rock and hugged Androl too. Toolkit asked: "Do you like it?"
"I love it. Thank you very much."
Kemen found them, and Agun followed. She looked as if she had just washed her face and was wearing a neat tunic with slight embroidery around her neck. She even used a comb to comb her hair. Androx had to admit that he was a little surprised to see how different she looked. In addition to a newfound country beauty, she looked ten years younger. She gave them a friendly smile, something uncanny lurking behind it.
Kemen said: "Master Androx, if you agree, I think Argon is the best person to raise your son. They have met her and she has a place for them. She lost her a few years ago Daughter, she still had a lot of love to give to another child. She and her husband were well respected here. He was out of town on business, but he always wanted a son."
Androx studied her for a moment. She certainly looked capable, with strong arms and legs, and a look of experience and wisdom on her face. He said, "How can you teach them to do good with a tongue like yours?"
"I'll use my tongue and my knuckles, Master Androx. I'm strong enough to keep them in line, and I'm quick enough to catch them," she answered. That wasn't the question he asked, but it was a good answer.
"Are you fast enough? How old are you?"
"I'm 36, you bastard of a bastard."
It was much younger than he first thought, but now that she wasn't covered in dirt, he could tell. Jesus said, “How do you teach them to be upright?”
"I never lie, and I won't tolerate them lying. I will make sure they learn to respect the gods and how to be part of a village. It's a lot more honorable than you think."
"Can you teach them courage?" he asked after thinking for a moment.
She put her hands on her hips, looked him straight in the eyes, and said, "Yes." There was a fierce look in her eyes that told him all he needed to know. She's honest, funny, and strong. She is willing.
But seeing that he didn't answer for a while, she added: "But if you don't believe me, why don't you show your evilness again, and you will know how much courage I can teach them." Continue. Try me. "
Now he didn't expect to get anything from her or anyone. Did Kaimen tell her, or did she know it herself?
She challenged him again, her voice challenging and bold. "Go on. Bring out the darkness you've been locking away and see if I'll back down. I'll show you power that a coward like Komen never dreamed of. I'll give you some courage to pee right now."
"On the front of the jersey? With everyone?"
"What, are you worried they'll see the real you?"
"Do you clean it up when they poop?" he asked, not jokingly.
"Yes."
Flower and Pepper released their hold on Android Kerr, not knowing what was going to happen next, but it was clear from the tone of the conversation that it wasn't going to be pleasant. They started to pull back to get a better look at him. He pushed them away and said, "Back off." But that didn't help.
He looked at Argon, and even though he knew it was a bad idea, she did pique his interest. Apart from a few occasions to train new recruits, he was never asked to do so voluntarily, and even then those were rare. Being afraid of your comrades is bad for cohesion. She was the first, and a woman; a savage.
"Very good," he said. She stood her ground.
His feet were planted firmly in the dirt, his hands were on his hips, his brows were furrowed and he was glaring. Then, with a force of will, he burst out with a powerful intention to kill, an intention that was fierce, bitter, and sharp. The letter was filled with all his regrets and all his grievances. This time, it was powerful enough to make waves in the air. It’s a sign of anger, and it’s strong.
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Okles could feel the grass under his feet withering. Kemen lost his balance and fell to the ground, breathing heavily. The chicks were shocked at first, then soon screamed in terror, clawing at each other, collapsing to the ground, cowering and hiding their heads. Almost everyone in the village seemed instantly petrified with fear, and only a few were able to run away in terror, not knowing what was happening.
She faced him with unflinching, undaunted determination in her eyes. He could see from the veins in her temples that her pulse quickened and her breathing became more rapid, but she looked directly at him unwaveringly, hands on her hips.
A strange feeling came over Ankerex, and he tried his best to further intensify his murderous intent; stronger than any attempt he could remember. He doubted it would be enough to kill insects and small animals. The air around him twisted, like a pool of water being stirred. This woman, this Aguna, would take care of the children for him. She is strong. She could do things he couldn't. So he pushed her as far away as possible.
She didn't waver. She didn't flinch. At the moment when Androcles' murderous intent reached its peak, and he used all his strength to pressure her with wave after wave of anger, she opened her mouth and asked calmly and not weakly: " is that so?"
He knew he was defeated. He put it down immediately. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and said, "Yes. That's it. Thank you. Now I know they're safe. That's really important to me." His eyes grew blurry. , although he didn't dare to wipe it.
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Okles knelt where the boys huddled together and gasped, stroking their heads. "Kids, it's okay. You're going to be okay now. Come on, sit up. Are you feeling okay?"
They sat up slowly, as if waking from a coma. They shook their heads, confused, and looked at him with fear on their faces. Androchus took their hands and helped them up, but they still sat and looked at him. Hua pulled his hand away and asked, "What happened?"
As Androx considered how to respond, Pepper pulled Flower closer, both looking at him, not sure what to think. Finally he said: "Here's the thing, Aguna showed me how strong she is. Look around, she's the only one standing. She's your mother now, she's stronger than most warriors I've ever met Both are strong. She is strong enough to keep you safe. You do as she says and she will help you become men."
Kemen slowly stood up and dusted himself off, looking very ashamed. Everyone in the village seemed to be hugging someone tightly and looking in his direction. Aguna took the children's hands and helped them stand up.
Androchus thought for a moment and said: "You'd better take them away now. I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. There's no need to hold out your hand and say goodbye."
Agun nodded and said, "I understand."
Feeling exhausted, Androchus looked at the children and said, "I'm a man who came into your lives for a week. I rescued you, sent you to a good family, and then I left. Don't dwell on it. There you go. , Goodbye, Little Pepper. Goodbye, Flower. Be a good person when you grow up." They still seemed a little trembling and did not respond, so he turned and left without looking back. He had just taken a few steps when he heard them crying. "Goodbye!" they cried, almost in unison, and then shouted louder than before. Then their cries were stifled, and Aguna, no doubt, buried their heads in her broad breast. inside.
Ankrex blinked and turned away from the dust, cursing himself for being so stupid for allowing himself to fall in love with someone he knew would end. As he walked back to the empty cabin, everyone avoided him and he ignored them.
That night, he slept fitfully for a while, and woke up at dawn, before the sun had risen. He rummaged around the car, gathering a few things he thought would be useful - sparklers, some food, his shield, Pansy's knife, etc., and then dumped the bag of beans into other containers, anyway. The bag of beans was only half full. He put everything he needed into his bag, strapped on his shield and sword, and walked out of the north gate toward the big city. He did not take one last look at the village.
