Androx made the horses run as fast as they could on the icy road. The moon fell in the first quarter and the light was dim. Despite the darkness, the contrast between snow and dirt was enough for the horses to find their way, and they even managed to trot slowly, trusting that the road would be clear.

However, he did not believe that the road would be clear. The thought that one of them would find a stone or a hole and break its leg made him distracted. Those disgusting, hateful demons certainly didn't help either.

It didn't help that Flower's leg seemed to be causing him more pain than expected. As soon as they left the sight of the King's Fortress, the flower began to feel wounds, and since then he has been curled up on the floor of the chariot, whimpering and hissing, thinking only about his wounds. For the past hour or so, the boy has been fidgeting, fidgeting, and unable to find a comfortable position. Whenever the car jolted, he became violently and stiff.

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The okles were also unable to stop the tanks and could not do anything. He couldn't even put the reins aside and bend down to look at him - the horses had been trained, and if he let go of the reins, they would stop moving.

Worst of all, he wasn't sure what Flower thought of him, not sure. In the bigger picture, it was less than half a year ago that he found this little orc kit and adopted him. Most of the autumn and early winter were together, and then two months of slavery. The boy was happy to be reunited with his family, but that was a long time ago, and so far his rescue had only been spent lying on the hardwood floor of a wagon with a severe wound on his leg, while his dad struggled to get rid of a group of hungry demons. He was clearly not excited anymore.

Androx looked down at him lying there, hoping he could rest a little easier. However, it was too dark to see anything underneath the carriage. Maybe that gray smudge was the pair of white ears that peeked out above the blanket, and another could be its shaggy white tail peeking out from the other end of the blanket, but it was impossible. At least Flower isn't running around as much as he used to. Or not move at all, really. Or make a sound. "Flowers?" Andrew kicked him lightly. "Are you okay?"

The boy shuffled under the blanket, and Anchors saw his yellow eyes, sparkling like cats in the dark. "I'm fine, Dad. It really hurts. Can we stop?"

"Not yet. Is that a bandage to stop bleeding?"

"I think so."

"Is it dripping?"

Hana paused for a moment and replied, "I don't think so." Why can't we stop?"

"We can do that, but the demons will catch up, and I don't want to fight them all at once without an army. Or with one. Or not at all. ”

"There's a demon chasing us?"

"Can't you feel this smell in the air?" That nauseous feeling? Makes you want to throw up, then panic and run away, and then throw up again. Every demon I've met has felt this way, except for Sef. It's a bit like the killing intent that a veteran like me has developed after enough battles. "It's getting weaker. I'm pretty sure we're ahead. ”

A strange, high-pitched sound, like a flute or birdsong, pierced the night sky, and when they both quieted down to listen, the voice faded before Androx could figure out what it was. Some kind of nighthawk? A northern owl? Soon, another shrill whistle sounded in the darkness. It seems to be far away, somewhere behind them, but it can't be pinpointed. As before, it repeats a series of notes and tones, without a rhythm or song that he can perceive. After a while, a phone call came from a distance in front of them; Maybe on the road, maybe on the top of a tree or a hill – there's no way to know.

"In ...... What's underneath the sagging nipples?" He muttered under his breath. He looked around carefully, fearing that a new danger would jump out of the shadows on the side of the road, but there was none. The horse kept his pace, completely unaware.

Hana said, loud enough to drown out the voices on the road, "It's not just my legs, Daddy." It hurts too much, but it's not the only thing. It's the same with my heart. He spoke slowly, the light of his golden eyes vanishing as he closed. "The prince sent it. I thought it was weird. ”

"How are you feeling?"

Hua thought for a moment, leaving them alone to listen to the rumbling of horses on the dirt and the crunch of the axles. "I don't know."

"Where do you feel it?"

"In my ...... In my heart. And my stomach. And my head. ”

It had been a long time since Androxy had killed for the first time, and he had forgotten how hard it was for a young man, and Flower was not even ten years old. O gods, what did he do to his poor children? He said very gently, "Do you think you did something wrong?"

The flower did not answer.

"Who was that guy you killed?" What's his name?"

“A

thfael。 Prince. ”

"What did he do to your family?"

"He turned us all into slaves."

"He's it. What happened to your father?"

Flower opened his eyes again, looked up, and said in a voice that was almost lower than a whisper, "He laughed at you in front of everyone."

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Okles sighed deliberately. Then, with great difficulty, he managed to let some shame in his voice. He made himself sound vulnerable so that his son could understand the truth. He said, "Yes, my child. He put me to great shame. I'd rather die than be humiliated like this. I endure these things for your sake. But he didn't just humiliate me. I am the patriarch and I inherited the family name. That is, he disgraced all my fathers, and all of you. The prince has disgraced us all. Now tell me, what does he do to your mother, sister and brother?"

"I don't know," Hana said. "No one is going to tell me anything."

Another whistle, birdsong, or something else interrupted their conversation, but Androx's speech overshadowed them. "I'll tell you right now. He sent them to both ends of the kingdom. If I save you, the knights will send someone to kill them. I could catch up with one rider, but not the other. Anyway, someone will die before I arrive, and most likely I won't catch a single rider either. That's how he trapped us. Agunn and Gabby together with Wolf SCA

Tell me they're safe, but Pepper was sent away on her own. Some ferocious demons attacked the village where he was being held and took him away. He may have died. We have Altfer and the king to thank us. ”

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Before Okles could continue, a torrent of grief broke the levee and washed him away, and Flower began to cry loudly.

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Okles frowned. This matter was handled badly. He has had enough time to come to terms with it, and he has experienced enough death to face this pain if necessary. Flower didn't do anything. The conversation was about to get bogged down and break its neck. This kid deserves better.

His voice was loud, drowning out the boy's cries, and he hurriedly added, "Wait, wait." I'm talking about probably dying, not definitely dying. Wolf sca

Haven't given up on looking for Peppe yet

。 He felt he might still be alive. He's looking for a demon's village or camp, and he won't give up until he's settled. Neither will I, if nothing else, Agunn can go and ask God. He'll tell us that, won't he? If we can't find him, Partos, who cares for the orphans, will tell us what happened. ”

It took a while, but Flower struggled to hold back the sobs.

When Andlocks was sure that the child had calmed down, he said, "It's too early to cry for him." He's probably still outside, and if we know he's not there, you're not alone. I promise you. Now, back to the prince. You said what he did to your father, and you just found out what he did to your family. What did the prince do to you? Just to you. ”

"He ......" Flor paused, and Andrx could barely see his son rubbing his eyes and cheek with his palm a few times. He turned me into a slave. ”

"What else?"

"I had to sleep in a woman's house, not a man's. I couldn't approach other children or talk to anyone. Most of the time I was left alone and they barely gave me anything to eat, so I was always hungry. I have to stay in the dark unless I need to drink water. They'll hit me because I messed up, but they won't tell me what to do until it's too late. I did what they told me to dance, but they didn't want me to do it right. The prince wanted me to mess up and be a joke in front of everyone. He told them to throw food at me. Someone even threw a head at me from the wall! A severed human head! It almost shattered my skull!" Spending on the last part sounds particularly painful. Then, he gritted his teeth and said angrily, "It's not my fault, is it?" I did a great job from the start. He made me!"

"Everything you did before he intervened was perfect. I see it. You dance as well as you sing. So, what did he do to you and your family so much, and what did you do to him?" Andlox looked down at him sternly.

When Flower didn't answer immediately, Androx said, "Say it."

"I'll kill him." The boy said, his voice so soft that he could barely hear the horse.

"How?"

"I stabbed him in the neck." This time, he said, it was louder. "Just above the collarbone."

"And then what did he do?"

"He tried to stand up, but bled too much and died."

"Does he deserve it?"

"Yes."

"Did you do it right?"

He hesitated, then said, "Yes."

"He disgraced your father, sold your family into slavery, abused and ridiculed you. He could be your brother's murderer. I asked again. Does he deserve it?"

"Yes. I agreed. ”

"If he deserves it, is it justice for you to kill him?"

"Yes."

"So are you doing it right?"

"Yes," Hua said more forcefully. It sounded as if he was convinced.

"Then don't worry, little one. Instead, be proud. Be proud of it and never forget what you did. Never. For yourself, for your family, for your father's name. ”

"Yes, Dad." Flowers sound more relaxed, or perhaps more confident. As long as the memories don't torture him too much, he'll probably be fine. What the boy needs now is Aguna, her warmth, love, and healing powers. If the gods forbid, he will soon find his fiancée, who can do the rest and ensure that the boy's little heart recovers completely.

They rode silently for a while, listening to the rumble of the road and the rhythmic crunch of huge carriages. The strange whistle echoed in the darkness from time to time, and Anders still didn't know what it was. The cry seemed to have been carried back and forth for a long time down the road, as if he had alarmed some beast's lair, and it had alerted his companions that he would soon be at their side. There is no doubt that they will stay up all night.

One of the horses tripped and the carriage staggered and crashed into a large bulge in the road, but everything was fine. However, Flower screams in pain as he is thrown against the wall. A

d

Okles stopped his horse and bent down to help the poor boy settle down again. With the darkness at the bottom of the chariot, he couldn't help much, but he couldn't help but notice that the flowers cowered at his touch. He may just be surprised, but who knows?

When the boy was settled and the horse began to move again, Androcles said, "You know what, I remember the face of the first man I killed. Can you believe that? But I remember, I remember. But I only remember a few interesting people after him. After you've done so much, they're all running together. But that time, my first time, I will never forget. I'm just a young man. I must have been fifteen years old. I told you before; It was my first fight. I shot him in the eye with a spear and then in the chest as he lowered his shield. My friends cheered for me, right in the middle of the battle. But what do you think I did that night to celebrate?"

Flower looked up, cat's eyes sparkling. "Did you drink with your friends?" Are there any girls dancing?"

"That's a good guess, but you're wrong. I went to bed early and curled up in my tent all night, afraid that the shadow of the dead would appear and curse me. I was so scared that I cried, and Tess rested my head in his arms until I fell asleep. I didn't fall asleep quickly either. In order to preserve my dignity, he never mentioned it again, and no one else knew about it. No one was going to trouble me, because even at that age I was the most burly man in the army. ”

In the silence that followed, Anjex was sure he heard Flor's jaw go gap.

"Why, do you think I'll never be young enough to be stupid?" His shadow never appeared, in case you were wondering. ”

The flowers may smile in return. It's hard to say; The boy's teeth don't catch light like his eyes. He doesn't seem to be as irritable as he used to be, though, and maybe he's found some peace.

However, after a while, Andax began to wonder if it was a good idea to admit such a thing. Flower has seen enough of his weaknesses lately. His once-respected father was humiliated, belittled, enslaved, and defeated in battle by a barbarian.

What does the boy think of him now? Androcleus had been handing over his family to slavery for almost two months. It seemed like an anxious, frustrating time for him, but it wasn't for long; It could be worse. Not even a season, and he was worried about waiting years. But how long does it seem like it took for Flower and the others? For a lifetime? For children, the passage of time is different. Does the boy still love him as much as he used to?

The farther they rode in silence, the more Angelus wanted to know what Flower was thinking, but he didn't ask. How could he say that without looking stupid? It becomes unbearable. Even those strange chirping birds, which start to distract him every time they hear them, call each other from horizon to horizon with singular songs that have no melody or rhythm.

Flower seemed to notice his uneasiness, or at least reacted instinctively. As he tried to find a place to be comfortable, the toolbox became restless again, scrolling back and forth. Finally he gave up and stood up cautiously, holding on to his injured leg and clutching Anchors' woollen shirt to keep his balance. He gasped in frustration as he tried to find a comfortable standing position, but never succeeded. A

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Okles moved the reins to one hand, holding Flowe in the other

, which seems to have worked.

The boy kept looking up, as if something was on his mind. Andlocks could guess what was going to happen next. Flower would blame him for getting them into these troubles, and he was right. He may ask for some kind of favor. The gods are above, and he may just want to go back to his people and end all this suffering, so that his new family will be taken away by the crows. Anchors was ready for what was to come, and a wave of fear began to pound into his chest.

"Daddy," said Flower at last, in a soft, contemplative voice, "I don't think Pepper will die from this." If the demon comes to kill the stone man, he will hide, won't he? If the wolf scar is hidden, he can't find Pepper either, so the demon can't find it either. Wolf Scar's vision in the dark is better than me and Pepper. So that Pepper can sneak away. Wolf sca

He must be found. ”

Andrew breathed a sigh of relief and almost burst out laughing. Luckily, he kept himself under control and thanked Patos for his kindness to the boy. He replied in a fitting thoughtful tone, "That's true." Pepper can shave the rat if he wants to. But wolf sca

Finding out he's gone, all the people are talking about the devil stealing their child, so we can't imagine where else he will be. ”

"I bet he's hiding with his family. He's going to go to another family that will keep him warm, right? He won't ...... Try to wait in the snow. ”

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Okles sighed. Pepper does wait in the snow or try to walk to where he thinks Andrx is and freeze to death. This little mouse always overestimates himself, and he often does stupid things he wants to do, which doesn't help him. However, he can't tell Hana this, so he says, "Pepper is smart, he will hide in a warm place, and if the demon doesn't catch him, Wolf Scar will find him."

Flower raised his head again, grabbed Androl's shirt higher with both hands, and said, "Dad, if he was caught by the devil, you would have rescued him, wouldn't you?" You're not going to leave him, are you?"

The boy looked up unwaveringly, frowning in worry. He gripped tighter, and Anders hesitated in reply.

A group of demons... It's one thing to be bold, but that's crazy. Still, Andlos has made a promise. "I told Wolf Scar that if he found Pepper, tell him I came for him," he said. It's an oath, so I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

The gods testified that he did not want to make such an attempt at all. It was almost better for this handsome little rascal to die than to give up his oath to his father and let everyone die for something as hopeless as attacking the entire demon tribe. King Lugu Belenus had dozens of guns, while Andandrocles died with almost no guns while fighting the king and his prince. If it weren't for Hana's charming singing, I would have died a long time ago.

The king and prince knew that magic Andlox thought was impossible, but even they did not have a whole tribe. There are only a few dozen. So who or what ruled the wild demon who took Pepper away? What kind of monster can control hundreds of people at the same time?

"How long will it be before we find Agunn and Gabi?" Flower asked.

Androx smiled and snorted. "I don't know, kid. Completely unknowing. I'm not even sure if that's the right direction. I think so, but I'm not sure. I hope wolf sca

Find us before the king. Agunn and Gabi are on the north side, and I know so much. Remember Wolf SCA

How bad is the command ability? Imagine him trying to tell me how to find something a few days away. ”

Flower leaned his cheek closer, hoping it wasn't too cold from him bleeding under the bandage. "I remember one time he said that Gabby dropped his gloves next to a red thing, passed a green thing, and behind it was a strange stone," he said. "Do you remember?" We rode for a while and he didn't want to get it himself because he was tired. ”

"I do remember. And he was right. Once you understand what he means, you will understand that he is right. Completely useless before......"

Another shrill whistle sounded in the darkness, and Andlos interrupted him.

"Daddy, do you know what they're whistling at each other?" Flowers said.

"Huh? You... Who is... Why, what? Androx said. "Let me try again. What do you think that sounds like?"

"It's people putting their fingers in their mouths like this—" said Flower, who put his index fingers on either side of his mouth to demonstrate, "and whistle." But the songs they make are different. They are different, but some parts are the same. They do the parts the same, but not in the same place—" said this, Hua pursed her lips and whistled more quietly, mimicking the sound, "but the rest are different." ”

Andlocks looked down at his son with a half-smile of frustration on his face. Hua looked up, saw it, and asked embarrassedly, "What?"

"I don't know if to be proud or angry about your cleverness. Gods above, boy, you are truly the bastard of the Muses. It's not fair to us mortals. ”

Hana smiled a little shyly for a moment as he tried to figure out how to respond. Then his eyes suddenly widened, and he said, "Oh! Daddy, they're talking! They're messaging about us!"

Once people realize that it's the sound of a man whistling, it's a fairly obvious connection, but who would have thought that they would have a whole fleet of spies standing in the cold waiting to send a message? The speed of communication is certainly staggering, though. The message will run over the fastest horse. For that matter, maybe even birds. In fact, the phone calls go back and forth on the road, indicating two-way communication, which is unheard of. Undoubtedly, this message is something like "The King's Trophy Bunny has just passed me." "He's still on his way." All armed men loyal to the king within a radius of a few miles should now be aware of the hunt.

Androcles was freed, lost his silverware, and one of his sons sat in this luxurious carriage. Things should have been easier from now on. It's not funny at all.

Hua asked sadly, "What do you think they are talking about?"

"They're setting up an ambush." As he began to realize how bad things were going to go, a dark mood of fear and anger gripped him.