In fact, Will Pepper be able to bring them to Team Glory? Expressing skepticism. The boy wasn't sure if he could take care of the whole family at the same time, and he couldn't sleep day and night. A

d

Okles will figure it out. Later. He'll have to think about something in the future, and now he's going to have to focus on staying calm.

They marched upward, and Pepper walked effortlessly with graceful steps, walking so perfectly with each foot that there was not a trace at all. Anchors tries not to be angry at the deep footprints he left in the dirt and sand, which in turn provokes Pepper's wrath. The shadows had been howling, and the unseen voices searched the entire hillside in vain, but did not find them.

Agunn had less trouble than he expected. She looked calmly and confidently ahead, her face flushed from exertion and cold, but other than that everything was fine. Pepper's little boy legs seemed to fit her pace better than Androx's. She doesn't get Pepper's glare, which doesn't seem fair because women are supposed to be more emotionally out of control than men.

By the time the soldiers reached the foot of the mountain, they were already halfway up the mountain. Glancing at the obvious row of footprints on the slope, Androxes walked straight towards him, thinking to himself how stupid they would be if they didn't understand this. Just ride to the end of the footprints and start wielding your sword until you hit something, fool. Simple.

Pepper tipped at his fingertips again, and Angelus realized he was getting restless again. Not even angry, not afraid, and not any obvious emotion. Just excited. Perhaps, intensified. Arguna smiled at Angelus, but that was enough. They all knew she was going to win.

As the soldiers slowly rode along the path in a column, his eyes kept on the front, and his heart was calm and did not care. The shadows fell silent, and their disgusting voices grew quieter, turning into the kind of conspirator whispers he was familiar with.

Pepper knew they were there, even though he never looked back. The boy must have heard them as he grabbed Anchors' hand and climbed sideways onto a nearby boulder. From there, they do a lot of very careful jumps, just moving upwards indirectly, and slowing down considerably.

"Look, they're going that way!" A rider a dozen paces behind him shouted.

Don't look, Pepper said. Don't look at them.

"I didn't see anyone." Another said. It sounds like they dismounted.

"They are hiding in these rocks. Keep your head up," one said.

"I don't need you to tell me, Lugurix." Another said.

"Stain! Come out, dirty thing! A man shouted in a deep voice.

As they climbed the rocks, the metal of the armor clanged. They move slowly and carefully, thinking they are close to their prey. And they were right.

Don't look. Pepper eagerly took his hand, and they jumped up the next boulder, and then walked down and secretly climbed up the next one, and climbed up the next one.

A

d

Okles couldn't help but become more alert and prepared. Pepper digs at his nails, and Andex does his best to relax, trying to let it go, but it's getting harder and harder.

Pepper pulled them down, and it wasn't long before a man with a javelin in each hand and a tall winged helmet stepped out in front of the boulder where they were standing. He was just inches away from Andlox's feet, completely unaware. A

d

Okles did his best to look out of the corner of his eye, but he had to go through decades of practice and reflexes to do so. The muscles in his eyes twitched, desperately trying to focus on someone he might need to kill.

He didn't even dare to breathe. Pepper dug her nails in with desperate force, lowered her head, pricked up her ears, and gave her full attention. A

d

Okles wanted to help, wanted to comfort or help the boy in some way, wanted to intervene and solve the problem, but he had to restrain the urge like everyone else.

The man looked around the boulder, then took two more steps to look behind another boulder.

Andrew glanced at Arguna. She caught his movements out of the corner of her eye and looked at him. Her face was full of fear that she desperately wanted to dispel, poor woman. He winked at her, and she frowned faintly, turned and walked away. But she did look a little more relaxed. Only one point, unless it was his hallucination.

Another soldier walked behind the first, this one with a long sword, then another with an axe and a round shield. He could hear them moving around him, dozens of them. They rarely spoke, but he could sense their nervousness even without looking at them. They knew who they were going after and what would happen to the first person he caught.

Pepperpepper pulled Angelus into the small gap they left behind, and they made their way through the three-step gravel and climbed up the next boulder, just a few feet away from the nearest person. Why didn't he hear it? At least all the footprints will be mixed together. They had no idea if it was his.

The ghosts were mostly silent, but the severed heads tied to the ropes made a slight noise to intensify the search.

Descending from one boulder to another, then between two boulders, and then climbing up a steep stretch of hard soil, miraculously dried.

Anchors felt his hand jerk.

A man has just bumped into Aguna. In a sudden confusion, his gaze met Androx. They became the center of attention. He was discovered.

Time itself froze. Andlos saw everything in an instant—the man's roadside stubble, his round helmet, the shock in his shadowed eyes. Middle-aged, dirty, wide face. The man opened his mouth, but it was too late. Androcleus's spear was already moving, entirely on his own. The cry of horror was held to the throat by the tip of Ancresse's spear.

A

d

Okles pulled his spear out, and reality returned to focus. The soldier's neck spurted blood in time for his heartbeat. He pulled Pepper and Agunn aside to get them moving, and they listened to the man giggle one last time and couldn't scream.

Pepper quickly walked ahead again, this time faster. They had barely walked ten paces when the dying man was discovered by his companions. Cheers erupted around them.

Andlocks struggles with his natural reflexes with every minute of attention; He wanted to prepare for the fight, both physically and mentally, but it would cost him his life. He had to be as calm as the fog on the surface of the lake, which was very painful.

"No javelins!" One man shouted.

"His intimacy! Find him! Another shouted.

"Look, his head is fine. How did this happen? The third person asked, and he sounded young. The others were silent when they heard this.

Andlos is thinking the same thing now. How in fact? Why didn't his severed head protect him?

"Witchcraft. You heard what he was doing in the King's Hall. ”

"I didn't see anything, I didn't see anyone. What if it's a trap?"

"How can it be a trap?" The path was where the king had spoken, where the man who had stolen the demon and the deer had appeared. ”

"He must be ......"

The rest of the place was too quiet for Anchors to hear. They hadn't gone far, but they weren't talking so loud anymore, far enough.

The men continued to speak in low voices, and it was evident from the voices that more people had stopped running around and gathered to discuss. Probably watched cautiously all the time. They thought they were protected, but now they don't. This is worth discussing.

Are they going back? What are they doing now? Andrix couldn't hold back any longer, he gently tugged at Pepper's hand, and they stopped. He turned around and looked, taking care not to look too directly, and noticed that about a third of the people were standing together discussing something. They were less than thirty paces away, close enough that he could throw a stone at one. Most of the rest were further away, still on horseback.

A

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Okles' eyes were drawn to a large square stone, about twenty paces away from their ascent up the hill, exactly like the other stones they had jumped over before. It was about half as tall as he was, slightly rounded on the downhill side. It lay alone at the bottom of a rocky landslide, just above a patch of grass, and he knew he couldn't resist.

His bout of malicious joy almost exposed them; Pepper managed to hide it, he whispered. Aguna didn't look up, probably not wanting to put any pressure on the poor boy. Anchors put his emotions behind him as quickly as he could, calming down, but Pepper looked at him with an expression so nervous and desperate that he almost gave up on his thoughts.

But he had to try. It may be silly, but if he doesn't, he won't be able to sleep all night. A

d

Okles pulls Peppe

Lead them to the boulder. At first, both the boy and Agn refused, and each cast a confused or eager look at him. But after Androcles tapped a few times at the boulder and the men, they both let his stupidity go.

It is very easy to reach the boulders, going straight through and not uphill. Once there, Andlos began to hesitate. It was indeed half his height, and it was unimaginably heavy. He might not even be able to get it to move, but why stop now? He carefully dug through as much rock and sand as possible underneath the front, then moved to the back, letting go of Pepper's hand when he was sure he was hiding as usual.

Andlocles leaned against the boulder, his hands propped up at the top edge, digging holes with his feet, pushing the boulder with all the strength of his legs.

The stone barely moved at first, which made him push harder, almost grunting, but then it leaned forward, then a little forward, and suddenly it left. Anchors' hand reached out to Pepper, and they watched as the boulder rolled and sped up.

Only one soldier on the road escaped in time. Others didn't even slow down. The sound it makes when it hits is not loud, but the feeling of strength and power is astounding. It pierced them like a fist swung from heaven by the Father of Arcos Oath, and those severed heads, while doing a lot of good deeds, were not as good as daffodils.

However, Pepper gave him time to gloat and anxiously pulled them forward. Arguna's eyes gleamed with a joy he hadn't seen in a long time, and he smiled at her, but Pepper insisted on pulling them forward.

The three of them rushed up diagonally, aiming for cover from some low, twisted trees. Pepper's hands tightened, and the boy's steps became more and more uncertain as he grew more and more desperate.

At that moment, Little Pepper broke free from his clutches and exposed them. The world didn't change anything, nothing could be seen, but he felt the strange gap between him and everything else disappear.

He didn't wait to be noticed. He picked up Pepper and tossed him aside, then handed his spear to Agun, picked her up and threw her to the other side.

Androcleus rushed up the hill like a bull. The howling shadows immediately fell silent and turned into whispers, and the sound of his heavy footsteps and piercing breathing was so faint that it overwhelmed them. After walking another thirty paces, he heard someone shouting, presumably because they had seen him.

The pressure of the effort struck him harder and faster than he expected, but the dangerous impact suppressed the burning pain in his broken ribs. The stitches on his arms were tight and broken, but he ignored them.

He prayed silently, thanking God who made him half as small as others. Otherwise such stupidity would not have happened.

A

d

Okles jumped from a rock onto a four-foot-tall protruding shelf. His efforts forced him to let out a scream, but he succeeded, and after two steps, his cry turned into laughter. He laughed out loud, ignoring his nervous lungs and the people below. He was joined by Aguna, who could not stand the reckless absurdity. But she didn't last long, because every time his foot landed, his shoulder hit her stomach.

He took another hundred steps, and the fun was gone. All that's left is watery muscles and a waning determination. If they catch up with him now and insist on a fight with him, he will be easily killed. Then he'd better keep running.

After another hundred steps, he was getting closer and closer to him. His legs were long and his stride was firm, though he was exhausted and ran awkwardly with two large bags of useless meat. Thank the gods for making this mountain shorter.

Fifty steps. Those who came down the mountain began to catch up with him on horseback. He heard their shouts, but didn't dare to look back. They all sound messy; Their horses had no hope of following him. Too steep and too rocky.

Forty steps. A

d

Okles crashed into a cliff a foot taller than him, with a narrow ledge at the top of the cliff and a steep puddle of sand behind the ledge. He put Agunn down, pleased to see her grab his spear, and threw Pepper up without saying a word. The boy screamed in surprise and waved his wings in the air, but he stood up and quickly turned around. "Daddy! He shouted.

Agunn shouted, "No, you dare to ——!"

A

d

Okles lifted her over his shoulders, put his hands under her ass, and lifted her up with all his might. She didn't go as far as he expected and almost fell backwards on top of him, but Pepper grabbed her and pulled her in. She didn't even drop her spear.

When he tried to climb up after them, he jumped five times before his arms began to pull upwards. His whole body was weak, and his lungs couldn't keep up with his need for air. He felt dizzy and delirious. Many of the stitches were torn, and blood dripped from his elbow into thirty tangled red threads.

Andlocks roared, forced himself, and climbed up. His arms were like a bag of water, and his fingers were like loose sticks, but he pulled himself up, and then found a foothold, found another, and soon he was on his feet.

"Over there! Pepper hissed, her eyes wide open and her body tense. He bounced up the slope and onto another jutting rock, almost the size of a house. Anchors and Arguna followed as fast as they could; After so much rough treatment, Aguna loved her stomach, and Anchors hoped he hadn't hurt the poor woman.

When they climbed onto Pepper's rock, the boy grabbed their hand and hid again. Now, calming is much easier, as Anders is almost ready to lie down, quietly close his eyes, and die. He looked down from the edge of the cliff and understood why Pepper had chosen this place—it protruded enough to block the view of those below. They can lean back a little and hide out of sight.

However, the little villain only let them rest for a while, and then pulled them forward again. Ancreth frowned, trying not to gasp so hard, but Agunn walked over and kicked him to make him run faster. The same sparkle still sparkled in her eyes, and her lips were slightly upturned into a truly amusing smile. He couldn't blame her.

Strangely, while it felt like Pepper's trick had worked, the shadows didn't hear their whining howls anymore. Instead, they continued to whisper, something that had been with him for days.

They reached the gentle bend at the top of the mountain, about the same time as the horsemen reached the rock. Androx turned his head to look at it for a moment, eager to see them frustrated that no one was there. The first man to arrive there was stocky, dark-haired, wearing a chain shirt, carrying two axes and cutting off three heads. He pointed to Androl, who was splattered with blood everywhere, and shouted, "He's wounded!" Find him!"

Pepper tugged again, and they continued on their way. At this moment, Anchors felt a tingling pain in his knee, which hurt a little, but was not sure. He felt that he had to walk carefully or his bones would slip open.

A dozen steps in the shade of a pine tree are far enough. The air is still on top of it, and it feels warmer than it used to be. A

d

Okles let go of Peppe

hand, saying, "Give me a moment to catch my breath." Let's see if they'll always follow us. I bet they won't. ”

Pepper said, "Why not?" The boy still looked nervous. Pulled as tight as a bowstring.

"I bet they won't. They probably didn't expect to ride this far in the first place. ”

"Daddy! Pepper shouted. "They're coming here!" This poor fellow is about to lose his mind. The pressure on his little spirit must have been greater than Andlos realized. "But I'm going to take a look. Get your spears ready, Daddy. The boy commanded.

The little boy turned and walked away, as if swallowed by a shadow in the background. Oh my God, this is incredible. Can he do it all the time? Never before had he ever been when someone was staring at him. Andlox concentrated, trying to spy on him, but without success. He knew the boy was there. He's right there. But no matter how hard he tried, his eyes refused to see what he already knew in his heart. Or is it the other way around? What did the boy say?

Agunn patted his chest with his spear and said, "It's a good thing you haven't given birth to a child in my belly yet, otherwise I wouldn't have had a child after running away for so long." I'll probably bleed to death. ”

"Any one of my children should be able to handle it. We can't have a weak person in our family. ”

"I'm serious, Andrax. I feel like I'm going to bleed," she said calmly.

He glanced down at her, but she was giggling, not taking it seriously.

She said, "Oh, looks like it's time for you to go."

Pepper reappeared, and he waved frantically to someone.

A

d

Okles sighed. "Good. Hide over there. If something happens, I'll call Pepper to pick you up. ”

"When he gets there, I'll be dead on the ground, ogre. I'm going to die. ”

"Then let's have something to eat on the way." He replied, and began to walk. The momentum wore off, and he realized once again how much his ribs hurt. It feels loose, like liquid, but with a burning sensation. It's like someone poured molten iron into it and made it swing around. He tried not to take every step.

However, this is not the time for complacency. He strengthened himself and got out of his flabby state. Pepper ran to close the distance, grabbed Androcleus's hand in time, and dodged a rider on the top of the slope.

This is the short, dark-haired man who rode in front of him before. He took two axes and let the horse guide himself as he slowly walked into unfamiliar places. The man's gaze was quick, cautious, and mean. He expected an unpleasant surprise, and Anchors intended to surprise him.

The riders were less than five paces away from them, so close that they could all smell each other. The man gave him a slight foot, and the horse stopped.

Pepper held Anjack's hand tightly and looked up with an eager gaze as Anjex considered his options. Should he rip off the severed head and throw it away? No, this time they were tied to the saddle, and not simply hung in the saddle as before.

He had just cut off someone's head, so why couldn't he do it again? Pepper's trick will definitely work for them too. This is the only explanation. Didn't Flower kill them all in the King's Great Hall? The severed head may be the same as a living person. They may also have the shadow of the deceased. The thought of this makes him sick to his stomach - it is one thing to dismember the living in war, and quite another to humiliate and abuse the dead.

The sneak attack is worth a try, and if it doesn't work, he'll pull him off his horse, drive him far enough away that his head no longer protects him, and kill him.

A

d

okles prepared the spear and pulled Peppe

Forward. They took a few steps forward, just in the range of the spears.

He stabbed the soldier in the throat. The man didn't make an effort to defend himself or dodge, and it was the easiest blow Androx had ever struck. The tip of the spear folded the flesh like still water and pierced into the bones of the neck. A

d

Okles swung his spear sideways, slicing a massive gap.

They were surprised to see that the sudden massive blood loss caused the man to collapse forward. There is no resistance at all, no sound. Did his plan once succeed as hoped?

Anjex grinned and looked down, only to see that Pepper looked relieved, albeit a little disgusting. A

d

Okles let go of his hand and scratched the boy's ear.

The dead man began to slide off the saddle, but Androcles grabbed him, carefully re-put him on so that he would not fall, and then took the reins. Then, he took Pepper's hand again and led the horse back to the slope.

Four more people are about to climb the hillside. Androx pulled the horse forward, then patted it on the hip and let it walk towards them.

"Bimmos?" one of them shouted. Bimmos, are you okay?"

The horse's footsteps shook his body slightly, and he fell down again.

"Oh my God, he's bleeding!" He's bleeding all over! Help him!"

But before they could reach him, the deceased finally slipped off his horse and landed on the ground with a thud, his neck facing the sky. The horse glittered from neck to hoof, as if it had been painted.

"He's dead! His throat was cut!"

All four of them seemed stunned. They paused for a moment, staring at the dead man. Then they looked at the shriveled corpses, their heads still calmly hanging from the saddle, and then at each other. After a while, they turned together and rode down the mountain, calling out to their companions as they went.

Anchors and Pepper only watched for a moment, enough to convince them that the soldiers had really ridden down the mountain to report to the king. With any luck, this savage mongrel will think that these heads are no longer working and now don't know how to kill him. What will he try next?

Oh yes. His 24 demons. He will send demons, and perhaps himself with his most hateful beasts, to keep his cherished killer in order. In fact, he might send a few thousand cavalry, just to exhaust Androx, and then send out demons.

"Dad, what now?" Pepper whispered.

"We could relax. They're gone now," Androcs said.

"Will they ever come back?"

"Yes."

"Oh," Pepper said. His ears twitched. "Well, if we don't move, I can hide everyone until they leave."

Anjex noticed that Pepper was still holding his hand, though it didn't feel like they were still hiding. Blood from the stitches on his arm began to drip down the boy's sleeve, and the woolen shirt wasn't so good in the first place. But he thinks there are worse things, like months of separation and enslavement. He squeezed it gently. "Then how can we find your demon?" He asked.

Pepper looked around and said, "Actually, I don't know." I want wolf sca

Will find ours. or Dya

a。 I thought they were going to be waiting here. ”

"Looks like we've put an end to all the violence?" Agn stepped out of his hiding place not far away.

"Yes, Mom. They all rode down," Pepper said. He pulled Angelus over so he could grab her hand as well.

"Good. Come here now, my dear," she said, stamping her feet and putting her arms around him. Once she got him, she gave him about 20 kisses, enough to make him start blushing. "I suspect Andrx knows how hard it is to sneak in here like that. But I know. I'm well aware. No one can do that, you cute little one. Not so good, it's been a long time. ”

"Thank you. It's really hard. Pepper said, his voice soft and trembling.

Andlos squeezed his hand again and looked around for the wolf sca

, or Dya

a, or any indication of which direction they should start going. He waited, and Aguna was gentle with the child for a moment, for he deserved it.

When she finally let go of the little boy, Angelus said, "Aguna, should I implant the baby in you right now to make sure you don't get hurt?" Make sure everything is okay inside?"

"You look busy. I'll find someone else to do it later," she said.

He snorted with laughter. Then he saw Pepper's confused expression and thought it was even more amused. "Alright, let's go."

"Oh? Which direction, youkai? Agnn said.

"It doesn't matter. I just don't want to stand in the first place, if they come back, they'll watch. ”

They began to walk in a direction that might be south, although the trees made it difficult to tell the exact direction. It didn't take long for Pepper to shuffle and start to look dejected. A

d

Okles wanted to put the boy on his shoulder, but his ribs didn't like it, so he decided to let the boy walk until his feet fell off and then carry him on his back.

Luckily, it didn't take long for them to be found. A young enchantress, just a little more than a girl, walked briskly with a child in her arms. Fear gripped him, and his chest tightened immediately. She doesn't look malicious, but who knows. She has the same light skin and silver eyes, the same whip-like tail and long, pointed horns. To keep warm, her clothes were tight, layered, like those worn by a sane person, not like the tattered clothes of her kind on the battlefield.

Androcles stepped forward, clenching his spear tightly, as prepared as he could, but not really pointing at her.

As soon as she walked up to him, she knelt down and bowed, turned her head, and pointed her horns in a slightly different direction. "Master Andlox." She said. "Mistress Agu

e。 ”

So far, he thought, so good. It wasn't the greeting he was expecting.

"Oh, get up," said Aguna, "girl. His people don't kneel, and neither do my people. Why did they send a girl with a child to pick us up? Did something happen?"

The young witch quickly stood up and walked awkwardly. "No, no, I ......" she looked almost panicked.

Pepper said, "Mom, be nice to me." That's Etiya, and that little boy is Yetu. That's what Dad rescued from under the rocks. This is the mother he has helped. ”

"Wait, what? The ogre saved a boy from a stone? What about not Seff? Agnn said. She wasn't feigning surprise.

"Yes, mother, when he got us back from the slave traders, and saved Sef, he saw that she wanted to move a stone, but she couldn't, so he moved. Then she ran away with the child. The Nightmen thought she was dead because it took her a long time to return. ”

"For example, how did Deanna find Seif?" Why haven't I heard of it before?"

A

d

"I'm sure I mentioned it at some point," Okles said. I did it on purpose. But it doesn't matter. Girl, are my sons and daughters in your camp?"

"Yes, Master Androx. They were safe and warm, and they were sitting waiting for you when I left. The young witch said. She didn't dare look him in the eye, but he sensed that she was more worried about offending him than feeling guilty about something.

That's probably why she's acting so nervous – she's been sent to make a good impression and doesn't know what to do. He didn't remember her anyway, and he couldn't have recognized her. It was dark and she was the color of the shadows. If Pepper didn't say anything, he wouldn't know.

However, he had to admit that it was wise for them to send her. He wouldn't be happy to see a man with a gun, but a girl with a small child? Someone he's already helped? He had only just arrived, and he had already been manipulated.

Aguna walked over and tugged at the baby's shoulders to get a good look at him, then made a woman's grimace at puppies and small children. "Oh, look at him!" Oh, what a cute little thing! Can I hug him? Hand him over, Adija. Let me see him. How old is he?"

She picked the child out of her arms without waiting for her permission, but the child did not complain. Just a blank face, maybe confused. Aguna let her love go and warmed up the spot in her maternal blanket a little.

The little witch said, "In a few months he will be three years old."

Aguna put her arms around him and kissed him on the head. "What a perfect little baby. How old are you?"

"I'm seventeen years old, Master Arguern."

"Oh, so young?" Dya

A's age? And already a child. ”

"Yes, Mr. Argern. We must act as quickly as we can afford it. We don't have much left. ”

"Well, you must be desperate. Poor man. Aguna said.

A

d

Okles sighed. "I have eyes, woman, I can see what you're doing. Can we go?"

Agunn was about to respond sharply, but he was right, and they both knew it. The witch spoke first, "I'm sorry, Master Andlox. I just want you to look at him and see if he's okay. I want to thank you again. I'll never forget it. I think about it every day. I knew you couldn't save them, but you saved mine. Her voice choked, but she remained mostly calm.

Andlocks found the situation very uncomfortable. He wasn't sure how friendly he was going to be with these people. They abused his son, and he still had the blood of the last person he touched on his arm.

To make matters worse, memories that had been forgotten for months began to resurface, memories of that sea of fire and boulders, and memories of saving the man. He still remembers the fear he felt when he looked at the fields when he knew what it was. All the little ones are still under the rocks. If he hadn't been so busy with his own business since then, it would have haunted him forever.

He said, "I saw him, I saw that he was fine. I am happy. Now take us to meet my children. ”

"Yes, of course. I'm sorry, I'm crazy, I mean I'm crazy. I made things worse. I'm sorry. I was just too nervous. Those wounds looked horrible. What happened?"

"There's a pair of your kind who want to kill me. It would have been better, but my ribs broke and I fell asleep. The first one I killed with my bare hands. The second, I learned my lesson and used my spear. ”

"What? Or, merciful Patos, I suppose, since we ......" her words were all gibberish, she stopped and tried to make it clear.

He tried not to frown, because that would only make the situation worse. But he wanted to. He's running out of patience.

The more the demon thought about it, the more sober he became. Finally she said, "I see." Pepper read you right. Please follow me and let me know if I'm going too fast. ”

"I'll be fine," he complained. Although he hate to admit it, the pain in his ribs has become so severe that he can't breathe, making him feel nauseous. He wished he hadn't dropped his bones farther when he went up the mountain, but it felt like he had fallen farther. Of course, he didn't want to run anymore, thanks to Diodon Lu knowing better than him that Attia's "hurry" was not the same as his.

However, it was not far from the demon camp, only about half a mile. They must have made their way through the forest to the mountain pass before realizing that there was an entire army below that wanted to kill them.

The camp was rushed and dilapidated, full of mottled fur tents, animals, and wagons. He had seen enough nomads in the land of the Rivermen to know the difference between short-term and long-term wanderer camps, and this was clearly short-term. The tents were only half-built, the animals were tied together instead of in cages, and everything was too close together. Instead of finding a clearing, they piled everything up in the woods, which helped to keep out the smoke from the low fires, which were surrounded by many low fires.

It's hard to defend it, though. This is ridiculous for people who are afraid of being attacked. They didn't come long, but that's not an excuse. They should know where and how to set it up for the first time, rather than settling in and then fixing it out. Since the attacker always has the upper hand, finding no way means that ten good people can have the effect of a hundred people and eliminate them.

As they approached, the demon noticed. They glanced at him, their eyes glinting silver, glistening like snow in the sun, and quickly looked away. They must have been instructed not to stare at him or surround him. The man in charge of this matter has done another good deed. Unless, of course, that's their way. He had no way of knowing.

The first to come out to greet them was little Seif, because it was a matter of course. One of the boy's eyes was covered by a large bandage, hoping that this did not mean that he had lost it on the way. That must be a serious injury, poor fellow. He was still wearing that fluffy sheepskin tunic but now wore a leather shirt and trousers and looked much warmer. "Hi, Master Ann Walkles." He said, shyly stopping a few paces away. "Hey, Pepper, Master Agun."

Aguna stretched out her arms, and Seif immediately jumped into her arms and grinned. "Good boy, don't keep me waiting!" Look, Pepper, that's what you should do. Oh dear, I never thought I'd ever see you again. ”

"Hello, Seff. You've gotten bigger. And you put it better. Androx said. He found himself smiling slightly, pleased to see that the boy was still alive.

"His parents kept him saying all the sounds right, so he's getting a lot better," Pepper said.

"He has parents?" Andlocks asked. Where did they all go during that time? Oh well, he figured he wouldn't care as long as they took care of him now. "I bet Deanna must have been disappointed. What's wrong with his eyes?"

Pepper's eyes flashed with a glimmer of light, and a smile gradually appeared on his mouth, which he wanted to hide but couldn't. "Xie Si, show him. Let Daddy look into your eyes. ”

Agnn let go of the little mouse, and he took a few steps back and stopped. Sef looked at Argn and then at Andrews, as if hoping to get their approval first. Convinced that he had it, he reached out and removed the bandage from his little horn. The skin underneath is very healthy. There were no signs of injury.

Andrew didn't frown, though he wanted to. They tried to deceive him. To win his sympathy and make the children look more hurt. In fact, it really started to irritate him. After they treated his son like that, they tried to improve the odds with lies and performances? Make somebody's blood boil. These wretched savages cursed by God are willing to pay for it with blood

Sev opened his eyes, and his eyes sparkled. Androx was so surprised that his thoughts stopped. The boy's right eye shone with a bright pale blue glow, overshadowing the shadow of the pine tree. Agu

E said breathlessly.

Pepper can't hide his fun anymore, which can be a good thing for Sef, who seems very nervous about revealing his secrets. "Are you surprised, Dad?" Mom? He can see things that others can't, except for the wolf sca

。 ”

"Yes." Androx said.

"Yes." Agunn said.

Pepper put his arm around little Sef, who seemed a little more confident and even managed to squeeze out a smile. "Look, Sheth? I told you. That was the one I was most afraid of seeing my dad. This is the closest he's ever gotten. Usually he gets very angry. ”

"I'm not afraid, I'm just surprised." Shock gave way to more comfortable irritation, Androx said.

"Yes, I know. Like I said. The closer he is, the better. Pepper said, her voice filled with joy.

Sev asked, "Should I say I can see the fingers?"

"No, that's going to take a long time. Maybe later. Pepper said.

"I have a question to ask," Andlocks said bluntly, "but later." Let's move on. ”

Pepper nodded, took Sef's hand, and followed the quiet Attiya into the camp. After a few steps, Sev leaned down and whispered, "Is he angry with me?" It's not a very quiet whisper.

"No, he's glad to see you. I can tell. Come on. ”

Andlos was really happy to see Sev again. But now, he needs to figure out what these people want, because he doubts what they can offer him. A

d

What Okles wanted was not to be killed by an army of fifty thousand cavalry. Looking around, it's unlikely that they're likely to be of much help in this regard. Escape also seemed unlikely anyway - the shadows let the king know where Androcles was, the army was too close, and the scout was protected by a magic head with a good chance of killing him.

In fact, if he had been king, his army would have rushed towards the mountain pass at this very moment. He would send scouts to find his prey, then send reinforcements from javelinmen to subdue him. He will give instructions to prioritize women and children, leaving his prey unbalanced and struggling. Dozens of magically protected knights will charge first, followed by a group of demons. He gathers as many of the rest of his men as he can to surround the battle, and if his prey looks likely to survive, they throw as many javelins as possible in the middle of the battle and then rush in to kill people in a desperate manner. Ignore the person in front of you. Rush over and kill him.

But then again, who knows what the king thinks? After a day of conflict, how does the king assess the power of Andrk?

Androxes must have frowned again, for he noticed that the eyes that glanced at him were now filled with fear and apprehension. There are many, many more of them. The camp was set up as carefully as a bag of coins, with demons around every bend, in or near every tent, next to every car, next to every animal. Adults and children, men and women. It never came to his way, but it never got to the point where they couldn't see it once. They look like hungry shadows hiding in a garbage heap. Tricky shades.

A

d

Okles wanted to sit by the campfire, in the mud, but they came to the only assembled tent in the camp. It was about the size of a poor man's house, and was a pile of old furs and hides, spliced together with ancient stitching, that looked like it could crack at any moment. A baffle was used as a door, and Attiah opened the door for him to squeeze in. However, warm air blows out to greet him, which is welcome.

He went in before Agn, just in case he had to kill, but he was pleased to find that soft fur and mats covered most of the floor. In the center of the tent, a decent brass brazier was burning coal. Gabi and Flower snuggled under a woolen blanket, which they turned on to keep warm. Wolf sca

In Ga

Bi rested on her shirt and his glowing little head sticking out of her neckline, looking contented, as if he had just eaten four bugs for dinner. Deanna sat next to Galby, but apparently the blanket was too small for the three of them. They all looked contented, as if they had been there for an hour and had eaten, though they had not gone that far ahead of him.

On the other side of the tent sat an old demon, most likely an elder. He wore no shirt, his arms and chest were emaciated by his age, and his black skin was loose and spotted. As soon as Anchors and Agunn entered, he stood up, walked over and gently grabbed Anchors' arm. He took him to a place where a lot of cushions were put for him, a place large enough for him to lie down like a civilized man.

Agunn was a close second, followed by Pepper and Sef. The little witch stayed outside with the little witch. When the door was closed, the man finally spoke.

His voice was weak and appropriate for someone his age, but his words were clear and firm. "Dear travelers, welcome here. Please rest and eat. Let me heal you. I regret not being able to bathe you because I don't have water. I---"

"Have you ever been to the Glorious Battlefield?" Androxes asked, surprised to find out how polite he was. This is completely different from what he expected. Only in glorious places, in the whole world, will a stranger be welcomed, without having to say his name or profession.

"I've never been so lucky, and I doubt they're happy to see me. But I'm old and I've learned a lot. Have a seat. Drink my wine, eat my food, and I will clean and take care of your arms. ”

"You're not going to ask my name, are you?"

The old man looked at him carefully with his old, watery silver eyes. "I don't want to," he said. You're someone who needs help, and that's all I need to know. ”

Good answer. A

d

Okles sat cautiously so as not to bleed and stain the man's belongings, then sighed softly and sat down on the mat. How long has it been since he'd sat comfortably? Gotzo at the end of last fall

E hotel?

Arguna prefers to sit with Pepper, so she does so and pulls him over against her. He snuggled up to her so calmly that people might not even know that they were separated. Seeing them together reminded him how much he missed that boy and how beautiful he was. They seemed comfortable, safe, and content, and all the worries of the day seemed to be unimportant, at least for now. It's better to enjoy it while it's still there.

A young man walked in with a jug of water and some cloth, Ann

d

Okles stretched out his arms, and the elder and his servant wiped the blood away. Then, the old man took a sharp knife, removed the broken stitches, and then used a pair of skilful hands to mend the areas that needed to be sewn. It turned out that the damage was not as severe as it seemed, just bloody.

Once it was done, they wrapped his arm in clean strips of linen, and two thick strips of linen were put together to keep him in place. He couldn't imagine how they could have so many good cloths when everything around them looked the same.

Anchors lay down carefully, to the good side, glad that the pain of his broken rib had finally eased a little. It's been a long day. As soon as he got comfortable, someone handed him a kettle, which was very ordinary, but in good shape. He took a sip of his wine.

"It's a mixed bag," he said in surprise.

"Of course," the elder replied. He handed them a basket of unleavened barley cakes and said, "Unfortunately, I didn't add toppings to your bread." During our rush trip, I didn't have much time to prepare. Please don't take my bad hospitality as disrespectful. ”

"Enough. I'm satisfied. He took a bite of the bread and found that it was filled with salt and a little animal fat, which he did not expect. Really, it was a day full of surprises.

When everyone was taken care of, the host sat down to eat with everyone. He took a few bites, took a sip of wine, and said, "Master Andlos, do your children want to hear stories?" Or should we replace it with a song?"

Aguna shoved something from her mouth to her cheek and said, "I'm going to listen to a story that has nothing to do with the military."

Androx snorted with a laugh. With a defiant look, she smiled mischievously at him. He smirked and said, "Just like she said."

No one needed to tell him that a man walked in, and if Androcs looked closely, he might be in his early twenties. Sef whispered to Gabby and Hana, "That's my dad." It's loud enough for everyone to hear.

The man gave his son a sly smile and then began to tell the ancient story of their tribe, about a cunning woman who asked three different men to steal treasure for her, and then used the treasure as a dowry to seduce a prince.

A

d

Okles knew he shouldn't have been so relaxed. Suppose the demon hears something they don't like and starts attacking him. Just look at Seif's father - he was smart and came in without a weapon, but he still had horns, claws and a tail. He was not dressed for battle - no armor, no thick layer. The leather coat he wore was well-cut and tight, but clearly worn. It has many stains and stitches that can't be washed off no matter how much you brush it. They might as well raid exotic creatures and put on their clothes. Unless the man is deliberately dressed shabby to make the right impression?

In fact, now that he remembers, when did their horns start growing? When hair grows on their wallets? Does it hurt when the skin cracks?

Also, Skytha

de

When exactly was the kit filled with fur? His children only have ears and tails. It will eventually fill up. Wouldn't it be itchy at first, like some men grow beards after a while of shaving clean?

After a while, he realized that all his worries had disappeared from his mind. People treated him like an honorable person, treated him in a proper way, and he didn't realize how much he missed that feeling. There was a faint ache in his heart, something that longed for his city and his people, and it was waking up, clutching it as tightly as it could. What is the use of troubles in the here and now?

Before the story could be told, the bread ran out, as Anders had to drink wine with Aguna and the children, and the jar quickly dried up. Even so, it's been a long time since I've eaten such a full meal.

"Thank you, Kishba." The old man said. "Go tell Jaeger and Nemu to bring some gifts to our guests."

Androx raised an eyebrow at the answer. How far does the old demon plan to do this? A meal is one thing and a little help, but their camp looks like a garbage heap. What can they find to save? An old basket?

Two women walked in, one older and one smaller. Their faces are calm, or perhaps gloomy, gloomy, silent. He couldn't read their expressions, and their movements seemed cautious and graceful. Like most adults, they have thin, black tails hanging over their shoulders, so he can't tell their emotions from them. But if the gifts were any good, he doubted they would be happy about it.

"That's my mom." Seif pointed to his little daughter and whispered loudly.

She forced a smile and said, "For the boys, we have a good Heavenly Thunder Knife." Boys will always use knives, and these are made by their people. ”

Andrx was so surprised that he almost sat up, and if it hadn't been for that much effort, he might have sat up. Skytha

de

Knives? She couldn't have thought—

But she did. She placed the knife and scabbard in the hands of Little Pepper and Flower, which was plated with the finest gold in the world. When it comes to marble or bronze, no one compares to the Rafaelians, but when it comes to gold, Skywalker is the undisputed master. Rumor has it that they have a way of squeezing gold with their claws. It was so close that Androl could see tiny figures carved above and below the scabbard, as well as rich patterns on the hilt. A person may spend an hour checking the details of the Thunderbolt, but not everything can be seen.

The children were stunned, and Aguna was even more so. She knew what it was and what it was worth. She looked at him and asked him to say something, but he didn't know what to say. What should he do? Refusal? Shameful and dishonorable acts, even out of pity?

Before he could come to his senses, the Boss walked up to Gabi. "Every young girl can use one of them," she said. She gently placed a fist-sized metal disc, round and thick, in the waiting Gabi's hand. She covered her hands for a moment and looked at the young girl. Anders wanted to see her face. Whatever the woman wanted to see, she must have found it, as she gently stroked Gabi's cheek and walked away.

This is another priceless treasure. The dwarf knew right away, though it might take a minute for Gabi to figure out how to open it. The face above is highlighted with a silver light, carved with a delicate image of the sworn father of Arkos drinking and talking with his wife, Abraxia Weaver Girl. Patos stole a bolt of lightning from under his throne. Everyone knows the story.

"Wait," said the old woman in a motherly voice. "Before you turn it on, let's get your hair in order. Nemua, can you get a towel and some water? Where's the comb?"

A

d

Okles didn't notice their hairstyle, he thought it was Ga

Bi complained earlier, but the demon women had braided their long black hair into a very complicated braid. Even when the sun shone through the small smoke holes on the roof of the tent, he could barely see the details.

"Mom, should we treat her the way we treat her?" Or does she have her own favorite style? The old man asked Argern.

"Just like yours."

"We used to know a woman who owned a nice inn and she used to tie herself in many braids," said Aguna with a warm smile. The girl loved it. I'm usually too busy. ”

Wolf sca

From Ga

Bi crawled out of his shirt and flew to A

d

Okles got out of the way, and the women began their work. They wiped her face clean and ironed her shirt. The two demon women braided Gabi with their hands that they had practiced countless times, and they did it faster than he expected. It took Aguna a long time when Gotzo

When she is done, she will start talking and forget what she is doing.

They took a step back to make sure everything was perfect, and satisfied, the older one showed Gabby the buckle in the mirror.

The girl opened it and gasped. Her shocked smile immediately turned to tears. "A mirror! It's so beautiful! She barely screamed. She jumped up and hugged the old witch in despair. "Thank you so much!"

The older witch hugged her back affectionately. She looked at the old man and said, "I think she likes it." A

d

Okles saw a hint of longing regret in her eyes, a hint of sadness in her voice. He could only imagine how painful it would be to give something like this to a stranger. It was most likely given to him by some dear person who had passed away.

If there's any seven-year-old girl in the world who deserves this award, it's Gabi.

After they quieted down, Anchors couldn't wait any longer. He asked the old man, "Do you know what it means to welcome such a guest?" What do you know about our way of life?"

The elder said, "All I know is that I should do it. I've never asked an old non-congregant to tell me anything more. His tone was inviting me to explain. Everything the old man does seems to be the perfect host - sincere without groveling, warm without condescending. A generous and respectable equal.

How could Androx be vigilant? No, he was defeated. It smells good. "The reason why we don't ask for the names of our guests or their business is because the oath-takers of Arkos stipulate that we must welcome all those who are distressed and tired from the journey equally," he said. If we knew a person's name or the reason for his travel, we would know who was rich and who was poor, and more ...... to the poor Worse. ”

The atmosphere in the room quickly changed from joy to anxious attention. The boys still put the knife on the open palm of their hand, not daring to close their fingers. They couldn't take their eyes off the prize, but their ears were pricked up in his direction. The elder bowed his head slightly, indicating that he was listening. What Androx's saying now is important, and everyone knows it.

He continued: "A welcome guest is fed, bathed, cared for, and all his needs are met before his name or business is said. No matter what a person is doing, he will go out of his way to help such a guest, even if it costs him completely unaffordable. New clothes. A guide to a place a few miles away. Whatever it is.

"A guest who is entertained also has his obligations. He should treat his master as a true companion and if the master calls him for help, he will return. The two of them write letters regularly to share the good and bad in their lives. It is not uncommon for this relationship to be passed down from generation to generation, and it is passed down through the family after the death of a man. If a man is not willing to do this, he can sleep in a hotel. We have a lot of them. ”

Everything was quiet. Even the wolf sca

He also covered his mouth with his hands. Androcleus's heart burned because he thought so strongly of his people, his good and noble city and civilization. He craved it and was hungry after tasting it here. He thoughtfully adds, "My biological father never told me who our family was. If he had done so, things might have been different. ”

No one dared to move, and no one met his gaze as he looked around the tent. The children looked at their gifts, but they didn't see them. Deanna stood stiff, her face like a mask, barely able to hide the pressure she felt. She deftly grasped Sef's hand and held it tightly. Of all the rooms, only Agna had a relieved expression on her face, because she had already guessed the outcome. Of course, the raven took her away.

He thinks their anxiety is justified. The fate of many depends on this moment. So why wait any longer? He's already decided.

"Good master, the gift you have given me is more valuable than you think. All I want is the honor and respect I deserve. Your hospitality reminds me of home. It reminds me of the splendid civilization I left behind, and what I came here to win back: my name, my possessions, and maybe a little glory. How can I not feel satisfied when I see my family sitting there, warm and thoughtful? Maybe I value the view too much, but I do. I take it very seriously and I shed a lot of blood for it. A lot of blood. ”

He grinned at his master and said, "Elder, I'm pretty sure it's all a negotiation tactic, based on what they say about me. Who told you how much I like my honor? Is that Pepper? No, no, I bet it's Deanna. Pepper will tell you how much I love my child and how dangerous you would be if I were angry at him for the way he was treated. I bet someone called Wolf Sca

Shut up, or he'll give it to people. Otherwise, how could he not speak for so long?"

The fairy's gaze fell on Androcleus, but he covered his mouth with both hands. The elder may have moved nervously, but it was a very slight movement, and he was old, anyway, it might have been imagined by Androx. Agn was almost beaming, sharing his joy; She knew him too well. His children raised their eyebrows, anxiously anticipating. Deanna was even more nervous now, biting her lip. Seif's hand seemed to be squeezed in pain.

He continued: "But at the end of the day, I don't really care if it's a strategy or not. Like I don't care if Sev calls Shes. To me, he's Sef. For me, it all has its proper form, is respectful and generous. It's a great honor for me, how can I not pay it back? It felt like home and it made us friends. I am Androus the Giant Slayer, son of Palamonos of Agapatis. My city is Digaya. That's Aguna, and I'll marry her every chance I get. She is a native of Kelthor and a priestess of the Orphans' Society. You know the others. ”

A

d

Okles sighed and sat up. He immediately regretted it. How long does it take for those ribs bitten by crows to heal? It's been less than a month, but whatever. "Since we are friends, Elder, tell me your name and tell me what your people want from me. Let's discuss how we can help each other. ”