"Several powerful mercenary companies maintain order inside Stoneville, but don’t misunderstand what that means.
They protect businesses that pay them.
They protect merchants who are useful.
And they protect people powerful enough to cause problems if something happens to them."
He said, as his expression hardened.
"They do not protect children wandering through alleys because they were curious."
The camp grew silent once again.
"So from tomorrow onwards, every single one of you will follow my instructions perfectly, or risk being sold as slaves once more if not."
Garron declared, as he did not leave any room for negotiation.
"First, nobody leaves the group without my permission.
I don’t care if you see something interesting.
I don’t care if someone offers you food.
I don’t care if you recognize somebody from Ashfang Village standing across the street."
He said, as several children exchanged glances.
"You stay with the group."
Garron continued.
"Second, none of you will tell anyone where we actually came from or where we’re going."
That statement immediately caused confusion to spread throughout the camp.
"Why?"
One child asked.
"Because several dozen unascended children travelling toward the Valdrak Empire under the supervision of one instructor is information worth money....."
Garron replied.
"And information worth money eventually reaches people willing to act upon it."
He said, as the children gradually understood.
"So from the moment we approach Stoneville, none of you are children from Ashfang Village anymore."
Garron declared.
"You are outer disciples of the Redpine Sect."
Several children quietly repeated the name beneath their breaths.
"Redpine Sect is a minor wilderness sect located several weeks southwest of Stoneville.
I am one of its instructors, and I’m leading you toward Greyhaven, a frontier village located several days outside the western border of the Valdrak Empire."
Garron explained.
"Greyhaven recently reported that several Direwolf packs have established dens near the surrounding livestock trails.
Cattle have disappeared.
Hunters have been killed.
And merchants travelling through the region have begun avoiding the nearby roads."
He said, as the children listened carefully.
"The village requested assistance, and the Redpine Sect accepted the commission.
Rather than sending experienced cultivators to deal with weak beasts, the sect decided that exterminating the Direwolves would provide practical wilderness experience for its younger disciples."
Garron concluded.
"That is our story."
For several moments, nobody spoke.
Then Garron pointed toward one of the children sitting near the edge of the campfire.
"You."
Garron said.
The boy immediately straightened.
"Where are you from?"
"The... Redpine Sect."
The boy answered.
"Where are you going?"
"Greyhaven."