“Do not look.”
His firm voice brushed past her ear.
Turning his horse, he added,
“They raided this village countless times. They were displayed to ease the people's resentment and warn other raiders, not as entertainment.”
Talia said nothing.
Seeing her sit silently with tightly sealed lips, Varkas quietly looked down at her before guiding his horse up the hill.
A breeze carrying the scent of grass swept over them.
Mixed faintly within it was the cry of the beast she had heard throughout the night.
Suddenly, a foolish thought crossed her mind.
Would those criminals also be reborn as beasts and someday sing songs for someone?
Perhaps, someday, I too...
Staring at the lush forest glowing emerald blue, Talia soon let out a bitter smile and cast aside the pointless thought.
* * *
Their tour of the territory was nearing its end.
Having visited every village, large and small, in the eastern and western regions, the cavalry turned north.
Following the river diligently, they eventually arrived at their final destination, Tarlin.
At the sight of the magnificent sand-colored walls rising beyond the horizon, the cavalrymen burst into loud cheers.
“Looks like we'll finally get a comfortable night's rest!”
Reining in his horse and slowing down, Daren called out brightly.
Varkas said nothing.
Instead, he turned his horse and looked over the procession behind him.
Among the long line of supply wagons stood a luxurious traveling carriage.
Whenever the terrain became rough, he had forced her onto his saddle, but she was so frail and so easily frightened that she could barely endure two hours on horseback.
As soon as they left the rough terrain behind, he had no choice but to return his wife to the carriage.
It had seemed better for her to endure the swaying wagon under the effects of sleeping herbs than continue riding.
She was probably enduring motion sickness in a drugged haze even now.
After gazing at the carriage window hidden behind curtains, Varkas finally urged his horse forward.
He needed to reach their destination quickly so she could receive proper rest.
Spurring his horse onward, he increased his speed.
Soon the walls surrounding the city drew close.
As he raised one arm, the cavalry behind him lifted high the banners embroidered with the Black Horse emblem.
The iron-bound gates swung open wide, revealing the bustling city beyond.
“You have traveled far! Welcome!”
As they proceeded along the main road, the city's guards came out to greet them.
Varkas accepted their welcome with a slight nod.
“Who governs this city?”
“Sir Temuran. He was appointed personally by Your Excellency's father.”
The middle-aged man who appeared to command the guards answered calmly.
“Sir Temuran is presently in poor health and recovering within Tarlin Castle. He asked that his apologies be conveyed for being unable to receive Your Excellency in person.”
Varkas looked toward the fortress rising above the center of the city.
Though imposing at first glance, it seemed somewhat inadequate to house hundreds of knights.
Turning to Daren, he issued an order.
“Leave only a minimum number of men here. The rest will need separate accommodations. Find out if an entire inn can be rented.”
“Yes, sir.”
Leaving behind about fifteen elite knights and Lucas Laedgo Siorcan, Daren departed toward the outskirts of the city.
Varkas gestured to his younger brother, who had noticeably grown thinner over the past weeks.
“Stop lingering in the back and come here.”
“Can't I stay at the inn with Daren—”
“Do not make me repeat myself.”
Pulling a miserable face, Lucas slowly approached.
Watching him with cold eyes, Varkas turned back to the captain of the guard.
“Lead the way.”
“Ah... this way, please.”
The captain hurried ahead.
Following him deeper into the city, they came upon a broad square and the massive fortress.
Jumping down from his horse, Varkas walked toward the carriage that had stopped nearby.
Opening the door carefully, he saw a woman slumped limply against the seat.
Climbing inside, he supported her back.
Awakened from a shallow sleep, she rubbed her eyes and spoke in a sleepy, nasal voice.
“...Are we there?”
“Yes. We arrived just now. I will carry you, so please continue sleeping, Your Highness.”
Sliding his other arm beneath her knees, Varkas lifted her impossibly light body.
Ordinarily, she would have thrown a fit and insisted on walking herself.
But for some reason, the woman quietly wrapped her arms around his neck.