Chapter 186: Ranking and recuperating (2)
"Where is this?"
Hex stared at the bustling crowd before him. Leaning on a crutch, he moved slowly through the multiple stalls and tents, offering food, drinks, and other entertainment. The rich aroma filled his nostrils.
No one paid particular attention to him, as there were many with crutches and bandages in the crowd. Hex even saw people lacking limbs or laid flat out on stretches who sipped wine through hollow stalks of some plant.
"This is one of the changes made to the market district." Althea accompanied him on his first walk out of the infirmary so she could explain such changes.
Despite his immense trust in Althea, Hex struggled to match the bustling scene with the blood-and-smoke-filled scenes in his memory. Only the distant high walls remained the same. E
’Even the sky is bright and clear.’ The warmth of sunlight on his skin under the clear sky rejuvenated his tired mind.
After regaining consciousness, he remained bedridden for another two weeks before regaining some mobility. During that time he received many visitors. Most were acquaintances from the Hawks but some were Knigts he fought side by side. Even the guy petrified by fear whose sword he used came to visit.
Two particular groups of visitors stood out. Esmeralda came with her friends but her visit coincided with the Hawks. The glares both sides, especially the females, gave each other, rendered all the men in the tent mute. Hex wisely pretended to slip back to sleep at that time.
The other group belonged to Tarquin, Gabriella, and Quid. Elsa didn’t come nor did Hex inquire about her. Although the meeting didn’t evoke feelings of friendship, it didn’t leave a bad taste. During the meeting, Hex managed to ask Quid for a private meeting without letting the others know.