Chapter 159: Encountering the Human Traffickers
The carriage creaked as it rolled over the uneven dirt path, the steady clopping of the horse’s hooves the only sound cutting through the silence. Lara and Percival sat stiffly inside, their expressions unreadable, while Jethru guided the reins, leading them away from the village. The sun was beginning to dip westward, casting long shadows along the road.
Lara’s mind was already racing, piecing together the fragments of information her Uncle Primo had shared earlier. Their maternal grandfather had been ensnared in a rival’s scheme in Zamaya. To protect the family’s honor, his youngest son, Primo, had shouldered the blame, accepting punishment in their place—a crime severe enough for banishment.
If the Lenard family in Zamaya had truly been strong, she reasoned, they would have fought back. Instead, they had accepted the outcome without resistance. Were they weak? Or simply unwilling to challenge the ruling power? Uncle Primo had refused to speak further, insisting that the past was best left buried.
The weight of silence grew unbearable.
"How many siblings did Mother have?" Lara finally asked, her voice cool but inquisitive.
"Four, including Uncle Primo," Percival answered, breaking out of his thoughts. "Mother has two sisters. Uncle Renor, the eldest, is now in charge of the family business."
"Are they merchants?" Lara’s brows furrowed. If they were merely traders, why would someone go to such lengths to conspire against them?
"Yes, merchants."
Lara’s frown deepened. "When Grandpa died, did the Lenards lose their wealth or property?"
Percival turned his head slightly, finally shifting his gaze toward her. Between them, the three children lay curled up, their small bodies rising and falling in deep slumber, exhausted from their play at the Lenard house.
"I’m not entirely sure," Percival admitted, his voice thoughtful. "But I heard that the Prime Minister’s brother seized the lands in the Zandaya range that once belonged to Grandfather."