Chapter 220: The Journey: Danger of the Night
As the sun slowly rose from the east, casting a warm glow over the dusty streets, the Norse’s three carriages approached the town gate. At that same moment, a grander and more ominous sight loomed from the opposite street— the full procession of Prince Alaric thundered into view. Ten carriages in total, flanked by mounted guards in polished armor, gleamed with a cold authority. But two of those carriages drew uneasy glances. Their thick, windowless walls and reinforced frames were unmistakable: prison transports. Inside, shamed and shackled, sat the once-powerful elites of Calma.
Alaric brought most of his soldiers with him. The fragile peace in Calma was left in the hands of Angus and Primo Lenard, while administrative duties were temporarily passed to Baron Yanez — a peace-loving man with fewer enemies.
This decision came after a bitter dispute with Reuben, who had suggested Earl Donaldton for the mayoral role. Alaric had rejected the idea outright.
Their argument had been sharp, the air between them crackling with tension. In the end, Alaric said in a steely voice. "Fine. If you’re eager to share the fate of the last magistrate, be my guest — take the seat."
Donald paled. The previous magistrate’s fate was infamous: castrated by one of the many women he had wronged. With a trembling voice, he turned to Prince Reuben. "Let Baron Yanez handle the town. I have... other matters to attend to in my jurisdiction."
The man’s bald scalp glistened with sweat. Who knew if the women he toyed with in the other towns would come and report him to the magistrate? The current magistrate was Alaric’s man, and he still cherished his manhood.
...
The caravan left the town gate of Calma that morning, the Norse siblings’ carriages positioned among the vanguard. Alaric’s elite soldiers guarded both front and rear, a steel-clad wall around the human cargo in the middle. The prisoners, subdued and silent, rode under heavy watch.
By midday, they reached the dusty town of Ranuva. The heat was oppressive, and the travelers gratefully disembarked for a hasty meal and brief respite. After just an hour, the caravan resumed its march, eventually arriving at Laiya under a canopy of stars.