Once we were through, the slaves thankfully stopped crowding around each other so much and walked in smaller groups of three or four. All right, no way we can stay in this large group and make it out of the Compass Kingdom unnoticed. It's best if we split into smaller groups and head our separate ways.
With a whistle, I got everyone's attention and brought them to a small alley between a small shop and the guard barracks. It was off the main road with just enough room for all of us.
"All right, we're clear from the worst danger, and with the money in everyone's possessions, you shouldn't have any trouble getting out of the East Kingdom. Just toss gold at anyone who bothers you, and keep your guard up."
Some of the freed slaves looked a little disheartened that I wasn't going to escort them the entirety of the way through the kingdom. I'm not their babysitter, and they're all adults who can take care of themselves. The dwarves all had multiple weapons strapped to themselves and looked as if they knew how to use them. Even a few elves had knives and the like at their waists.
One of the oldest dwarves made his way through the crowd and walked up to me. "By Lachrymal's Heart, I can't thank you enough for your kindness, sir. On behalf of all of us here. Thank you."
He held out his hand for me to shake.
I coughed and dropped my gaze, feeling disgusted with myself. "If you want to thank anyone, thank Eris. I was originally going to leave you all there."
The old dwarf didn't seem concerned with that in the slightest. "Still, Lachrymal smiled upon us, and I won't shirk the man whose hand played a role in my freedom," he said, still holding out his hand.
I took it after a moment of hesitation. His hand was all callous and muscle, and he could've crushed mine like a twig if he'd wanted. I looked down to see an old, well-worn brand etched into his forearm.
An emerald inside a teardrop. Lachrymal’s Chosen.
The dwarf was a member of Aldrust’s elite guard. Tasked with protecting the king and keeping Lachrymal’s Heart safe.
After he let my hand drop, he went over to Eris and gave her a handshake as well, to which she blushed scarlet.
The dwarves and the elves formed a small band, and with one last farewell, they departed, giving us a lot more room in the alleyway. It makes sense for them to travel together. Aldrust and Yllsaria are neighbors, after all. Just a few days’ ride between the two nations. Hope they make it there safely, would hate for them to run afoul of one of the bandit kings.
With the elves and dwarves gone, it just left the rabbit-men, who were standing around looking forlorn and skittish. Guess I'd be nervous too, despite how close the Northern Mountains are. They only have four members, and the trek up to the Pale Everlands is perilous, so I've been told.
To add to their list of problems, Lyahgos was the only one combat trained in the party. The other two were girls just out of their teens, and the little girl. The way they carried themselves told me there were unfamiliar to battle. With just one warrior, even one as skilled as Lyahgos, that trip would be dangerous. Hell, even if he decked himself out in high-tier gear, just one warrior isn't going to cut it. Whatever, it's not my problem to solve the problems of others.
I waved to Lyahgos. "Farewell, hope you have a safe trip."
Lyahgos went to say something but stopped himself. Unsure if he should speak.
"C'mon, spit it out."
"Would it be all right if we traveled with you?" he asked.
Huh, didn't expect that. Guess saving them bought some goodwill. I thought about their request. Do I care if they join us? No, not really. I'm sure we can find a place for them at Gloom-Harbor, but that does raise an interesting question.
"I don't have a problem with it, but why don't you want to return to the Everlands? I'm sure you can hire a couple of guards at the Adventurer's Guild’. Probably wouldn't even cost you that much since its only about a week's ride."
Lyahgos shifted his stance, kicking at the loose trash in the alley. "We could do that, but it would defeat the entire reason why we left the Everlands in the first place."
"Why’s that? I admit I’m curious as to why you’re here. It’s rare for your kind to leave your homeland."
He sighed, and it was filled with weariness. "It's just not safe for us there anymore. The whole territory is teetering on the brink of war."
What? "Since when do the clans fight among themselves?"
"It's not the rabbitmen that are fighting each other."
That leaves only one option. I leaned against the wall of the wooden guard barracks. "Why are the wolfmen so aggressive? They've never been so ruthless before."
Wolfmen are clever hunters, but they've never desired all-out war before. It'll kill their main food supply. Lyahgos shook his head. "I don't know, word is something precious was taken from the Aminah clan, and they're blaming the wolfmen for the theft."
"Huh, who'd steal from them? That's asking for a death sentence."
"No one knows, or what exactly what was taken, but we escaped before more blood was spilled, only to end up as captive slaves. The Morrigan sure loves her games."
Can't argue that one. "Well, I don't mind you tagging along, but we'll need supplies and a few horses if you guys are coming with us."
At the mention
