I had seen the sky turned red because of the smoke once. I remember it vaguely because of how I was. More days had passed since I got into this town where things had become worse. The food supply of the town was getting poorer by each day. Mercenaries who had stayed here started to travel north to avoid the orc Warband coming from every direction. The ones who are left stood on the cobblestone walls, their eyes on the refugees who were eating hard bread and fruit to stave off their hunger.
There are even people who had threatened to eat the horses if no supplies come for a month. The stableman, afraid that the mercenaries would be so brazen, asked the owners to guard their own horses.
The next day, the stableman, trying his luck, left with a few mercenaries and headed back to the east where there is safety to be found.
Meris, Bren, and Shanie remained unmoved by the chaos outside of the town. The Inn that we were staying in had already secured mercenaries and travelers who would guard their food storage and pantries whenever they could. Not to mention that although they are lacking in food, the beer, the ale, and the wine doesn't seem to go out.
Inside the inn, there were travelers, merchants, mercenaries, and adventurers discussing the chaos that was happening. A scholar and a scribe had started talking about what he knew from the messages and letters that the town lord had gotten.
What the town lord feared right now was that if an orc Warband comes to Araia then there is a chance that the mercenaries would take advantage to rob the guilds and the businesses of the town. Though there are militiamen and soldiers that had gathered. Who would care about them when things go south?
In the town, there were also mages and sorcerers who were waiting for the town to calm down. Profit and benefits were the only things that were in the heads of these mercenaries. They were no altruistic enough to fight unless there was good pay. Besides, they were heading to other towns and nations to earn much more. I had discussed it with a few of the mercenaries that gathered. It was during the night, under the influence of alcohol that they are much more eager to talk about the pay of other nations. Farwest there was a booming market for mercenaries who fight in the war against a war of succession happening. It was a small empire that had many nobles and armies that kept on fighting for their lands.
They were planning to use that chance to become mercenaries in that place and fight for their own agendas which are filling their pockets. The Jakian Empire has many monsters that mercenaries would come to test their mettle and sell the materials they got from the monsters to improve their gear. The mercenary that I was talking to had a set of chainmail and leather armor that came from what seems to be a humanoid-like wolf that is called the werekin. Werewolves were common among the backwater and yet their skin was also something that the mercenaries desire.
Anyway, the mercenary was eager to tell me about all the pay rates. However, I only asked because I was curious. Even though I am Kiran Irvin now, I was still the Archduke Hadeon Ortiz. It would be selfish of me to run away from that responsibility. I think that Micah would not even be surprised if I do run away.
He holds the power. He has the blood of the Ortiz Family as well. He was capable and he deserved the position. But I don't want to disappoint Micah. Still, I know that my heart isn't as firm as I like to believe it is.
I carried on watching the affairs of the Aria. Most of the time the town was alert, worried, and restless when there is noise. Most of the shops had closed and only the businesses with alcohol were available. There were people who sold diluted ones as well for cheaper prices.
Meris and Bren didn't bother about all of this. They continued reading their tomes. Shanie stayed in her place and would only come out for a meal. Meris would teach me a few tricks and Bren would help me refine my control over my prana.
It was during the night that Shanie asked me if what I thought of the situation. I told her that I didn't know. She shrugged at my answer and looked at the west where there were more mercenaries arriving, wounded, battered, and some have even lost their arms.
"Look at them, back after wasting their lives away. Kiran, let me tell you this since clearly, you are new to this. Don't be in a hurry when it comes to seeking fortune. You are still shiny and your mettle hasn't been truly tested."
I didn't understand. She looked at me for a second before looking at the wastrels who slumped lifelessly on the ground. They were tired and yet there was something in their expression than expected this.
"Your heart's still glass. I can see that. Never seen someone so eager to look at the world as you do that's why I am worried. You have the skills, but can you really handle this pressure?"
"I don't know," I replied. I already know that I was not tested. I might have the skills of the wraith and the know-how to use said skills. But I have not made it on my own.
People tend to avoid fighting no matter what. But there are times where you have to know where and when you need to fight. Even I would notice what my companions mean by all of their warnings.
I was not dumb enough to disregard their opinion on things like these. I was merely a beginner compared to them despite how old I am,
Nonetheless, even though I would rather avoid the problem. Some storms are just too wide for you to evade.
The orc Warband that should have been in the north was sighted by a scouting party.
Araia would soon be a target.