"May I know what is happening, Aaron!"
The people stepped aside for Logar, the silence was absolute.
It was well known that there was bad blood between the Bran and the Baum.
Logar's aura collided with Aaron's; the two were only a few feet from each other. Everyone present had their eyes fixed on them, the clash seemed imminent.
"Logar, no big deal, I was just teaching this disrespectful kid a lesson," Aaron's tone was not pleasant at all.
Logar's arrival didn't intimidate him at all, on the contrary, it seemed obvious that he was looking for a confrontation against him.
"This seems neither the place nor the time for a lecture, as a member of the older generation, don't you find it disgraceful to pick on a young boy?" replied Logar in an authoritative tone.
At first he too was surprised by Rada and Kiba's performance, but against Aaron he knew that they would surely get the worst of it, it was a matter of time.
So he decided to interfere, he owed it to the Elder as well, but especially to the pale face of his daughter Rei. He didn't show it, but the thought of his daughter being in danger sent him into a rage.
"I totally agree, you head of the Bran family, in fact ours was little more than an exchange of opinions," Aaron's wry tone left those present speechless.
"Shameless!" whispered one of the village elders.
The Baum family was arrogant and despotic, but they had power, no one dared oppose them, even the Bran family had less and less control over them.
For a long time the Bran family had been in trouble, the real reason was unknown, all that could be understood was that the Bran family was losing control over the village.
It was only thanks to the Elder that things stabilized a bit.
"The Bran family is just a shadow of its former self, I wonder how much longer you can stay hidden behind the old elder's back."
Aaron unconcernedly mocked the Bran family, everyone present gasped.
"What impudence!"
Except for the Bran family members, who were furious at his conduct.
However, Logar's face did not change one bit, he continued to remain impassive, which left everyone even more desolate.
It seemed that Logar had no intention of fighting back against Aaron. Even Rei was somewhat disappointed by her father's behaviour and could only sigh in depression.
Rada took Rei's hand.
"Ah!" the girl was taken aback.
"Everything will be fine, trust your father," the boy said very gently.
Thanks to these words, which had a reassuring purpose, Rei's face regained its lively complexion.
"Mm!" nodding, she diverted her eyes from Rada's and lowered her gaze to the ground.
She was clearly embarrassed.
Rada couldn't help but smile at the girl's reaction, then looked at Logar and Aaron in comparison. She had no idea why Aaron was so contemptuous, let alone Logar.
However, in her opinion Logar's behaviour was not submissive, there was more, his eyes contained resolve, but seemed to contain an enormous sadness as well.
(Something happened between these two) was the answer Rada arrived at.
Suddenly:
"The convoy from the capital has arrived!"
A guard outside the village, shouted the arrival of the infamous convoy.
"Prepare to receive the convoy, move!" Logar gave command, the people dispersed as quickly as they gathered before.
"This isn't over!" Alcas cast a glare at Rada, who replied in turn with mockery.
"I hope for your sake it does."
The look on Rada's face, was clearly that of someone speaking against an idiot.
Alcas was black with anger, but he resisted and went on with his father Aaron, who smiled coldly at Logar without saying anything.
Logar of his own, still remained impassive before seeing the two leave, he turned towards Rada and King, and saw that the two were still holding hands, his impassibility suddenly broken.
"You two, stop wasting time!" he said in an annoyed tone.
Rei looked in the direction Logar's eyes were pointing.
"Ah!"
Instinctively, he immediately let go of Rada's hand, he had the expression of a thief caught in the act.
"Ahahaha, let's go Rei!"
As if nothing had happened, Rada once again took Rei's hand, who was once again falling prey to events and ran away.
Left alone, Logar before walking observed the two boys getting farther and farther away.
"Scoundreal!"
He said, gritting his teeth.
"There they are!"
Not far from the village, a banner with the image of a sword, spear and shield became more and more vivid, the horses' hooves making the ground shake more and more as they approached.
The convoy was not particularly large, consisting of a dozen or so riders in light equipment, mostly made of leather and a plate in their shoulder.
At the head of the group was what appeared to be their commander, distinguished from the group by the bright colours of his armour and his amaranth cloak.
He stood out from the group by his gaudy colours of armour and his amaranth cloak, but most of all by his physiognomy, his face looked as thin and delicate as a girl.
The convoy made its way through the cheers of the crowd. Commander Evan Claiomh, with a proud look on his face, walked with his entourage towards the place where the jury was sitting.
Waiting for them were Logar and Aaron, along with senior members of the other families.
"Commander Claiomh, the village of Bran welcomes you," they said with a slight bow and a sign of respect.
"Head of the Bran family, long time no see, this year I am here alone with my most trusted men. My father, due to private matters could not fulfill his duties as a judge, so I will take his place."
Looking towards Logar with respect he continued, "This young commander relies on your guidance."
"As they say, heroes always come from the next generation!"
Aaron stepped forward and took the floor, "Commander, the Baum family extends its greetings to you."
"Head of the Baum family," Evan nodded in greeting.
After some time, the elders also greeted Evan.
"Preparations for the rehearsal are complete Head of the Bran Family" one of the staff warned Logar.
"Good, this way commander."
Nodding, he led the way for Evan and his convoy.