"Something made of wood that can throw rocks? We already have that—it's called a catapult. Is that your proof?" Cenric's patience was wearing thin.
"No, they're not the same! A trebuchet is different, and like I said, it can hurl rocks much farther, even over walls," Rafael insisted, trying to maintain his composure.
"Sir, let's kill him! He's lied about everything and is lying even now," Amis said, his eyes never leaving Rafael.
"I'm not lying! Cenric, remember that metal I asked you about? It's for another invention that could change the world. I admit I lied about who I am, but you have to believe me—I'm not your enemy. As I said yesterday, I will help you and Baron Frederic." Rafael was doing his best to sound convincing, desperation seeping into his voice.
Cenric scrutinized him for a long moment. "One last question: what is that book about? Is it dark magic?!"
"What? Magic doesn't exist. This book... it's about the machine—the one in the forest." That book was everything to Rafael; he would kill to protect it, but he knew that becoming an enemy to these people would make things much more difficult.
"Let me see it." Cenric was almost convinced by the priests' claims about witches and magic spreading among the people. Rafael was reluctant but eventually handed over the book.
The book was a bit heavy and made of a material Cenric didn't recognize. As he flipped through the first pages, he couldn't decipher the writing. These letters... some of them look similar to the ones I know. Maybe it could be deciphered, he thought.
When he came across the drawing of the time machine, his suspicion was confirmed. He was telling the truth. Closing the book and facing Rafael, he said, "This book isn't yours anymore. It's now the property of Baron Frederic. And because of your lies, you'll be under Amis' supervision. Anything you do, anywhere you go, you will inform him."
The guard relaxed his stance and sheathed his sword. No, no, no, no... not this! Panic set in as Rafael realized what was happening. The mere thought of losing the book made him feel sick. "Wait... so now that I've answered your questions, we go back to being allies, right?"
"Not yet. You're still a suspect, and only time will tell if you're truly an ally... or not. Now, Amis, take him back to his house. He can only leave to attend to his necessities. I'll meet you later to learn more about this book."
It was nearing midday. The summer sun blazed fiercely, and the pervasive stench made these last minutes unbearable for Rafael. "Start walking!" Amis commanded, his voice authoritative.
No, no... Rafael glanced at both men. Should I try to take the book back? But then what? He decided to return to his place and think of a plan. Meanwhile, the villagers had stopped working and were heading back to their homes for a meal.
Once inside his house, Rafael sat at the table, holding his head in his hands. What should I do?! He'll probably hide the book somewhere! The most likely place will be his own house. Hmm... After several minutes of planning how to retrieve his book, his stomach growled.
Opening the door to step outside, he saw Amis standing guard. "You, stop! Where are you going?"
"I'm hungry, so I'm going to Richar's to get my food." Rafael held his bowl, ready to fill it with soup. Amis knew what he was talking about, having watched him since the beginning.
"Right, go ahead. I'll be right behind you. Don't try anything funny." Amis kept his hand on the short sword handle, prepared to draw.
The streets were deserted, just the two of them under the oppressive summer heat and the foul odor lingering in the air.
I should kill him now. If he stays alive, he'll be our biggest problem in the future. All these demonic inventions and that thing in the forest... I'm sure he's one of the demons sent to spread evil among us. They were right... Amis stared intently at Rafael's back, contemplating his next move, influenced by the teachings and beliefs he had held since childhood.
Because the village was small, they quickly reached the carpenter's house. Rafael knocked and was greeted by the old man's wife. "Oh, I thought you wouldn't come today. Please, come in and get your soup."
Entering, Rafael saw Richar eating at the table. "Hhumm... don't forget to pay." As Richar spoke, he noticed the guard standing at the entrance.
Rafael handed over the money, filled his bowl with soup, thanked the couple, and left without delay.
"What's wrong with him? He seems off," Richar's wife remarked.
"I don't know, but it doesn't seem good." Richar's thoughts lingered on Amis, who had waited at the door and left with Rafael. Did he get into trouble?
As they left, Amis was deep in his thoughts, deciding how to deal with the perceived threat in front of him. His eyes reddened with intensity. Hahaha... you will die by my hands! You devil! I, Amis, will kill a demon and purge this land from your filth... hahaha...
He was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he barely noticed anything Rafael did inside Richar's home. As they reached the halfway point, he finally succumbed to his resolve and tightened his grip on his sword. But before he could draw it...
"Amis!"
He heard someone call his name. It was another guard. Both men stopped as the guard approached them. "Sir Cenric ordered me to take your place. He also wants to speak with you."
Meanwhile, Rafael silently celebrated the change. The only time I saw this guard was when we inspected the time machine, so he doesn't know me or my habits like Amis does.
After a few moments of tense silence, Amis finally responded, grinding his teeth, "Understood."