The villagers gathered in the central square, where Chief Helga stood flanked by Erik, the newly elected second elder, and former Chief Rolf Olka.
Helga raised her hands, signaling for silence. "Villagers of Carowa, I bring urgent news," she announced, her voice steady but grave.
"A caravan from the empire has been sighted just outside the forest, and they appear to be from the capital's royal order. Everyone, please make sure not to offend them when they arrive," she warned.
A ripple of unease spread through the crowd. Whispers and worried glances followed her words.
Erik stepped forward, his stern face softened by concern. "Everyone, calm down," he said, his voice carrying authority. "They're just visiting. We also need to show them that we are a strong and united community."
Helga nodded. "Prepare your homes and be ready to greet them with respect. We must remain courteous yet vigilant. Now, everyone, to your tasks."
The villagers dispersed, each hurrying to tidy their homes and prepare for the visitors.
At the village outskirts, Alistair surveyed the area with a discerning eye, his tall frame casting a shadow over the grassy hill. Behind him, six large carriages stood in stark contrast to the humble village.
"My Lord, we've arrived at the last and only village that survived the undead attacks," Reva reported, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Good, Reva," Alistair said, his voice low and commanding. "Have our men ready. We must proceed with caution. This village may hold the answers we seek."
Reva nodded, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "As you wish, My Lord. I'll ensure everything is in order."
As the morning sun cast a blue and yellow hue over Carowa, the caravan slowly approached the village entrance. The villagers lined up, standing silently, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and fear.
Helga, Erik, and Rolf Olka stood at the forefront, ready to greet the newcomers. As the first carriage halted, the door opened, and Alistair stepped out, commanding immediate attention.
"Greetings," Helga began, her voice calm and welcoming. "I am Chief Helga of Carowa. Welcome to our village."
Alistair inclined his head slightly. "Thank you, Chief Helga. I am Alistair, emissary from the capital. We have come to discuss matters of great importance."
Helga exchanged a glance with Erik and Rolf before turning back to Alistair. "We are honored by your visit. Please, come inside. We have much to discuss."
As the caravan's occupants began to disembark, the villagers also dispersed. Inside, Helga and Alistair sat side by side at an oval table, with Reva blending into the shadows and Erik and Rolf standing behind Helga.
"Good day, sir. May I ask your purpose for visiting our village?" Helga asked directly.
"Your village was attacked by the undead, correct?" Alistair inquired."
"Yes," Helga replied.
"We have been traveling for days and visiting other villages that have been attacked by the undead. Now we're here, the only village that survived among eight others," Alistair explained as he asked the chief's permission to investigate the village. "Would you please let us conduct an investigation?"
Helga's eyes narrowed slightly. "Investigate? Isn't it just a normal undead attack?"
Alistair nodded, his expression solemn. "No, the capital is deeply concerned. We need to understand how and why your village was spared. Any information might help prevent future attacks."
Erik leaned forward, his brows furrowed. "Why do you think Carowa has answers? We barely survived. It was sheer luck and determination."
Reva stepped forward. "It's not just luck. We've studied the attack patterns. Carowa's survival wasn't random. There's something here that protected you, something the other villages didn't have."
Helga's eyes softened with hope and curiosity. "We did everything to protect ourselves. Our house walls, our defenses, the bravery of our people... What are you suggesting?"
Alistair took a deep breath. "There may be something more at play—a magical artifact, a hidden force. We need to investigate thoroughly. If we can identify it, we might protect other villages."
Rolf Olka, the former chief, spoke up for the first time. "If there is something here that saved us, it's because we ran and hid in our houses, helping each other."
Alistair nodded. "I understand your skepticism. Our purpose is to uncover any clues, no matter how small. We've brought scholars and mages to assist. All we ask is your cooperation."
Helga exchanged glances with Erik and Rolf. "We will cooperate, but our people's safety and well-being are paramount. If your investigation disrupts our recovery, it could do more harm than good."
Alistair's tone softened. "We will be as unobtrusive as possible. We seek to help. If we can assist in your recovery, please let us know. Also, this isn't just a normal undead attack; there's a scheming demon behind the scenes."
"What?" Helga said, shocked by the revelation.
"Alistair's voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a blade. 'Yes, a demon is behind these attacks,' he declared, his eyes narrowing with seriousness. He held up a picture of a weathered note found amidst the ruins of Sakura Village. 'We found this written in blood on one of the fallen house walls—a warning: "Beware of the demon."' His gaze fixed on his audience as he leaned forward, a palpable urgency in his demeanor. 'So I will ask you again, will you permit us to proceed with our investigation?"
Helga sighed, the burden evident in her eyes. "Very well. We will work together. But our people are wary of outsiders. They need reassurance that your presence is for their benefit."
Alistair nodded. "We understand, Chief Helga. We will do everything to earn their trust. Thank you for your cooperation. We should start by examining the village perimeter and any locations where the undead were repelled."
Helga stood, extending her hand to Alistair. "Let's hope this collaboration brings us the answers we need."
Alistair shook her hand firmly. "For the sake of all our people, I hope so too."
As they rose from the table, the weight of the task ahead seemed to settle on everyone's shoulders. The future of Carowa—and perhaps many other villages—depended on the success of their investigation.
Meanwhile, Hiro, Gin, and Sasa just arrived, oblivious to the unfolding events.
"Excuse me, why did the elder call everyone?" Sasa asked a passing man.
"The chief told everyone that someone from the capital is visiting. Actually, they're at the chief's house already," the man replied.
"Ah, I see. Thank you," Sasa said.
Sasa, Hiro, and Gin approached Chief Helga's house with curiosity and apprehension. The sight of a tall man and a dark elf emerging from the Chief's house caught their attention.
Hiro whispered, "Do you think they're from the capital?"
Gin nodded. "They must be. Look at their attire, so different from ours."
The man, Alistair, noticed the trio approaching and gave them a measured nod. "Good day," he greeted, his voice calm yet commanding. "I am Alistair, emissary from the capital. And this is Reva, my servant."
Reva's sharp eyes took in every detail, and she inclined her head slightly. "Greetings," she said, her tone neutral but curious.
Hiro's eyes met Alistair's, feeling an inexplicable connection. There was something about this man that unsettled him, something that felt almost... familiar.
Alistair's gaze lingered on Hiro for a moment longer than seemed necessary. "Who might this young man be?" he asked, noting the strong aura emanating from Hiro.
"Good day, sir. My name is Hiro," Hiro replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Oh, what a nice name," Alistair said. "Then who might this girl and another young man be?"
"Thank you, sir," Hiro replied. "The young man is Gin, my friend, and beside him is his twin sister, Sasa."
"Hello, sir," the two said in unison.
"Hello. By the way, I better go now. I have something to do," Alistair said as he bid his goodbye.
As they walked away from Hiro and his friends, Reva spoke. "My lord, I think I know why this place survived," she whispered under her breath, her eyes never leaving Hiro as they walked away.
"You felt it too, huh," Alistair said, his eyes narrowing. "Make sure someone keeps an eye on that kid."
Reva nodded. "Understood, my lord," she replied, her voice low and serious. "I'll assign someone discreetly."
...
Somewhere in the frozen expanse, a girl with red hair and gold eyes muttered, "Where are they?" She had been trailing Alistair's group since their departure from the capital when a pack of dire wolves attacked. Terrified, she fled using her teleportation magic and ended up lost in the icy wilderness.
"Where are they..." Her voice trembled, hands clutching against the cold, "...where are they?" Tears welled in her eyes. "I shouldn't have followed them. I'm so scared."
Suddenly, a group of three appeared: a man, a woman, and a young man. The man approached the lost girl cautiously. "Are you lost?"
The girl pulled her hood tighter around her face and nodded. "Yes, very much so," she admitted softly.
"You can come with us. We're heading to Frostvale City," offered the man. "By the way, I'm Val, this is my wife Alva, and our son Gale. What's your name?" Val asked.
"I'm Priscilla," the girl replied.
"Welcome to our group, Priscilla," Val said, smiling at her.
Priscilla let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you," she said gratefully, her face finally showing some calm.