Lucas was walking, gritting his teeth. After a few steps, he found that the pain from the wound was not too difficult to endure. However, as he looked at Ariana, who was tenderly watching him, he intentionally pretending to be in unbearable pain. Just as he was secretly pleased, he saw Darya urging her black horse to swiftly pass by. He heard her shout, "Lucas, I'll get you out!" He was momentarily stunned and muttered, "What is this girl up to? She should be wishing to chop me into pieces, right?"
Ariana gave him a disdainful look. How could a girl not understand another girl's mind? He had never taken Darya seriously. The girl, who was pampered at home every day, wouldn't have such novel experiences. Just by observing their bickering along the way, it was evident. Adding to that his heroic performance in protecting her just now... this straightforward Darya probably developed some inexplicable fondness for him. Well... should she be bothered by this kind of jealousy?
The two of them were escorted to the dungeon at the northeast corner of Javanshir Fortress. As they walked inside, the scale of the fortress became more apparent. Javanshir Fortress was divided into two main sections, the inner city and the outer city. The inner city, with its higher walls, a symbol of authority, stands tall, overlooking the citadel and radiating a sense of power and leadership, was evidently the residence of the most important people in Javanshir Fortress. Between the inner and outer cities were neatly arranged small houses. Although they were made of mud and stone, they appeared clean and tidy, adorned with colorful tapestries and symbols representing the unique identity of the Turkic people. Unlike the haphazard structures in the ancient towns that Lucas had visited before, these buildings were laid out like a military camp.
The fortress is a microcosm of activity, with marketplaces bustling with traders exchanging goods from various corners of the land. The air is filled with the aroma of diverse spices, and the resonating sounds of craftsmen plying their trade create a lively atmosphere. Courtyards are lively with children playing traditional games, and elders sharing stories of ancestral heritage. The fortress serves not only as a defensive stronghold but also as a center for commerce, cultural exchange, and communal gatherings.
The people were mostly dressed in dark, and the only difference between them and the guards escorting Lucas and Ariana was the addition of a red scarf for the guards. As they walked by, curious eyes turned their way, observing Lucas's peculiar attire and Ariana's exotic beauty, becoming subjects of hushed discussions. However, everyone maintained a gentle demeanor, and no one approached to them. Were these the people of this era?
Compared to the later era, these early ancestors appeared more modest. Despite the bustling crowd, both the elderly and the children were well taken care of. The young people were all robust and lively. When people encountered each other, there were polite gestures of deference, and everyone showed respect as if welcoming an esteemed guest. Immersed in their midst, Lucas suddenly felt that some of the traditional values of the ancient people had gradually faded over the millennia, becoming less prominent in the busy times of later eras.
Ariana seemed to understand his thoughts and whispered, "The Turkic transitioned from a purely nomadic lifestyle to a more settled one, they learned the art of constructing fortresses through interactions with neighboring civilizations, including the our Persia Empire, Roman Empire, and Tang dynasty. Fortresses provided them with defensible positions against external threats and allowed them to control key trade routes. Though the Western Turkic Khaganate has dissipated after being defeated by my father, the Turkic still hold sway over much of the lands in Armenia, Crimea and the northern regions. Although Armenia is currently under Persian control, can fate always favor us Persians? Not many have seriously pondered this question. I have thought about it too, but there is no answer... Lucas, where are you from?"
Lucas shook his head, "I don't know how to tell you, I come from far away."
The two were ushered into the dungeon with a cold, damp air that seemed to seep into their bones. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the stone walls, revealing the grim reality of their predicament. Heavy iron doors clanged shut behind them, echoing through the narrow corridors, sealing off any hope of escape. The dampness of the air combined with the musty scent of the surroundings created an oppressive atmosphere. As the footsteps echoed in the confined space, they could hear the distant drips of water, emphasizing the isolation of their underground confinement. The dim light revealed the worn and rusty bars of the cells, each telling a silent tale of past captives. The silence was only broken by the occasional distant sound.
Lucas voiced a soft whisper, "Are you scared?"
Ariana clung tightly to him, "I'm not scared, not when I have you," she replied, the reassurance in his words echoing in the intimate moment. The warmth of their closeness created a sanctuary, shielding them from the outside world. In the dim light, their silhouettes blended into one, and the world outside seemed to fade away. Ariana felt a sense of security in Lucas' presence, and his comforting words melted away any lingering fears. They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in the shared embrace as the world continued to spin around them.