“Please Alaric, I insist. It’s the least I can do for you guys for bringing me here. Besides, your journey back home will be faster with these horses. I assure you that you won’t be late for your father’s birthday if you ride these horses.” Yvanna was worried that he wouldn’t accept her gift so she brought up his father’s birthday.
Hearing this, Alaric hesitated.
It was true that it would take them much longer if they were to go back on foot.
Looking at the handsome horses filled with vigorous mana, he finally nodded his head. “Alright. I won’t be polite then.”
“Great!” Yvanna was relieved.
“But will they listen to us?” Alaric had a troubled look.
The horses were powerful and one of them seemed even stronger than Henry. It would be troublesome if the horses would suddenly rebel on their way back to the empire.
Yvanna smiled upon hearing this.
“You don’t need to worry about that. We have tamed these horses. They are docile and will obediently listen to your commands.” She explained.
“I see. That’s good to hear.”
Yvanna sent the elven warriors a look.
The elves understood her intentions and immediately handed the horses to Alaric’s group.
“They are yours now. Please take care of them.” Yvanna reminded with a stern look.
Alaric knew what she was talking about. “I know. I will not abandon these horses. I will treat them well. I promise.” He reassured her.
The two exchanged more words and soon, it was finally time to bid each other goodbye.
“I enjoyed our time together, Yvanna. We must go now.”
“You should be careful when you go out of the Enchanted Woodlands next time. Not all humans are trustworthy.” He warned her.
Yvanna nodded. “I understand.”
“I hope you guys will have a safe trip back home.”
“If you need any help, just look for me in the Enchanted Woodlands. If you encounter any elves, just mention them my name.”
“I will remember your words.” Alaric nodded. He then jumped on the back of the largest frost horse.
Henry and Arthur followed suit.
“Where can I look for you?” Yvanna suddenly asked.
Alaric turned his head and responded. “You can find me in a small town called North Pine Town. If you get there, just mention my name to the townspeople.”
“Goodbye. I hope to see you guys again soon.” Yvanna’s eyes were filled with reluctance.
“If fate permits.” Alaric smiled and waved his hand.
He then looked at the two old warriors and said. “Let’s go.”
Before leaving, Henry and Arthur bowed to Yvanna. Meanwhile, Alaric gave her one last look.
In the next moment, the trio finally left.
Alaric Silversword… My friend…
Yvanna smiled as he watched the young human warrior slowly disappear into the forest.
When she could no longer see their shadow, her eyes turned cold. “Let’s go! We need to gather our warriors to hunt some humans!”
She had never forgotten the humans who tried to capture her. Now that she had returned to her territory, it was time to prepare her revenge.
***
Alaric and the two old warriors didn’t meet an accident on their way back to the fortress city. The journey was unusually smooth as if the monsters were avoiding them on purpose.
“Is it because of you guys?” Alaric muttered as he rubbed the neck of the horse.
He believed that the powerful auras of the frost horses intimidated the monsters.
It only took them less than half a day to reach Turtle Fort. It was an amazing feat that would have been impossible without the frost horses.
Upon reaching the city, the gate guards were stunned upon seeing their mounts. They discussed among themselves and it looked like they had bad intentions.
Although they tried to do it discreetly, Alaric could already tell what was on their minds.
To prevent something from going wrong, he immediately took out the insignia of House Silversword.
“I am Alaric Silversword, son of Lucas Silversword! Please think twice before you decide to do something foolish.” Alaric stared deeply at them.
He used his father’s name to intimidate them.
When the gate guards saw the symbol of House Silversword on his token, their eyes constricted with fear.
Everyone in the north knew the Silverswords.
Lucas Silversword cemented himself as one of the strongest warriors in the empire. Getting on his bad side was like a death sentence so they immediately abandoned the funny ideas they had.
“What are you talking about, my lord? It’s just a misunderstanding. We have no intention of provoking you.” One of them forced out a smile.
Alaric glared at him and muttered in a cold voice. “I don’t want this to happen again. Now make way for us before I grab my swords.”
“Yes! Yes!”
The gate guards didn’t dare delay them anymore and allowed them to go inside the city.
After they left, one of the guards whispered to the person in charge. “Sir, should we report this to the higher-ups?”
The person in charge smacked the back of his head. “Report my ass! If you want to provoke the Silverswords then be my guest!”
“I-I was just talking nonsense, sir…”
…
At this moment, Alaric’s group had already entered Turtle Fort and they were now heading to the inn where they left Fredrinn and the others.
Their horses attracted a lot of attention, but Alaric openly wore a cape that bore the crest of House Silversword which made those who had ulterior motives give up their ideas.
When they arrived at the inn, they discovered a large group of civilians gathering at the entrance.
“My lord, there seems to be a situation in front of the inn,” Henry said with a frown.
“Let’s go and take a look.” Alaric had a bad feeling. He could hear people arguing and one of the voices seemed familiar.
As soon as they got closer, they realized that there was a confrontation between two groups.
“Fredrinn?” Alaric furrowed his eyebrows.