664 Arrival Of The Four-Eared Elves (3)
Meanwhile, the Village Chief couldn't help but suddenly frown. Though he was relieved that the individuals before him were indeed the Caravans, the four-eared race, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with their arrival in such large numbers.
Something was unsettling about it, and he needed to understand what was happening.
"Don't take any action; just wait here. I'll be back once I'm done," the Village Chief said to Orion before turning to Stronghold Leader Drakar, signalling for him to follow.
The Village Chief then leapt down from the platform, transforming into his massive green-horned owl form, and swiftly headed toward the boat at the forefront.
Stronghold Leader Zogar leapt high into the sky, following the same direction.
Meanwhile, on the boat below, the sight of the figure transforming into a massive green owl left Leif and the others frozen in their positions.
Their eyes darted nervously between the various beasts above the towering walls, and a dumbfounding realisation settled in—
they were looking at the humans.
The terrifying beasts were, in fact, the humans, the inhabitants of this place.
Several of them couldn't help but draw in sharp breaths, tightening their grip on their weapons as the unexpected revelation sank in.
Nevertheless, the Village Chief reached the boat and returned to his human form.
"Patriarch Rylan, it's really you?" the Village Chief said as he observed the elderly man before him, then turned his attention to the rest of the unfamiliar individuals surrounding him.
"Village Chief Brane, I'm glad to see you again," the Patriarch replied warmly.
He then acknowledged the familiar figure that had landed beside him with minimal disturbance, "It's good to see you looking as vigorous as ever, Stronghold Leader Zogar," he added.
"I would say the same about you, Patriarch Rylan; however, things have been quite unfortunate for you since we last met," the Village Chief responded.
Stronghold Leader Zogar nodded, exchanged greetings with Patriarch Rylan, and shifted his attention to scrutinise the figures beside him.
Hearing the words of the Village Chief, Patriarch Rylan let out a wry smile. "Yes, as you can see, things have not been for us since we last met," he said, releasing a tired sigh.
"I'm sorry for the sudden disturbance, Chief Brane. I hope I haven't caused any problems due to my arrival," he added.
The Village Chief shook his head.
"Your presence is always anticipated and welcomed in the Village, Patriarch Rylan, so there is no need to worry," the Village Chief replied. "Though I'm afraid I can't say the same today unless I understand why you made such a massive entrance this year."
As the Village Chief spoke, Isadora's body froze beside her father. Sweat drenched her forehead, streaming down to her cheeks; she rarely saw her father show such respect to anyone.
Isadora's heart raced as she tried to regain her composure.
She feared making any move that might provoke the anger or irritation of the individual before her.
Meanwhile, Lyndon, Leif, Leona and the others shared similar sentiments. They knew the Patriarch reserved his respectful demeanour for those deemed worthy. Observing the Patriarch's deference to the man before them, they became immediately wary and anxious as they observed the conversation unfolding before them.
Patriarch Rylan nodded in response to the Village Chief's words.
"It's a long story, but to keep it simple, my race and I have lost our homes and everything we own to our enemies. When we sought refuge in this desolate world, I couldn't think of any other place but here. With nowhere else to turn and no alternative, I had no choice but to bring the surviving members of my race here," Patriarch Rylan explained.
He gently distanced himself from the support of his daughter, choosing to stand alone as he awaited the Village Chief's response.
Hearing Patriarch Rylan's explanation, the Village Chief furrowed his brows, a deep frown etching itself on his face.
"Were you followed by your enemies?" the Village Chief asked curiously with a raised brow.
While he wondered about how such a large group managed to traverse vast distances—considering not everyone possessed the ability to convince a god-like Orion did—he understood that such questions could wait. For now, he needed to ascertain whether there was a potential invasion threat, which took precedence.
Patriarch Rylan nodded, affirming, "Yes, we were followed by our enemies; however, we lost them months ago before arriving here, so you don't have to worry about anything. We are here alone."
Patriarch Rylan then continued with a humble request, "Please, Village Chief Brane, I understand that we have only traded in the past, and you have no obligation to offer us such a favour. However, I beg of you, until we find a suitable settlement, if you take us in, we won't mind becoming labourers for your Village, no matter the type of work it might be."
His voice carried a firm resolve, emphasising the sincerity of his words.
"Father," Isadora said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Though she was aware that no one would take in such a large quantity of people all at once, no matter how close they were, she couldn't help but be optimistic about her father's plans.
Regardless, upon hearing the Patriarch's words, Isadora couldn't hold back her emotions, breaking down almost immediately.
Is this what their race had become? After losing everything, sacrificing what remained, and travelling a long distance, they only hoped to work as labourers until they found a new place to settle.
Leif and the others felt similar discontentment, but unlike Isadora, they kept their emotions concealed, locked within themselves.
Patriarch Rylan sighed tiredly upon hearing Isadora's sobs.
"Don't worry. With my knowledge of the Village, I am sure we won't be treated as badly as you think. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths to make this decision," he said, gently wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks.
Meanwhile, the Village Chief's frown deepened as he finished hearing Patriarch Rylan's words. Though he had already understood that the man before him wasn't in a good situation, he suddenly realised it might be even worse than he had imagined.
