"Are you sure about this?" Seig asked.
Evadne nodded solemnly. "We can only hope he's telling the truth and will keep his word," she replied, exhaling with a tinge of resignation.
"Fine," Seig grunted. "HEY, WE'RE READY TO TALK!" he called out.
As Orion headed towards the exit, he halted in his tracks upon hearing Seig's voice. A smile graced his lips as he turned back to his previous position. "Alright, you may begin," Orion said, his tone calm.
Evadne nodded thoughtfully and began, "I don't know much about Sanctuaries due to their mysterious nature. However, I do know that, unlike the Runaway Cities, which never stop moving, Sanctuaries are typically nestled in secluded locations. They're rumoured to be inhabited by the demigods of old and Divine apostles, serving as havens for all races."
"Rumours suggest they're self-sufficient and possess the power to repel and even eradicate the Vylkr vines. Since their workings remain a mystery, we gauge their significance based on size, much like how we assess Runaway Cities. Simply put, the larger the Sanctuary, the more prosperous and secure it tends to be. That's the extent of my knowledge," Evadne said truthfully.
She had presumed this location to be a grade 3 Sanctuary or higher based on its size and the absence of Vylkr vines nearby. However, such assumptions were uncertain due to the mysterious nature of Sanctuaries. Also, to her astonishment, it turned out that this place wasn't even a Sanctuary at all.
Upon hearing Evadne's explanation, Orion, Stronghold Leader Zogar, and Seth absorbed her words, contemplating everything they had just heard.
Demigods!
Divine Apostles!
While Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth struggled to understand the concept of demigods, Orion, who had a firm grasp of Evadne's explanation, furrowed his brow.
"Are you certain this is the extent of your knowledge regarding the Sanctuaries?" Orion asked with a serious gaze.
Evadne nodded, "Yes, that's all I'm aware of. Information about the Sanctuaries is scarce and inaccessible, known only to a select few. My understanding comes from the knowledge passed down through generations and was acquired by our race's unique ability. Now that I've shared what I know, I trust you'll honour your end of the bargain," she replied earnestly.
Orion nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, I don't plan on withdrawing on my promise," he assured them. Shifting his focus to the guards beside the cell, he commanded, "Open the cell."
The guards complied with a nod, and two of them stepped forward to unlock the cell door. Just as they were about to roll down the rope, Seig leapt out of the cell and landed beside them, followed closely by Evadne.
Evadne breathed a sigh of relief.
"It seems you really intend to keep your word," Seig said with a satisfied smile, eyeing Orion closely.
Stronghold Leader Zogar and Stronghold Leader Seth swiftly positioned themselves before Orion, their expressions serious as they watched Seig intently.
"If you do anything reckless, I promise you'll wish you had stayed in that cell," Stronghold Leader Zogar warned sternly.
Seig shook his head. "Don't worry, I'm not foolish enough to do something reckless," he replied, meeting the gaze of both Stronghold Leaders Zogar and Seth.
Evadne nodded in agreement with Seig's words, noting the seriousness in Stronghold Leader Zogar's eyes.
"Let's get going. I'll show you where you'll be staying for now," Orion said, motioning for them to follow as he headed towards the exit.
Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth trailed behind him, accompanied by Seig and Evadne. Meanwhile, the ten warriors followed suit, seeing no reason to remain.
…....…
"Huh! It doesn't actually look bad," Seig remarked.
When Orion had made his proposal, Seig had expected to be led to a small, dilapidated building. However, as he surveyed the two-story structure before him and the magnificent compound, he couldn't help but inwardly nod appreciatively at the young man's gesture.
If Orion continued to keep his word like this, he might have no problem sharing everything he needed to know.
Evadne nodded in agreement with Seig's words. Like him, she was pleased that Orion exceeded their expectations, providing them a habitable place.
"Of course, it doesn't," Orion responded with a snort.
When building the Orions' Cities, he had ensured that all the houses, whether big or small, were top-notch in quality, so it was not an overstatement to say that there were no bad buildings in the Cities.
He didn't have to worry about maintaining them, as the Prismerions had helped cast a magical enchantment capable of taking care of it.
"This is where you will stay until we decide what to do with you. However, if you attempt to escape, remember that the Village Chief's words still stand," Orion added.
Seig smiled. "Don't worry, we won't do anything so stupid," he said, waving his hand at Orion. "Let's go check and see if the inside is as good as the outside," Seig added, his words aimed at Evadne.
He then strode towards the building, with Evadne following closely behind, to explore its interior.
As they left, Orion turned to address the twenty warriors who had accompanied them.
"I want you all to keep a close eye on them. If any of them so much as think about making a run for it, sound the alarm and do whatever it takes to hold them until reinforcements arrive. Now, disperse and take up your positions," Orion commanded.
The twenty warriors nodded in unison and swiftly dispersed throughout the building while others stationed themselves outside the compound, maintaining vigilant watch.
Orion turned to face the two Stronghold Leaders before him. "Thank you for accompanying me, Stronghold Leader Zogar and Stronghold Leader Seth. I will see you tomorrow," he said.
However, just as he was about to leave, Stronghold Leader Seth coughed loudly. "Warrior Orion, may I ask what your plans are for the Devourer's bracelets?" Seth's eyes were fixed on the small sack tied around Orion's waist, where he had stored the bracelets and the divine artefact before meeting with Captain Seig and his Lieutenant.
