Travelers on the road

When the large tribes of humans joined together to combat the threat of raiding demon beasts, it birthed a type of governance. Wise men from among them pieced together songs and abandoned parchments from scattered ruins found across the land.

The day they discovered all the ruins near and far spoke the same language, it catapulted the speed of the congregating tribes to wage war and negotiations.

Over rivers of blood and mountains of bones, an Empire was born.

Unlike historical, incipient civilizations, the Empire and smaller kingdoms to the south suffered little from internal strife. Under the shadow of raiding death, men were forced to abandon their thirst for power to stem the tide of a common enemy.

Watched over by their wise men who claimed the lost mantle of Mages, human legions looked towards the north. They rebuilt the half-ruined city in the north and discovered its secrets. Warring their way through a mountain pass, they manned the abandoned walls that kept the demon beasts from overrunning the south.

Following in the footsteps of the lost civilization, they copied the re-engineered technology and built cities, towns, and villages. Stronger tribes claimed a greater share during this time, leading to differentiation in wealth and power. Tribal leaders and workers changed to Nobles and commoners. Only slaves remained the absolute constant.

The gears of civilization continued to churn...

Chu tapped his quill on the edge of the large desk while staring at the piece of paper. On it, a single line of ink flowed from left to right. Short written notes accompanied the little solid circles that dotted the straight line. Straightening his stiff back on the chair, he sighed. Late at night, with his body lethargic from the recent flu, he somehow found himself at his desk. A gentle question floated from the chair beside him.

"This sketch, which you named a timeline, seems interesting. What does medieval mean? Why did you draw an X at the dot where it starts and then write a question mark on it?"

Twisting himself, Chu faced the blonde speaker keeping him company. Nearby, Miki sat on the floor in meditation while concentrating on her starfield.

"Medieval is a word that relates to the time period we are living in. I'm not much of a history buff, so my first impression of our village is one from the medieval era. Thinking back, I never really obtained enough information about this. At the time, we had too much on our plates to study history."

Placing his finger on the timeline, he continued.

"Remember when Dareck first arrived? I wanted him to create a hand-driven water pump. Only then did I learn plumbing was not invented. The gear, a simple machine, has now spread like wildfire because of its uses. Sitting here, I think my understanding of this era has been wrong."

Chu twisted his lip in thought.

"Are you saying we should be here instead?"

Lucy asked while placing her finger in the area marked as Ancient History. The description under it contained familiar terms like iron swords, ice houses, and gears. The raven-haired teen pondered for a minute.

"I believe we are somewhere around there. There are too many things that need to be done before we jump into the medieval age. If we can move past the level of living like the ancient Romans, it would be great. For our farm, we need not progress slowly. Paper, threshing machines, and the windmill-driven water pump will catapult us into the industrial age."

He said. The more technical the invention, the more time required to see it to fruition. Who knows how long it may take him to invent a working steam engine? Tools, machinery, and equipment had to come first. The radiating warmth and pleasing smell from the girl next to him increased his heartbeat.

"You speak as if you have already seen a world like that before. What are Romans? Do they belong to the Tower? What about this circle at the beginning of the timeline? Is it where the Heavens created us?"

Chu smiled at the inquisitive blue eyes looking at him.

"That's what I like about you, Lucy. Your question makes me think. You can say Romans are a group similar to the Tower. As for when Heaven created us, that is way before this ink dot. No, this ink dot represents a period where humans interacted with the other races. The dotted line after it represents a lost period of history. Even Ishara cannot help us decipher it..."

A light cough sounded from the side as Miki exited her meditation.

"Why are the two of you sitting so close to each other and whispering? Don't forget we need to plan for Frost City."

***

On the road nearing Karst...

"Why are we passing so many travelers on the road? Up to yesterday, only we traveled on it."

Stolen novel; please report.

Shauna asked while driving the caravan. Another party scurried past them as they tried to make full use of the sun. Clutching their cloaks and canvas bags tightly, the group headed towards the destroyed village. Rose sighed from the seat next to her.

"The governor requires taxes, so the nobles will have to pay in gold coins. The mayor has to fill their quota, so the village chief has to acquire grain. Fear of demon beasts or not, the commoners are provided with the best incentive to work. Starvation or slavery."

At the top of the enclosed iron cage, the head of a woman peeked out from the warm rugs. One of her hands circled around the sleeping figure of a younger woman. Another girl sat while searching the grasslands around them. The farmer's wife glanced at her two daughters before joining in the conversation below.

"I think that is Hatt and his family. He lived in the village and worked in the tavern. I don't know what he will do when he finds out both his house and tavern are burnt to the ground."

"The wagons which passed us this morning had men from the garrison guarding them. Ming said the leader is one of the soldiers from the Military who journeyed with them to Karst from Limerock. When the village is restored, the new farms will restock the granary."

Rose added. The old woman shook her head. She spent her entire life raised and then married on a farm.

"The demon beasts raid wiped out nearly all the villagers and surrounding farmers. Only the few who ventured into town or traveled elsewhere survived. Rebuilding will take years for the houses to become cheerful. Hopefully, the other villages have farms with married offspring. Young folks would quickly rush to buy and build up their own farm."

The two girls nodded from below on hearing the woman speak. Given the extent of the winter raids, resettling the villages to support their surrounding farms would take time. As another family hobbled past, Rose noticed the woman unconsciously tug at the sleeves of her robes. Meeting the worried eyes of her passenger, she smiled.

"You shouldn't let the slave brand on your arm lessen your pride. I can guarantee you that if your work is satisfactory, our Boss will have Jim drive you out to Karst for the Slave Trader to remove it. That mark is useless on a person with determination. I have a sister who had a brand, and she now ranks higher than any noble you have ever met."

Shauna voiced her agreement on the side. It was common knowledge that Sue had the mark of a slave stamped onto her arm. When they journeyed to Karst, Mr. Thomas accompanied her to the Slave Trader to have it removed. Afterward, over time, Elder Pick, Halter, and the rest also gained the opportunity to strip this mark of shame.

The clops of an approaching horse grew louder as the farmer and his son rode to the side.

"Most of the travelers are strange faces. Terrible, a terrible business! Only beasts from the pits of hell could devour an entire village in one night. Maybe the garrison might decide to abandon the old village and choose a new site. The brutal deaths and lingering ghosts have suppressed the harmony of the land."

"True. Maybe in the future, the remains of the ruined village will stand as a testament to the viciousness of demon beasts. Shauna, wake Ming and the others from their sleep. Since this road is becoming busy, it's better for travelers to see only men on the horses and driving the caravan. The less we attract trouble, the better."

Rose replied to the farmer. By evening, they would arrive at Karst and head off home.

***

On the evening of the same day, a large convoy exited the road leading to Frost City into an open field. The regiment of Military soldiers swiftly established a secure perimeter. Support personnel organized the bonfires for the night while the apprentice mages rostered themselves to smaller guard troops. The Military and the Tower wasted no time in having their members ready themselves for live combat in the north.

"Captain Wirr, your party needs two more foot soldiers to protect your ranged attackers. Swap one of your apprentices for an archer."

"Mage Jarl, have your apprentices know that if they want to retain their guards from the academy, they need to liaise with the team captains. Without a proper chain of command, they are just food for demon beasts."

"I want two apprentices who excel at light magic to accompany the guards tonight. Report to Captain Kive at the south post!"

Near the center of the field, and away from the shouting orders, a circle of wagons surrounded a unique carriage. Under the nearby tents, the Priests and Healers following the soldiers, hustled in peace to camp for the night. The virgin girls who never experienced travel and also war, bustled at the pots and fires.

Occupying a log like a flock of resting birds, the older healers chimed in their assistance while rubbing their weary bones.

"Samantha, fetch some more water from the brook. The watery the gruel, the longer it lasts. When we arrive at Frost City and leave for the Pass, we can thicken it. No need to waste food when we don't have to fight."

"Jilly, find me an ointment for rider's burns. Pretty soon, those inexperienced young soldiers will be arriving for treatment. Heaven knows I hate stripping their pants. Remember, girl, no matter the rank, when they come shuffling, inform them we don't treat bum burns unless they take a bath."

"I second that request. Be prepared, girls, you will see things you never imagined while traveling with the Military."

Sitting under a tent attached to the surrounding carriage, Sakura stroked the feathers of a small silvery bird. Next to her, Amanda combed the curls of a younger blond girl.

"Why do you insist on traveling with us? Sure, our carriage is large, but yours is practically empty."

Amanda said while pulling on a knot of hair.

"Oww! Big sis, be careful. Have you ridden in my carriage? Yours is the best throughout the Empire. When we arrive in Frost City, you have to instruct my servants. I want one exactly like this."

Sahara answered. Raising her nose, it twitched daintily towards the fire.

"Sue, your stew smells great. I can't wait to try it. Why don't you come cook for me? I promise I will never get tired of your cooking."

The blonde praised the short-haired girl stirring the pot on the fire. Before Sue could reply, a snort greeted their ears from outside.

"Pshh! You want Grandmaster Sue to work in your kitchen? Lady Sahara, do you want the Alchemist Guild to launch a complaint to the Emperor?"

Grandmaster Bing growled while entering under the open tent. His appearance caused Mrs. Thomas to stand and bow in greeting. Mr. Thomas had left to attend the horses. Sahara sat while casting an eye on the old man.

"Look who's talking. I can't believe you used an excuse to visit Frost City just so you could hang around Sue. Talk about shameless."

A gentle cough escaped the mouth if Mrs. Thomas on hearing their conversation.

"Now, now. I know you all might have become acquainted during our few days on the road, but don't forget there are eyes and ears around. Your stations command respect among our travelers."

Her words had barely left her mouth when Elder Shi entered while holding a wooden bowl in his hand.

"Thank the heavens I'm not late. I practically ran across, so I won't miss dinner..."

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