Chapter 28 - If you want to hide something, hide it in the woods
A forest at midnight, where even the moonlight barely passes through
The dense forest spreading to the west of Azal is in a border region, and perhaps due to its remoteness, people rarely visit, and it remains mostly untended.
Well at least that’s how it should have been.
However, now, more than twenty people, accompanied by several carts, were making their way through this forest.
Their loose-fitting clothing made it hard to tell, but they were all well-built, likely accustomed to physical labour. Their faces were hidden by deeply drawn hoods, but they were likely all men.
Despite traversing a dark forest, they carried only a few lanterns, each with a metal shutter that could be closed at any time to prevent any light from escaping—an unusual choice. Such lanterns were typically used by adventurers or those involved in more nefarious activities.
“Hey, watch that side! If you drop the cargo, we’ll have to answer to him again!”
“I know that, so stop yelling! It’s noisy enough as it is.”
The voices coming from the group, blending with the rattling sound of the wheels, were far from refined. They couldn’t see far ahead in the darkness, but they couldn’t afford to slow down either.
Amid the stress of the situation, the already unruly group became increasingly irritated. The occasional loud slap probably the sound of someone swatting mosquitoes echoed unnecessarily through the night. That man, noticing the threatening glares he received for his actions, shrugged apologetically.
Finally, they reached their destination, a small clearing in the western forest, a place even the locals avoided. A lone man, dressed similarly to the others, stood waiting. He signalled to the group with his unique lantern, and the men began to unload their carts.
“We’ve brought the goods, sir,” the leader said respectfully.
“Hmph, you’re late. You’re nothing but a carrier, so hurry up.”
The man, whom they called ‘sir’, checked the cargo with a disgruntled expression. Nodding, he tossed a leather pouch to the leader.
“It seems to be in order. Now, get out of here. Or do you want to die?”
“Yes, yes, we’ll be going.”
Without even giving them time to inspect the contents of the pouch, the leader was dismissed. Unfazed, he told his men to leave and they quickly disappeared into the forest.
The leader knew better than to argue. He understood that the threat of death was not an empty one. There was no point in risking his life for a little extra pay. Besides, ‘sir’ always paid his dues, albeit reluctantly. It was wiser to take what was offered and leave.
After the men had left, ‘sir’ turned his lantern westward and signalled. Before long, another group emerged from the forest. Dressed in a way that concealed their identities, they moved with a sense of discipline. The men swiftly approached the carts and began inspecting the cargo.
‘Sir’ putting on a fawning smile, approached the leader of this new group “I apologise for troubling you to come all this way. As a token of my gratitude, I’ve added a little extra to the cargo…”
“Very thoughtful. Yes, it seems to be there.”
Without even glancing at the boss, the leader received a signal from his subordinates, who had finished inspecting the cargo. The leader pulled out a letter and tossed it carelessly to the ‘sir’, who scrambled to catch it before it hit the ground, even going so far as to dirty his knees. Holding the letter like a sacred object, the boss looked up at the leader with a servile expression..
“Thank you, thank you! Please convey my loyalty to Lord Dian.”
“Don’t mention that name so casually. I’ll pass on your message.”
“I apologise, I was careless, even in such a secluded forest.”
‘sir’ trembling, prostrated himself on the ground, smearing his forehead with dirt. The leader looked down at him with a sneer, barely concealing his disdain. The boss’s shoulders trembled for a moment, but he remained in his humble position..
“The Lord only uses those who are useful. Serve him well.”
“Yes, of course! I will devote myself to him!”
“The next shipment will be in a week. Don’t
forget.”
“Of course! I would never!”
With a final glance at the grovelling man, the leader signalled to his men. Without a word, they loaded the carts and disappeared into the forest.
Several minutes passed before ‘sir’ finally raised his head.
“Damn that man! To treat me like this… Just you wait, when I rise to power…”
His face flushed with anger and humiliation. He clenched his fists, shaking with rage. But he was not foolish enough to make a scene. With a sigh, he turned and followed the others into the forest.
None of the men noticed the figure dressed in black, with long black hair, who had been watching everything. Nor did they notice as the figure followed them all the way to the estate of Count Azal.
**Next: The outlook is as foggy as five miles of mist**