hotmtlnovel Chapter 141: Grey Harbor
Chapter 141: Grey Harbor
Chapter 141: Grey Harbor
Are you sure about this? Dallion asked.
When Jiroh had said he might have to go through a lot to reclaim his stolen gear, he didnt think this was what she had in mind. He had suspected it might be dangerous, risky even, but he didnt think that the plan would involve storming a tavern of awakened in one of the shadiest parts of Nerosal, to be precise it was part of the city in name only. It turned out that there were two neighborhoods located outside of the city limitsbeyond the walls. One of these places, known as Grey Harbor, was in fact a remnant of the war. Located on one of the large rivers that provided water to the city, it was composed of a series of docks, warehouses, and taverns, with the occasional fishermans shack in-between. Technically, there was a large guard outpost located a few miles away, but as Dallion had been told, they were there exclusively to guard against creatures from the wilderness and didnt bother with dealings that transpired in the neighborhood. Not that was the cause of Dallions concern, though. Since the group Jiroh had gathered was vastly outnumbered, the plan was to swim to the tavern that his attacker was believed to be at, and attack.
Dallion was perfectly alright with the attacking part of the plan. The swimming, though not so much.
Theres nothing to be ashamed about. Euryale smiled. Were all grownups here.
Thats not what Im worried about. Dallion replied. I dont know how to swim. Not to mention he was terrified of doing so. Are you sure shes there?
No doubt about it. A cluster of the gorgons snakes stretched in the direction of the tavern. Shes there alright and so is your harpsisword. It seems to be attracting a lot of interest. I cant see the shield, though.
Dallion felt a block of ice form in his stomach. He was worried about what could have happened to the dryad guardian, just as he was terrified of what might happen to him when the general finds out that hed lost his shield. Hopefully, the item was just out of sight and not sold or bartered.
Youre an awakened. Just hold your breath and Ill pull you all the way there.
The offer was outright humiliating, but sadly, Dallion knew he had no other choice. At this moment he was almost glad that Jiroh hadnt managed to find Vend while forming their small assault team. Unfortunately, she had convinced Spike and Grunt to come along. Dallion had no idea how she had managed, but apparently her relations with the guild went way back. For that matter, Eury also seemed well known by the guild, despite making it a point that shes unchained, which meant not associated with any organization.
Grunt can always throw you here. Spike smirked. Looking at him, it was difficult to tell whether he was being literal or not. From the little Dallion had seen of the man, he was the sort of type that loved getting into fights. Possibly that was the reason he had agreed to join in so easily.
In the end its up to you. Jiroh turned to Dallion. Its a forty-minute swim there. If you dont think you can manage, just say so and well call this thing off.
That was the crux of the matter. Dallion wanted to get his gear back, he wanted it very much, but his fear of water paralyzed him, even with all the adrenalin in his veins. A sneaky voice in the back of his mind had already started whispering that it wasnt worth it to drown for a few weapons. Even if the armadil shield belonged to the general, he could still claim it as his once he fulfilled the canes destiny. Or he could keep paying three gold every month until the end of his days, provided the general allowed it.
Alright, Dallion said, his body still fighting the thought.
Music, Dallion thought. Now was a good time to test whether he could affect himself. It didnt have to be anything major, just a slight nudge. Picturing his lungs, Dallion relaxed his breathing.
Ill do it. Dallions voice sounded more melodic than before, conveying the sense of joy in it. Ive gotten this far, so Ill go to the end.
The blue hue of joy flickered before his eyes. Dallion looked down at his chest to see a small grape-sized blob resonate with the feeling. It wasnt much, but it was a start. The irrational fear had gone, and with it the reluctance of swimming. He still didnt know how to, but he knew that thanks to his body level he could manage to stay in water for long enough.
Good. The fury nodded. Just remember no sharp object when we get there. Were not turning this into a war.
Dis-focus, he thought. Still, that wasnt the only means through which to identify someone.
That sword is mine. Dallion pointed at the harpsisword by the bar. Three people were sitting near it. None of them seemed familiar, yet Dallion knew that one of them was the thief that had stabbed him earlier this morning. As well as that shield. Thank the Seven for that, he thought in relief. Im here to take them back.
The silence was complete. For several seconds no one made a sound, determining whether this was a joke. Normally people didnt just enter into a mirror pool hideout, let alone demand things. Several of the people glanced out of the windows to check whether there was a squad of city guards outside. Upon seeing none, they directed their attention back to the intruder.
Didnt you get enough this morning? a familiar voice asked.
Apparently not. Dallion smiled. Part of the plan was for him to act as arrogant as possible, which to a degree came naturally. His words made several people stand from their seats. One even reached for a dagger.
Not a good idea, Euryale said, standing behind Dallion. If you really want to play, Ill play. Do you want me, though?
Music, Dallion thought. He could see the fear radiating from half a dozen people. None of them wished to face a gorgon in every sense of the word.
Yeah, were just here to have a word. Spike came in from the main entrance, followed by Grunt, who made the door seem small. Well, a bit more than a word.
Coming to visit with a gorgon hunter, a bald man, all in tattoos, said from behind the bar counter. Unlike everyone else, his face was memorable. If Dallion were to guess, that made him the tavern owner or a person of importance, possibly even a mirror aristocrat. Youre a long way from your shop, threat forger.
People keep telling me that, the smile was audible in Euryales voice.
What do you want?
Oh, nothing. I just dont like it when someone ruins something Ive made. I put a lot of effort into that shirt and I wanted to see the face of the person who shredded it.
The tension increased. Dallion could see the fear in the room fade away, replaced by eagerness. It was no longer a matter of if there was going to a brawl, rather it was more a matter of when.
Just so you know, dis-focus doesnt work on me. The gorgon turned her face in the direction of the thief.
There was a sudden blur. The thief disappeared from her seat near Dallions harpsisword only to appear an instant later beside the gorgon, knife in hand. Euryale had also shifted position, taking a defensive stance, her snakes keeping a good look at the entire room and every person in it. Both had lightning-fast reflexes and the unwillingness to back off.
Good reflexes, Euryale said. But youre no awakened.
I dont have to be awakened to deal with you. A second knife flashed in her left hand. Before she could strike, though, a new hand suddenly appeared in the air, snatching the knife away with ease.
And what about me? Jiroh asked, holding the weapon.