Hollow Knight Fanfic - Honor and Blood

Chap. 9 - Prelude to Disaster

In a tavern in the city of Concordia, three great beings were enjoying a snack, while paying close attention to the different voices that could be heard.

The hunter remained alert to every word, covering his presence with a large dark hood, as if he did not want anyone to recognize him. Although he surely preferred to go unnoticed, since his appearance and large size would surely cause confusion and fear among passersby.

On the other side of the table, Ghost and Kaede sat. One, covered just like his master, although this was more a way to feel safe, and not a need to hide his face. The young woman, on the other hand, despite her much larger size, could go unnoticed like a moss with her leafy clothing and hat. Everyone attentive... Listening to the concerns of the residents of the Green Path. Especially, that of two mosses who carried spears with them, and a low-class outfit. Clearly two recruits, or parts of the peasant forces.

- You have not heard? They are calling on most of the citizens of the peripheries to join the militia. —

- Something is not right. I learned that they are mobilizing most of the garrisons towards the southern border. —

—Do you think an attack by the Crimson Path is possible? Or could it be the mantids? —

—I didn't know how to tell you. There are rumors that both nations have been mobilizing large numbers of troops. —

—Do you think it's a combined attack? —

—For Mother Nature's sake, shut that mouth. I wouldn't want to imagine something like that. —

- Yes, I'm sorry. I spoke without thinking. —

- Well. Let's not waste time. The leader of the Wu awaits us. —

Both musgos finished their appetizers, took their things and left the premises, at the same time as other diners entered. Ghost and his group waited an extra time, but they couldn't hear anything else that was relevant, so once they finished, they began to walk through the streets of the city.

— Mmm... This vegetarian diet of the mosses doesn't suit me well. - The teacher commented.

- What's happening pa? Too many vegetables for your taste? —

— I am a hunter. My body is not designed to live on herbs. And those bean baozi made me sick to my stomach. —

- Well. I brought some dried meat. You can eat it later. —

—It seems that the rumors were true. —Ghost interrupted.

Bitter as ginger, the ghost always spoke only of what was necessary, something that could only cause a sigh from his companions. For one of the youngest of the trio, he acted like the oldest. Still, his words were not without reason.

—That opinion. —The hunter continued. —The rumors that Deep Nest was mobilizing are confirmed, but I didn't expect to hear anything about the mantids. —

—That mosser said something about weavers and mantids working together. It's so ridiculous it makes me laugh just thinking about it. —Kaede commented.

—That is unlikely. The weavers and the mantids resent each other too much. Of all the kingdoms of Hallownest, the two of them would be the least likely to form an alliance. —

—It's possible, dad. But that does not mean that the rumors about mantises are true. It is possible that both factions have decided to attack at the same time. Although they were unaware of each other's plans. —

—It's likely, Kaede. If that is the case, a triple battle may be set to the south of the kingdom. That will ease the burden on the Green Path. —

—And what happens if they decide to come through Cruces Olvidados? —Commented the ghost.