Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 60: Home of the Huntress

Wall Rose was home to many differing climates. Only the brave chose to live on the edges of the mountainous regions, because of the rugged terrain. Even fewer lived in the deep woods for fear of the predators that called the forest home. There was only one narrow, dirt path that led through the thick groves of trees, making it a dangerous route for any would-be visitors.

A pit formed in Sasha's stomach as she rode towards her village. Strategically speaking, Dauper was a great place for the Scouts to stay at. Combining mountainous terrain with hunters that could shoot a bird during a cloudy day, the MPs would have the disadvantage. That being said, she was still bringing danger to her home. She had a feeling a tongue lashing was gonna be in the very near future from her father.

An arrow struck the ground a couple of meters in front of the horse. Sasha held onto the reins as the mare understandably reared on two legs out of fear.

"State yer business, intruder!"

Three men approached her with arrows pulled back on their bows. Two were on the ground, and one was stationed in the trees.

I'm getting rusty. Sasha thought to herself. Throwing herself into the thick of things without taking time to observe and pay attention? She had been in the Scouts too long. Slowly, she raised her hands in defense before speaking clearly and concisely. "Mah name is Sasha Braus, and this is mah home."

That name was enough to get the three guards to lower their weapons. Her dialect confirmed her status.

The man in the trees lowered his hood, revealing jet-black hair tied up in a small bun. "Sorry 'bout that, Sasha. Ya know we can't be too careful these days."

She waved him off. "Don't fret about it, Otto. Was a nice reminder that Ah'm in need of practice."

"What brings ya over here?" Otto asked as he climbed down from his perch. "Not another Titan attack, is it?"

"If it was, y'all would hear me screamin' mah head off. See, my comrades and Ah are fugitives, and we need a place to stay," she explained simply. When they didn't respond immediately, she added for good measure, "Ah'm serious."

The trio of hunters glanced at each other uncomfortably. Sure, Dauper was infamous for butting heads with the government, but this was different. All it would take was a pair of lips to bring the entire village to ruin.

Sasha went on when the silence dragged on too long. "Look, Ah know what Ah'm askin', but we have nowhere else to go. Hell, we've got a man that's been shot. We need yer help."

Otto sighed as he attached the bow to his back. "Twist our arms, why don't ya? We'll let you in, but it's up to our chief how long y'all will stay."

Sasha smiled softly, feeling a massive weight lift from her shoulders. "Thanks, Otto. Ah owe ya big time."

He pointed a finger at her while glowering. "But no one touches our food without our say so. That goes double for ya, Sasha."

That wiped the smile off her face as quick as it came. Her eating habits were still infamous here. It was going to be a challenge to resist the urge to scarf down the food she would see, but considering this was her own home, it was best to behave herself. At least they had sanctuary for the time being.

She placed two fingers in her mouth and let out a loud whistle. In a matter of seconds, the group of Scouts slowly approached them on horseback. Naturally, Levi led them, but attached to his horse was a small cart that carried an unconscious Eld. Armin was tending to him, making sure that he wouldn't get a fever and that his bandages were changed properly.

Otto grimaced at the sight as he approached the captain. "How bad is it?"

"He can't move his arm, and we couldn't take him to a hospital," Levi answered. "We don't have a medic on hand."