Heir

8) The North

"Well?" Officer raised an eyebrow when we said nothing for a moment.

Oh, right. I had forgotten. Officer had probably seen my face when I was climbing up that run-down wall. I wondered why he hadn't arrested me yet. Did Mr C bribe him or something before he approached me for the job offer?

Mr Collarado gazed at him for a moment, then slowly took out two pieces of documents. I had given mine to him while packing. He handed them over to him, who examined them just like he did when checking the previous piece of paper Mr C had shoved into his ugly face.

"Ryder Burk and...Aubrey Carlia?"

"Yes," I said. "I'm Aubrey."

Officer looked me up and down. "I've never heard of an Aubrey in Traevale, or anyone, except my friend's daughter, and she isn't you. I know a lot of people."

"I can assure you that her name is indeed Aubrey Carlia. If you continue harassing us, I have no choice but to speak to the Chief about your insistent interrogation." Mr Collarado stated firmly.

Mr Jeokarn (though Officer sounded better) seemed taken aback. "No, please don't..."

"Then I suggest you step aside."

Officer bowed. Yes, he actually bowed. "Of course, Sir. I apologise for the questions. There is no excuse for what I've done and I am really, really sorry. I hope that...."

"Mr Jeokarn."

Officer trembled and got out of the way.

We walked past him and right past two guards, who stared at him in fear and then suddenly found the ground much more interesting. We had passed through the border and arrived at the North.

"This is it." Mr C announced. "Welcome to the North."

It wasn't exactly what I had expected. The soft green grass rustled under my shoes and oak trees were scattered here and there. Carriages were lined neatly and orderly, with drivers either chatting among themselves or tending to their own needs. A few people, whom I assumed were travellers, were also lining up in front of a booth that was right in front of the line. A man and a woman were sitting in the booth. The male was smoking a cigar and the woman was reading a book. There was a sign in the booth that read 'Carriages For Rent! 5/Carriage Rental'.

"Do we need to rent one of those?" I inquired.

"Indeed it is. Perhaps you have some brains after all."

I ignored him and approached the duo. "One carriage, please."

The woman ignored me and the man took out his cigar, blowing a puff of smoke into my face. I took a step back, slightly disgusted, but I have tried my best not to show it. These people were already ruining the North's reputation.

"Five, then." he stated.

I turned and stared pointedly at my supervisor, who stepped forward and smiled, taking out a wad of cash.

"Take it." Mr C offered him a five, and he accepted it, surprisingly not that eager."

Moments later, I found myself sitting in the carriage with Moustache Man. The driver was a cheerful fellow. If there was a 'Most Annoying Stranger Award', I would nominate him for it.

After Mr Collarado gave directions and we were headed for Dale, a town which was just a stop away from the House of the North, the guy started introducing himself. As we travelled, he wouldn't stop chatting. Apparently, his name was Joe or something like that and he started striking up a conversation about random stuff with us-if you count only Joe talking and me replying every once in a while and Mr C replying slightly more times than me as 'conversing'. Oh Lord, he was even worse than my irritating and ugly companion. Thankfully, he kept his eyes on the road.