Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 21

If it weren't for the fact that the king might try to kill us, I would be willing to go around the lake. With the possibility that the king might send soldiers to attack us, though, going through the forest seems like the most sensible course of action.

We cautiously enter the forest, looking around for anything that might cause trouble. Between the angry cannibals and the local wildlife, there will certainly be something. The best we can hope for is to stay away from as much of it as possible.

At the very least, as we make our way deeper into the forest, the likeliness that Anata will follow us lessens.

The first 20 minutes or so are quiet, except for some bugs who keep biting us. Suddenly, though, Heroth, who's leading the way, motions for us to stay back. After a second of watching, he holds up four fingers. Just four enemies shouldn't be too hard to deal with if we do get caught, but who knows where other might be? Besides, we aren't here to eliminate any villagers. There's no reason to harm these people if we can avoid it.

Suddenly, something sharp is poking into the back of my neck.

"Fuck." I mutter.

"What business do you have in our lands?" The woman behind me demands.

"Woah, woah! We don't mean any harm!" Ysana swears, holding her hands up.

"We do not like to hurt outsiders, but those that trespass on our lands leave us no choice. Do you have any last words?"

"My name is Queen Zezanna of Asios." I tell her. "My advisor betrayed me, and I've been forced to flee my nation with only my closest allies. The man is Heroth, my cousin. The blonde girl is Emma, my dearest friend. The lady with red hair is my girlfriend, Ysana. She's a witch."

"Well, I will admit that you've piqued my curiosity. A queen and a witch? I think my leader might like to meet you."

"We'll be happy to comply with your request." I tell her.

"Oriaka, Crylin, Biata, Juliana! Come help me bring some prisoners to Viola!"

The four people that Heroth saw earlier come walking over to the bush we're hiding behind. Each of them holds a spear to the back of our necks, and threatens to kill us if we try to flee. We aren't planning to, though, so there's no worry. The fifth woman leads the way so we know where we're going.

"So, you never told us your name." Emma says.

"Since you've been nice enough to give me your names, sure. My name is Syfos."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." I tell her. "Although, I wish it were under different circumstances."

"Most that trespass into our lands do not get off as easily as you. I mean, we don't know for sure that you will live, but this is better than most do."

Their village isn't too far away, so it isn't long before we get there. There are tons of wooden building here, much to my surprise. I wasn't really expecting to see what is basically like any other village.

"We aren't savages, you know. We just like to conduct our business without others prying into our affairs."

"Yet you live right next to the castle?"

"We were here long before they were." She says, obviously angry.

"I'm sure they've been a huge pain in your ass, huh?"

"You don't have any idea."

"So, where is your leader?"

"Just keep following me."