Kabanata 34

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Smoke came out of their mouths as they walk on the snowy ground. The cold temperature is most likely affecting their 'used to the warm' bodies very badly. Their airways are irritated, making it hard for them to breath under the cold climate. The sound of their footsteps on the snow is the only noise that's filling the silence between them. None dared to talk just to waste their breaths.

Shane asked the same question he's been asking since 30 minutes ago as he walk behind Asta, "Malayo pa ba tayo?" he said while he's panting.

Ero who is carrying Rui on his back answered the boy's question for the first time, "I don't know. The capital is the nearest village from the port with a distance of 4 kilometers. Unlike the other tourists, we are not allowed to use any means of transportation. They allow criminals in their country but they won't give you a ride to any town. You have to walk under the low temperature of their country."

Asta's pants are audible as well but she's not as tired as Shane, she began to speak, "Isn't it suspicious? They're so carefree on having criminals wander around their territory," her brows creased, "What's wrong with this country?" she asked, a bit irritated.

Sinbad glanced over his shoulder when he felt Zai's breathing became heavier. Zai's hug on his neck got tighter as she let out a small groan. Sinbad glanced at the others, "We better hurry. Zai's body can't handle the cold."

Tumango naman ang mga ito at nagsimula na silang tumakbo. Ilang sandali lamang ay biglang tumigil si Sinbad, dahilan ng pagtigil rin ng iba na sumusunod dito. Trois threw an empty water container on the snow in front of Sinbad and a trap immediately showed up. Two spiky walls rose up from each side of the road and they slammed together in the center, crushing and piercing the water container.

May mga naglabasang mga tao mula sa mga puno. Ngumisi ang isang lalaki, "Iiwan niyo ang mga gamit niyo dito kung ayaw niyong--"

Sinbad clicked his tongue, "We don't have time for this. Trois."

Sa isang iglap ay tumumba ang mga ito dahil sa biglang pag-atake ni Trois. Muling tumakbo sila Sinbad ngunit sila ay tumigil noong muling nagsalita ang lalaking nilagpasan lamang nila, "Hindi ako pupunta doon kung ako sa inyo," nahihirapang saad nito habang itinataas ang ulo at lumilingon sa kanila. Ngumisi ito muli, "Halimaw ang mga tao do'n."

Sinbad's gaze sharpened, "Well, we are carrying a demon."

They continued running on the snowy ground. Shane looked up to the cloudy sky. He can't even guess if it's morning or noon. After a half an hour of running, they've finally saw some houses from the distance. As they approach the town, their pace gradually slowed down until they began to walk.

They walked on the side of the road as they look around. It seems normal. There are carriages and carts with people or food in them, people buying and selling stuffs, and stores that are waiting for customers to walk in their doors.

May nakasalubong silang isang sundalo at binigyan naman sila ng masamang tingin nito. Ero squinted his eyes at the soldier's waist, specifically to what's attached to it. Tumingin rin siya sa ibang mga sundalo at nahalatang lahat sila ay meron nito. Ero clicked his tongue.

Nagtungo sila sa isang bahay-panuluyan at pumasok rito. Dumiretso sila sa reception desk kung nasaan ang isang dalaga. Nagpakita ito ng isang matamis na ngiti, "Welcome to our inn. Rooms for how many po?"

Asta was the one who spoke up, "Is there a room for seven people?"

Tumango naman ang babae, hindi pa rin napapawi ang ngiti sa labi nito, "Yes, ma'am."

"Then we'll take it."

Shane put the money down on the counter as Asta receive the key from the lady. They began to walk to the stairs to get to their room. Asta glanced at one customer who's eating in their eatery. The customer immediately averted his gaze.

[Edited]The girl from the reception desk can't help but to stare at the ill person they are carrying. She pursed her lips and put her hand on her chest where her heart is.

Shane walked to Asta's side, "Kakaiba ka ngayon ah! Ikaw mismo ang nagprisinta na sa isang kwarto lang tayo. Tipid-tipid diba?" saad nito at saglit na tumawa.

But Asta remained quiet and her expression never changed. They're all thinking of the same thing and they've all noticed the same thing when they walked in, except for Shane who is oblivious of what's going on around him.

Even though the people inside the inn are looking at them innocently, wondering who are the unfamiliar faces that arrived, it didn't feel that way. They can feel their hostility through their gazes. It's better for them to stay in one room.

"Halimaw ang mga tao do'n."

They have to know what that guy actually meant.

When they walked inside their room, they've noticed that there are eight beds. Four for each side. Sinbad walked to the furthest bed, the one beside the closed window and laid Zai down. Kinumutan niya ito at pumalit naman si Ero sa pwesto nito para tingnan ang kondisyon ng dalaga.

Sinbad faced the others who are currently fixing their stuffs, "We'll rest for the day then tomorrow we'll gather enough information that we need. We won't do anything else if Zai's condition is still not good. We don't even have an objective yet so stand down. You hear me? Stand down." they nodded in response.

Ero clicked his tongue as he hold the thermometer in his hand. Sinbad heard the sound that he made and faced him, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Ero put the thermometer down and stared at Zai's pale face, "Her condition took another worse turn."

Sinbad sighed with what he heard, "Zai, just what the heck is happening to you?"

Zai slightly opened her eyes and just stared at the ceiling, "This naturally happens to our kind. It'll be gone in a few days."

"Yeah right. That's the same thing you said a week ago. It's been two weeks but your condition is not getting any better." Sinbad said and turned his back to fix his stuffs.

Zai decided to close her eyes. Nagsalita naman si Ero sa gilid nito pero mababa ang kaniyang boses upang hindi marinig ng iba. "What are you planning to do here?"

Ero sighed when the girl didn't answer. He stood up and began to fix his stuffs as well.

Zai opened her eyes again when she felt someone sit on her bed. Trois crossed both his legs as he sits down beside Zai's feet, he's doing an Indian sit. Being comfortable as he sits beside Zai who is laying down on the bed with her weakened body. He's wearing his usual expression that gives goosebumps to anyone who stares at his excited eyes and creepy smile.

"I have a job for you." Zai said.

Trois giggled, "I'm on it."

In an instant, Trois disappeared. Leaving the window open. Not bothering to ask what Zai wants him to do. Zai smirked as she feels the cold air come in. "How reliable."

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