?669 Establishing Supremacy (2)
"Though I would have preferred not to ask this question so soon, I don't think my mind would be at rest unless I do," Patriarch Rylan asked, his expression becoming firmer as he continued, "So, Mr. Orion, can we please know the decision you have taken on whether we are allowed to settle down in the City?"
Orion observed Patriarch Rylan and couldn't help but nod his head admirably. He had seen Patriarch Rylan's expression filled with shock and utter astonishment before quickly recovering his composure. Meanwhile, the others besides him and those behind him didn't seem like they would be recovering from their shock anytime soon.
"Although we hadn't expected such a huge entrance during your arrival, along with your attackers who seemed to have been secretly following you, considering that we have been expecting your arrival and the fact that you no longer have anywhere to go, I think that I can find a place for you within my City," Orion replied with a smile.
Though the four-eared elves felt their bodies tense up at the beginning of Orion's voice, a collective sigh escaped their lips after Orion finished speaking as they all felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off their shoulders.
This time, before Patriarch Rylan could bow again in gratitude, Isadora, Lyndon, Leif, and the others immediately bowed their heads towards Orion and the Village Chief.
"Thank you, Mr. Orion. We promise to follow all the rules of your city and ensure that you haven't made a mistake in welcoming us here!" Isadora said, her voice filled with gratitude and conviction.
She had witnessed the hardships her father had endured to secure a place for them in this fortress, so she couldn't take this decision lightly. She was confident that everyone else shared similar sentiments.
As if to affirm her thoughts, Leif raised his head, "EVERYONE, THANKS TO THE VILLAGE CHIEF AND MR. ORION, WE HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AND ALLOWED TO SETTLE DOWN WITHIN THE CITY. BY DOING SO, WE WILL FOLLOW THE CITY RULES AND RESPECT THIS CITY AND ITS HOST! SO, EVERYONE, SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE TO THE VILLAGE CHIEF AND MR. ORION!" Leif shouted, his voice resonating through the air, reaching the ears of the remaining four-eared elves waiting and those still disembarking from their boats onto the ports one by one.
At first, they were stunned and afraid, uncertain of their surroundings and the unfolding events, especially with the appearance of the massive humanoid made of water. However, after hearing Leif's voice, they immediately grasped the situation.
Without hesitation, they all bowed their heads in the direction of the Village Chief and Orion.
Orion and the Village Chief acknowledged their gratitude with nods. The expressions of thanks continued for a minute before coming to an end.
At that moment, two figures emerged from the water, crashing on the side of the port before Stronghold Leader Zogar landed.
Stronghold Leader Zogar took a deep breath and exhaled before shifting his attention towards the Village Chief.
"They seem to be the leaders. Although it's been a while since I've used some of my strength in battle, they still weren't that difficult to capture," Stronghold Leader Zogar said.
As he spoke, Orion looked curiously at the leaders. The first was a tall man with bulging muscles dressed in leather and bronze armour. Orion might have mistaken the man for a giant because, judging by his figure, he appeared to be at least 2.1m (7ft) or 2.3m (7'5 ft) tall.
Nevertheless, Orion shifted his attention to the woman beside him.
She seemed relatively normal, except for her blue skin and dark curved blue horns protruding from her forehead. She also wore leather armour with bronze plates on her arms, legs, and stomach.
As Orion scrutinized them, one more thing caught his attention. On both of their right hands, two bulging metallic bracelets appeared similar to the ones worn by the eight individuals besides Patriarch Rylan. Alongside these, they carried large, oversized weapons with apparent ease.
The Village Chief also noticed the similarities and frowned.
"Chief, we have a problem," Stronghold Leader Zogar added, observing the Village Chief with a serious demeanour.
"What is it?" the Village Chief responded with concern.
Stronghold Leader Zogar walked and spoke quietly with the Village Chief. As their conversation unfolded, the Village Chief's expression turned solemn. When it ended, he nodded with a loud sigh escaping his lips. Shifting his attention towards the four-eared race, the Village Chief's eyes lingered on their weapons and the bulging bracelets on their right arms. He then focused on Patriarch Rylan.
"Patriarch Rylan, from now on, your father's agreement with the previous Village Chiefs has been broken. I need you to tell me everything about the world beyond this place, yourself, especially these strange weapons and bracelets, and how you've found yourselves in this mess," The Village Chief said seriously.
"After that, I need you to explain how they can use Vylkr energy and if the others behind you can use it as well," the Village Chief added, pointing his finger at Leif, Leona, and the others.
Patriarch Rylan took a moment to glance at Captain Seig and his lieutenant, Evadne, before he sighed deeply. He was relieved that they had been captured.
After witnessing the battle between Stronghold Leader Zogar and them from afar, he had already expected this outcome, knowing it was only understandable for the Village Chief and others to grow suspicious.
Nonetheless, he didn't mind and would have revealed everything about the world beyond this place even if they hadn't asked. After all, they finally had a place to settle down with food and security, and he no longer needed to worry about the extinction of his race. His only concern was anything that might strain his relationship with his hosts.
Patriarch Rylan nodded immediately.
"You can ask anything you wish to know, Village Chief, and I promise to respond truthfully," Patriarch Rylan said, his gaze filled with seriousness.