Chapter 49: Who is the enemy and who is the friend?
In just a few minutes, the residents of Varthon went through a storm of emotions. They were terrified by the attack of the Arakta Worms, many died, wives and husbands were forced to watch as their loved ones disappeared into the jaws of monsters, as their homes were turned into nothing.
Fortunately for them, a miracle happened, and none other than a hero himself came to their aid. Everyone was saved, Mia and her mother were unharmed, and the Arakta Worms left after their leader called them away.
But... now the people were left with only one question: Who was to blame for this?
Why did the Arakta Worms attack them? Why did an unknown young man have to defend them? What was the Wurhen Family doing at that time?
Strangely enough, Kreyn had answers to each of these questions. Moreover, he had so many answers that the Varthon people would only receive the part of them necessary for his image.
Step. Step. Step.
Naturally, the people gathered around Kreyn. Fear and belief in salvation united them, but they needed a leader, and who else was better suited for this role than the young man who had driven away the terrible monster?
Of course, Kreyn understood this better than anyone else.
Making sure he had everyone’s attention, he lifted Mia with one arm, holding her close to his chest, and raised his sword.
’In any crisis, be it war, famine, or disease, the priority always falls on children and women. They are the ones who create the future and are the future,’ Kreyn thought. ’That’s why this little girl will hold a special place in their hearts.’
Whooooosh.
Kreyn swung his sword as his voice rang out:
"I’m sure you all want to understand what happened. I have the answer, but I think deep down you all already know it. The fact that you were attacked by these terrible monsters is the fault of none other than the Wurhen Family!"
At the same moment, the people parted as Groza, Grender, Judith, and Daren stepped forward, leading the beaten Fran and Elvira behind them.
The two had no chance against the Arakta Worms working together with Kreyn’s people.
"Gha! Bastards!" Fran groaned in pain as Groza threw him to the ground.
Elvira made a terrible grimace. "You dare treat us like this! You pathetic lowlifes!"
Kreyn shook his head as he towered over them.
"The Wurhen Family overestimated their strength. They angered the Elder of the Arakta Worms by entering his territory. They were too greedy, even though they controlled the mines! The monsters are our enemies, but it was the Wurhen Family who provoked their wrath, which has now fallen upon you, innocent citizens!"
Fran and Elvira’s eyes widened when they heard this. Obviously, this had nothing to do with reality. They knew better than anyone that as long as their father, Ardur, was head of the family, no monster would dare to go against them. It didn’t matter if it was Vaarh, Merissa, or anyone else.
It took them a few moments to realize that this was all a lie created for the Varthon people.
But there was nothing they could do about it.
"My people and I were prisoners, but we miraculously managed to escape from prison and arrive in your town in time. I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner, otherwise, I would have saved all of you and prevented any deaths!"
One of the residents stepped forward, a simple man, one of the lucky ones who had lost no one.
"But... If you came from prison, aren’t you criminals? I mean, that’s..."
Kreyn waved his hand.
"The Wurhen Family brought innocent people to this prison to work in their mines and make money for them. They did it to—!"
Suddenly, a joyful voice rang out from the side:
"Brother! Is it really you?!"
One of the prisoners ran up to the young man on the sidelines.
"Wait... You’re back after all these years!" Not believing his eyes, the young man hugged his older brother.
This wasn’t part of Kreyn’s plan, but if he didn’t know how to improvise, he wouldn’t even try to fight.
"Well, I think my next words are meaningless after that. Sure, I’m sure some of those who were imprisoned did something bad in the past, but don’t we all have that in common?"
Kreyn reached out his hand as if wanting to touch their hearts.
"None of us is perfect. Everyone has made mistakes. What we must do now is the only right thing — get rid of the Wurhen Family and all future fears! No more tyranny and monster attacks because of their greed! No more friends, husbands, wives, or children will die because of them!"
The people gulped. It wasn’t easy to decide to go against the Wurhen Family, even in a situation like this, but their desire was obvious.
Step.
A middle-aged woman stepped forward, looking straight at Kreyn.
"You... What is your name, and can you defeat the Wurhen Family?"
Kreyn placed his palm on his chest.
"My name is Kreyn Skard, and I will do whatever it takes to defeat evil, but I am not alone!" He waved his hand toward Judith and Grender. "Two Origin from Boneveil Village have come to our aid. They share my position. I drove away the Arakta Worms, and I intend to do the same with the Wurhen Family!
He took a deep breath.
"As proof of my words, I am going to start right here and now!"
With a cold look in his eyes, he turned to Mia, pointing to Fran and Elvira lying on the ground in front of him.
"Mia, tell me, what should be done with bad people?"
The answer seemed obvious. In Kreyn’s world, the modern world, anyone would say that Fran and Elvira should be brought to justice, that they should go to prison or serve their sentence.
But, in the past, such humane measures did not exist, and the Great Lands were a good indicator that Kreyn already knew what the answer would be.
Mia smiled broadly, as if before the start of a celebration, and exclaimed joyfully:
"Burn them!"