Chapter 32: A Den Of Vipers?

Chapter 32: A Den Of Vipers?It was Hook! Lara’s breath hitched as her eyes locked on him. Her pulse quickened, a storm of disbelief surging through her veins. How could it be him? Of all people? Was this village nothing more than a front for human traffickers? Her mind raced, her stomach knotting in suspicion. "Sir Kane, are you alright?" Abel’s voice cut through the haze, his eyes narrowing as he caught the flicker of shock on Lara’s otherwise composed face. Hook’s frown deepened, but then, as if flipping a switch, his lips curved into a warm, practiced smile. "So, this is the brave soldier you mentioned? Welcome to our village, Mister Kane. And thank you for saving the boy." His hand extended for a handshake, his demeanor disarmingly kind. Lara hesitated but knew she had no choice. She clasped his hand, her grip firm despite the unease crawling up her spine. Abel interjected, "Sir Kane, this is Chieftain Demetrio. He arrived two years ago, just after most of the men here were sent to the war. When bandits attacked our village and killed the former chieftain, he saved us, driving them off. He is the nephew of the late chieftain." Lara’s brows knitted, her instincts screaming. Something didn’t sit right. Yet she kept her expression neutral, her thoughts guarded. Demitrio glanced at her, sensing some unspoken tension but brushing it aside. "Mister Kane, we should hurry to town—it’s getting late. Only a few shops will still be open." Lara nodded but couldn’t resist a last-minute request. "Can Barett come along with us?" The thought of being alone with Hook made her uneasy. It wasn’t fear—no, she didn’t fear recognition. Too much had changed in two years. Her appearance, her presence. She doubted anyone would connect her to the young girl who was kidnapped from the capital, the daughter of General Norse. Still, she trusted her instincts, and something about Hook’s presence gnawed at her. After a hasty lunch, Hook mounted the horse while Lara and Barett sat crammed in the cart alongside a tiger carcass. The stench of blood lingered faintly, mixing with the earthy smell of the thin hay that carpeted the cart’s wooden floor. It took them an hour to reach the town. It was Lara’s first time there. Her master never ventured in this town. He always went to the town in the border of Estalis and one time, Lara followed him until she was discovered and her master reluctantly brought her along. The town was laidback, its dusty streets shadowed by the looming presence of a restaurant and the inconspicuous brothel next door. Lara noted its placement—close enough for convenience, discreet enough to avoid drawing suspicion. She looked around and realized why the town was name such -- Calma. It mirrored the subdued environment. Hook guided the horse with precision, making a beeline for the restaurant. They left the cart in the backyard while Hook brought Lara and Barett to meet the owner of the restaurant. Lara observed silently as he negotiated the tiger’s sale. To her surprise, he managed to fetch 12 silver ingots, two more than she had expected. The restaurant owner eagerly handed over the money, his gaze flickering to Lara, whose presence loomed imposingly beside Hook. Her sword rested sheathed at her side, and the coil of rope at her waist seemed less a tool and more a warning. "Can you change two ingots into silver coins?" Lara’s voice was calm but commanding, carrying the weight of authority. The restaurant owner momentarily hesitated. He hated it when people commanded him. While angry, he kept his emotions in check and a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Of course," the owner replied without hesitation. Moments later, he returned with two thousand silver coins, handing them to her with a feigned reverent bow. His eyes lingered on her uniform, curiosity brimming. "Sir, your clothes—they’re different from the other soldiers who’ve passed through. Is that a new design?" Lara’s response was quick, practiced. "No. My mother made this for me. She said it would bring me good fortune in the war." She kept her answers brief, avoiding unnecessary conversation. Once the transaction was complete, she and Barett expressed their intent to leave the restaurant. "Chieftain," Lara addressed Hook, her tone steady, "thank you for your assistance. These two ingots are for you. Barett and I will head to the rice shop to buy supplies." With a gesture, she urged Barett to lead the way. "Oh, thank you. Actually, there is no need for you to do this." the Chieftain looked regretful. "How could that be? I don’t like to owe anyone anything." Lara tried to maintain a polite tone, her voice still low and hoarse. Sёarch* The Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the two departed, the restaurant owner’s amiable façade slipped, replaced by a calculating smirk. "Is he truly a soldier? Or could he be a spy sent by the capital?" he asked Hook, his tone low, conspiratorial. Hook chuckled darkly, his earlier warmth replaced by something colder. "A spy? Hardly. He’s too young, too green. No, I believe his story about getting lost in the mountains. Perhaps there are patrols nearby, but nothing we can’t handle." The owner grinned slyly. "Ah the Village Chieftain? How’s life treating you? I hear both your wives are pregnant. Impressive timing, getting them both with child at once. To whom are you going to vent?" His voice dripped with lewd insinuation. "Ridiculous," Hook replied with a dismissive wave. "Only the former chieftain’s daughter is pregnant. As for my ’needs,’ you have plenty of newcomers at the brothel, don’t you?" The restaurant owner’s grin widened. "Indeed. Six fresh faces, though four have already been sent to Estalis. The soldiers there are... eager for entertainment." Hook leaned closer, his voice dropping to a predatory whisper. "Send one to the private room on the third floor. I’ll be waiting." "Consider it done," the owner said with a nod. Then, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes, he asked, "Are you just going to let that soldier walk away with the money? Though the tiger is worth far more than what we gave him, that is still ten silver ingots." Hook’s expression darkened. "Send four men to intercept them."