Chapter 119. Journey to Ghysem

I led the men I had chosen, our footsteps cautious as we moved toward the village. Two of them veered left, their eyes scanning the horizon, while I made my way to the bridge. The houses stood like guardians, a little way off from the bridge, their windows like empty eyes staring back. The quietness was overpowering, punctuated only by the gentle lapping of the stream against the shore. The sun beat down upon us, its reflection dancing in the water like a thousand tiny diamonds as I walked on the bridge.

I didn't know anything about the common people of enemies and it was frustrating. Were they the type to wake up late and then come to the stream to bathe? Or would they have done that early in the morning and gone about their daily business which was away from their look quarters? The uncertainty frustrated me.

Looking down, I smiled wistfully at the beauty of the rural landscape. Ghysem was indeed blessed, Cyrus, their ruler seemingly caring about the living cond