The guard gave one last glance and left. When he entered one of the carts the other guard moved to the front of the caravan and observed me. I know they need to be cautious but it annoys me in a way. After a few minutes, a whole caravan approached me. The guard that I spoke with asked for my companions to show themselves with their hands up. They were surprised to see a child.

We stood right in front of the cart with our hands up. One man left the cart with fancy clothes made of silk. He had a ring on each of his fingers. He was the merchant that was going to Selem. He showed that we can take our hands down.

[ Merchant ]

“Is that true? There are rebels in Selem?”

[ Eric ]

“Yes. They killed the jarl and his family to show people what will happen if they disobey him.”

[ Merchant ]

“They killed the jarl? Ehh… He is not lying. I can see that in his eyes and I know when someone is lying. Why are you even helping in Noreka Clan's affairs? I can tell that you’re not from here. You and that girl.”

[ Eric ]

“I come from Dalir village. I’m doing this for my personal gain.”

[ Merchant ]

“And what can you gain from that?”

[ Eric ]

“One useful allay to help me rescue someone.”

[ Merchant ]

“You think that Noreka Clan will become your ally? They might give you a small reward. Not something like that.”

[ Eric ]

“Not the clan. Him.” I said as I pointed at Dian right beside me.

[ Merchant ]

“Why him?”

[ Eric ]

“I think you ask too many questions, mister…”

[ Merchant ]

“If I know the details I might help you. So why him?”

[ Eric ]

“Well…”

[ Dian ]

“Because I’m blessed by the gods like all of us!”

I gave Dian my death stare and then slapped him for revealing that kind of information without any hesitation and with a great smile on his face. Some people might react in a good way to that and some might be scared. I saw the concern in Merchant’s eyes but it vanished shortly after.

[ Merchant ]

“He told me the truth and a lie?” Thought to himself.

[ Eric ]

“No way to hide now. We’re blessed and that’s also part of my mission.”

[ Merchant ]

“Yet again the truth and a lie at the same time. They are suspicious but they’re telling the truth about rebellion…” Thought Merchant. “We’re going back. Guests can sit in the second cart.”

[ Guard ]

“Yes, boss.”

We were lucky enough to have a free ride to Verherm. There is something off about this merchant but he is helping us so I’ll just ignore it. He might be scared of fighting us since we’re blessed but then there is this Hakarl clan that has a slave system. If he’ll try to sell us he will regret it.

With the help of a merchant, we got to Verherm in three hours. They even got us through the gates to the city. We parted ways once we passed the gates and the guards pointed the way to Jarl’s house. This city looked like a mix of poor and rich buildings. The main streets had paths made of stone. It looked like this city didn’t divide people between rich and poor.

I was ready to argue with the guards but to my surprise they had me waiting for only a few minutes and they let me in almost like they expected us. It was a very busy place. Many merchants were talking about trading and politics. I could feel all their eyes on me when we were walking to the throne. Then I noticed that they are waiting in line while guards let us pass without waiting. We waited in front of the throne. Guard said that Jarl will be in a moment.

[ Jarl ]

“Welcome to Verherm. I’m this city Jarl. Gegnir son of Halmal.” Said Jarl as he sat on his throne.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. The man that sat on this throne is a Jarl but also the same guy that introduced himself as a merchant that helped us to get to Verherm. Why did he hide his identity? Did he consider us a threat? We are surrounded by his servant right now. It’s better than three blessed people against four. I knew there was something wrong about it. Before I could say anything Dian stepped forward and introduced himself.

[ Dian ]

“I’m Dian, blessed by the hero of gods. We came here to warn you about the unjust rule of guard captain Meka who’s planning a civil war. He is forcing civilians into joining his army.”

[ Gegnir ]

“If what you’re speaking is true. We’ll prepare for that.” Gegnir waved his hand to one of his guards. In response, he kneeled and left.

[ Dian ]

“My lord. Please be merciful to those forced into the army.”

[ Gegnir ]

“That was their choice to make. My is to protect the people of this city as well as any town behind us. We’re the wall that will prevent that.”

[ Dian ]

“But my lord…”

[ Eric ]

“Can you just drop the act? I don’t know what are you doing but lives are here at stake.”

[ Gegnir ]

“I know. I’m just telling you that I’ll help my people, not the traitors.”

I watched Dian carefully as his expression changed after every Jarl’s words. He didn’t see a way to pursue him to help those citizens. Before he could say anything I grabbed his mouth and pushed him back.