City of Sinners

Chapter 28

After leaving Gaston and the last remaining Owls who wanted to become part of Vultures, I immediately went to find Solomon. Gaston said that they are behind the giant tree opposite to where we are, earlier. If I am not mistaken, this is the tree where I saved Valour earlier, when he was trapped inside a spider-like cocoon.

Turning my point behind the tree, I immediately saw them—the group which has volunteered o guard the rest of us while we are still resting. The place was filled with green shades from leaves and vines from the plants and trees in the area. I was amazed by how the place has looked like, because, as far as I know, we should be inside hell. We are. However, greenish plants and mini forests like this can still be found in this area, which should not be, because of the fire and the dry-hot surrounding. Also, despite the green shades of the leaves, the redness of the whole surrounding could still not be denied. The tinge of redness surrounding the area has still penetrated even in this mini forest.

The moment that I stepped in, in the forest, Solomn has quickly noticed me. I waved at him to signal that he is my intention why I am here, however, I think I forgot to smile, that’s why I immediately imagined a Sitri with a sitting poker expression on her face.

“What is it that you went here?” Solomon asked me immediately after a second that I have reached them. He looked at his men, and with a nod, the men moved away and distanced their selves, posting and finding a new comfortable place where they could continue surveying the area without disturbing our conversation.

Wow, so this is the power of a Solomon? This is the power of the leader of the strongest gang in the Sao Garde? He can make orders without muttering them, and his underlings has got it that instant. In our gang, the Vultures are group of stupid people, just like our stupid leader.

“So, why is the Vulture’s Gem here?”

“Uh, nothing.” Why am I even here? What am I about to do or say to him that I even made effort to com in this place? The very thought of Solomon’s impressive leadership skills have destructed me.

Solomon smirked, though I know—and felt—that it is not a mad smirk. “That should be impossible, Sitri. You’re here because you are into something. Not unless if you’re just into me.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Solomon?” I said, gazing at him sharply.

Seeing my irritated face, he laughed. “I’m just kidding. I just wanted to lighten up the mood. We’ve been into enough trauma for now. And more for the coming hours, and even days.”

“Yeah, you’re right. But you’re wrong if you think joking at me like that could lighten up my mood and atmosphere.”

Solomon smirked at me with a hint of restrained laugh. I gazed at him again, and because of that, he raised up his hand as if surrendering, then said, “Alright, alright, I’m sorry.”

Suddenly, I remembered what I was going to say.

“I remembered why I am here,” I said.

“Spill.”

“I’m just here to ask if what shall be your next plan for us? What’s the next move? Maybe I can be of use to you, because, though you are not asking, I badly wanted to help everyone.”

Hearing my question, Solomon smiled—a kind of smile that I know was not happy, but full of worries. “Truth be told, I don’t know,” he said. “I have no idea what shall be the next thing to do, the next plan to execute. I’m just … as a leader, I’m just going with the flow. Because we can’t do anything. This place is not our rule. This place has its own wanted pace, own wanted events to torture us. That’s why we have nothing to do but to just go with the flow.”

I wanted to say something. I wanted tot disagree with him because that should not be the way how we shall view this place, and how we shall put our mindset. I disagree with him for a reason. As I was about to open my mouth and vocally express that I disagree with him, someone from the patrol group has became alerted and panicked.

“Leader Solomon!” he shouted. From his post, above the tree, facing at the Sao Garde river which became the river of fire, the look of frightened expression was written on his face.

“What is it, Yuri?” Solomon asked.

“Th—There is something—or maybe someone—at the bank of Sao Garde river.”

“Who is it?” Solomon again asked, standing up, and was about to climb up to the tree as well. I guess his question was wrong. It should not be a ‘who?’, but a ‘what?’.

What kind of creature does Yuri saw.

“It was maybe a man. He was standing at the river, but I don’t know if it actually was a real man because a black cloak was covering his body. As if a grim reaper, he was holding a weapon. A scythe? I don’t know. Behind him, floating on the river set on fire, were a group of small boats. Black boats. And I think he is waiting over something. My guess? The one he is waiting for, was us.”