Pythier Scwazen Academy: The Powerful Princess

Chapter 10

"Yes, I am aware, Tucky. Don't worry too much. I am not giving her all my trust since she's still in a group who does some real dirty work. Although, I know her enough to have her be deserving a little of my trust."

"If you say so, princess. It's just that, we should always take precaution."

"Yes, Tucky, I am and I will be keeping that in mind everyday. Right now, I have to go. Please take care while I'm gone. Perhaps, you should visit your loyal comrades in the halfling village now, so you'll have company."

"Oh yes, I do think that is a great idea. Then let's walk together after I pack some of these red star cookies I baked. You should bring some with you as well, it's quite delicious. Oh I can't wait to trade stories with my cronies."

After a while, we went out of our tiny dwelling situated in the deepest, most secluded part of the forest and trekked our way towards our destinations. Halfway through the trek, we parted ways. I will be taking a much riskier path since I am headed towards this place called Draco. It was a village known for cunning crooks and bandits who pretty much could trick anyone. Many people would also be there, that's why I could use a little masquerade of my own. I pulled my white hair to a bun and covered my nose to chin with a black mask made of fine silk. I wore a pair of black leather gauntlets with my fingertips exposed and I covered my head with the hood of my shoulder-length cloak over my black tunic. On my hand, is a pouch full of golden royal coinage and around my waist is a satchel where I securely put my potions and a small spell book for my enchantment.

It's quite a trek going to Draco, but my energy remains thriving. All the training has paid off and my endurance keeps getting better.

As I near the foot of the forest, I saw a group of men in a distance coming from the direction towards Draco. They are hefty men who looks ferocious by the way their expressions and aura gives off. I assume that they could be bandits from Draco by the way they look and it's best to not get any of their attention.

Finally, I passed right at them. I walked on a farther side from them so they would barely notice me. Few meters ahead, I took a subtle and quick glance at them and they seem to stop at one corner of the road, by the lake. They might just be strolling around and decided to rest, and so I thought.

I divert my attention to my path, since there's nothing from them that could actually concern me other than the fact that they are looking suspicious, just standing there, and I'm feeling like they might be on to something or someone even.

I disregarded the thought, since I should not be seen by many people, let alone some feisty bandits. Concerning myself over them is the least I should think of.

I continued walking and after an hour, I have reached Draco. Infrastructures looking taller as ever and on the farther side of the village, there are many huts and lodges and even cabins on the side of the lake. Quite a lot of lanterns were hanging everywhere. In between the areas of the village, many masked individuals are roaming around the busy market. You can hardly identify who's a crook and who's a villager. A variety of stalls are lined up on each side of the market with a cluster of vendors and traders wheedling the passersby to buy their products. They all had their own ways towards their customers. Some were charming their way into them, some were flirting and some are just plain, old shouting what they're selling. It's all a bit chaotic and way too large of a crowd for me. But I had no choice but to get pass through the bustling street to get to Raha, my trusted, old friend.

Raha is one of the bandits that have been rambling their way in the village. I guess I can say, that it's what keeps them alive, so I don't resent most of them that much unless they really be doing inhumane, brutal acts on someone innocent, someone who, in any way, doesn't deserve such treatment.

Walking in this market wouldn't be a simple walk in the park but I am glad, I quite blend in with the crowd. No one should recognize me in any way or form.

Raha told me to meet up at her small dwelling at the end of the market, which was not the usual place we'd have our trades. It's even my first time going to where she actually lives at the moment.

As I near the spot, I saw a yellow lantern flicker, signifying Raha's acknowledgment of my presence. I looked up quickly as a means of responding to her. It's been our secret signals for each other. I then went straight to her small dwelling which was a hut overlooking the shimmering waters of the lake beside it. I sneaked in quietly inside, hoping no one would notice. There's just one or two persons who were nearby and they were busy doing their own thing, so it's all good.

"Oh Scarlet, it's been long! How have you been??" Raha greeted quietly as soon as I have settled myself inside of the hut. Raha stood inside, in her usual bandit attire, looking fierce as always with her daring amber eyes and a hair tied into a striking ponytail.

"I'm quite holding up, but I've been better." I responded.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I know it's been tough."

"Don't worry, Raha, it's okay. It is tough but there's a strong warrior built in this magical armor of mine. Nothing can ever keep me on the ground. I'll always rise up, you know that since we were just kids."