"It's time to use your power aga- crap!" I cursed when a large spear landed on the ground to my right as I continued to run for our lives.
I glanced behind me and saw the centaurs wearing body armors and helmets and not their usual naked forms. All of them are also holding various kinds of weapons but I kept my guard up for the spearmen and the archers.
I was about to open my mouth to tell Asmodai that they're possibly knights of Laraudia, but it was too late.
The ground shook and the all of the Centaurs flew backwards as if a large force of air pushed them away. Asmodai's head is resting on my shoulder with his arm extended and holding out his open palm towards them, frowning and panting.
I stopped running and turned to look at the Centaurs, hoping that maybe they'll calm down after experiencing the power of this one child.
One by one, they stood up slowly. They're just staring at us with the combination of fear and shock.
The largest Centaur started to walked towards us with eyes that are already burying us six feet underground.
"Who are you?" The Centaur demanded rather than asked, his voice deep and menacing.
If I didn't know that Centaurs have tempers shorter than a baby's finger, I would reply sarcastically.
"My name is Blair Moonwell, and this is my... child, Asmodai." I answered, hesitating only for a second as I held Asmodai's sleepy figure tighter.
The Centaur eyed Asmodai and I felt indescribable anger bloom in my chest in the way he looked at the kid.
"What is your business in Laraudia? You should be imprisoned for not taking the main road." He eyed me closer, crossing his arms in the process.
I thought of an excuse and the words of the man from the Market entered my mind.
"I was told by a friend that Laraudia has a powerful wizard. I need their help." I huffed, becoming more aware that all of his men are now on their feet.
I'm really at a disadvantaged situation here.
Centaurs are harder foes than Giants or Sentinels due to their natural fighting skills along with being highly intelligent tacticians and their incredible resourcefulness.
I still haven't tested out most of my powers and it'll be bad if it lost control again like last time. I don't want to create a m******e especially seeing how they seem to be esteemed knights and not just any wild Centaurs.
"What help?" He growled through gritted teeth when he realized that I'm being distracted by the fact that his men are now surrounding me.
"You've experienced what my child can do and I need help in figuring out how and why he has a powerful ability." I quickly pulled another lie out of my ass as I glared back at him.
This dude is getting on my nerves and if he continues being a jerk then I might give in to my raging temper.
His frown deepened like he didn't believe every word that I said. I might need to pull a better lie if he opens his mouth.
"Mildos!" A voice suddenly called out from far behind me.
I turned and I saw a seemingly middle-aged human lady wearing a red dress with a basket of various leaves and plants on her right arm quickly walking towards us. She has a slightly noticeable limp on her right foot.
A small frown of confusion painted my face, but my attention was stolen when Asmodai put his arms around my neck. I realized that he's already asleep.
I carried him properly, letting his legs wrap around my waist with his head still resting on my shoulder. I put both my forearms under his rear and let his arms dangle on his sides rather than around my neck.
"This is none of your business, Lydia." The big Centaur - I think he's Mildos - said with the same intensity as the way he talks to me.
I guess that's his general personality. What a fun guy.
"Now, now. Let's not result to rash decisions. This boy said that he seeks my help and I'm willing to give it to him. I mean, just look at this cute child!" Lydia cooed at the sleeping Asmodai when she finally arrived beside me.
Oh, so she's the powerful wizard? And she has a weakness for adorable children? I guess luck is on my side today.
"He's a trespasser, Lydia. He didn't go through the check points." Mildos' gaze sharpened again when he looked at me.
"I didn't know that I have to go through check points or that there's a proper way to enter Laraudia." I answered with the same amount of venom that he keeps spitting at me.
He growled, baring his teeth at me like some sort of wolf. Even his men audibly expressed their annoyance at my attitude.
"Stop your childish antics, boys. Mildos, let him go through. If he causes trouble, then I will answer to his crimes." Lydia's tone is similar to a mother reprimanding her children.
Mildos looked confused, or rather offended, by her statement.
"But Lydia-" He un-crossed his arms to reason with her, but she immediately cut him off.
"No buts. Come on." Lydia pulled on my sleeve, so I had no choice but to follow her.
I hear several grunts of disapproval behind me, but I didn't look back in case they get pissed by the smug face that I'm currently making.
"Wipe that smile off your face if you don't want an arrow shot through you. You're lucky I found you when I was picking up some herbs or else this child would be the only one alive between the two of you." Lydia whispered as she pulled me over. How she knew what kind of face I'm making, I have no idea.
I cleared my throat and kept a neutral face just in time I hear the Centaurs trotting right behind us.
Lydia lets go of my sleeve and I kept walking, steadying my hold on Asmodai. He hummed in his sleep and I just shook my head at that.
"Your name?" Lydia asked, gaining back my attention.
"Blair Moonwell, ma'am." I answered respectfully and she blew a raspberry before chuckling.
"Don't call me ma'am, it makes me feel old." She scoffed, glancing back at me.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I just don't know how to address you." I claimed in defense.
"Lydia's fine." She winked at me and I mentally took note of Mildos grunting behind me.
"Are you the famous powerful wizard?" I asked as we walked through a large clearing.
Ahead of us is probably the main road that they're talking about. There's rows and rows of carriages and people waiting in line as dozens of Centaur knights examine them.
"That title's overused. I'm just a wizard, that's all." Lydia shrugged.
We passed by the guards without a problem, but they all glanced at me for a short moment before returning to what they're doing.
I was immediately impressed by how big and luxurious Laraudia seemed and I honestly can't wait to explore it.
With the amount of money that I have in my bag, I could probably buy a fully furnished house in no time.
"Come on." I heard Lydia and it was too late for me to react before she was pulling me away by the sleeve again.
"Where are we going?" I asked, frowning.
"You're my responsibility now, so it's obvious that I need to keep your near me." She answered simply.
I looked back and saw Mildos glaring daggers at me. I disregarded him and willingly walked beside Lydia after she let go of my sleeve.
"I could just rent an inn near your house." I offered, glancing at her smiling face.
"Fine by me. Just make sure you don't get into any kind of trouble if you don't want to get dragged out of the city." She gave me a warning look.
"Trust me, I don't want any trouble at all." I gave her a small smile and she shrugged as if she doesn't believe me.
"You can come by my workshop tomorrow if you really do need my help. It's near the Market so it's impossible for you to miss it." She pointed ahead of us where I can spot a busy street.
"I'll keep that in mind." I nodded at her.
We stopped in front of a three-story building with the words 'Keon's Inn' written in a big sign above the wooden double doors. We bid our goodbyes and she turned around.
"Hey Blair!" She called out as I opened the doors, "Welcome to Laraudia." She grinned at me before walking away.