act7mini

At this moment, the young Sargon warrior is suffering in her dreams.

She drags her body onward with naught but sheer determination, but in the end her vision disappears in a fog of darkness.

As she loses herself within the rest that has long eluded her, she is wrapped in a blanket of warmth. Yet, this warmth is unfamiliar to her, and she remains vigilant even in her dreams.

Thus, she escapes from her dreamland, escapes the trap of comfort, escapes the warm touch on her skin.

......Who?

Ah. You're awake?

Calm down. You've been sleeping for quite a long time...

The Kuranta soldier immediately rises, swiftly inspecting her surroundings.

The narrow space contains only herself, the Forte woman and some scattered items.

...I understand. You're looking for your weapon, yes? Here it is.

The Kuranta soldier snatches the weapon. With seemingly no hesitation, she swings the flail towards the Forte.

The narrow space limits her movement. The weapon catches on the surrounding canvas, making a dull thud.

The Forte woman remains at the bedside, without a trace of surprise on her face.

Decisive and orderly moves. Mystery woman, I can tell you are a well-trained soldier, confident in your own strength.

Unfortunately, this place is not fit for combat.

Answer my questions, and do nothing else, or my flail and shield will smash you... *cough*

Alright, alright. I shall do naught but answer your questions, till you're satisfied.

Where are we?

In my tent. To treat your injuries, a place of rest is needed.

Save it! Where is this tent? Who else is here?

Our soldiers, Minoans.

(Al'ama, how did I end up with the Minoans?)

You arrived from Sargon, collapsing on the Minoan side of the border. When the soldiers found you, you were still determinedly inching forward.

This is... Minoan land?

I've packed your possessions, they're by your feet.

You must have been extremely hungry and tired, not being aware that your compass had malfunctioned as you struggled to make your way here and that all your navigation equipment was damaged.

As you can hear, there are only Minos soldiers outside. You are alone, and it would be unwise to force a discussion using violence.

This would depend on the manner in which you wish to leave this tent. We may come to an agreement and you can leave this tent assured of your safety. You may also refuse to negotiate and leave immediately, foolish as that may be.

Can you prove that?

I am a priestess. The villagers and soldiers will follow my orders, out of respect to their faith.

I know well enough to know none of that is true.

This place is in the midst of a war with the tribes of Sargon. If your home isn't far from here, you should have heard of this.

We are... near Akroti?

Absolutely.

Well then, visitor of Sargon. How may I address you?

Don't ask.

Oh? This is a rather unfair exchange then, at least in regards to me.

The Kuranta soldier furrows her brows, as if trying to clear her thoughts and scrutinize her situation.

Just now, you said that after I fainted on Minoan land, you'd been treating my injuries all this while?

Compared to the cold interrogation you would face with the soldiers, there may at least be a chance to come to an agreement with me instead.

An agreement?

An agreement with you, young Sargon soldier.

Appearing suddenly by the border, hungry and disheveled, with no trace of any pursuit. I had come to the conclusion that, perhaps, you were not, in fact, an enemy at all.

I recall that the lord ameer here doesn't have a particularly good reputation.

The war is between you and them, don't drag me into it. I'm just passing through.

Aha, as I thought! In that case, pray lower your weapon, innocent one. I wish for a conversation between equals here, at least until I have fully expressed my sincerity.

You... You're pretty hard to understand, with the way you speak.

Oh? The warriors complain about it from time to time, but it has never been my intention. In fact, I used to be called the most approachable priestess in the Hall of Heroes...

In any case, I don't want to meet your soldiers, officers, or anyone really. I'm no longer in service to Sargon anyway.

I just want to leave, quickly. I don't really care about anything else.

Alright, alright. If so...

(Guh...)

Hmm.

Innocent warrior, young as you are, you have bravely traversed the dense forest to arrive here. Will you not lay down your weapon and have some food?

I'm fine... Ugh...!

Don't waste your energy standing up. You need not worry, for I am the village's priestess, and will only be helping to treat your wounds here.

Until we come to an acceptable agreement and leave this tent, neither I nor those outside will act against you.

I've already said that there's nothing to discuss.

(Guh...)

(I can't bear it, I'm too hungry...)

Please sate your hunger, unnamed traveler. Though your weapon remains pristine, your body is overly taxed. It would be unbearable to one such as you, who trains strictly in the path of the warrior.

You may not have had much interaction with Minoans prior, or you may have merely heard rumors. In Minos, our soldiers take neither a single step forwards nor backwards until ordered.

I do request your understanding, as some precautions still need to be taken against you during this period of wartime. It's just that the Minoan soldiers are all extremely polite...

Why'd you save me then?

It's probably an ingrained virtue, as we sometimes allow objective and rational decisions to accommodate kindness still.

Then, what is that weapon there for?

Ah... Yes, you wield a similar weapon to mine, of course you would notice.

I knew it...!

No, please allow me to explain. Firstly, innocent guest, your weapon appears to be of exceptional craftsmanship. I believe it is the work of an esteemed Sargon craftsman.

You must have cherished and trained with it often, so, please look... I believe you can determine how this weapon of mine has been used, or perhaps how proficient I really am.

You see, just as you harbor suspicion towards me, so too did I doubt your identity.

But, just look at you now! Your deep exhaustion is etched on your face, and both your equipment and supplies have been run as ragged as you are.

Most importantly, your weapon shows no signs of recent damage. You have not been in a battle for quite some time. Based on this, I have no reason to fear you.

So in the end... we're still gonna fight.

Oh, definitely not! I will not be using that as a bargaining chip in our discussion. In fact, I will lay my own weapon on the floor.

Observe! Dear traveler from Sargon, please feel free to partake in this nutritious food. I am fully convinced that you are unrelated to our true enemies.

In consideration to your current state, this free and delicious meal should not be left for too long, regardless of any choice you may make later on.

Oh, finally out huh.

Sarkaz...

What, my horns alone enough to scare you?

You...!

That look of fear and disgust... I've been judged at a glance too damned many times.

I seek your forgiveness, brave warrior. Your existence is not at fault.

Hmph, I'm sure you think so, priestess. But what about her? She won't listen to you.

I... Priestess, you said that there were Minoans standing guard outside.

They went for lunch a while time ago. They'll probably be drinking wine, singing and reciting poetry right after too, so they got me to help stand guard here.

Ah, it appears that my admonishments were still not taken seriously. I had wanted to show you the magnanimity of the Minoan soldiers...

Probably better this way.

I'll be leaving immediately. I don't want to loiter around your battlefield.

Oh? Are you leaving now, fearless traveler?

The famous village of Akroti is but a stone's throw away. You might find it worth your while to pay a visit.

No.

E-Even if there are theaters and cinemas? There's also a really good Minoan restaurant...

No. Thank. You.

*sigh* There's also our warriors' favorite baths...

...Bath?

Forget it. Mixed gender bath.

No way.

Y-You can also use the small bath reserved for the priests. For a traveler on such a long and weary journey as you, taking a well-deserved rest is...

I said no! I... I'm not traveling.