Chapter 41 On the Road (1)

  The First Watch

  In the forest, Odara is on her way with Johnny and Astrid.

  For Odara, he had just stained his life with a blemish. No matter how noble or correct the reason, running away is still running away. Although Isatis' words convinced him, they could not completely eliminate the guilt and unease in his heart. Moreover, it was hard to say that he did not have the intention of leaving the sinking ship at that time.

  Odin's descendants actually became deserters? Odara led Jony and Astrid in a hurry through the forest with a gloomy face.

  Astri didn't know what was happening, she thought she was just leaving the city to avoid the war. A girl, if defeated, would have a terrible ending, this she still knew. Jony, although he knew he was running away, was different from Odara. As a soul from another plane, Jony never thought there was anything wrong with escaping. His parents were dead, the familiar people in the artisan district were dead, even the city of Tabri had fallen, and this so-called hometown no longer had anything to cherish.

  People say, protect the family and defend the country. The family is already broken, as for the country, the Second Empire of Valserra is still standing tall, this is considered a civil war at present. Although a bellyful of hot blood can be thrown about with abandon, what good will it do for one's own revenge?

  Besides, Aisutier is by your side, this is the greatest happiness.

  Audra led the way, and in the Tabris forest, any creature with a brain wouldn't dare to disturb them. Although the wind was calm, the atmosphere on the road was somewhat heavy. Audra's face remained stern, making Jony feel as if the air in the forest had also solidified.

  What's the point? Isn't it just abandoning the fight? Eisatis also said that your contract with the Earl is actually invalid. Jony muttered to himself, looking at Odara's back.

  The siege battle started at dawn, and the retreat from the city walls was already nearing noon. At this time, all three of them were a little hungry. Odala stopped in her tracks, turned around with a serious face and said: "Let's take a break. Aisutieru, go catch some wild game."

  Astrid responded with a sound, and slipped into the shadows of the trees. As a qualified mercenary, Astrid had her longbow on her back when she left the castle. Fortunately so, otherwise with two strong warriors, they would probably have to set out on the road with empty stomachs - it's better that you look weak and harmless, who knows, maybe some brainless beast will deliver itself to us.

  Silently they lit a fire, silently they roasted, silently they set off. Odara's serious expression made the young men and women dare not speak out of turn. In the forest, there were only faint bird calls and the rustling sound of three people treading on fallen leaves.

  As they walked out of the forest, Johnny let out a long sigh. He was almost driven mad by the oppressive atmosphere.

  Audrey let out a long sigh. Self-reproach was unable to redeem her own mistakes. Since running away had damaged her courage and reputation, she would have to use even more outstanding battles to prove her ability to the war god, to wash away today's shame.

  With this thought, Odara's face regained its smile.

  After leaving the forest, the three of them soon arrived at the nearest city: Willa City. Having been used to the high and grand city walls of Tabri City, Johnny felt that this so-called city in front of him was really shabby.

  "Let's find a place to stay first. Jony, did you bring any money?" Odara said.

  Audela had a lot of money, and living alone didn't cost him anything, so over the years Audela saved up... It doesn't matter, anyway those gold coins were all in the house in Tabor City, and now they're probably scattered among the pockets of Count Rycerz's soldiers. What can you do? Was he supposed to take his money with him onto the battlefield? He wasn't a mercenary.

  He took his own purse from around his waist and handed it over to Odara with a sour face. After the Smiths' death, Johnny had taken out the savings of the family and put them together with his own money, carrying them with him.

  Jiao Ni has been a follower for only half a year, and the mercenary habits are still preserved on his body.

  "Don't look so glum, just consider it as if I borrowed from you, and I'll return it to you later." Odara took the money bag and comforted Johnny.

  －－－－－－－

  Communication in this era was very backward, at least the communication among civilians was very backward, and the monks and priests were not counted. Although the means of communication were backward, some messages were transmitted quickly. By the next morning, the great changes in Tabriz had already been transmitted to Vila City and quickly entered the ears of Jonyi and others.

  Tabriz city was broken, Earl Delras and his guards were all killed, Count Raisis died, Raisis army dispersed, Wild Wolf Mercenary Corps attacked the temple and was instantly killed, Aini.Wolf ascended to heaven on the stake.

  This is what Johnny received. Of course, the original information was a bit more detailed.

  For Joanie, the death of Ainiel Wolflame was not bad news. Although it's a pity that she couldn't take revenge in person, the punishment by fire was enough to make sense. As for the others, it's all a bit confusing...

  All Astrid heard was bad news.

  Duke Darius and his entire guard were killed, all of them were killed...

  When she heard the news in the tavern, Astrid suddenly slumped in her seat, tears silently and violently falling from her eye sockets.

  Then she fainted.

  When Odala took Astrid back to the house, he felt a hint of joy in his heart, but more was sorrow, for the Earl's sorrow, for Isatis' sorrow, and even some for Gandova. The Earl was a good lord, which was what he saw during his tenure as a knight, and also recognized by the people of Tabris; Isatis was a good person, although a bit utilitarian, but still maintained his sincere and straightforward character, so polite to everyone; Gandova... He could disobey the Temple's order for the Earl, and that's a good man.

  Was I the only one who fled in disarray? He sighed inwardly.

  David's last-minute performance was successfully covered up with the death of Dacia and his men. However, if Odara knew that this bastard also fled in a panic, she might have felt even more unbearable.

  The legend of the holy warriors and priests of the Temple of the Sun God also spread at the same time. The fearless wolf did not receive the honor it deserved as a warrior. In various versions of the story, the wolf was nothing but a plaything for the holy warriors. This is basically consistent with the facts, except for those subjective descriptions like "fear", "terror" and "crawling on the ground begging for forgiveness".

  It's not surprising that people would talk nonsense. After the great war, residents cautiously emerged to survey the scene. What they saw were mercenaries wailing in agony and Saint Warriors and Clerics without a scratch. Under the impact of this visual shock, it wouldn't be strange for stories like "they cut off their limbs in awe of the divine power" to emerge.

  The Solarian Church's reputation has risen significantly among the common people, with believers becoming even more devout and non-believers considering conversion. The taverns are abuzz with lively discussions.

  For Odara and his two companions, the image of the Solar Church had already reached the brink of collapse.

  "Why? Why didn't they come out in the first place? Why did they want to cover up for Count Rais? Why..." Joni was getting agitated. He felt a pang of sympathy when he saw Astrid crying.

  "Alas." Odala sat in a chair, shaking her head. "Upon careful consideration, the temple's actions have actually achieved the greatest benefit."

  What's in it for you? Jony gave Odara a strange look. Was this warrior doing business up north?

  But thinking carefully, it's indeed so.

  If the Solarian Church had stood with Tabor City from the beginning, this war would not have started. Count Darius would still be the master of Tabor City, he might thank the church and donate some materials, but the church is still a church, a profitable institution that preaches in the temple.

  But now, the Solarian Church has become the new master of Tabriz City with its own amazing military power in the absence of a master. Was the Earl's death directed by the church? Thinking of this, Jony felt a chill run down his spine.

  Audrey apparently thought of this too. She slammed the table heavily: "These demons in human skin! How can they do such a thing? Is this still the Church of the Benevolent Camp? Is this still the organization of the Guardian Camp?"

  It all makes sense now. The rise of the wild wolf was obviously supported by the church, a series of terrorist incidents were designed to provoke people's hatred for the enemy, the church's indulgence was to facilitate the occurrence of events, Laissez-faire was killed to help the citizens vent their anger, and Aini's surrender was naturally a play. The destruction of the wild wolf is the end of the play... These events are linked together, no matter how you look at it, it seems like the church's black hand is manipulating behind the scenes.

  It's just like what's written inside, none of these organizations that boast about being righteous are any good! Joanie cursed in her heart.

  It's possible that damn Aini Guo hasn't died yet!

  The church was indeed somewhat wronged. Originally, they just wanted to lend a hand when Tabriz was in trouble and gain some say and control over the city. Who would have thought that things would develop to such an uncontrollable extent? However, for the church, this is a good thing, it's a reward given by Daenerys. Now, Tabriz is already theirs. Soon, the city of Lais will also be theirs.

  The radiance of the Sun God is about to illuminate the entire southern part of the Second Empire!

  As for being misunderstood by others, they don't care. During the Tanyaras persecution - "purification" of pagans, the Solarian Church faced protests from the entire continent and firmly implemented its policy of religious extermination. What's a little conspiracy and infamy?

  Besides, they didn't even think of it at all.