Lord of the OasisLord of the Oasis
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“What do you mean?” Devitt asked curiously.
“Hehe, the territory on this island has been divided up by the nomads of various races.” the nomad continued to explain to the reconnaissance team, “Actually, it’s not only the land, but also the sea area near the land. For every few dozen nautical miles, a new owner will be in charge. This is also why people who do business at sea can only hide in the dark.”
“Then why do we have to live in such a place?” a soldier asked.
“The crew also lives here.” the nomad spread his hands and pointed at the steel roof, he said, “The cabin on the top is not for staying. It is a room for the sacrifice of the Griffins. If you want to survive on the sea, you have to let the Griffins let you go. In short, the money earned by the sirens driving the ship is very little.”
“I see.” Devitt nodded in understanding.
After understanding what had happened, the Caradia soldiers did not continue to complain.
Abel also heard the same explanation from the crew. He returned to the cabin and introduced to everyone: there was no food and drink on the ship, and it was forbidden to start a fire. For the past few days, the soldiers could only feed on the rations in their bags.
The group of people drifted on the ship for three to four days. Every night, they would be woken up by the footsteps of the Griffins on the deck. They spent the rest of the night in fear.
On the evening of the fourth day, the reconnaissance team arrived near the harbor. This was the only route they could take. All the passengers had to get off the ship and walk to the harbor.
After walking along the coast for half an hour, Devitt saw the elven outpost.
The outpost had been decorated, and it was completely different from what they had seen on the island.
“It’s Raphael!” Claremont shouted happily. Looking in the direction he pointed, Raphael’s figure appeared in everyone’s line of sight.
“You’re back.” Raphael cheerfully led a group of elven soldiers to welcome them.
Abel sized up these unfamiliar elven soldiers and asked, “This is?”
“This is the reinforcement sent by His Highness the Elf King to the outpost. They helped us take back the land by the shore of the island,” Raphael explained. “His Highness Lord Kant of the Caradia Empire also wanted to send troops over. However, after receiving our reply, he gave up on this decision.”
“I see.” Abel smiled and said, “I’m really happy for you.”
“Your news has already spread throughout the entire island. However, I still want to hear it from you personally,” Raphael continued, “Put down your luggage first. We’ve built a new camp here. After resting for the night, we’ll set off tomorrow to return home.”
When they heard the word ‘home’, all the reconnaissance team cheered and jumped up in joy.
During the mission, everyone felt uncertain about whether they could hold on until the end.
Now that they could actually hear the news of setting off for home, they naturally relaxed.
“Yes.” Devitt nodded and answered, “But before I tell you our story, I want to write a letter to Lord Kant to tell him that we’re safe.”
“Of course.” Raphael said with a smile.
The elven camp built by the sea was naturally many times better than the camp built by the reconnaissance team in the mountains.
Even if a small team lived under the same tent, it still seemed to have plenty of space.
Devitt sat down in his tent, leaned against the table and began to write a letter to Drondheim.
Claremont sat quietly at the side, watching him write the letter.
Abel had already sat by the fire and chatted with Raphael. From Raphael’s words, he learned that it was not easy for the elven soldiers to take back their own estate. The two sides had clashed three times on the direct battlefield.
Abel talked about the situation that the reconnaissance team encountered along the way, as well as the few soldiers who died in the accident.
“It’s all because of our lack of experience that the soldiers were put in danger.” Abel blamed himself.
“It’s inevitable to encounter such a sudden situation on the way. After all, you can’t control the hearts of every soldier.” Raphael shook his head, he said, “The fact that your group was able to maintain their current status and return to the harbor is already proof of luck and strength.”
“Thank you.” Abel nodded and said, “Devitt and Claremont are really competent captains. Although there will were times when I’m felt that they were unreliable, I feel at ease most of the time.”
“I feel it.” Raphael nodded and said, “The way the soldiers look at the three of you has already proved that what you said is true. Now that the mission is over, you can also begin to rest.”
“No.” Abel shook his head. “We still have to bring the news from this island back to our country. This is a very important step.”
“Very important?” Raphael asked in puzzlement. In his eyes, the Elf Kingdom and the Caradia Empire had nothing to do with the forces on this island.
“Someone from the forces behind this island has already set their sights on us.” Abel said in a solemn voice.
Then, Abel recounted the process of the attack outside the town to Raphael.
“It seems that this group of people don’t intend to let us off easily.” Raphael also noticed the seriousness of the matter.
“Right now, they are busy fighting against the forces on the surface. If they win, then our situation will become grim.” Abel analyzed.
“I heard from you that the nomads of most of the races on the island are involved. Moreover, some races are at odds with each other on the surface,” Raphael said. “Then, it will become difficult to find the mastermind behind this whole incident.”
“Yes,” Abel replied.
“Then, why don’t you stay on this small island for a while. I’ll go back and report this news to His Majesty.” Raphael suggested. “If we withdraw from the small island at this time, then it will become difficult to observe the situation on this island in the future.”
Abel was a little surprised by Raphael’s suggestion. He asked, “You mean… you want me and my soldiers to stay on this island for another month?”
“Yes, wait for me to bring new men to come and change shifts with you,” Raphael said seriously.
Abel thought for a moment and replied, “Alright, but how many people are willing to stay with me? We can’t force them.” The elven soldiers’ joy of able to return home appeared in his mind
“Of course.” Raphael nodded.
After the two of them finished their discussion, it was time for dinner. They walked out of the camp together and ate with the soldiers.
Devitt and Claremont, who had finished writing the letter, arrived late. They joined the crowd.
“Have your letters been sent?” Raphael asked with concern.
“Yes.” Devitt nodded.. “They have been handed over to the messenger.”