Well, now I'm locked in this room without knowing what's going to happen. At least now I'm a bit stronger, so I have a better chance of completing the [Main Quest]. The place where I am is quite nice; it has a wooden bed with a straw mattress that, at least, is more comfortable than my bed of dry leaves in my parents' nest. There is also a wide window where a lot of light comes in and, next to the bed, a small table. That's basically it. For a palace, I see it as rather poor, although I suppose it's normal considering how primitive this kingdom is.
I expected at least a luxury rug or curtains; I have to stop being so demanding. I threw myself onto the bed and it felt remarkably soft, something I didn't expect. Will they let me go to the village? I want to get to know the "civilization" of this place. Do they have schools or some kind of entertainment? I decided I would sneak out so that the bitter Janeth wouldn't get weird.
I opened the window and the wind hit my face with force. When I looked down, I froze. It was at least forty yards of a drop; I felt a vertigo that ran all the way down my spine. Well, exiting through there is ruled out. I'll have to go through the door like a normal person.
I headed to the exit and, as soon as I set one foot outside, I heard a shout.
—Where do you think you're going? —it was Janeth.
—Hey, I'm starting to think you like me or something. I just want to stroll through the village; I can't stand the boredom —I said in a blunt manner.
—I will never like a filthy, dwarfish beast that walks hunched over like an animal —the girl replied.
—A direct insult hurts less. Can I go out or not?
—The King didn't forbid your exit; he only told me to accompany you everywhere and look after you.
"So they're going to keep me watched," I thought.
—I'm going for a walk. Do what you want —I set off toward the palace exit.
After a while, I reached the villa; there I could better observe the entrance. It was mostly stone, with wooden beams to keep everything standing. The gate consisted of logs tied side by side.
I ventured in, and every person nearby stared at me while whispering. It was to be expected; after all, I'm the animal that withstood several blows from the monarch of these lands. Furthermore, it's strange to see a normally wild creature walking around like it's nothing, speaking and reasoning like a common demon.
The architecture of the place is curious, to say the least. As I mentioned, the houses are built inside the cliffs; the buildings pile one on top of another, connected by stairs and wooden hanging bridges. It's something I had never seen, not even in fantasy.
I walked a bit more through the dirt streets until I ran into a crowd. I approached to see what all the fuss was about and, as I got into the chaos, I understood what was happening: two people were beating each other to a pulp. It wasn't a normal fight; you could tell that every impact hurt. Everyone here is around seven feet tall; even the children are bigger than me.
I was surprised that no one intervened; they limited themselves to watching and cheering the fighters as if it were a boxing match. Things are very "fun" around here. Moments later there was a winner: a robust demon, full of scars and with an old face that betrayed a violent past. When it ended, the crowd dispersed, leaving the poor wretch who was knocked out lying on the ground like trash. With the powerful sun and the arid climate of the area, I approached the guy and dragged him toward the shade.
I moved away from there and continued exploring. Shortly after, I reached what seemed to be the market: stalls everywhere, people walking in a hurry, and a bunch of creatures resembling camels tied to the wall of a house. This reminds me more of the chaos of modern life.
—Fresh fruit! Fresh fruit! Get your fresh fruit!
—Freshly caught fish! Get your fish!
—We have the best garments! For giant and small demons!
The shouts of the merchants offering products and services didn't stop. For some reason, I felt happy; it had been a long time since I noticed the warmth of crowds. I spent three years living only with my parents and Uuk. What is my dragon friend doing?
Amidst so much stuff, a smell caught my attention; it was something like cake; it made my mouth water. I ran following the trail and reached a stall tucked in an alley. It had a bunch of loaves of bread on the table; I was a bit disappointed because I was already preparing for a delicious tart.
—Oh, look who we have here? It's the intelligent Liva! What brings you here, little friend? —the shopkeeper asked.
—The smell of these breads is incredible —I told him enthusiastically.
—Right? Do you want some?
—Of course, sir! —the guy took a piece and gave it to me; as soon as I bit it, I almost jumped with joy—. This is incredible! Thank you so much.
—Don't mention it.
The man gave me another piece for free. I left the market and reached another place; apparently, this was the end of the village. From there on, there was nothing else, not even a wall. Maybe it's to expand later? Who knows; sometimes we living beings are weird.
I had already explored a bit and without realizing it, I spent the whole afternoon walking; night was already falling.
—I suppose I should head back to the palace —I sighed while stretching.
Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me. I stood on guard and turned around: I had three guys surrounding me.
—This is the bastard who challenged the King! —one shouted.
—How dare you, you wretch? —another insulted.
—We're going to give you a beating!
—Calm down, guys, I don't want trouble —I said, trying to calm the waters.
It was in vain; the guys launched themselves straight into the attack. But, from the darkness, Janeth stepped out and stopped it all cold.
—Calm down! —the woman ordered.
—Here's the King's bootlicker! —one of the ruffians commented.
—Do you want to see what I'm capable of? —Janeth asked with a threatening tone. The guys surrendered immediately and beat it.
—Fine, the king has become very soft —one whispered as he left.
—Thanks for helping me, but I could have handled them all —I blurted out, trying not to look bad.
—I didn't do it for you; it was for them.
"So she recognizes that I'm strong? Interesting," I thought.
—Well, I was heading back to the castle anyway. Care to join me? —I asked.
—I have no other choice. Let's go.
With that said, we undertook the return to his majesty's quarters.
We returned and they took me to the room. It was night and sleep claimed me; I threw myself onto the bed and fell fast asleep.
Suddenly, I found myself in that white place covered in mist. It had been three years since I knew anything about this site. I walked until I came across the same cabin from last time.
—Here you are, my little Frido! —it was the female voice that gave me the quest.
—What am I doing here again? I haven't completed the quest yet —I replied.
—You are rude. I greet you and you already start with your questions.
—I'm sorry for my bad manners. How have you been?
—That's more like it. You'll wonder what you're doing here —the girl put on an intense voice—. I have another favor to ask of you.
—Now what do you want? —I questioned.
—Don't be so bitter, it's something small: help King Zoran calm the rebellion that is about to begin. That way you can also complete the side quest.
—A rebellion? How am I supposed to help? —I said confused.
—I know you can do it; I trust you. Take care, there are many people who hate you in this kingdom. I love you.
Everything vanished suddenly and I felt as if I were being pulled down. I woke up in the real world; my body ached a bit.
—These guys only ask for things and don't help. At least give me a hint or something useful —I muttered annoyed—. I hate having weird visions; every time I visit that place, everything starts to change.
Things were getting complicated. Apparently, I would have to intervene just when the only thing I wanted was to go back to my tree and prepare for the Leviathan. But in this world, nothing is ever that easy.