The Evolution Chronicles

Some more time passed as the three demi-humans cleared out things between themselves before the matter was officially settled. Charles would allow the army to make its way into the inner part of the Outer Circle, where they could settle down. He could not allow them to enter the Middle Circle, as that would cause a large unrest among the remaining people of Fressia. The people were still sensitive and paranoid, as they had very little to protect themselves, considering how the army that raided them had captured most of their soldiers, and left them almost defenseless. Most of the people left in the city were humans.

Malim agreed to let most of the army rest outside the main city, but insisted that he got an audience with the City Lord. After a bit of haggling, Charles finally gave in, saying that he would do his best to make sure they had a meeting as soon as possible. After all, it was also in their best interest if they could gain the help of strong people like Mohawk, and the rest of the army.

After settling the army in some empty homes along the wall that separated the Outer and Middle Circle, Charles then led Malim, Mohawk, Han, Tide, Ariel, Mian, the representative of Kraetor City, and the representative from the Bolvar Tribe into the main city. Mian would act as the representative of the Zelan pack, although he was not the strongest, he would have to do, as he held as much sway as Mohawk in such a situation when one took his Gift into consideration.

They had not yet informed Charles of Mian's Gift, and had instead used Mohawk's presence as an explanation for how they got rid of the effects of the drug. He played along, as he even had Cleansing Orbs that could easily dispel the effects of the drug, so Charles easily agreed. Another reason why Charles did not try to put up a strong front when Mohawk and Han had been trying to convince him was the mention of Sir Delk, the bearer of the Magical Insight Gift on the side of the demi-humans.

When the group was let past the gates that separated the Outer and Middle Circles, they were allowed to see the amount of destruction that had befallen the city during the attack.

"We still don't understand how easily they overcame our defenses without outright blowing down our gates. The people say that it was almost as though the guards on duty willingly opened the gates for the attackers. Ever since then, they have been quite wary of the soldiers." Charles explained in a disheartening voice.

And true, the group could spot some citizens eyeing them through windows and doors with distrustful and wary gazes. They were clearly scared, and seeing some strange, new, and powerful demi-humans making their way through the street only made them more scared.

As they walked through the main street that led to the Inner Circle, the group noticed that numerous homes and buildings were in a poor state. Some had their roofs completely burnt off, while some had collapsed, and had scorch marks marring their sides.

Shattered stone and concrete littered the sides of the street. Although the people were doing their best to clear it up and begin rebuilding what was destroyed, it would simply take too long for them to do it quickly with their meager numbers.

After some time, a soldier came around with a carriage that was pulled by a couple of horses. Charles motioned for them to enter the carriage, and it took off down the streets at a much more brisk pace than what they had been going on foot.

"When we get to the City Lord's mansion, you will have to wait outside the gates while I speak to him. He can be rather rash at times, especially now, but he truly cares for his people." Charles explained with an apologetic smile.

"It's fine, we understand, and do not mind waiting for you to explain to him." Malim nodded in understanding.

The rest of the ride was spent discussing on how they would deal with the Henshaw Dynasty after this, and everyone had their own input to add.

"I feel it will be best if we wait and consolidate our forces. It will be good for our men to practice together and get used to the hang of working together." The representative of Kraetor City, Robin, said. The demi-human was some sort of bird variant, but he was not built for battle. Rather, he was more of a planner.

"I agree with Robin. The cohesion of our forces is rather poor at the moment. While they may look impressive to some, there is still much to be worked on if they want to display their full power." Hanji, the representative from the Bolvar tribe nodded his head. The man was built like a tank, and he was clearly born and bred as a warrior.

The various people present nodded their heads in agreement. While the situation with the Henshaw Dynasty was rather urgent, they could cope with it as long as they were on guard against any moves made by the dynasty.

"Well, since we are waiting, we might as well handle the other targets of the Henshaw Dynasty while we're at it. The more the merrier. And if they only took the warriors and those capable of fighting, then that would mean that there are a lot of people who are in need of help right now." Malim suggested. "How does that sound to all of you?"

"Sounds reasonable. We can't just leave all those people on their own. They can come over to Kraetor, or maybe even Fressia to take refuge while we handle those despicable Henshaws." Robin agreed.

Charles raised a brow at that, but otherwise kept quiet.. He did not necessarily agree or disagree with them, but he would have to wait until the City Lord decided on what course of action they would take.