BXBX NOVEL Chapter 130: Leaving the Ducato
Beatrice, approaching, asked him something, "Aren't you coming with us in the carriage?" Strax regretfully shook his head, explaining, "If I don't control her, she might end up harming these two innocent horses. She's a bit... jealous about me using another means of transportation." He explained with a wry smile; it was quite strange for him to talk about a mare like that, but it was the truth.
Whenever Strax got close to others of her kind... well, she would blaze with fury, her eyes turning red, showing only one thing... Danger... A lot of danger...
So Strax wasn't keen on discovering what might happen if he put Apocalipse among those two horses. At first, it might seem like a disadvantage for her to be among two sturdy horses, but... He had the impression that she would kill both at the first chance, so he decided not to risk it.
The girls were curious, but Strax's expression told them all they needed to know, so they accepted it. "I'll join you later. I just need her to calm down a bit... she's quite temperamental. It'll be better this way." He concluded, making them nod as they entered the carriage, disappointed they couldn't initially enjoy the trip with him.
Strax mounted Apocalipse and pulled the reins while holding them to prevent her from charging at the other horses, something he thought would be amusing, but wasn't. He looked at Carlos and nodded, and soon the carriage began to move slowly. It was necessary to go slowly within the Ducato due to clear rules, but outside of it, they could act more freely.
"Do you have any plans for the trip?" Strax asked Carlos, who was acting quite calm while guiding the horses. "I have a few plans. The condition of the roads on this side isn't as good as last year." Carlos said, looking ahead without wasting time, already thinking about the route. Few knew, but Carlos was actually a good coachman; it was his first profession before he became... well, an assassin.
"What do you mean by that?" Strax asked, noticing Carlos was pondering something he didn't quite understand. "The main road might be busier this time of year, especially with the exponential increase in mercenaries. Many factions have been shifting lately; even our guild no longer controls this information." Carlos said as he pulled out a map and handed it to Dante.
"I've marked some routes; honestly, it might be better to take some detours to avoid bandit groups or unwanted patrols, but I can't guarantee your safety until then. I also have my own affairs in Eldoria." Carlos concluded, waiting for Strax to respond.
Strax agreed, adjusting the reins. "Let's do that then. We can't waste time with unnecessary confrontations. Besides, I can take care of myself, and so can they. Idiot bandits won't stop me." Strax concluded confidently. "You're thinking too much about those idiots we sent to attack you.
You're not stupid, Strax; you know very well that wasn't even half the force of our real members. Besides, as I said, there are many factions, and we're not verified with family crests. It will be even worse." Carlos said, and Strax shrugged.
"I'll just kill anyone who comes to endanger my life or the lives of my wives, and that's it." Strax concluded while continuing to ride alongside the carriage. "Oh yes, outside of here, I'll be Strax Antares. Don't call me Vorah, and neither should the girls. Everyone will use Antares as the surname." He reminded him.
"Antares, huh..." Carlos murmured to himself as if recalling something while nodding at Strax, who continued to ride beside him.
"We'll exit through the east gate; it'll be quicker that way," Carlos said. "Alright, then…"
Minutes passed…
The carriage followed the road towards the Ducato border, where they would need to pass through the checkpoint before continuing their journey to Eldoria. Strax was attentive to the road, with Carlos by his side, while the women kept watch inside the carriage.
"We're approaching the east border," Carlos said, pointing to the checkpoint visible in the distance. "You handle the guards; I doubt anything will stop us since you're the prince of the city," he said casually, shrugging. "Ha ha ha," he laughed mockingly with a slow, strange old man's laugh. "I'm dying of laughter," Strax commented, keeping Apocalipse in front of the moving carriage.
"We don't want to attract unnecessary attention," he murmured.
As they got closer, they could see Ducato soldiers patrolling the area. The checkpoint was a part of the wall surrounding the city, with a gate similar to the other entrance, and a barrier blocking the road. Two soldiers were positioned in front, watching the approach of the carriage.
When Strax stopped the carriage, one of the soldiers, a burly man with a thick beard, approached. His eyes narrowed upon recognizing Strax. "V-Vorah?!?" He questioned, trembling... It was the same soldier who had passed Strax at the entrance on the other side...
Strax looked at the soldier and immediately recognized him. "It's been a while. Could you open the gate for us?" He asked kindly while maintaining a smile.
The soldier looked around, noticing the others in the carriage. "I need to catalog your departure. Could you provide me with some information? The Grand Duke... hasn't been too keen on leaving things loose." He said, and Strax nodded. "Mission," he simply said, and the soldier's eyes widened, nodding quickly.
Strax dismounted Apocalipse and approached the soldier.
Strax took a step closer, lowering his voice to ensure only the soldier could hear. "I need you to pretend you never saw me here. Report only to the main mansion. We're on an important mission, and discretion is crucial."
"I understand…"
Strax gave a faint smile. "Thank you. Just do what you can to facilitate our passage."
He stepped back, signaling the other soldier, who raised the barrier. "You may proceed. Good luck on your journey, young man."