141. Goodbye Civitaas Dei.*

" I glad to see so many new friends. I won't waste your time. "

He reached inside his bag and took out silver handing it to me.

" This is very important trip for all of us. Take this silver in case. Once arrived those who who won't stay will receive the same as everyone. 5 silvers each and my gratitude. "

We handed the two captains a bag each about 30 or more silver. Enough for anything really they might need along the road. They only come across a few town along the way.

" Now..the rest of my words for those who stays. With our 70 or so new residents I must make something crystal clear. "

He stepped forward. " FREEDMAN! "

Those standing there were just as confused as I was.

" I understand that some of you...might look and treat them differently. This will not be tolerated. I will offer all those the chance. If you hate them, look down on them, would try and abuse or intimidate them..it won't end well for you. "

His smile was the most sinister yet.

But it must be said. They might considering themselves good people but could have those prejudices like all born and lived in similar brainwashing since childhood.

It's better to sort this out now..if someone disturbing his people or way of life..a quick death will be a dream considering his actual ending will be.

No one really moved or said anything as expected.

Who would give up a chance at a new life behind a powerful emerging leader like him...but..

" Very well..time will tell. I apologise to all those who were offended. Please understand Emet village does not allow slavery. " - he looked at them all those who stayed. " There, you receive a community willing help in bad times and celebrating the good ones. I hope we can all get along. "

Stepped by my side and gave a look.

Right.

" Sebastian, Mellos..organize your man and your own wagons. Once everyone is inside..head towards Uitla with this many it will about 2 days. There you will wait until Zephyr will arrive with a comprehensive map in.."

I looked behind and he showed 3 fingers.

" Three days. With that many man, I doubt you'll run into trouble. His holiness also supply an additional 100 holy archers until you reach Malai city. Zephyr here already had words with them..but do your best not to antagonize them...now go and good luck. "

The saluted and walked away saying goodbye to their old lifes.

" Let us go as well..we need to say goodbye to your parents and grandmother by the way.." - he stopped and turned around confused. " What happened to your cousin? "

" Heimy is wintering south. We see him once spring arrives. "

I was tired already, being up all last night really started to rear it's head.

——

We were comfortable considering we waited with Nora.

She woke up Gilly and stood silently since.

I saw Zephyr coy smile but ignored it and her hungry eyes.

I didn't feel all that well, no bath, still in last nights clothes.

Her presence didn't allow our usual conversations so we waited without a word.

" You boys came.. "

I saw her bone tired, regretting last night. " You insisted.."

We got up to greet her. Nora went to bring some tea, much appreciated.

" I'm the last stop? "

" Of course, we said our goodbyes to everyone else. "

Mother and father embraced Zephyr for an uncomfortably long time. Made him promise a trip in the summer...hopefully they will forget it.

" Good..I have a few things to say. One, I will visit your village once the snows melted. " - she sipped some hot tea just served and went on. " Two..I want to be more involved with Juan rescue. "

Here we go again.." Gilly..

" That be fine. " - Zephyr tapped my shoulder and leaned forward. " As long as you accept our decisions and do exactly as your told. "

Gilly smiled brightly probably assuming my answer will be the same as last time but.. even though my brother, Zephyr doing everything and more for his escape..so if he is okay so am I.

" Handsome, family man, and have a good head on that shoulder..I approve. "

There it was, the trifecta..she never approved of anything anyone did...in fact her most used phrase..'I disapprove'.

Zephyr took the compliment and turned to me.

" She is rich, smart, and very well connected. My thoughts that she found and kept your father out of kindness. "

She giggled at the compliment to her insult to my father.

" My boys, I want you to listen. " - she turned dead serious . " Viego and his family, hell even the commander, Mario been charmed but thread carefully..these people are ruthless and quick to turn on you. "

Gilly still didn't understand how these people need be afraid of us.

After last night flawlessly maneuvered he practically achieved religious peace between nations as an after thought.

Zephyr just smiled and got up.

" I'll take your words to heart..I'll enjoyed your company and your cadence. " - he walked over and knelt in front of her taking her free hand. " Maybe when you visit in the spring you might decide to stay dear Gilly. "

She was charmed...no surprise. " I'll might just think about it. "

She giggled as her hand kissed gently.

" With respect...Gilly we're must leave it's a long and cold journey to Uitla. Our people already on the road. "

She looked annoyed but stood up saying her goodbyes.

" I wish you good luck. Zephyr? Be a dear and come get me once you achieved your goal and the date of reunification set. "

He places two kisses on her cheeks. " I'll head here long before the date and you can take me around the city..this one was useless. "

He pointed behind me ..well excuse me, Mr peace maker.

" It's a promise. Julius..treat her well. Having great grand kids is a privilege few can call their own. "

I give her my long hug thinking Vistellia already is one despite looking no older than 60.

Ehlite hear me I hope Seline will look exactly like her in 20 years.

" I'll do my best Gilly..latest, I'll will see you spring. Hopefully, in my very own house. "

We walked outside her gates the sacks on my back tightly wrapped around me. My height really helped me out.

" In this it will be a breeze to move, you ready? No,no..not here.." - he stretched then stepped away in hurry once I attempted climbing on his back.

We moved to the secluded gardens and left Dharma.