The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 308: Wrixia’s worst experience

Chapter 308: Wrixia’s worst experience

Hex met the eyes of the woman in gold. Her expressions remained serene yet her presence stopped all the Druids in their tracks.

Even Queen Bae, whose hate toward Gronke only seemed to have increased during their battle, moved to her side, standing slightly bowed.

"Bae, you attacked first," the lady in gold said. Her melodious voice sounded like a gentle wind rustling through the grass in an open field. She spoke in barely a whisper and still everyone heard her loud and clear.

Queen Bae’s neck shrank a little. Even at such a distance, Hex saw her pale skin catch a rosy hue.

"I apologize, High Queen. But he challenged us and...and he is...he is part of Scarletfire’s team."

She fidgeted a little before she spat vehemently, her eyes fixed on Gronke. The mere thought of his leader seemed to drive her desire to draw blood. His blood.

Hex saw the High Queen’s eyes shot at Gronke. The massive Warlord had reverted to his human form. A playful smile played on his lips as he stood and enjoyed the furious gazes landing on him.

The hatred came from those close to Queen Bae, it would seem. Others looked more curious and nervous than furious with him. The High Queen, too, didn’t share Bae’s sentiments. Hex felt a sense of relief at this. He rather not enter a new land bathing in blood, especially not one where he had a lot to gain from. Or so he hoped.

"The presence of Warlords is indeed surprising," the High Queen said slowly as she withdrew her gaze from him. "But then again, the Silver Serpents are infamous for hiring you guys."

Her eyes landed on the group behind Hex.

"It seems you guys are here to compete to see which one of you is the most eligible to roll in the massive wealth gathered through the Ages."

Sterling was obviously pleased with being recognized as part of the merchants, and that too from someone wearing the title of High Queen. He stepped forward with a bow.

"Indeed, High Queen. My name is Sterling Poundersire and I am here to take part in the test. I know the Coast Defense of Wrixia is handled by you. Might I know what offense of ours warranted such a welcome?"

Hex almost smiled. It paid to have a smooth talker such as Sterling on your side during such conversations.

"Do forgive my guards for taking such an offensive stand against you guys. But they are ordered to be firm against people entering Wrixia through means not deemed normal per our protocols. You guys didn’t come with one of our ships nor did you take the usual port to enter."

She stunned the group by flashing a brilliant smile. Hex didn’t lose himself in her beauty and noticed even the Druids stare at her without being aware of it.

"Saint Calm Sea brought us. He threw us off here and disappeared immediately after that. The official ports and protocols are unknown to us. So, please help us to the nearest Treetown. I assure you, we will learn the ways of Wrixia soon enough."

Sterling explained and requested at the same time. Hex knew he emphasized the Saint’s name for two reasons. One, perhaps the main reason is to show off. Two, not as important as the first one but still a reasonable one, to show their trustworthiness. After all, the Saint must have done His required checks on their way here.

"You all are welcome," the High Queen replied. Unlike the others, she hadn’t shown any reaction at the mention of the Saint, causing Hex to believe she knew everything Sterling spoke about.

"Like I said, the Northern Coast Defenders weren’t aware of your identities or the means with which you arrived. You can enter Wrixia," the High Queen said, turning to Queen Bae. "I will take them to Salty Leaf City myself."

Queen Bea wanted to protest but was stopped by the High Queen. Bae didn’t like it nor did the others. Even those who didn’t hate them like Queen Bae, looked displeased.

’The High Queen doesn’t escort visitors usually. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Even if her title means something else in these parts, she is still the High Queen, their leader. Her acting like a guide upsets quite a few. Is she punishing Queen Bae by doing so? Or is there something else she wants from us?’

Sterling had organized his group and instructed Gronke to stand down. He requested Hex to do so too. With things seemingly resolved, he obliged.

Hex reverted to his human form. The Coast Defenders seemed a bit curious toward him. In their eyes, Hex seemed similar to them. As did they in Hex’s eyes. He was certainly curious about their glyph-like markings. He glanced at their glyphs and compared his to the Queen and High Queen to see whether there were differences or similarities.

Queen Bae’s and his indeed have some similarities. The life-like bee marking on her neck couldn’t be clearer. Hex tried to be as covert as possible but it might not have been needed in her case. She wasn’t paying him any heed. She had only eyes for Gronke, eyes filled with venom.

With a chuckle he glanced toward the High Queen. Their eyes met. She had been watching him too. She averted her eyes as soon as she noticed Hex’s gaze. Although she acted cool and calm as if nothing happened, that brief moment revealed the source of her interest in him. It wasn’t his glyph. It was his appearance. To be more specific, his dark hair and eyes. Hex realized it could only mean one thing. She knew the Witch.

...

The group quickly gathered and followed the High Queen into the bush. The Coast Defenders couldn’t leave their posts, so they would remain here, much to the dismay of Queen Bae.

"Could you please not piss off the local authorities? We are on foreign ground here," Sterling whispered, doing his best to hide his irritation.

Sterling joined Hex and Gronke at the front as they spoke. Quid and the female knights stood in the middle, trying to be as discreet as possible in taking care of Old man Perl. An Enlightened Knight was a threat to any country’s defense, no matter how powerful they were.

On the other hand, having an Enlightened Knight hidden in their ranks could be an asset as no other. On top of that, Perl hadn’t healed yet. Hex wondered whether the abundant natural energy in Wrixia’s air could help accelerate the recovery.

"Don’t fret it. Boss told us the story about when she came to Wrixia for the first time. The local authorities didn’t like her attitude so they tried to detain her. But anyone who knows the Boss, knows she won’t go down without a fight. But the fight escalated into a war against her. In the end she was so pissed off, she tore the wings off a certain leader’s daughter. When I saw Queen Bae’s simple wings, I knew it had to be her."

Gronke didn’t lower his volume as he chortled the tale and explained his action to them. As far as you could call it an explanation.

"What did you get out of it then?" Sterling asked. His scowl didn’t hide his displeasure with Gronke’s volume but at the same time he seemed curious to know the goal of such an action. Hex had an inkling as to why Gronke upset Bae.

"A good story," Gronke laughed. "Now I can tell the Boss I met her old enemy and pissed her off. I am sure she will enjoy it. Hell, she might even reward me with some treasure or coins."

Sterling gawked. He looked at the grinning man and slowly turned toward Hex, who just shrugged. He already suspected that Gronke acted solely for some sort of benefit. Either monetary or for the kick of it. From the sound of it, such behavior seemed normal for a Warlord. Perhaps even a criteria to ascend the ranks within the faction.

"Miss Scarletfire sure was a handful," the High Queen spoke suddenly, without turning to look at the group following her. Sterling shifted a bit awkwardly but no one replied. Not even Gronke. Luckily, the High Queen didn’t need a reply. Nor did she sound upset.

"She is in second place among the people who brought us much headache and irritation. She even burnt one of the main branches of the world tree in retaliation. She forced Wrixia to negotiate her leaving our place, just to have some peace."

"Second place?" Gronke growled. The big man couldn’t see his Boss losing to someone else in being hated. Who could be worse than his boss?

"Yeah. Second place. I am afraid no one can win first place in that regard. It’s hard to be worse than the Witch."

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