As we were formulating the operation, we received information that our family was coming to town.
Perhaps because of the commotion, the town was deserted and utterly silent. We left our family to the other three, and Sharin, Lauren, and I headed towards the tent where the boy was being held. Peeking out from behind the building, we observed several men frantically running around.
“Alright, we have to rescue him without being seen. First, let’s find the man with the key.”
I had Lauren stand by, and Sharin and I headed towards the show tent where the mobile tent and carriage were lined up. Just as I was about to visit the tent where I had spoken with the slave merchant, one of the men running around spotted me.
“Sorry, but we can’t do business right now. Please leave.”
“Ah, um… could you just let us talk for a little bit?”
As we were arguing, the slave merchant, a man, emerged from the tent.
“Ah, you! Well, this is fortunate. We’re in quite a predicament right now, so please, this way.”
Conveniently, for some reason, he pulled me inside.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. We’re having a bit of a problem right now.”
“What is this problem? If there’s anything I can do, please tell me.”
When I showed a smile, the man, as if he had been waiting for it, offered me a position as an escort.
“Barbarians heard our rumors and are here to raid us. You mentioned before that you had many slaves, didn’t you? Do you have anyone available as an escort? We would be very grateful if you could help. Plus, you seem strong.”
“Certainly, I can help. Hey, go call for our companions.”
I pretended to give Sharin an order. She left the tent without a word. They have guards in town, and I hire my own, so it must be that they are extremely unwilling to part with their slaves if they are asking me personally.
“Why don’t you sit down and have some tea? Don’t worry, I’ll keep watch here.”
With that, he glanced outside. Meanwhile, the man let out a sigh of relief and sank into a chair. Outside, his subordinates were still running around busily. I wondered if Lauren had managed to sneak in safely.
When I looked back at the man, I saw a snake crawling into the tent from under the fabric. However, it seemed to be struggling to control its movement, as it was acting strangely. If it continued like this, it would be noticed before reaching the coat. The snake was slowly approaching, wriggling its body like an earthworm.
“But barbarians are quite menacing, aren’t they? To think there are such things even in this desert.”
I brought up a trivial topic to distract the man.
“Ah, it’s quite troublesome. Right, please sit down as well. It’s not good to be standing the whole time.”
As he suggested, I sat down in the chair opposite him, with the table between us. I was worried about the snake, but if I looked away strangely, he would notice. Just then, Sharin returned.
“I have ordered the guards to take up their positions.”
With that, she stood behind me.
