Abasdarhon's Castle

- Now there's nothing to be afraid of, - the warrior encouraged his companions. - We're among our own...
"I certainly hope so."
Nevertheless, he sat in a position that would allow him to react to any nearby threat at any moment.
- You'd better get the papers and everything else ready. We're clearly not going to be greeted by your average half-drunk guard at the gate.

Almost reaching the city gates, the travelers saw the flag of the Republic, Axoth, and the flag of the Dead Heads, the IX Legion, on one of the towers. Three guards stood at the gate, wearing the armor of this legion. One of them had his entire face covered in a tattoo that resembled a skull; he was sitting on a barrel and looking at his hands. The other had a mask made of a human skull; he stood still, with his arms crossed on his chest, and stared straight ahead. The third looked like an ordinary man, but with a rifle on his back. He was talking to a girl who was standing near the city gate. A large box stood next to her.

Seeing the cart, the one in the mask blocked the road. The tattooed man approached him, and the rifleman hurried to the cart.
- Good morning! - he said and began to inspect the vehicle, pausing his gaze on Nysho, after which he turned to Minoru. - It seems you are a merchant.
- Yes, and a citizen of this city! - the merchant took out his passport and showed it to the legionary. The latter carefully examined the document and nodded.
- I see, I see. And this...
- This is my driver, my guards, and my daughter. What happened here?
- Lafirians, Mr. Nakano. But you don't have to worry. Almost all of them were killed.
- What does "almost" mean?
- It means that remnants of their army are still roaming the area.
- So, there is still reason to worry?
- Don't worry, you'll be safe inside the city. Go ahead.
- Thank you.

Once they're inside, Sid can exchange money, buy a map, and ask the legionaries anything he needs.

Added 4 minutes later

We're holding our ground.

:o

Seeing the strange group, the one in the mask blocked the road. The tattooed man also approached, and the rifleman broke away from the conversation and joined his comrades.

- Hello, are you heading to Axoth? - the rifleman asked, pausing his gaze on Thiolas, but then quickly shifted it to Beleroth and Tarlion.