They continued for a long while, an uneasy silence around them. Aloisia’s legs were growing increasingly weary the further they walked. The mountains drew nearer until they blocked out the sky. Aloisia watched as the hawk perched atop a branch before them.
“I think we’re close,” Aloisia whispered, pointing to the bird.
Kaja dashed ahead, her footfalls soundless. She returned moments later, her jaw set.
“What did you see?”
“The trees end where the hawk has stopped. Beyond is a small camp of clansmen, maybe ten, including the three scouts along the treeline.”
Aloisia puffed out a breath, her stomach rolling. It was more than she thought she would be facing. “All right. Find a viewpoint. I’ll go on. The rest of you remain behind here and await any signals from Kaja.”
Inari looked as though he would protest, but she gave him no chance to. Before she could convince herself otherwise, Aloisia set off towards the treeline which marked the border of the clan lands. Kaja scrambled up a tree, disappearing into the canopy, and Aloisia was grateful there would be at least one pair of eyes on her. The trees parted, and she stepped out into the clearing.
“Ciúch sá?” one clansman called, the language foreign to her ears.
Two bows were aimed at her immediately, the scouts spotting her first. Those beside the campfire, upon hearing the question, readied their blades and approached.
Aloisia raised her palms. “I wish to seek passage to the Vale of Poppies.”
A sword levelled at her throat, the clansman who held it squinting at her. “And who might you be?”
“My name is Aloisia Smith. I am one of the Chosen Seven Huntresses of Littlewatch-by-the-Sea.”
“And what might a huntress be doing all the way out here?” the man asked. He seemed to be a leader of sorts to the group. A silver scar cut across his cheek, disappearing into his dark beard.
“As I said, I seek entry to the Vale of Poppies.”
“Aye, you did say that. But why do you wish to go there?”
Aloisia tried not to gasp as the blade pressed harder against her skin. “There is a map. It has led me here.”
“A map to what?” another clansman asked.
“I’m not entirely sure. There have been monsters plaguing our town.”
“Monsters?” their leader asked.
“They’re called the Forgotten Gods.”
The clansmen drew back, uttering words which sounded like prayers.
“Whatever this map leads to, it may hold crucial information on these creatures—”
“They are no creatures, Huntress,” their leader said, his striking blue eyes wide with fear. “Call them as they are. Gods.”
“As you say.” Aloisia noted the terror on their faces. “These gods seek to destroy, to kill. Four have been slain already, and their power grows. This map is the only lead we have. Therefore, I must ask to be granted permission to enter your lands. I am aware of the treaty between our people. I know I am breaching it by being here. But I implore you to aid us. We mean no harm to your people or your land.”
“We?” their leader frowned, his gaze turning to the trees. “There are more of you?”
“Yes. There are four more with me. At present, they still stand in the land of my people, awaiting my return.”
He nodded. “I see. So long as they are in your land, you are the only one breaking the treaty.”
“Just so.”
He lowered his blade, if only slightly, and scratched his chin. “I cannot grant you and your companions passage.”
Aloisia staggered back as if struck. Of course, refusal was always a possibility, but she had hoped they would at least allow her the opportunity to change their minds.
