Liberi Reader

What's the situation?

Just stopped moving. She's been struggling there for two hours already, moved about ten meters since we found her.

If she really was a competent spy, she'd be playing dead to conserve her energy instead of drawing our attention like this.

It could also all be an act, to play on the Minoans' sympathy and lower their guard.

Yes, the Minoans would have trouble ignoring such a weight on the conscience. What do you think of this foreign warrior, and what she's done?

Hmph, just a trick.

She's definitely acting. You know it's Sargon's fault, their tricks and lies, that these villages took so long to...

That's a different conversation. I want you to take a closer look at her. Set aside your suspicions and look at her, see her innocence.

I appreciate your concern for the villagers' safety.....

(Sneer)

Whether it comes from a good place or not. You need only tell me, warriors of Sarkaz, how fares the outsider now?

In short, she's at death's door.

Looks like she was crossing over from Sargon, judging by her weapon and equipment. Now, she just looks like a fish out of water, struggling helplessly on Minoan soil.

Is she alone?

So far, she is... Though that might change later.

Hmm, if that's the case...

Hey, Priestess, 'Pallas'.

What is it?

It's not my job to say what's what, but since the Minoans hired me and appointed you to take command, I'll just remind you—

You're not a normal nurse, but neither are you a naive priestess who knows nothing but sympathy and forgiveness.

You're the commander of the Minoans, mentor to the budding warriors, the so-called 'Goddess' worshipped by all these Minoan villages.

If you take her in, everyone must treat her with the same amount of respect and devotion that they give to you. After all, you were the one who found her.

Yet this little warrior is, without the slightest hint of doubt, of Sargon——

Until there is peace with Sargon, she remains an enemy to Minoans, one they have to stay wary of.

......

Warrior, your words carry your intentions well, and reveal the breadth of your knowledge. I listen out of respect and duty.

But as you know, there exists a divide between your judgment and mine. It is a saddening reality, but it is one we must face.

I am indeed considering taking her in, and treating her wounds at the least.

Hers is a young life, one hanging by a thread. And I believe she means us no harm.

As for whether thousands of Sargon's soldiers lurk behind her shadow, that is for you to determine.

In the absence of danger, we may not fall upon the ongoing war as an excuse to abandon another's life.

(How pointless.)

Some may think this a pointless act. That is why I let the others return to their duties, while you remain here, watching over her.

Sarkaz, oh poor Sarkaz. Your callous demeanor is known far and wide, and you rely on it for survival. In other words, many among you take pride in your indifference.

One must heel to one's proficiencies. I give my orders based on this principle.

You need only ensure your mission is completed. As for other matters... they will be resolved, one way or the other.

Since you refuse to change your mind even after listening to me, wouldn't it be the same if someone else was looking after her?

You've been working as a mercenary here for three months now. I'm sure you're aware of the situation.

If it were left to the Minoans, this would be over in ten minutes, much less two hours. Their guilt would gnaw at those pure hearts of theirs, bidding them to lend a hand, regardless of the danger...

In such a scenario, how badly shaken would those sincere hearts of theirs be, if that betrayal really came to fruition?

Hah. In the end, even you admit that those villagers are way too soft-hearted, to value the life of a potential enemy.

I understand you, Sarkaz. Some of the villagers have accepted you, and the elders view you as one of our own. You have their goodwill to thank for that.

However, your needs do not lay there. Between love, or at least this love that exists between we of different races, and the payment of money that you receive, you do not believe that it is worthless.

There's nothing to discuss about that.

You live life your own way, and I have never questioned that.

But I think that Sarkaz demeanor I mentioned——perhaps you were like that, once. When we first met, you harbored a kindness not altogether pure, and a heart not completely vile.

Yet, that has changed. Your interactions with the Minoan soldiers and the villagers have spurred your thoughts. You have become an intelligent warrior brandishing your weapon of your own free will.

Your vigilance is warranted. It's just that I believe Sargon has no reason to attack right now, and neither is there a need to use such crude 'bait.'

Rather than formulating a trap to prey on others' kindness, the Sargon's troops would be far more willing to march in brashly, declaring their cruel intentions to plunder and slaughter for all to hear.

Right, right. Let's just go with what you said.

For now, let us turn our eyes to this young warrior who's wandered over from Sargon.

Just as you said, though I wish to save her...

Just as you warned, it would be far from prudent to simply bring her back to the villages.

She has no visibly open wounds, and it does not seem to be any complex disease that would require surgery.

I will attempt to treat her wounds. The consequences of this will be mine to bear.

You mean you want me to put up a tent here, so you can treat her wounds? In this place not even two kilometers from the border? Even the garrison is farther away!

Well, there's not much difference with the garrison anyway...

Don't forget your place. You're the villagers' beacon of hope, the one who will free them from the threat of Sargon.

They love you, and call you the 'Goddess of Victory', yet here you are taking such risks...

Watch your words, soldier.

...Tch.

A young woman whose guilt is yet unproven, who has waited for over two hours, struggling to keep herself awake, all for the sake of survival.

She has already passed your test——As the keenest and most vigilant Sarkaz, you are unable to bring out solid evidence of her duplicity.

And so, my heart is already filled with guilt. I cannot bear to leave her any longer.

I don't object, if you really insist on it. But... it's hard to say if that girl will even talk to you like this after she wakes up.

Just be prepared for an attack once she wakes up.

......Who?

Ah. You're awake?

......!

Calm down. You've been sleeping for quite a long time...

...I understand. You're looking for your weapon, yes? Here it is.

......

Decisive and orderly moves. Mystery woman, I can tell you are a well-trained soldier, confident in your own strength.

Unfortunately, this place is not fit for combat.

......

Answer my questions, and do nothing else, or my flail and shield will smash you... *cough*

Alright, alright. I shall do naught but answer your questions, till you're satisfied.

Where are we?

In my tent. To treat your injuries, a place of rest is needed.

Save it! Where is this tent? Who else is here?

Our soldiers, Minoans.

(Al'ama, how did I end up with the Minoans?)

You arrived from Sargon, collapsing on the Minoan side of the border. When the soldiers found you, you were still determinedly inching forward.

This is... Minoan land?

I've packed your possessions, they're by your feet.

You must have been extremely hungry and tired, not being aware that your compass had malfunctioned as you struggled to make your way here and that all your navigation equipment was damaged.

......

As you can hear, there are only Minos soldiers outside. You are alone, and it would be unwise to force a discussion using violence.

This would depend on the manner in which you wish to leave this tent. We may come to an agreement and you can leave this tent assured of your safety. You may also refuse to negotiate and leave immediately, foolish as that may be.

Can you prove that?

I am a priestess. The villagers and soldiers will follow my orders, out of respect to their faith.

I know well enough to know none of that is true.

This place is in the midst of a war with the tribes of Sargon. If your home isn't far from here, you should have heard of this.

We are... near Akroti?

Absolutely.

Well then, visitor of Sargon. How may I address you?

Don't ask.

Oh? This is a rather unfair exchange then, at least in regards to me.

Just now, you said that after I fainted on Minoan land, you'd been treating my injuries all this while?

Compared to the cold interrogation you would face with the soldiers, there may at least be a chance to come to an agreement with me instead.

An agreement?

An agreement with you, young Sargon soldier.

Appearing suddenly by the border, hungry and disheveled, with no trace of any pursuit. I had come to the conclusion that, perhaps, you were not, in fact, an enemy at all.

I recall that the lord ameer here doesn't have a particularly good reputation.

The war is between you and them, don't drag me into it. I'm just passing through.

Aha, as I thought! In that case, pray lower your weapon, innocent one. I wish for a conversation between equals here, at least until I have fully expressed my sincerity.

You... You're pretty hard to understand, with the way you speak.

Oh? The warriors complain about it from time to time, but it has never been my intention. In fact, I used to be called the most approachable priestess in the Hall of Heroes...

In any case, I don't want to meet your soldiers, officers, or anyone really. I'm no longer in service to Sargon anyway.

I just want to leave, quickly. I don't really care about anything else.

Alright, alright. If so...

(Guh...)

......

Hmm.

Innocent warrior, young as you are, you have bravely traversed the dense forest to arrive here. Will you not lay down your weapon and have some food?

I'm fine... Ugh...!

Don't waste your energy standing up. You need not worry, for I am the village's priestess, and will only be helping to treat your wounds here.

Until we come to an acceptable agreement and leave this tent, neither I nor those outside will act against you.

I've already said that there's nothing to discuss.

(Guh...)

(I can't bear it, I'm too hungry...)

Please sate your hunger, unnamed traveler. Though your weapon remains pristine, your body is overly taxed. It would be unbearable to one such as you, who trains strictly in the path of the warrior.

You may not have had much interaction with Minoans prior, or you may have merely heard rumors. In Minos, our soldiers take neither a single step forwards nor backwards until ordered.

I do request your understanding, as some precautions still need to be taken against you during this period of wartime. It's just that the Minoan soldiers are all extremely polite...

Why'd you save me then?

It's probably an ingrained virtue, as we sometimes allow objective and rational decisions to accommodate kindness still.

Then, what is that weapon there for?

Ah... Yes, you wield a similar weapon to mine, of course you would notice.

I knew it...!

No, please allow me to explain. Firstly, innocent guest, your weapon appears to be of exceptional craftsmanship. I believe it is the work of an esteemed Sargon craftsman.

You must have cherished and trained with it often, so, please look... I believe you can determine how this weapon of mine has been used, or perhaps how proficient I really am.

......

You see, just as you harbor suspicion towards me, so too did I doubt your identity.

But, just look at you now! Your deep exhaustion is etched on your face, and both your equipment and supplies have been run as ragged as you are.

Most importantly, your weapon shows no signs of recent damage. You have not been in a battle for quite some time. Based on this, I have no reason to fear you.

So in the end... we're still gonna fight.

Oh, definitely not! I will not be using that as a bargaining chip in our discussion. In fact, I will lay my own weapon on the floor.

Observe! Dear traveler from Sargon, please feel free to partake in this nutritious food. I am fully convinced that you are unrelated to our true enemies.

In consideration to your current state, this free and delicious meal should not be left for too long, regardless of any choice you may make later on.

Oh, finally out huh.

Sarkaz...

What, my horns alone enough to scare you?

You...!

That look of fear and disgust... I've been judged at a glance too damned many times.

I seek your forgiveness, brave warrior. Your existence is not at fault.

Hmph, I'm sure you think so, priestess. But what about her? She won't listen to you.

I... Priestess, you said that there were Minoans standing guard outside.

They went for lunch a while time ago. They'll probably be drinking wine, singing and reciting poetry right after too, so they got me to help stand guard here.

Ah, it appears that my admonishments were still not taken seriously. I had wanted to show you the magnanimity of the Minoan soldiers...

Probably better this way.

I'll be leaving immediately. I don't want to loiter around your battlefield.

Oh? Are you leaving now, fearless traveler?

The famous village of Akroti is but a stone's throw away. You might find it worth your while to pay a visit.

No.

E-Even if there are theaters and cinemas? There's also a really good Minoan restaurant...

No. Thank. You.

*sigh* There's also our warriors' favorite baths...

...Bath?

Forget it. Mixed gender bath.

No way.

Y-You can also use the small bath reserved for the priests. For a traveler on such a long and weary journey as you, taking a well-deserved rest is...

I said no! I... I'm not traveling.

It's better if I'm not seen. I have a bad feeling about this, I'm leaving.

We're still too close to Sargon.

Ahh... But, it's so rare to see so rustic and pitiful a foreign youth...

Huh?

Ignore her. It's been a long time since she left the big city she used to live in. She's probably going insane from having to stay in this backwater for so long. It's pretty amazing you can stand that tone of hers.

The villages of Akroti are not safe for you. If you are running from something and want to avoid trouble, you should probably leave now.

However, foreigner, where lies your destination? To be traveling in such a harried state, could it be that you committed some unspeakable crime, or perhaps insulted an important noble?

No, I'm just... a mercenary... and I'm free.

My destination doesn't matter, as long as I get further away.

To the north, and further to the east. This place... I will not survive long here.

Deserts, battlefields, Sargon... I don't want to face any of these right now.

Ah... A pitiful youth who shoulders the terrible weight of her painful past.

Please at least leave your name, so that I may pray for you, whether it be strength to face the dangers ahead or guidance to the place you may find happiness.

Are these prayers any good for people from Sargon?

Heh. I don't believe in it, for what it's worth.

(Stomps on his foot)

*Hiss*... Pallas...!

'Pallas'?

(*sigh* The blame for exposing me lies with you, Sarkaz warrior.)

It is not a name worth remembering, at least for now.

Although, there are such stories——On the border of Minos, a priestess bears the revelations of the twelve heroes, arriving to protect the honor and freedom of the Minoans, taking up the fight against Sargon's invasions and always able to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat...

Never heard of them.

*cough*—*cough* *cough*... W-Well, I suppose the war has not yet been won.

Apologies, I had no intention of declaring that name. I only hope that these myths of Minos may spread to Sargon as well, such that we can come to understand each other better.

You should save those words for the next visitor from Sargon passing by.

*Sniff*... Fine. It seems that besides wishing you well, there is nothing else we can do for you, traveler from Sargon.

I will gift you this working compass.

Though you know not where you are going... You must continue moving onwards. That is the only goal you have now, and the only way to escape your suffering.

To move onwards is a choice, one most miraculous. I believe that you will receive much help on your journey, traveler.

When the next kindly person appears, one who can devote their energies to you, one who can save you from the most dangerous of mountains, one who can help you escape the clutches of Death... You may make your choice then, or even decide to accompany them.

Hey, watch out, priestess. What if those sufferings you just mentioned really happened to her?

The things you say are oddly profound, at times.

Forget it... it doesn't really matter.

Maybe the destination of this journey is the journey itself.

I will pray for you, young lady. The road you tread stretches far, very far indeed.

You are a warrior. A brave, persevering warrior. Your bravery is etched on your weapon, etched on your limbs, etched in your very soul itself.

Though your eyes are hazy now, a strong rain will wash it all away and your vision will be clear once more.

I apologize for not being able to devote myself to the task of earning your trust. We all have the same, more important things to do.

I'm still suspicious of you.

You, me, and that adorable Sarkaz warrior. We are all on a journey without a destination, struggling and suffering to move onwards for the sake of our souls, even as we seek that one thing we must experience, that most important thing——

To find a place for ourselves.

Hey, time to change shifts.

Right.

Hey, Sarkaz.

What?

Shouldn't you tell us your name by now? Or do you really want to go by 'Sarkaz'?

A name's just a name. You call your priestess 'Goddess'. She calls herself 'Priestess Pallas'. Does that really make her so?

Whatever. Though, after we win this war, the only name you'll be leaving to the legends would be 'Sarkaz' then?

Hah, let's see if we even survive! You're pretty confident, Minoan!

(......)

(It's not really important whether I'm hailed as a hero in history.)

(As long as I'm a Sarkaz, as long as I'm treated as a Sarkaz no matter what I do...... It's not too bad to be fighting alongside heroes.)

Hmm?

Priestess Pallas, what are you doing here?

Ah, Mister Sarkaz.

Don't call me that. Why are you standing night watch? Did something happen?

Not something to mobilize the masses, I hope.

It's just that today's events have been weighing heavily on me. I have had an urge to come here, to find the answers I seek.

What, are you still thinking about that Sargon Kuranta soldier? What's so special about her?

No, it's exactly the opposite. She's normal through and through.

She's normal, yet she hurries along, as if running away from some evil spirit while keeping everyone at arm's length.

She does not seem predisposed to such behavior. I would presume that a great change has occurred recently, one that has left her despondent.

Mister Sarkaz, what do you think could have happened?

No idea. I don't share your interest in going through people's life stories.

I only need to know what you're doing here. You act as if you want me to do something, while also looking like you're just loitering around. Tell me what's on your mind, mercurial 'Goddess'.

Shh.

......

(Grabs his blade)

Who's there?

It's just as you said, Mister Sarkaz. It's difficult to discern one's heart, and my fateful encounter with our Kuranta visitor was sadly lacking in depth.

Even so, you and I have witnessed her fragility——Her fortitude is bent and broken, and she is at her most vulnerable right now. There isn't much we can do for her, with a good breakfast being the greatest courtesy we can confer.

Even so, even so. That poor Kuranta soldier. Her only pursuit right now, is the power to grasp her own fate. To choose a destination of her own, or to end it on her own terms.

No matter what, she possesses the same goal as ourselves. To search for freedom, that is our mission.

Try as I may, I am unable to imagine how vile it must be, that evil spirit behind the loss of her freedom. I never believed I would face such a saddening scene.

Ah, 'Mister Sarkaz', do you weep for such a tragedy?

......

As things are now, perhaps I should make my warning clear in advance, so that the approaching battle will reach a more direct conclusion——

Malign one, you are different from the earlier traveler. Your body reeks of the stench of blood and evil. You have a cruel plan, and the target is one much weaker than you.

You wish to carry out a murder, a hunt, a dirty plan to brag about, upon this holy land of Minos. This, I will never allow.