At the gates of Jata Kingdom, the guards were handling a peculiar group of humans. Unlike the usual refugees that wished to join the kingdom and escape the merciless wilderness, these people blabbered nonsense. Crackling, hissing and popping sounds were all they made. Something about a flash of light and bathing in a spectrum of colors.
As far as the guards were concerned, these people were one step away from being executed. This felt like a weird distraction that smugglers would use to bypass the border. If any one of them tried to rush through the entrance or continue being a nuisance to their duties, it would be their funeral.
A guard decided to probe one of the strange people with their prana. Before it could fully check their condition, every single one of them fainted, collapsing onto the floor. They were still breathing, so the guards had someone drag their bodies to one of the camps near the border.
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Pria found herself laying on a rug in a large tent. Around her, there were others resting on different rugs - among them, there were the people that followed her. She couldn't find Jero and one other person, but her role as leader was already done.
She left the tent to figure out how to enter the kingdom. Outside the tent, crowds gathered around the warm campfires and strangers told each other their stories. There were many that escaped a ruined kingdom like Pria, while others escaped unfortunate encounters. Everyone here was thankful to live another day, escaping danger and misfortune.
Among the tired laughter and joyous cries, there were quiet whispers travelling from ear to ear. These voices never went to the guards observing the camp, as the hidden message held a cunning plan.
"…we have a pack ready…tomorrow…send our people home..."
"…There is a passage…east…follow the water…"
"…spread this around…hide your strength…"
Pria couldn't hear the whispers clearly but she figured that trouble was brewing. Her intuition told her that she could take advantage of their actions. She had a choice to make; to join or expose this covert group.
It was too early to decide so Pria decided to wander. She still didn't know where she was or this kingdom's culture. Her steps lead her to one of the gates. Guards were checking the people entering and leaving the Kingdom. Unlike her, the guards knew how to use their prana. She could sense the guards using prana to inspect items and people.
This was the first time Pria observed guards on duty since she lived a peaceful life within the walls of her old kingdom. She was a merchant's wife, but she only sold products within the walls. Her husband was the one that travelled between kingdoms, making deals with suppliers and other merchants. It was only after escaping her ruined kingdom that she realised the obstacles he went through to ensure they prospered.
As Pria was lost in thought, one of the guards approached her.