The number of people gathered around the hall increased dramatically, and the unease felt by the group was almost palpable in the cool air of the forest. The customarily empty hall in the center of the tree-top village changed into a turbulent sea of anxious faces when the hall's doors opened.
As they got closer, Erik caught a glimpse of a group of men who stood out due to their formal attire, which was a striking contrast to the rustic simplicity of the village. The recognizable uniform eliminated any possibility of confusion. They were members of the New Alexandria military garrison.
The persistent tolling of the alarm bell echoed their silent queries - what was the purpose of these soldiers' sudden visit, and what implications would it bear on their tranquil tree-bound village?
Ethan and Erik exchanged a look, and Ethan gave the impression that he was not as surprised as the awakener was by the circumstances.
As they approached the hall, the hum of concern became louder, and fear and confusion could be heard woven into the villagers' hushed conversations. It was obvious that the arrival of the soldiers had caught everyone off guard, and this was not a pleasant surprise for anyone.
Erik observed Amos, Samuel, and Vanessa standing in unwavering solidarity before the grand hall. They were unafraid to confront the soldiers from New Alexandria. They refused to show any sign of deference to the uninvited military presence, and their expressions reflected extraordinary determination.
The stoic front they presented was just as unshakeable as the age-old tree that served as the beating heart of their village.
Amos was the one who was directly addressed by the commanding officer of the New Alexandria soldiers, a stern figure with cold eyes. "Did you think about our proposal?" He queried, his voice as hard as the steel that clad him.
Amos, the village's oldest resident and a man of great experience and insight, answered the question without skipping a beat. His voice resounded throughout the courtyard, brimming with unwavering determination.
"No, I did not," he admitted while making no apologies for his admission. "I never felt the need to contemplate what New Alexandria considers its claims over our lands and people."
His words reverberated throughout the assembled crowd, evoking a collective sense of defiance against the unjustified demands of the opposing military force. As they waited for the soldier's response, the atmosphere was tense.
Their quiet resistance served as a challenge to the authority of the invaders from New Alexandria.
The leader of the soldiers responded, "I had always perceived you as a man of reason, Amos," with his voice carrying a thinly veiled undertone of frustration. The assembled villagers watched him, a single eyebrow arched on Amos's old face signifying his continued defiance.
The soldier started restating his point while maintaining a calm and patient demeanor as if speaking to children. "You see, the issue at hand is quite straightforward. You and your villagers are occupying territory that rightfully belongs to Frant," he said, making broad gestures to encompass the encompassing forests and their village. "You may not see it as such, but by virtue of your residence, you are all citizens of Frant. Thus, you must relocate to New Alexandria."
Before continuing, the soldier paused momentarily to allow the implications of what he had just said to sink in for the attentive audience.
"This is an opportunity, not a punishment. Think of your children, Amos. In New Alexandria, they will have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from a young age. They won't have to go to bed with empty stomachs or wake up fearing for their lives. This... this will be their safety net."
There was an element of persuasion in the soldier's voice, a genuine effort to make the villagers see the so-called 'benefits' of their proposal, and it was audible.
<Bullshit...> Erik thought but refrained from saying.
The soldier's eyes scanned the crowd, meeting the stubborn gazes of the villagers. It was a narrative that the people of New Alexandria had spun convincingly – a life free from fear and starvation and a chance for their children to grow and learn safely.
However, as the man focused his attention on the features of the villagers' faces, he noticed a discernible shift in the expressions on their faces.
The expressions of utter desperation and starvation that had been etched into their faces a month earlier were noticeably absent from their faces now. At this moment, a glimmer of resiliency could be seen in their eyes, and their upright postures exuded an unfamiliar air of strength and determination.
This unexpected change, while subtle, was noticeable enough to set off alarm bells in the soldier's mind. He was well-versed in survival strategies and could recognize the signs of a community on the brink of starvation. And yet, in a month, the villagers had somehow defied his expectations.
This unexpected change, while subtle, was noticeable enough to set off alarm bells in the soldier's mind.
He was well-versed in survival tactics and could identify the indicators that a community was on the verge of starvation. Despite this, the villagers had managed, against all odds, to confound him in just a month's time.
A gnawing suspicion began to form in the soldier's mind. From his years of service and experience, he knew that such a transformation was far from ordinary. The question was how and why this drastic change had occurred.
As the soldier's words reverberated throughout the crowd, the villagers did nothing more than tighten their grip on the makeshift weapons they were holding, their expressions remaining unmoved. They were familiar with these assurances and aware of the price tag attached to such 'safety' and 'opportunities.'
They were wise enough not to put any stock in the flattering words of an invading military from another nation whose true intention was to uproot them from their homes and impose their own rule over them. This was their home, and they weren't about to give it up without a fight if they could help it.
Despite the soldier's persuasive oration, the atmosphere of the gathered villagers remained resolute. They did not waver and were well prepared to defend their land and independence. They were prepared to fight and resist if that was what it took to defend their land, their homes, and their children.
The tension continued to mount between Amos and the soldiers. The leader, a man named Lieutenant Hassler, was well-known around these parts. A stern man with steely eyes, his demeanor screamed military through and through. But his rigorous training and years of service hadn't prepared him for the defiant stance of this small village.
"Aren't you tired of living on the fringes?" Hassler questioned while looking around the hall and at the gathered villagers. "Always living on the edge, never knowing if you will have enough food for your children or if your elderly people will survive the next day?"
Amos, steadfast in his resolve, returned the Lieutenant's stare evenly. He was an elder statesman among the villagers, and the weary lines on his face told stories of battles fought and hardships endured. "We have known hardships, Lieutenant. But we have also known freedom. A freedom that your city, with all its might, cannot provide."
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