As stubborn as Elder Achak was, even he couldn't say much after Jin Wang showed them the remains of the other demons. And after asking around for a few minutes each and every one of these nine individuals could be traced back to whichever group they came with.
Everyone had the same things to say, that something terrible happened to them where they either lost a loved one or went through something horrible. After that they fell sick for a few hours and refused to talk to anyone, keeping their distance from the rest.
There was a very strong odor of sweat and urine following them wherever they went. Near the end they started to smell like rotten meat and most people assumed they had just died of natural causes.
Nothing particularly stood out about them. Different ages, backgrounds, personalities, and gender.
The soldiers came and gave the final report to Princess Helena and the elders just as they reached the city hall. Princess Helena gave it a once over before handing it down to the elders.
"It's as Lord Jin Wang said. Nine people went through something tragic that left them damaged. And within the next 24 hours they were on the verge of becoming demons."
Elder Har was the first one to speak up. She didn't need to see the report herself to see the harsh reality.
"We were too relaxed in thinking this would all just go away sooner or later. Not only are our enemies many and powerful, but even our own are at the risk of turning into demons. Do you…have any advice, princess?"
Princess Helena gestured to one of the servants who came forward with several detailed maps.
"First and foremost, we must deal with the refugees. There is more than enough room within the cove and as long as we have enough hands to clear the forest at the back it should not be a problem to house a large number of them."
Elder Achak who had been silent for a while spoke up once more, albeit his voice was low and tone a lot more gentle than before.
"And what if more of them turn while they are here? We'll be attacked from inside and out, our defenses torn to shreds within minutes."
Princess Helena smiled and looked outside the window to her right.
"You forget grandmother is still alive and well. And as long as she is here, the enchantments will continue to function and keep us all safe-"
"What enchantments?"
Jin Wang who had separated from the group for a while suddenly showed up out of nowhere startling the elders. Princess Helena was the only one who wasn't surprised anymore and instead was more than happy to see him arrive.
"I'm not sure but grandmother said they were passed down to every grand priestess for as long as anyone can remember. It is one of the main reasons the position of the grand priestess is always filled because they oversee the great enchantments left behind by the ancestors to protect the city of Argham."
"Grandmother used to say that it is the greatest duty of any priestess because these enchantments protect the city and its residents from a great many dangers, both physical and the ones unseen to the naked eye. Once she wakes up I'm sure she can tell you more. Most of the enchantments are not activated unless in times of war so they are not easy to notice."
Jin Wang frowned lightly but kept his reservations to himself. What she was talking about was not a world of this caliber could produce. Enchantments and charms, especially ones that could do so many things were only found in the greater world and required teams of extremely talented people to operate, not to mention power them.
'But there has to be some truth to these claims. Although how a low-level spell could create something like that is beyond my understanding.'
"Hmm, that's great news then. If there really is some protection from the unseen forces then you shouldn't worry about anyone turning within the city. Get them inside as quickly as possible and start setting up a defensive perimeter. Henrik and the others will help you with that."
Princess Helena stood up and gave a heartfelt bow from the waist.
"Thank you for all your help and guidance, lord Jin Wang. If there is anything you need feel free to-"
"Actually," he didn't wait for her to finish giving the offer, "I will need a few things but they can wait for the time being. Can you point me towards the place Ma Jiang is staying at?"
"Of course. If I am not wrong she is with the other lady-"
*TREMBLE*
The entire building began to shake uncontrollably. Dust fell from the ceiling and the walls as a defeaning sound echoed within the entire inner world.
*BUUUUUUUP*
