Episode 83. Rain and Deer (2)
Swooosh-
As the rain pattered down, I gazed at the dense forest filled with towering vegetation.
Thick storm clouds seemed to converge solely over that area, as if something was drawing them in, unleashing a torrential downpour that lashed violently against the ground.
Our carriage was pulled by the majestic black horse Raven, who-true to his military steed heritage-held his head high and marched forward undaunted by the pelting rain.
Camellia, unwilling to play carriage driver in such weather, had retreated under the canopy, curling up to listen to the rain as she drifted off to sleep.
After all, intelligent horses could follow the road without guidance, so Camellia hadn't been particularly helpful from the start.
Still, her role as driver wasn't entirely useless-she'd been prepared to handle unexpected situations like monster attacks, bandits, or the horse straying off course.
But you know how it is-the kind of presence that's neither essential nor entirely unnecessary.
Though admittedly, neither monsters nor bandits were likely to be active in this downpour... So maybe we didn't need a driver after all.
"The weather's truly bizarre. Just minutes ago the sun was blazing, but the moment we entered this forest-"
"Unnatural cloud formations are concentrating around this woodland. Like ocean currents."
"Ocean currents? What're those?"
"They're consistent flows of seawater. You could call them invisible paths of the sea."
Licoris, well-read and knowledgeable, explained about currents. But since none of us except Rita had ever seen the ocean, we struggled to visualize her description.
I asked if these "paths" were created by magic.
Licoris replied, "Nature itself is the grand magic woven by gods, so you're not entirely wrong."
Well, when magic can conjure fire and blizzards, it's not strange to consider nature as one colossal spell.
Though I knew nothing of magical theory and hadn't mastered succubus vitality-based magic, Licoris's words sparked something in me.
"Look! A deer!"
Cecilia's exclamation drew our attention to a lone deer stripping bark from a tree.
Its antlers spread unusually wide and branched like tree limbs, forming a natural umbrella against the rain.
The deer studied us briefly before resuming its meal, utterly unconcerned.
Its lack of wariness suggested it didn't view us as hunters-uncharacteristic behavior for wildlife. These deer must be accustomed to humans.
"Hey... Anyone else craving venison?"
"Ashera, Triae. Unlicensed hunting here incurs heavy fines. Besides, deer meat's gaminess makes it unpleasant when simply roasted. Expeer has many restaurants specializing in venison dishes-can you wait until then?"
"Just joking. But now I'm curious about these deer dishes you mention, Rita."
As we penetrated deeper into the woods, water pooled on the ground, transforming the path into marshland.
Tall tree roots trapped rainwater, creating expanding puddles. Natural drainage channels tried diverting the deluge, but the rain outpaced their efforts.
When the carriage wheels sank slightly into the mud, water rose to Raven's ankles. The unstable mire threatened to trap our wheels, but Raven's relentless pull kept us moving.
Still, anxiety bubbled among the first-timers, prompting worried comments.
"Is this normal? Should the road be this treacherous?"
"What if... what if we get submerged?!"
"Calm yourselves! My calculations confirm today's water levels won't rise dangerously. This path was cleared for travelers-the water only appears deep. We're perfectly safe."
"If you say so... But I've never seen rain this heavy! How can I not panic?!"
Taking pity on the distressed country girls, Rita threw on her cloak and took the reins herself.
Though it changed nothing, having someone in charge eased our nerves.
Regaining composure, I noticed the children resting calmly or admiring the rainy scenery.
Even kids behaved better than us adults. How embarrassing-I felt my cheeks flush.
Trying to appear unperturbed, I focused outside. Hmm... so many deer...
Deep in the forest now, numerous deer migrated through the rain, mostly in groups of three to eight-all heading precisely where we were.
"Stragglers forming new herds," Camellia observed.
"Huh?"
"Those deer seek human settlements like us. Probably because safer spots got overcrowded by other deer. They're begging humans for refuge."
"Plausible. Why think that?"
"Fundamentally, humans and beasts aren't so different. Plus, these deer seem accustomed to people-they'd naturally seek human aid."
"Then following them guarantees we'll reach the city safely?"
"Assuming they're not fools, yes."
Camellia's reasoning reassured me. If correct, we were perfectly on track.
Rita silently steered alongside the deer, confirming her agreement.
Thus, we journeyed through the storm-lashed Raindeer Forest in strange companionship with the deer.
* * *
"The gate. We've arrived."
Just as forest monotony began lulling me to sleep, Rita's low voice announced our approach.
Rubbing my eyes, I peered out at a sizable yet modest wooden wall-Expeer's gate stood barely four meters tall. Guards atop the watchtower signaled us to halt.
"Rita, is this Expeer? For a city gate, it's..."
"Three gates total. Each flood barrier acts as a dam. Tomorrow they'll open two gates and withdraw guards, keeping only the last closed."
"But won't waterlogged wood rot quickly?"
"I heard they waterproof it with special coatings... No idea beyond that. Enough chatter-let's clear inspection."
At the gate, a guard bellowed through the downpour, straining to be heard:
"You!!! Carriage!!! Identity?! Purpose?! How many?!!"
"Travelers passing through! Staying until Rainy Season ends! Three adult women, three children!"
"Carrying weapons?! Cargo?!!"
"Armed, but we have Adventurer's Badges! Supplies for long travel!"
"Good!!! Enter for inspection!!!"
Creeeeak-
The gate opened after Rita's answers. Seizing the chance, our deer companions rushed inside.
We proceeded to where guards descended for inspection. They ignored the deer-clearly a common occurrence.
The shouting guard stepped forward:
"Ahem! Women and children-unusual travelers. Relation?"
"All family. The children are our daughters."
"What? Hmm..."
An all-female family puzzled him, but resemblances between adults and children made him accept some tragic backstory. After inspecting luggage:
"Expeer restricts weapons to lord's soldiers and guards. But Adventurer's Badges permit passage. No brandishing weapons inside! Cargo's clear. Proceed!"
"Understood."
Rita expertly maneuvered us forward. Expeer's weapon laws surprised me-first city I'd seen so strict.
Past the first gate, we soon reached the second-a stouter 5-6 meter stone barrier. Pre-cleared by prior inspection, we passed swiftly to the third and final gate: the city's true entrance.