Chapter 323
As Arran had already guessed from the carts, the journey from the fortress was as long as it was slow . For days on end, the column of soldiers and borderlanders moved through wide grasslands, traveling at so slow a pace that Arran could not help but be frustrated .
After the first few days, Arran began to see signs of civilization among their surroundings — farms, several villages, and even a small town . And although they didn't stop in any of those places, he could see farmers working the fields, and several merchants passed them as they moved along the road .
The familiar sights caused Arran some pause .
He'd known there was more to the Imperium than just a powerful army, but knowing it was different from seeing it with his own eyes .
Of course, even this was only barely a glimpse . Half a dozen villages and a small town represented an utterly insignificant part of the Imperium . But it was enough for Arran to understand that the Darian Imperium would resemble the Empire, where the vast majority of the population consisted of commoners . Find authorized novels in Webnovel,faster updates, better experience,Please click www . webnovel . com for visiting .
Arran did not dwell on the comparison . In the end, what mattered was that he was an enemy of the Imperium . And that wouldn't change — not with Arran being a mage .
And so, he focused his efforts on gathering what information he could .
This proved no easy task . Most of the soldiers refused to talk to any of the borderlanders, and those few who did said nothing of interest . Although none said so outright, it was clear that they had been ordered not to mix with the men and women they guarded .
Perhaps the captain would have been at liberty to say more, but Arran did not dare risk approaching the man . Too much curiosity would certainly be conspicuous, and he had already drawn more attention than he would have liked .
Yet three days into the journey, he was presented with an unexpected opportunity — one that came in the form of a wide-eyed young soldier .
As they were setting up camp for the night, the young man approached Arran hesitantly, and asked, "Did you really speak to the Archon?"
"I did," Arran replied . He noticed the reverence in the soldier's eyes at the mention of the Archon, and with a thought, he added, "He gave me some valuable advice about my future in the Imperium . "
At this, the young man's eyes went wide with surprise — as well as a hint of awe . "What did he tell you?"
"He said he believed my future path might lie in the priesthood," Arran said . "After I earn my citizenship, of course . "
The soldier gave him a joyous smile in response . "To receive such advice from an Archon is a great honor," he said . "In truth, I long hoped to become a priest myself . But my family…" He sighed . "They insisted I chose a different path . "
Arran gave the young man an understanding look . "Our duties and desires are often at odds with each other," he said . "But there are many ways to serve the gods . Remember, the heavens smile on those who spurn the easy path . "
He copied the Archon's words as best he could, adding in some empty platitudes to feign profoundness . And to his relief, the attempt appeared to be successful, as the young soldier nodded eagerly .
"I see why the Archon thought you suited for the priesthood," the soldier said, his expression thoughtful as he pondered Arran's words . "And you're right — even as a soldier, I can still serve the gods . Thank you for reminding me of that . "
"Of course," Arran replied . Then, in an intentionally hesitant voice, he continued, "But could I perhaps ask you a question? About what I must do to earn my citizenship?"
The young man gave him an uncomfortable look . "We're not really supposed to talk about that," he said in an awkward voice .
"No need to worry," Arran said . "All I want to know is how best to prepare myself, so that I waste no time in following the Archon's advice . I am not looking for an easy path — just an honorable one . "
The soldier narrowed his eyes, then gave a small nod . "There isn't much to tell," he began . "Outsiders have to earn their citizenship through labor . Some choose to work on the farms, some in the mines, and others as servants . "
Arran suppressed a grimace . "That sounds like a fair system," he said, concealing his frustration . "How long does it usually take to fulfill one's duties?"
"It depends," the young man replied . "But the easier the work is, the longer it takes . Servants often have to spend over a decade earning their place . "
"The Archon told me that there is honor in toil and labor," Arran said . "What's the most difficult path?"
"You want a difficult path?" The soldier looked at Arran in astonishment, but a moment later, his expression turned to one of respect . "Working in the mines is both difficult and dangerous . You can earn your citizenship in just a couple of years there, but many who go there never return . Even for Body Refiners, the mines are filled with peril . "
Arran had no desire for either difficulty or danger . But he wanted as quick a path as he could find, and he had little doubt that he could handle whatever dangers awaited the miners .
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