As the sun set, the clear sound of a love song echoed from the mountain ridge. Glancing out the window, the moon was already high in the sky and stars filled the heavens, though it was only evening. The Miao people returned home, lighting their lamps, and smoke rose from the chimneys, creating a bustling scene.
While the villagers were preparing dinner in their kitchens, a loud shout came from the entrance of the village alley, “The patriarch is here!”
The villagers put down their work and rushed out to greet the patriarch with joyous cheers.
The patriarch sat in a sedan chair carried by several young men from the Guard Squad. Behind him were two more sedan chairs carrying Ahmed and an elder.
Dozens of White Miao Village Guard Squad members escorted them, creating a grand spectacle.
“Greetings to the patriarch! Greetings to the sorcerer! Greetings to Elder Ahmed!” The crowd bowed to the three of them.
The patriarch warmly waved to his beloved people, while the elder known as the sorcerer remained indifferent and cold. Ahmed, on the other hand, raised his chin proudly, enjoying the admiration of the crowd. Though the villagers secretly despised him, they dared not show disrespect.
Cerys’s family also came out to greet the patriarch, but Quentin and Eileen stayed inside.
Cerys insisted on hiding them inside to avoid punishment from the patriarch.
Quentin and Eileen, understanding Cerys’s concerns, agreed to stay hidden and observe the situation before making any decisions.
The patriarch and his entourage stopped outside Cerys’s house. The sorcerer and Ahmed got out of their sedan chairs.
Cerys’s family respectfully greeted them, “Greetings, Patriarch Rodney! Greetings, Wizard Eric! Greetings, Elder Ahmed!” Though they were reluctant to acknowledge Ahmed.
Cerys’s family led the patriarch, sorcerer, and Ahmed inside, serving them tea. Villagers gathered outside to watch, crowding the White Miao Village.
“What’s going on with Henry’s family? Even the patriarch and sorcerer came personally. Is it because of those two outsiders?”
“This doesn’t look good. The patriarch might be here to punish them and those two outsiders.”
The villagers discussed among themselves, worried for Henry’s family.
“Henry, it’s been a while. You’ve grown quite bold.”
“Bringing outsiders into our village without reporting to me first. Are you disregarding me as your patriarch?”
Patriarch Rodney’s voice was stern and authoritative.
“Please forgive me, Patriarch!”
“The patriarch is usually busy with affairs. I planned to report to you during tomorrow’s Flower Mountain Festival.”
Henry knelt on one knee, explaining.
“How dare you! Not only did you disobey my orders, but you also colluded with outsiders to injure my men and threaten Elder Ahmed. And now you dare to argue!”
“Henry, do you admit your guilt?”
Patriarch Rodney slammed the tea table in anger.
“Please understand, Patriarch! It was Elder Ahmed who came over rudely and injured my father first. Quentin and Eileen had no choice but to defend us.”
“Quentin and Eileen are good people. They did not threaten Elder Ahmed. You can ask the villagers if you don’t believe me,” Cerys pleaded.
“Hmph, are you questioning my judgment? I know whether Elder Ahmed is telling the truth!”
“So Quentin refused to come when I summoned him and made me come to him instead. How bold!”
“Where are they hiding? Bring them out now!”
Patriarch Rodney demanded.
“Patriarch, we don’t know. They left in the afternoon,” Aimee stepped forward and said.
“Doctor Aimee, I didn’t expect you to harbor outsiders too! Your family has really surprised me today!”
“You must have hidden them. Search the place!”
“If we don’t find those two outsiders today, your entire family will be expelled from White Miao Village!”
The patriarch’s words caused an uproar. The villagers felt it was unfair for Cerys’s family to be expelled for protecting two outsiders.
The Guard Squad immediately began searching every corner of Cerys’s house, determined to find Quentin and Eileen.
“No need to search! Weren’t you looking for me?”
At that moment, two outsiders dressed in long pants and leather boots with black wolf pelts descended from upstairs.
The man had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding confidence. The woman was delicate and fair-skinned.
They were Quentin and Eileen. Patriarch Rodney and Wizard Eric were visibly surprised.
Even Wizard Eric, usually indifferent, was now visibly shocked.
“Quentin, I told you not to come out!” Cerys complained.
“It’s okay. Leave it to me,” Quentin smiled calmly.
If not for Cerys’s family, a mere patriarch would be nothing to him.
“What courage! You dare walk into a trap. I thought you were going to hide forever!”
“Seize them!” Elder Ahmed shouted.
“Quentin, run!” Cerys shouted from behind. She was worried about their safety given the overwhelming number of opponents.
Dozens of Guard Squad members prepared to rush forward. Though they knew Quentin and Eileen were skilled fighters, they believed their numbers would overwhelm them.
Just then, Wizard Eric struck his staff heavily on the ground with authority.
He declared, “No one moves!”