The news of Kutou's attack did not surprise him; in fact, he'd known such barbarous and tyrannical ruling all his life. It dated back a millennium, but his country remained somewhat peaceful. Peaceful was an understatement. Often, their own soldiers would desecrate many towns and villages, stealing, and worst of all… rape. It was sickening and frequent.
They sought world conquest, and according to history, this was their first attempt at invading the country. What were they after?
During his quiet musings, he proceeded down a stone pathway. The bustling markets faded with every step, and until he wandered further through the inner circle of the mud-brick structures. Countless houses accumulated this section, and it was quieter, the families of women and children tending to their chores.
A bell rung and all families paused. Without a word, they turned their gazes toward the temple, hands clasped, and emptied their minds. How unusual.
This did not stop him, and crossing under an opening in the intersecting walls, he spotted a few sentries on guard above, their expressions alert, at least from where he glimpsed them. The stone path ended, and he paused before the massive structure, its stairs leading up a few inclines to a set of double doors, with trees aligning the exterior.
After a month of traveling, he arrived, and relieved he might get the chance to speak with the Oracle, he climbed towards the door.
"Young man," An elderly voice said. "Are you also seeking guidance?"
He paused, noticing a family of three standing close. A woman cradled her child close, the baby wrapped in a thick blanket with rosy cheeks, and beside her, a stout gentleman with grayed facial hair and dark eyes. "That's right."
"What a pity. It appears she's now in a time of seclusion. It could be days until they allow visitors."
This proved bothersome, and he traveled all this way for answers. He wondered why she locked herself away, but he assumed a vision was the cause. "What a shame."
"You seem to have journeyed far. From your clothing, I assume you crossed the seas from Sairou?"
"Yes."
"Then we welcome you to our city," He said. "Is this your first visit?" He asked, and when he received another nod, he smiled. "Then please, enjoy your time here. I run an inn a few blocks down by the market. Stop by. There are plenty of rooms available."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
"Here," She said and offered her palm to him.
Bemused, he held the item, recognizing it as a polished green rock. It was tear-shaped in its design, with a leather string woven through a pierced hole along its rounded body. When he held it to the light, it's shimmer mesmerized him.
"This stone possesses extraordinary power. If you keep it with you on your travels, the spirits will protect you."
"But I can't accept this…"
"Consider it a welcome gift. Often, tourists from other countries neglect the safety of these small stones."
"We harvest them near Turning Point Rock through the canyons West of here, but with Kutou's unexpected invasion, it isn't safe to travel," He said.
"Days ago, a flood of thousands of soldiers decimated several clan villages," She said. "And considering we're close to Touran, we should remain cautious. I'm positive our High Priestess has come up with a solution to save all of us."
"If I were you, I wouldn't linger too long here. You should hurry and return to your country before the war breaks out." With that said, the family turned away.
As he remained there, examining the stone, he pondered on his next course of action. Should he leave Hokkan? How far away were Kutou forces from the Capital?