Two days later, after walking non-stop and camping in a heavy, stifling silence—since none of the girls, including Eva, would say a single word—they finally reached a massive barbarian settlement. It was worlds apart from the last village.
Although it was fortified by a wall of sharpened logs and towering watchtowers, the surrounding land was covered in sprawling fields. Many villagers worked as farmers, living in small cottages just outside the main gates.
When they reached the entrance, Claudia stepped forward, and the gate was opened almost immediately. A sturdy, middle-aged man with white hair and a long white beard tied in a ponytail walked out. He had kind eyes and a wide grin. Claudia leaped into his arms, confirming for everyone that this man was Osgrelf, the high chief of the largest barbarian tribe.
