[NR] Helina And Siegfried - Chapter 657

Helina Swift-Water frowns, “It was confirmed that the barrier was solid from both sides. Even the travellers that wanted to come in and see what was happening had to force their way through.”

Courtney, “Well, if it is something by the System to keep out the Deep Wilds? On the Deep Wilds side of things, maybe the System isn’t capable of forming as solid of a wall.”

Helina scoffed, “You think we didn’t try that? We sent a team of locals and travellers to the deepest point of this barrier and it was the same.”

Jason’s lips pull back revealing his teeth and there is a fire in his eyes, “There’s something is targeting us. I doubt it is the System or the Deep Wilds, though. Those are much too large to focus on a trio like us. However, the barrier isn’t targeting us. The other settlements wouldn’t be trapped if that was the case.”

Rosha, “Why would something be targeting us? We haven’t done anything.”

Jason raises his eyebrow, “While the System likely won’t bother with targeting me, that doesn’t rule out something lower on the totem pole. That or someone might have detected what happened. In fact, that last one is quite likely.” His eyes glances over at the bearfolk, “Those who care about such an achievement wouldn’t have any problem knowing.”

Helina snorts, “Well, that’s ominous.”

Jason shrugs, “And as I already said, unrelated to the situation beyond the fact that someone likely wanted us involved in it as well.”

Helina, “No way for me to know one way or another. Especially when you’re bandying about the idea that the System only is ‘likely’ to not target you.”

Jason, “Well, to be fair, the System is always targeting travellers. We’re more talking about a higher amount of attention being turned to us and not it paying attention at all. Also, being in the Deep Wilds means it was likely paying more attention than not to begin with.”

Helina, “Well, whatever the case, I guess we should probably have Siegfried talk to you. After all, the guards are going to be interested in the fact that you got in without a problem. Even if it is something targeting you.”

Courtney, “And Siegfried would be the captain of the guards?”

Helina nods, “Yep, now, if you would follow me we can get that over with.” And she steps out from behind her desk and moves straight to the exit.

The trio shrug at each other and follow close behind as they make their way towards the gate area they had entered from. Once there, the bearfolk easily bullies her way into the guard’s main office and directly to the captain’s office. Though once there, she does knock and wait to be invited in.

An exhausted human man opens the door with a grumble. “Helina, leave.”

Helina holds her hand to her forehead, “Oh! How rude. Not going to invite a high society lady like me into your office?”

The man snorts, “Your dad’s title doesn’t inherit. Now leave, for a whole lot of nothing happening, I’ve got work out the–”

Then he notices the group. “Oh, hello. I’m Siegfried, the captain of the guards.”

Helina laughs, “So now you’re polite? Maybe I should go and bring my guests with me.”

Siegfried ignores her, “What might you be here to report? If I remember, you look to be the trio that settled in the wilds beyond here sometime recently. Good to see you’re safe!”

Helina, “They came to me, so how about we do this official like?”

Siegfried sighs, “You brought them here because of what is going on. Either it is important enough to let them report it or you’re just using them to get to me.”

Helina rolls her eyes, “You’re acting like I’m your ex. We haven’t even dated. I just brought them over to talk about their experience.”

Siegfried snorted, “Now you’re just misleading them.” He turns to the group, “Let me complete my introduction. I’m Siegfried Swift-Water, younger brother of Helina. And she has a habit of coming over and bothering me whenever she has free time.”

Helina, “Well sure, ruin my fun. Don’t be such a wet blanket, brother dearest.”

Courtney coughs to get their attention. “So, this little sibling skit is fun and all, but can we please give our report?”

Helina rolls her eyes, “Well, you know where you can find me. Don’t let my brother bore you too much.” And she walks past them and around the corner.

Siegfried sighs, “Don’t mind my sister. I assume she figured you wouldn’t mind her little gaff. Anyway, you have something to report? Well, I guess you just said as much. Let’s go into my office and you can have a seat before telling me.”

They enter his office, a relatively bare room with a bookshelf housing only five books and a trophy case holding two awards on opposite sides of the room. The most lavish thing in the room is the desk, a sturdy piece with few flourishes, but so well made you can tell it will last. On the other hand, the chairs are... utilitarian. Yes, that would be the polite way to describe them. Even the captain’s chair isn’t much better, only above the other chairs, by the fact it has a cushion.

Siegfried gestures for the trio to take a seat before sitting down himself. “Now, what do you have to tell me?”

The three glance at each other and Jason points at himself. Rosha and Courtney both shrug so Jason turns to Siegfried. “Well, let me tell you what we experienced on our way in. Or rather, I guess what we didn’t experience.” Then he goes on to explain their journey and some guesses they had while talking to Helina.

Siegfried has a deep frown as Jason finishes. “Hmm, yeah, that sounds like trouble. At least it also seems to be unrelated to the bigger problem. This isn’t the first time people have been thrown into a crazy situation by the Powers That Be.”