Return of the General's Daughter-Chapter 340: A Glimpse To The Future 1

Over the next two days, Alaric immersed himself in gathering updates about the state of Calma during his absence. Much to his satisfaction, he learned that most of the corrupt merchants and their allied officials had fled—some dispersing to the outlying towns, others crossing the river into Zura in search of safer havens. The stronghold of their influence in Calma had crumbled.

Alaric hadn’t expected such a swift and decisive change. To his surprise, the unlikely duo of Angus and Primo had managed to uproot the troublemakers with remarkable efficiency. What impressed him most was Angus. He governed with such clarity and confidence, it was as if he had been groomed from boyhood to lead. The town was better than he had left it—calmer, cleaner, breathing easier.

On the third morning, before the mist had fully lifted from the ground, Alaric arrived at Mendel Manor, accompanied by Agilus, Aramis, and ten of his elite guards—men who had stood beside him when he first set foot in Ourea. They were waiting for Lara and her mother, Freya, whom they would escort to the plateau at Mount Roca —Galeya’s ancient seat. Alaric had his own reasons for the journey; to conquer the peak of Mount Ourea.

Lara told him that she would be taking her mother to visit their dwelling in the Mount Roca plateau. Alaric told her that he would accompany her because he also had a mission.

So that early morning, when the dews still clung on the blades of the grass, Alaric and his entourage was already standing at the end of the Narra Alley, waiting for Lara and her mother to come.

When the doors finally opened, he was surprised to see that not only were Lara and Freya coming, but Jethru, and the brothers Abel and Barett, had also joined the party. Lara carried a large bamboo basket slung behind her backpack, and from it, two wolf pups peered out—Little Gray and Snow, their curious eyes blinking in the morning light. They looked more like sleepy puppies than the sharp-clawed hunters they would one day become.

Jethru chose the relatively easy path to enter the mountain. They needed to pass the village where the Lenard family used to live and they need to cross the shallow river.

Alaic brought horses with him, and they rode to the village.

When they were about to pass the village, Lara pointed it out to her.

"Mother, that’s the place where Uncle Primo and my cousins used to live. I also spent a few nights in their house."

When Freya heard that, she insisted that she wanted to take a look.

"Are you sure you want to see it, Mother?" Lara asked, hesitating.

"Of course," Freya replied.

As the group entered the village, curious villagers emerged from their homes. Whispers filled the air, and wide eyes followed their every step. Lara shifted uncomfortably beneath their gazes, her hand brushing the basket strap instinctively.

Alaric, however, remained unbothered. He had grown used to the weight of scrutiny. His only concern was always the same: unexpected violence, innocent lives caught in its path, assassination attempt and innocent people will be harmed.

When Freya stood before the dilapidated house of her younger brother, she could not help but wipe the tear that fell from her eyes. The house that she thought was small, was twenty times better than what they had when they were living in the village.

She did not linger long so they left after Freya stayed for less than fifteen minutes and headed to the river.

When they entered the mountain, Little Gray and Snow became restless. The wanted to be let out of the basket but Lara was adamant and did not get in no matter how they whimpered.

"Not yet," Lara said, her tone firm but kind. "Once we reach the plateau. It’s not safe here. You’d be prey before you had the chance to be hunters."

Oddly enough, they seemed to understand, settling down with soft huffs.

The mountain greeted them with open silence. Freya was captivated. Every flower she passed seemed more vibrant than the last, and she stopped often to admire them, sometimes asking Lara to collect the ones she fancied.

Their journey was uneventful, thanks to Jethru and Alaric’s guards, who walked ahead, quietly clearing the path of wild threats. But as the party made their way around a bend, Lara suddenly froze. Her ears twitched—she had heard something. A low, rumbling roar, distant but unmistakable.

She tilted her head and whistled—once, then again. Silence.

Then, a rustle from the trees.

A blur of orange fur leapt from the foliage and landed squarely in front of Freya.

"Ahhh!" she cried, startled more by the suddenness than fear.

Freya screamed. It was not because of fear but because she was startled.

The wolf pups shrank instantly, curling into tight balls at the bottom of the basket. The guards raced back, weapons drawn in alarm. Aramis raised his bow and notched an arrow. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

"Stand down," Jethru said calmly. "He is not our enemy."

Lara stepped forward and stroked the tiger’s fur with familiarity.

"Thunder," she said softly. "I missed you."

The massive beast responded by licking her hand, then gave an impatient huff. With a sudden lunge, it tried to pounce on her playfully, as it once did in younger days.

But before he could reach her, Alaric moved with lightning speed, pulling Lara out of the tiger’s path.

Thunder let out a deep, angry growl.

Alaric smirked. "The pups," he said. "Still on your back. You might’ve flattened them."

Chuckling, she slipped the basket off and handed it to Alaric. Then, taking her mother’s hand, she faced the tiger again.

"Mother, this is Thunder."

Freya hesitated, eyes wide with awe and fear. But Lara urged her forward, allowing Thunder to sniff her hand and grow familiar with her scent. After a few tentative strokes of his fur, Freya smiled.

Abel and Barett who were watching at the side could not bring themselves to like the tiger even if it was Lara’s pet. Every time the see a tiger, they would be reminded of the time that Darius almost died at the hands of one of his kind.

After giving the tiger some treat, Lara let if go and they continued their journey until they reached the plateau, crossed the hanging bridge and arrived at Galeya’s throne and entered the house underneath that ancient tree.

Freya stood in awe. Despite the slight neglect of the dwelling itself, the surroundings were breathtaking—verdant and untouched, crowned by a waterfall that sang as it spilled down the cliffs in silver ribbons.

She turned to Lara, eyes shining.

"My daughter," she said softly, "I take back everything I ever said. I once thought you had suffered... but I was wrong. You’ve lived a life far richer than any of us. And I find myself... envious."

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