Alan enjoyed his stay at the Shadow Town for the next couple of days. He roamed around the town and simply enjoyed the delicacies, bought many local designer jewelleries and kept his eye open for any good weapons or other rare medicinal items.
Meanwhile, he noticed that the princess and her entourage kept to themselves and never left the Inn as if they were waiting for someone!
Sharon exchanged polite words with Alan whenever they came face to face either in the entrance hall during meals or near their room entrance.
On the third day when Alan came back for lunch after a leisurely stroll, he found a middle aged man and the princess negotiating something.
As soon as he entered the Inn, both of their met and after a brief nod from the Princess and a slight bow of his head, Alan went to the other corner of the room not wanting to intrude on their conversation.
Unfortunately, due to his hightened senses, he still was able to hear their conversation.
" Princess Sharon, as you are aware, I am the only one who can help you meet the god of swords. As you are aware, he is a mysterious person. He doesn't care about the riches you can provide...."
Alan started to feel impressed about this Sword God untill the man spoke his next wordss in somewhat embarrassed and hesitant voice with difficulty.....
" He .... He...." Taking a deep breath the man steeled himself. Looked directly into the princess' s eyes. " In return for his help, the Sword God want 21 beautiful and virgin girls. And... And your virgin blood also."
The man seemed 10 years old, deflated and haggard after conveying the message. Everyone were in shock. The princess and her entourage were rooted to their spot, stunned.
Before anyone could speak or take further action, Alan was standing next to the middle aged man holding his shoulder and exuding such a potent killing intent that, most of the guards around him along with the princess were laying on the ground unable to bear it.
The only thing kept the middle aged man sitting was the hand holding his shoulder. He was sweating buckets. Shivering from head to toe in terror. Blood started to trickle down his nose.
"Who is that man? Is he the one who is sitting inside the Princess's room." Alan spoke with gritted teeth. His anger palpable.
"Easy there Al. Don't let your anger loose on these poor souls."
As soon as the words were heard, a thin blanket like transparent barrier slielded everyone and the killing intent was gone.
All of them got up to their feet slowly, in daze. Unable to understand what had happened.
A young man similar to Alan walked forward and Alan with a wide grin hugged him. "Ben, it's so good to see you. "
"Wha ... What happened.....". Sharon asked with disbelief. " Alan is that you just now?" Sharon knew Alan was strong but just this one display made her clear that her understanding of this young man's strength was not even close to what she had expected.
" Sir, ple..... please let me go. I..... I was just a messanger. I have not done anything wrong..." The middle aged man begged going down on his knees.
"Is the one sitting inside the Princess's room the so called 'Sword God'?"
"No. He is just a mind controlled follower. He is here to ensure I don't betray. If I do, my whole family will be slaughtered." Tears started to roll down the middle aged man's eyes.