Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Chapter 31: On the Road Again_2

The convoy finally came to a stop at the village square’s entrance. Even though the air was heavy with dust and exhaustion, but there was an unspoken sense of relief as the engines died down one by one. Bella got out of her car and spread her arms wide as she looked around.

She could see the fatigue on everyone’s faces, even if the long journey had gone without a hitch.

“Alright, everyone,” she called out. “Let’s get inside the barrier, park your vehicles neatly and leave the supplies where they are for now. We’ll secure everything after you’ve had a break.”

Within the dimming sunlight, massive ice barrier that Amira had created shone like a beacon as it surrounded the village square and was big enough to easily shelter thousands.

Even with all the new people coming in, there was still enough space to move around, though some places were starting to feel a little crowded.

Family members of the squad slowly made their way inside and found places to rest while children fell asleep in their parents arms. A sense of calm came over the entire surroundings as people realized they were finally safe—for now.

Sophie who was walking around managing the sleeping areas for everyone and a storage zone for important equipment’s and supplies.

While she designated area near the east side of the square for parking of the trucks filled with food, medicine, and other supplies with ammunition and still to not take any chances—she had stationed a team to guard the supplies, just in case.

But while supervising everything she noticed four unfamiliar faces—the group Bella had picked up along the way and they seemed out of place as they hovered over a parked car, not sure what to do.

Sam was nearby checking the stock when he saw how confused she looked and walked over. “You must wondering about them, right?” he asked with a grin.

Sophie nodded. “Yeah, who are they?”

Sam glanced at the group. The older man in his fifties was speaking quietly to the woman, likely his wife, while their young son held her hand tightly.

The other man, likely a relative, was adjusting a small travel bag. “We found them near the road—car broke down. They were heading toward Icelorn Basin to meet with their family. Bella couldn’t just leave them there.”

Sophie’s expression softened. “Makes sense.” She paused. “Still… I hope they’re not walking into something worse.”

“They know the risks,” Sam replied. “But sometimes people don’t have a choice.”

As the two continued their work, one of them, the older man, approached another figure who was arranging sleeping areas for the children—none other than Elias, who had just finished settling his younger sister among the other kids.

The man hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. “Excuse me,” he asked, voice cautious but polite. “Why are we stopping here? Aren’t we heading to Icelorn Basin?”

Elias turned toward him, his expression calm but understanding. “We’re stopping because it’s getting dark. The town is still over 100 kilometers away. Traveling at night with so many people is too dangerous. There’s no guarantee we’d make it without an incident.”

The man’s shoulders relaxed slightly as if the weight of exhaustion finally caught up with him. “I see. Thank you for the precaution.”

Elias gave him a small nod. “You see this village was attacked by mutated beasts not long ago. And our captain was on her way to the town in Icelorn Basin when she found them,” then he paused and added, “After knowing she protected everyone here and waited until rest of us arrive so we can all leave together safely.”

The man’s eyes widened slightly, and he nodded again, murmuring his thanks before returning to his family.

After sometime when people inside settled in, resting on the blankets laid for them, while sharing quiet conversations, and slowly letting themselves relax after the long exhausting journey. The aroma of cooking food drifted through the air—a calming scent that brought a sense of normalcy amidst the uncertainty.

At the entrance, Bella stood with her arms crossed, scanning the scene. She exhaled slowly as the bustle finally started to calm. Everything looked in order. But knowing their situation, she couldn’t afford to leave anything to chance.

With a glance behind her, she called out, “Alright, time for updates. Let’s get this wrapped up.”

Layla stepped forward first, ever the efficient one, her clipboard tucked under her arm. Bella gave her an expectant nod. “Layla, is everyone accounted for? Did we get them all settled?”

“Yes,” Layla replied confidently. “Everyone is accounted for, and they’ve all been assigned a spot to rest. We’ve organized by groups to make it easier to manage. No one’s out of place.”

Bella nodded approvingly. “Good work. We can’t have anyone wandering off or overcrowding one spot.”

Layla gave a small smile, stepping back as Bella’s gaze shifted to Sophie. “Sophie, what about the supplies?”

Sophie ran a hand through her hair, glancing toward the eastern side of the barrier where the trucks were stationed. “All the non-essentials and ammo are loaded and secured. I’ve got the armored vehicles surrounding the stash near the east gate—just close enough for access but far enough that it won’t cause a bottleneck if things get messy. I’ve also assigned shifts to keep watch. If so much as a squirrel twitches, we’ll know.”

Bella chuckled. “A squirrel, huh? Let’s hope we’re only dealing with that.” She gave Sophie a nod. “Good job.”

Bella turned toward Sam, who didn’t wait for her to ask. He raised a hand, cutting her off before she could open her mouth. “I know, I know—you’re dying to hear my update,” Sam said dramatically. “Inventory’s done. Every single item is accounted for—medical supplies, food stores, important equipment—you name it.”

“Well, aren’t you efficient?” Bella’s expression shifted as a thought struck her. “What about dinner?”

Sam’s grin widened. “Ah, the pièce de résistance! Caleb and Grace are over at the cooking station helping out. They’re making a ‘super porridge’—their words, not mine. They’re using some mutated beast meat, but don’t worry. The captain already told them to serve it in small portions so no one get harmed by it.”

Bella sighed playfully. “Mutated beast meat porridge will be appetizing.” She paused and added, “Alright, good work. Go take a break both of you.”

Sam and Sophie turned to leave, but Bella called after them. “Oh, and when you see Elias, tell him to bring Amira’s, Layla’s and my portions up to the fortress wall. And let him know Amira wants to discuss something with him, so he might as well bring his share too—it’s going to be a long conversation.”

Sam shot her a thumbs-up. “Got it. I’ll make sure Elias doesn’t drag his feet.”

As they left, Bella turned to Layla. “Let’s go.”

Layla followed as they made their way toward the fortress. The ice steps leading up the wall were steep, but Bella moved easily, as she glanced sideways at Layla while they ascended. “You think Amira’s really meditating, or is she avoiding small talk?”

Layla gave a soft chuckle. “Knowing Amira? Probably both.”