As if he had been waiting for Mest's question all this time, Hobb proudly straightened up.
- We are very strict on the question of defence. We do everything we can to ensure that not a single soul is left without help in trouble. I say let us be anxious forever, rather than be frightened once. We have seen enough suffering. That is why at each border there are two-storied watchtowers, one on the right and the other one on the left of the road, with gallant lads inside, waiting with needle-sharp arrows and swords for any danger to appear - he told of the towers with the enthusiasm of grandfathers telling their grandchildren old stories - They take turns day and night, we are never unguarded. All newcomers are carefully checked - he began to draw with his fingers on the counter - Between the towers there is a gate, and all around the rift is a wall with carved stakes on the outside. Or inside, depending on how you look at it. It would take a minor siege to get through, though hardly more than two wagons could be pushed through at once, and if someone did come with drawn swords, archers would be waiting on all sides. Only the road to the east is wider, but that way lies Belor, with its entire garrison and the mourners of the Order. Even an army would have a hard time fighting its way through those. There'll be no trouble, unless some flying abomination finds its way here, though even that would be hunted down before it got this far. The mourners bite at such things like crows at worms. If for no other reason, it's a good thing they're close in that respect – he spread his hands – To be honest, we couldn't have built this without trade and newcomers. We would have had neither the weapons nor the talent - Hobb gestured towards the window – And we leave the wilderness alone and fortunately it leaves us alone in return... But of course there are a couple of teams of two or three men patrolling the edges of the fields. They are watching the forest with bright torches, just in case. Obviously we can't keep an eye on every bit of land at once, but at least if there's trouble somewhere, they'll spot it or hear it and get there quickly. Each team and each village now has its own horn, so it's easy for them to alert each other. The people in the villages are also vigilant, there are always one or two lads keeping guard, especially at night – he tapped the counter with his fingertip – Nothing gets in here without us knowing about it.
Mest nodded in recognition.
- Now that's something to be proud of. Watchtowers, walls... My compliments to all. I suspect it's mostly your doing.
Hobb nodded in satisfaction.
- I don't deny it, I have my hand in it. Many considered all this an unnecessary hassle, overcautiousness, but now they are grateful. There is peace of mind and sense of safety. But why are you so surprised? You must have noticed when you came through the rift that there's a wall all around you.
- I didn't come from that way, but from the forest.
The smile slowly, hesitantly faded from Hobb's face. He leaned closer to Mest.
- There’s a way from the forest? - he asked in a low tone.
- It seems so. I didn't know either until now, I found it by accident – he puffed on the leaf – But there is no need to get all jumpy. I am convinced that there’s no threat from that way.
- Are you absolutely sure?
- Absolutely sure. A bird might come through, nothing more.
Hobb sighed with relief.
- Thank goodness... even we're not afraid of birds – he smiled – and if you say so, I believe you. But then you've met at least one patrol...? At least around the city...?
Mest smirked.
- Of course. Only they haven't met me.
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