--------------------------------ARC I EPILOGUE-------------------------------------------

“Who was that Mage?” an angered voice could be heard from inside the war room on the Brigantium castle.

“Calm down, they already said they don’t know,” said Bhalrom to the Red knight.

“With a power like that why does he hide himself? No enemy would dare attack Brigantium again!” The red knight was unconformed.

“And that’s precisely the kind of thought that pushed our Magus away. And probably the reason why this mage chose to hide his identity… or maybe it was the great magus all along, there is no way for us to know”

Copperford frowned towards Bhalrom clearly displeased, after a deep breath he turned to the two mages in the room.

“Serena, Lilly, please, use your contacts to investigate, such a Master can’t appear from nowhere”

Serena shook her head “There isn’t a mage like that in Allard… that must have been the great magus, there is no other person with that kind of power”

Bhalrom pulled a chair and sat down, relieved that the battle was already over with no casualties.

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The shadow council gathered once more.

“Have you found the item yet?”

“No my lord, but we got word from our agents. The Magus’ body was nowhere to be found in Allard.” said one of the shadows.

“Another problem has arisen in the cold lands of the north. We lost contact with our agents there as well, they haven’t answered our call” Said another.

“I don’t have good news from Brigantium either… it seems a single mage destroyed the whole attacking army” said yet another shadow

“What about Giliath?” Asked one of the shadows intrigued

“Nothing, I think he was killed as well”

“Agreed, he’d not flee, he is most likely dead”

“Who could have done it? The magus?” Asked another.

“He is powerful enough”

“It could also have been be the mysterious mage of Allard”

“If there is one, we don’t even know if this mage is real. It might have been the Magus all along”

“I’d say it is real, we lost our foothold in Longart, Brigantium and Thanes at the same time. That’s not a single person job, not even the great magus could use a portal crystal to cross such a distance.” Refuted one of the shadows.

The main entity in the throne flickered and immediately silenced everyone there.

“I have not asked about the situation… I asked about the item! Where is it?” spoke in anger the shadow entity at the throne.

All the others silenced, they had no answer.

“Your constant failures are becoming a habit.” Said the entity as it turned towards one of the shadow figures in the room.

“Tessai, you were sent to take care of Allard, what do you know of the whole situation there?” asked the entity

“Nothing yet my lord. I’m established in Iris once again and following our original plan by strengthening our influence inside the king’s court from the shadows. I had no participation in those plans as they were already in motion when I was assigned to Allard” Answered the shadow very eloquently.

“Just remember that we won’t tolerate another failure in those lands”

------------------------------------------- Riou’s View

Riou was certain that the council would think twice before acting recklessly like this again, they must have run out of resources after moving such an army and losing 2 of their mages. It must have been a crushing blow that must have set them back.

So with the imminent threat put to rest, Riou judged it was time to move away from those lands and rejoin Max in the North.

Riou knew that the travel to Thanes would be harsh and the weather unwelcoming. The region was known for its colder temperature, much lower than what he was used to so far not to mention it would be much farther away than Brigantium and the capital.

He was feeling well after the battle, he still has not identified what could be triggering his condition nor how long would it happen after using so much mana in the battle.

So, in case it returned, it would be prudent to not force anything more than that. It would be best to go slowly for now and see how his body behaves..

After all, he didn’t want to stretch his luck. So he decided to join some caravan for a more comfortable trip.

With caution and away from prying eyes he stored his cloak and his bandana in a bag together with his other clothes.

Riou sneaked back into the city and back to his room. He waited for the city to resume its activities after the battle and began his search for a caravan.

Amongst the taverns he visited asking around, he soon learned that one merchant intended to leave very soon now that the battle alert was lifted.

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“Are you sure boy? This won’t be an easy and short trip… there will be bandits, beasts, maybe even monsters and orc raiders” said the owner of the caravan, Bronach the merchant.

He was not very tall, but certainly was a very sturdy man despite his grayish moustache and hair.

The merchant used a hat and proper clothing to protect him from the elements, but its colors were very strange, seemed like a bad modern painting with colored squares and stripes all over the place, it was probably a way to distinguish the merchants from afar or if it was just some fashion sense..

The caravan had 5 carriages that were being filled with all kinds of goods, spices, heavy leather clothes, dried meat, swords, armors and even raw iron and copper.

He’d be traveling city by city until Thanes, selling his goods on the way. Riou thought it could take well over a month or two to get there, maybe more given the distance by what he remembered from the map he saw, but seemed about right by what Max had told him.

Riou nodded “If you provide transportation, food and the eventual stay on inns and taverns, we have a deal, besides...” the boy paused reaching his right hand for his back.

Riou unsheathed half of his dagger attached to his back to show hints of the high grade blade to the merchant. Bronach immediately got surprised and even stunned by the metal quality of the weapon “I’m pretty sure I can handle myself” Added Riou smiling to the merchant.

“Well, if you can walk around these lands with that thing and still have it in your possession, that’s proof enough for me, but it’s not me that you need to impress” He paused pointing to the side, there was a man that was observing their conversation, watching them talk by the wall of the warehouse from where the goods were coming.

The man was using chain armor on top of leather clothing, he had a sword on his waist on the left, a dagger on the right and a ringed shield to his back.

He was silently watching for a few moments as if thinking if the boy should be allowed into the group. The man had long messy blond hair that reached his shoulders. 3 longer braids that started after a few fingers of length from his right side of the head, they almost reached his chest in length.

With a full blond beard about a finger thick, he was clearly a mercenary from the Norse Lands, probably between 25 to 30 years old.

After a moment of thinking the Norse nodded to the merchant who then turned back to Riou.

“OK then, we can always use another set of hands, you got yourself a deal.” Said the merchant pointing to the mercenary and nodding.

“That is Herger, he has been in charge of our security for the past 5 years now. He will be giving the orders to you” The mercenary nodded slightly to the boy, greeting him on joining the caravan.

“Go help load the carriages and be ready by tomorrow morning, we will be leaving by the first light on the east gate, don’t be late!” advised the merchant.

Riou nodded, agreeing and also thanking the merchant. As he approached the carriages he spotted a well-made coat. It was dark gray, almost black in color with white fur and cloth for internal insulation.

Riou turned once again to the merchant that was still nearby “How much for the coat?” Asked the boy pointing at it

The Merchant smiled “Good eye, this armor is something of my own creation with an armorer friend of mine, ideal for the harsh cold weather of the north. Good mobility while maintaining your warmth. I made sure to make it long enough to cover half of the legs as well. I’m betting it will sell very well… it costs 20 gold coins by the way”

Riou took it and rested it on his shoulder “Can we add it to the deal?” asked the boy.

“Oy oy boy, you are becoming too expensive now… I can’t afford to lose money because of you.” Said the merchant clearly haggling.

Riou smiled “What about another deal? If by the time we reach Thanes you are not satisfied with my work, I will pay you the 20 gold coins”

“Make it 30, I need to get my investment back and I can’t sell it as new after you have used it... if you pay me 20 I barely get out of it even.” Said the cunning merchant

“20” said the boy smiling “You will not sell it until you reach the north lands anyway, you will not lose money as it will just sit on your cart until then”

Immediately the merchant replied “Ha! Look at this Herger! A young one with a thinking head! That’s a rare thing these days. Very well my boy, you got me. You have a deal.”

After helping with the preparations, Riou returned to the Laughing Boar and spent another night with some comfort, it would be a long trip starting in the morning.

Before the morning came he was ready to go. With his belongings in a bag, rested and well fed, he left the tavern for the east gate.

The 5 carriages were all ready and set to go.

Riou noticed another one being pulled in the back, completely empty and with a roof made of a thick cloth and strapped through metal bars nailed to the sides. It had openings to the front and back. Inside it had a plank to serve as seats also nailed to the wall of the carriage. It could easily accommodate a small group of people.

Riou was approaching the carriages when he was halted by a strange person that came in his direction in a hurry.

He showed his open palm to Riou making him stop.

“State your business!” Said the young man in dark, well-crafted, red leather. Riou noticed the golden buckles, buttons and a black leather belt. His gear screamed expensive and impractical from head to toe, even the sword to his waist was like those expensive ornaments he saw on the weapon shops. His hair had a red-brownish color and was perfectly combed to his right side.

“Easy now Red, the boy will be joining us” A male voice came from behind him.

The red haired man addressed the man approaching “Herger! Stop calling me Red, you know my name is Elias Blazetalon, founder and current leader of the Dracar Hunters” he said proudly puffing his chest.

Herger was holding a laugh “Sure… my bad Red”.

Elias had to breathe deeply to contain his anger “And what do you mean he is coming with us? He is too young, does he have any experience at least?” asked the red haired men to Herger that kept smiling.

“Well, I don’t know… in the worst case he will be just like you and your hunters” joyously mocking him.

Elias puffed once again and quickly left in large steps towards a group of people he came from.

Herger approached Riou

“Don’t mind him, he just likes to walk around as if he had something stuck up his butt. The poor kid has a lot to learn about life on the road.”

Herger smiled at Riou, “but since the boss asked me to let him come on this trip… and by that I meant that they paid for that. You seemed like a smart lad, so just watch your back and try not to die on me kid, alright?”

Riou smiled wryly back to him “Well... thanks? I guess” he said unsure what to say back to him.

The Norseman patted him on the back with a heavy hand and pointed to the group where Elias where “Those are the mighty Dracar Hunters… they are a bunch of rich boys and girls, a real pain in the ass, don’t mind them too much ok”

Riou observed a group of five, 2 young women and 3 young men, they all seemed young, probably on their 17. Elias seemed the oldest amongst them, but not by much.

“Come, we will depart soon” said the mercenary walking with him towards the carriages.

“Did you hear what happened outside the walls?” Riou heard one of the young men from the Elias group talking to the others as they approached them.

“They said a mage wiped the entire enemy army… they said he summoned Ragnis itself to fight for him! Can you believe that? Even the thunder and rain was under this mage’s command!” Exclaimed one of the young women.

“Did anyone see the field outside the walls? I heard it was charred black! Completely burnt, I wish I could conjure a spell like that!” Exclaimed the other women excitedly.

“You know how rumors get out of control, it was probably nothing that big of a deal” said Elias casually.

“Yeah, big mistake letting us out of the fight… too young they said! I bet they would think differently if they saw us in action!” Said the first young man once again.

“Absolutely! After this trip we will be known in many cities! They will be the ones to come to us for help!” said the other one while Elias smiled agreeing.

A voice came loudly from the front getting everyone’s attention.

“Let’s get moving!” Shouted Bronarch from the first carriage.

Herger whistled in a high pitch and all of his mercenaries began to move towards their horses. 7 riders counting Herger, plus one man to guide each of the carriages. The caravan was 19 in total counting Riou and the Dracar Hunters.

The young boy went straight to the back carriage as he considered it to be a more comfortable way to travel than a horse. He clearly intended to lay back and let Herger and his men do the hard work.

While he walked to the carriage he heard Elias talking to Herger once again.

“So where are our horses? The Dracar Hunters will scout ahead for danger while…” Said Elias proudly and immediately being interrupted by Herger.

“You bunch go in the back carriage, you can defend us from there… let me worry with the front.” Said Herger winking and patting Elias on the shoulder.

Riou couldn’t help but chuckle after hearing that, he promptly threw his bag into the carriage and jumped in. He went further inside finding a good spot near the opening near the driver seat.

He used his bag as a pillow and laid down comfortably. He crossed his arms behind his head for more support and crossed his leg for comfort, he was all set to continue his nap.

But it didn’t take long for the other young ones to join him.

The first to enter were the girls, one had black straight hair with some hair clips to hold it from falling on her face. Her hair was long well cared for, her face was delicate, a bit pale with rosen lips, she was clearly a noble. Her eyes had a dark shade and hints of a purple color which caught Riou’s attention.

She was pretty, but couldn’t be compared to someone else that he knew, someone that was managing to appear in his mind, more and more frequently, in between thoughts, without him noticing.

She was wearing one of those training gears that he saw in the castle, very similar to Lilly and Eileen’s. But of a different model, this one seemed deliberately altered to become more fashionable than practical.

It had a dark purple color to its leather. Her chest was tightly held together as if to showcase her bigger than average attributes. The armor seemed especially tight at the waist line as if to thin it forcibly.

He also noticed that she carried no weapons with her.

The second girl dressed very similarly but with a dark blue color and different laces and buttons placement, another fashion statement than practical battle gear. Her hair was of a curled dark blond that reached her shoulders. She was much less gifted than her friend in terms of femininity and beauty. Her freckled face was far from delicate.

Both of them looked displeased at Riou and sat the farthest away they could from him.

The next to enter was a young man wearing a studded leather armor of a dark green color, he had short dark blond hair and freckles all over his face with hazel eyes, very similar to the blond girl. They were most likely siblings or cousins.

The fourth was also wearing a studded leather armor of a dark brown color with many leather layers disposed horizontally. His hair was also short and of a brown color as his eyes. Both were very similar regarding gear and had the same kind of ornamented sword as a weapon.

After him, Elias came in blabbering “As I was saying, we, as the trump card of this caravan, we must remain hidden from prying eyes. You know? So this way we can take any enemy by surprise…” He stopped as he saw Riou laying down in the back leisurely “Don’t mind the greenhorn. Herger made a charity allowing him to come with us. Perhaps he will learn a thing or two from the great Dracar Hunters.” Before Elias could say anything else another member joined the carriage.

A woman jumped in effortlessly from the ground up, she was wearing a dark brown hooded cape covering her head and face, but what caught Riou’s attention was the dark brown leather bodice that was barely strapped together. Thin strips of leather were stretched to the point of almost breaking, in a desperate attempt to hold her chest attributes... partially covered.

Her whole outfit was strange, from the shoulders to the waist line, the whole thing was obviously intentional, covering the necessary but showing forms and skin enough to entice one’s imagination.

Her right forearm had a dark leather bracer and her pants were also tight with a low waist line. A bit of her belly appeared as she moved. Her body was very lean, small waist, wide hips and a seductive moving butt. She was clearly agile and used to athletic performances by the way she jumped inside with such ease.

She removed the hood as she entered, showing a very intriguing and beautiful face, her hair was auburn and moved straight down with very little curls.

Despite being long beyond her shoulders it was not voluminous. With bangs at each side of the head falling down over the length of her face.

Her eyes were of a light shade of azure, her outer rings and pupils could clearly be seen which gave her piercing eyes.

She had small rings as earrings on both ear lobes and on her right ear, 2 extra rings on the upper part. She wore a necklace with 5 small red stones along its cord with no pendant.

Her lips had an unusual red tone than normal, she was definitely using some kind of makeup to increase her appeal. She held a constant mischievous and seductive smile. The instant she entered the carriage, she stared at everyone, one by one.

“I almost didn’t make it!” she said while moving and sitting tightly between Elias and the blond man. They were very polite and immediately tried to give her space while smiling a bit goofily.

With a quick glance when her cloak moved, Riou noticed 2 daggers hidden, strapped at her waist and thigh.

The girls quickly crossed their arms and turned their heads away from her.

“Call me Viki” She said seductively while gazing at Elias, the Dracar hunter leader swallowed hard and nodded at her.

“I’m Elias, Elias Blazetalon, founder and leader of the Dracar Hunters” He said pompously while returning the gaze with a pose, attempting to appear more elegant and appealing, but not succeeding at it in the slightest.

Her eyes widened in surprise “Oh my, Dracar Hunters? I didn’t know there were famous adventurers in this caravan” Elias blushed and moved awkwardly, in a uncomfortable position just to face her better,

She was an actress, Riou could tell from afar she was a rogue playing some angle. Very skillfully nonetheless, they were clearly caught on her web.

As the caravan began to move, Riou smiled to himself and turned away his gaze from the scene, closing his eyes and preparing to rest, after all it would be a long journey to the north lands.