Meanwhile, Cale's memories had reached the day when he and his friends had reached Aletta's hometown, Norgram in Frignez.

Some guards had spotted the group and were just escorting them back to the city, so the five were happy to have finally reached the destination of their journey.

, Philippa complained quietly as she struggled through the wind behind Ben.

, Cale spoke up before he slipped on the frozen surface and only just managed to prevent himself from crashing to the ground. Surprised, William turned backwards before reaching out his hand to the fallen man and helping him to stand.

, Aletta announced proudly, pointing in a direction where nothing more than snow and ice could be seen. Cale was visibly confused as to where exactly she was supposed to live, but a few moments later, flaps suddenly opened out of the snow, bringing light with them. The residents had opened their windows and looked curiously at the newcomers before spotting Aletta and beginning to whisper.

With mixed feelings, Cale watched and also crossed eyes with some of the residents, but they immediately avoided his gaze and retreated. He immediately had the feeling that his group was not welcome here. Cale was about to ask if it was okay that Aletta had invited them all home, but he didn't get around to it at all. A tall man appeared from behind a snow-covered hill and when he spotted the group, he immediately started sprinting.

, the stranger shouted so loudly that all four flinched in surprise, while the young healer merely sighed. The bearded man came to a halt in front of the girl, grabbed her and lifted her into the air with a hug, causing Aletta to immediately rebel and shout for him to put her down. But he did not let go and clutched her tightly. Holy Mana have you been? Do you have any idea how worried we have been!">

, she merely replied before the man set her back down on the snowy ground. Annoyed, Aletta straightened her clothes and looked up at the man, who was displaying a scowl, almost threatening expression.

The father sighed and gave up. You could tell he didn't have the nerve to argue in public. For a moment he stood in silence, blocking the wind for the entire group, before looking down again and taking a closer look at the strangers.

, she complained and pushed her father aside, who gave in and went to the edge. Without another comment, Aletta led the way, while the other four stopped and looked skeptically at their friend's father.

, the tall swordsman explained calmly and introduced the entire group.

, the tall man announced graciously, gesturing for Aletta to follow. Cale felt a chill run down his spine when he heard the name. The other three seemed to feel the same way, for they were rigid with shock. None of them knew that Aletta was the daughter of one of the Frignez leaders. She had never mentioned it before.

With a disconcerting feeling on the back of his neck, Cale followed the others, who struggled through the snow and headed for a large snow mountain. A few moments later, Cale noticed two men emerge and open a large door that was almost completely lost in all the snow. The closer Cale got to the hill, the better he realized that the hill was a snowed-in house, with the roof merely visible.

Stunned, he followed the healer who entered the building through the roof and went down the steps. Warmth enveloped her as she entered, and Cale noticed how many people appeared and watched her arrival. They all seemed shocked that Aletta Merensen had come home, which Cale could understand. She had been missing for a good year and had barely shown any sign of life.

, a woman's voice suddenly called out, causing the four newcomers to turn in surprise to the direction from which the voice came. A young woman with fair blonde hair and ice-blue eyes emerged from the crowd, dressed in a beautiful white and golden dress.

, Aletta replied joyfully and ran down the steps, only to be swept into her arms with a great leap. With tears in their eyes, the two women hugged each other as the rest of the group and the chiefs also arrived at the bottom.

, the healer declared with amusement as she held the delicate woman's hands and looked at her. For a few moments they hugged each other tightly as the people around them began to whisper quietly.

Holy Mana that you have come home safe and sound. I am so glad! When I heard that Altona had been attacked by creatures, I imagined the worst.">

Abruptly, the five newcomers stopped and exchanged irritated glances.

, Aletta repeated and turned to her father, who brought up the rear of the group.

, the chief explained seriously, which is why there was abrupt silence.

"What?", Rangar was suddenly heard saying loudly.

"Did Chiefs Merensen just say that Altona...?", Joshua interjected irritably, but did not finish his statement.

"What's that? The future or what?", Odin commented, but no one received an answer.

, Ben could finally be heard saying within the vision, which was why there were no further questions from the High-Magicians.

, the Chief confirmed and approached his wife.

, Cale interjected anxiously, dropping his gaze to William, who was white as snow.

, Ben cautiously spoke up and he too suddenly seemed like a different person.

, the Chief explained, placing his hands on his wife's shoulders as his gaze turned to Cale.

, Cale replied quietly, prompting an approving nod from Ben. As William didn't make a sound, Cale gently touched his friend on the back, causing him to look up in surprise.

, Delenna Merensen, Aletta's mother, finally spoke up as she cast a confirming glance at her husband.

, Cale replied matter-of-factly, having taken over the conversation in an unexpected way. He could feel William begin to shake all over, even though he tried not to show it.

, Chief Merensen announced, calling for one of his staff members.

At the statement, the Chiefs' expression darkened abruptly.

, Aletta confirmed meekly as a broad-built man with greyish-blond hair came up behind Ninett Merensen. Politely, he led the group to the Merensens' house, while Ninett stayed behind and tried to calm the curious occupants. With glum moods, the five travelers followed the man through the narrow hallways, with Cale unable to hold back for more than 5 minutes.

Philippa replied in a hushed voice.

, Ben muttered.

, Philippa replied, which caused the mood to drop by a manifold.

, Aletta interjected and turned to her friends. .

, Cale completed her thought, looking at them with serious eyes.

, the man who led the group, spoke up.

, Aletta asked on behalf of the whole group.

, the man reported, pointing to a door to his right.

, Cale spoke up, which made Ben turn to him in surprise.

, he blurted out and stopped abruptly. He had never told the group he was from Groka because people tended to look at him funny.

, William's voice could be heard for the first time. He had come to a halt outside the door, like the rest of the group, and turned his attention to the black-haired Anuxer.

Shock was written all over the faces of the four young people and even the servant.

, Philippa finally interjected, which was why Cale's eyes went first to her and then to Aletta.

, Cale interjected with a slightly reproachful tone.