“Hannah wants to go too! Hannah doesn’t want to be lonely!”

“Now, now, young Hannah. Don’t be upset.” The Elder waved to her.

Dawn arrived. Its morning mist cloaked the forest. Slowly, but steadily, the sun peered behind the horizon. The warm white light pierced through the haze and illuminated the path leading out of the forest.

“Hannah.” Sorah reached for her sister. “I’m sorry. Kihet and I will be going away for while. Please stay out of trouble until we get back.”

“No, no! Hannah doesn’t want you two to leave. Hannah, is afraid of being left alone!”

“I don’t have a choice. I’ve been chosen to help the people other countries.”

“But…”

“Hannah.” I approached the crying girl. “We’ll promise to come back with lots of stories. Ah, maybe when the world is safe, we’ll bring you to all sorts of great places we find.”

Hannah gave a long pause and puckered her lips. In the end, she nodded with the same behavior as if she were being scolded then comforted. She understood the importance of the Creator’s wish for a better world. She’s just sad the two closest people to her will be away.

“Then promise. If you lie... I know! You have to stop eating sweets for the rest of your life!”

“Yikes, that’s one promise I can’t break.”

“Hee hee! Sorah, you too!”

“Yup, yup. I promise.”

The three of us exchanged pinky promises.

It’ll be a blast when I return. I’ll return with tons of sweets and stories. I’ll tell her about all kinds of people I meet, things other countries have that we don’t. I’ll have so many souvenirs it’d be like her second birthday.

I then noticed a figure emerging from the trees and heaved a large net made to hold his armour. The giant’s intimating size did startle Hannah, but after a few silent gazes and murmurs she realized it was just the kind giant, Kridas.

Speaking of which, I haven’t seen him after the festival.

“Kridas! I haven’t seen you all last night!” I waved.

“I was enjoying my time off, enjoying a barrel alone. More importantly, the path is cleared.”

“Thank you, Kridas.” The Elder nodded. “Well then, children. I had the best blacksmith in our village to craft you seven the best equipment. Hopefully they will serve you well and protect you from danger.”

“Sorah, Kihet! You better hurry and return to Hannah! Hannah will be waiting for all the candy and treats you promised!”

“Yeah, you can count on it!” I nodded.

“So long Hannah. Be good.” Sorah gave a kiss on her sister’s forehead and hopped onto her carriage.

“Hannah… Hannah will be good. Hannah knows when you sleep with someone you love really really close, a baby will be delivered to you by a stork. Hannah knows you slept together with Kihet yesterday, so promise Hannah to let Hannah name your child.”

“Oh my, Hannah’s so bold.” Lemi whispered.

“Wh- baby? Stork? Kihet and I- Who told my sister about this?!”

“Hm? If a stork comes deliver a baby if two people sleep together, doesn’t that mean…?” Megith set her predatory eyes on me.

“Don’t even say it.” Sorah pulled me behind and quickly shot back.

Meanwhile I turned to Elius.

“Elius, how could you? She’s still a little kid.”

“Me? I never said such thing. If anyone it’s Vol.”

“Stop blaming shit on me, four eyes!”

“Short stuff.”

“Ah? Say that again, bookworm!”

Vol reeled his sleeve back, getting ready to get in a fist fight with Elius.

“I-it was me. Sorry, she pressured me to tell her.” Malth timidly raised his hand. “But I d-did not tell her about that last part!”

“Malth, you gotta learn to not get pressured.” Draigh laughed.

“T-that means, everyone else knew about us before we can tell them.”

Sorah and I sighed while everyone else laughed.

“But congratulations you two!” Everyone else cheered. “We were wondering when it’d happen.”

Dong, dong, dong. The bell from the village interrupted our banter. It was time for us to go.

We climbed our carriages and looked towards the Elder. Hannah had unstoppable tears running down her cheeks and was already waving before we left.

“It’s time. Eight young ones, as your mentor and Elder, I am proud to see you few grown up and especially joyful able to witness young Kihet and young Sorah’s happiness.”

The Elder smiled to us.

“Young Kihet, I know you are impatient to wander off, but I must ask you not to stick your nose in businesses that do not concern your mission. We Enuis have always secluded ourselves in secrecy to protect ourselves. Can you do that until you make contact with the leader?”

“I’ll try to.” I smiled awkwardly.

Not that I can promise you.

“There is one more thing regarding to the Crests. If by chance, the worst becomes the worst, the magic power within those Crest will transport your bodies back to the temple. I pray it does not happen. Know that the Creator will watch over you. Make haste for the capitals and aid the leaders in subduing the darkness that descend onto this world. May the heroes of old and the Creator bring you good fortune on your journey.”

“Thanks for everything gramps. The eight of us won’t fail. Am I correct everyone?” Following Elius’ promise, we grinned as we raised our weapons in the air.

““We’ll beat those monsters back where they came from!”” All of us shouted as our carriage began moving away from the village gates.

“Bye bye! Baiii baiiii!!!” Hannah’s cries echoed in the distance while watching our carts disappear in the forest.

Her voice didn’t reach past the forest. The Felks’ clapping faded behind the trees as I left the village with hint of sadness, but a large amount of confidence.

-They’re gone now. Everything depends on them. I hope things turn out as the gods wished. Dear me. Young Hannah cried so much she began dozing off.-

“Good grief Young Hannah. If you sleep out here, you’ll catch a cold. Young Sorah and Young Lemi would scold me if that’s the case.”

“K.” Hannah yawned.

The Elder faced back to the village after taking one last glance out of the village gate. When he turned around, he noticed a shadow behind the buildings and stood fast in front of the gate with his cane.

“Young Irvan. Show yourself.”

Irvan, with his armor and weapon on his side revealed himself. He heaved a traveller’s baggage over his shoulder and glared at the Elder.

“You were asked to stay in your home until the eight had left. Where might you be going with those?”

“Out.” He grunted. “I should be the one going to fight for the world, not that fucking weakling!”

-I wish young Irvan would understand it wasn’t my intention to send young Kihet. The Creator had chosen him and not you for reasons. I can clearly see one of them.-

“I don’t care what you said Elder. I’m going no matter what!”

“I see. Then please, go ahead. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. A new barrier is placed to warn me of intruders. If you or anyone other than the crest bearers are detected, I will have to subdue you and activate the ‘Trial Coffin of Malicious Sins’.”

A strong invisible pressure shook the air. The ground around the Elder trembled as he glared back at Irvan. The land detected the Elder’s immense killing intent, capable of silencing all wildlife, the wind and the faintest waves from the lake.

Hannah was still soundly asleep.

It was for an instant, but in Irvan’s eyes it seemed like a minute, perhaps longer. Irvan dropped his blade and fell on his bottom. He lost the ability to breath for a moment and realized his whole body had broken into cold sweat.

“Young Irvan. If you are wise, you will meet me at the temple.”

-As of now, you are strongest youngling in this village, just now If you behave, I’m sure the Gods have other plans for you.-

“Now then, there’s a strange tower that appeared out of the blue. It seems Young Kihet and the others were right for all these years. I wonder what it is?”

Kridas led us through the path as his large stature gently brush the branches away. Right now, the view above must be exhilarating but Kihet wanted to see the open lands and skies together in one picture.

Kridas looked back and had his attention caught by Kihet’s jumpiness. The Enui couldn’t stop trembling in excitement and bided his nervousness as hard as he could.

“Kihet seems happy.”

“It’s only natural, do you know how long I’ve waited for this moment? This wait is going to make my heart explode! I want to see the outside world already!”

“It’s a special day for you. Don’t wander off and neglect your duties.” Elius sighed. He turned a page from his book right before slipping it in its custom-made holster.

“I could say the same to you! Don’t dig your nose into your books all the time!” Kihet retorted.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“You two, stop being so childish. What if the royalties of the countries were to see us like this?” Said Lemi. She turned her attention to Vol, who was remarkably quiet.

It was truly unusual for Vol to not have any input to any situation. He had his head turned back to the village the whole ride and wore a worried face. The reason being the only person his parents depended to tend to the ranch. His father was ill, leaving many chores for his mother to do. There were sometimes other people would help, but it depends if they were busy or not.

“They’ll be fine. I told my Pa about your father’s condition. He’ll be sure to help whenever he can.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks, Draigh.”

“C’mon Vol, we’re all going to miss them too.” Megith kept her lucky go expression but a few individuals noticed she had a hint of worrisome feelings.

“L-let’s do our best. We c-can quickly go back home after!” Malth tried his best to comfort Vol but he jumbled his words.

Kihet smiled. He’s just happy.

His dream to venture towards the outside world was becoming true. Him and his friends were going to experience many different things from food, to greeting new people and exploring the unknown lands that were once barred from him.

His cart travelled at the back and he couldn’t wear off the smile locked on his face. Suddenly he felt a thump beside him and noticed Sorah had sat onto an empty spot next to him.

‘Don’t worry, you two.’ Kridas mouthed his words as he waved his hand leading Sorah’s cart by the reins. ‘You lovebirds enjoy yourself. It won’t be a while until we get out of the forest.’

“Thanks, Kridas.” Kihet tried mouthing the words back but it gave the giant a confused response. “Oh right, I forgot I’m terrible at this.”

Kihet and Sorah provided a lovely aura. They were holding hand to hand on the reins and chattering amongst themselves.

A forked road approached, and they began to split into small groups. Draigh, Elius, Vol went West while the others went North. Everyone waved their goodbyes to each other as the other party slipped behind the hills.

“Sorah, weren’t you supposed to go west?”

“Sanctuary is in the middle of the continent. I’m just making a small detour.”

“Someone doesn’t want to part just yet. Ah. Our road ends here.” Megith waved and Malth finished her farewell. “See you guys. Do your best!”

And just like that, Kridas, Lemi, Sorah and Kihet were the last ones left. The upcoming path was Kihet’s turn to leave for Xu.

Before anything else, he searched for a wooden box finely engraved with Sorah’s name on it. Inside contained a bangle. It was mostly carved out of wood, but it had several beautiful crystals and unique patterns imbedded in it.

“Sorah, a gift for you.”

He took one and put it on her wrist and wore the other one.

“This is… its beautiful.” She muttered and blushed. “I love it.”

“You better! I worked hard on these.”

“I’ll treasure it. Come here.”

After giving a hug, Sorah face slowly approached Kihet’s. She pulled his face down and pressed her lips onto his. They stayed that way for a while, enough for Lemi to feel embarrassed but happy as she stole glances off them.

Malth and Kridas kept their focus towards the front while Megith whistled, watching the two with Lemi.

“Stay safe.” Sorah tightly hugged Kihet.

“You too.”

After the hug, his face became flustered and his words became broken and all over the place.

“A-and when we meet again… I know we just started, so. So… after we’ll.”

“Kihet, you need to speak clearly! She won’t be able to hear you!” Megith loudly whispered.

“We will what?” Sorah eagerly waited for her answer.

“We’ll get married.”

Kihet covered his face in embarrassment. His journey may consist of many twists and turns that’ll take away his motivation. In order to deal with those, he needed a goal and he will make Sorah as his strength to fight forward.

There was an awkward silence. When he looked at Sorah, her eyes were widened. She turned and hoped onto her cart. She displayed a sweet smile with a confident nod.

“Definitely. We’ll get married when the world’s safe.”

“Ah youth.” Kridas laughed whole heartily.

“Kridas, you know we’re older than you. I need to take care of Lemi, don’t let her get hurt.” Said Kihet.

“Don’t worry. I’ll beat up whoever tries laying their eyes on her.”

“Good. This is where I turn. Good luck, everyone. Stay safe, Sorah.”

“You too, Kihet.”

““So long Kihet!”” Lemi, Megith, Malth and Kridas waved at him as his cart slowly disappeared into the horizon.

“It’s so cold! I wore extra layers and brought more robes, but still! How is it still not winter yet?”

I was surprised the Felk pulling the carriage had more discipline than I had against the cold. Well, they’re creatures that have fur on them to keep warm and used it to camouflage in the forest throughout seasons.

Within the first few hours, native creatures of the land attacked me. They weren’t as strong as the beasts back at home. They did showed similarities which was why I gladly handled them without any need of assistance.

The elder gave me a brand new shortsword forged from hailstone, a black ore stronger but more brittle than steel. Although Hailstones were brittle, they could withstand many heavy punishments before a dent or a crack was made.

As for my new shield, it was almost the same as the ones I used. The materials were better in every way, and it was more comfortable to hold.

So far so good, I’m glad to be alive at this time.

“But it feels different here.”

The path to the Capital changed from grassy plains to dried, cracked earth that carried a foul odor. If I hadn’t seen passing travellers, I wouldn’t have noticed the land belonged to Xu. As a mythical race entering the common lands, I had my hood over my race’s symbolic feathered ears to prevent unwanted attention.

The sun was also setting. I should stay overnight in the next village.

When I arrived at a village, I took the time to watch the people of Xu. Their main racial feature was their skin colored horn growing from their foreheads. They varied in lengths, but it didn’t not count towards their status as everyone here had the same social status. Everyone wore thick tattered coats and stood next to campfires most of the time.

“It’s a traveller.”

“A traveller? In a place like this?”

“They don’t have horns or scales. Is it an Alf? Fairy?”

“Probably a short Giant.”

The townsfolks gossiped in groups no more than four. There were many run-down buildings, nailed poorly with wooden planks on some walls.

This place didn’t look prosperous. Farmers were growing barely any crops on their lands. The soil seemed dried, and the land felt poisonous. Could the sacred tree’s roots not reach this place?

It wasn’t long until I heard a voice that captured my attention.

“P-please.”

The woman in light robes carried a child tightly in her arms. The child she carried looked to be nine. I couldn’t be sure as a cloth was wrapped over. Wherever she went, she was told off by villagers. Some even violently drove her away. Everyone else was too busy trying to survive this wasteland like town.

I wanted to help but I needed to get to the capital as fast as I can. Sorry, person I don’t know.

I parked my carriage at the stable next to the inn. As I hurried into the building to get warmed up, I accidentally bumped into a group of soldiers? No, they weren’t in uniform. They had mixed and matched armors, mercenaries. A particular group of people I was told to take on dirty jobs to bloody their hands for any client paying them enough. If I don’t get confrontational with them, I shouldn’t have any trouble. One glared my way while the two behind decided to ignore me.

“That hurt. Watch where ya going! Or were you thinking on doing that on purpose?” Spearman growled.

“Ah, Sorry!”

“Hey, bro he’s a traveller. Leave em alone. We have a job to do.” Daggers pulled Spearman away. “We need to get rid of that wench.”

“That woman and her child?” Swordsman sighed. “She’s here again?”

“Hey, maybe we can have some fun with her. Like, get her to strip and walk around the village.”

“If that doesn’t get her to leave, I don’t know what will.”

Despite hearing all that, I knew I shouldn’t meddle with the people of this land. The Elder specifically told me not to.

I quickly ran inside where the place was nice and warm.

“Oh, a traveller? What a rare sight. Welcome!” The innkeeper smiled. “Renting a room?”

“Y-yeah… for one night and I want to order a meal set, make it anything from the menu. Here’s the fee for parking.”

“Gladly!”

I was nervous about slipping up my dialect, but thankfully this innkeeper understood me. Out of all the languages I learnt, my worst one was speaking this country’s. I wondered why the Elder decided to send me to Xu? Maybe he didn’t notice.

I sat and waited for my meal. The innkeeper slid the dishes of the set. There was a bowl of watery soup, stir fried vegetables, a bowl of rice and some pork with barely any seasoning. The food was bland and tough, but it’s given with the condition of these lands.

My stomach was growling, but for some reason I wasn’t able to move the spoon to my mouth. I couldn’t stop thinking about the woman who was asking for help. I want to help her, I really do… but the Elder told me not to get sidetracked.

“What’s wrong? Is the food bad?” The innkeeper asked.

Well, kinda… Is what I wanted to say. “Something’s on my mind.”

“Then spit it out. I don’t like having to see people waste food, so I’ll try to help clear whatever is bothering you.”

“Who is that woman holding a child?”

When I mentioned her, the innkeeper frowned. The welcoming face was replaced by an irritating scowl as he placed his hand on his face. “You best forget her. The child she holds and protects is cursed. Bad luck falls on the places that she wanders. Don’t worry too much. The mercenaries you passed a while ago is going to deal with her.”

Those people?

When I heard the innkeeper’s words, I lost my appetite entirely. I found myself chewing on a empty wooden spoon as my mind was filled with guilt.

“Let go of me! Someone help!”

That doesn’t mean they are the actual source of your problems! I had enough! I’m the type of person who wouldn’t sleep right if I knew there was something I could’ve done.

I dropped a gold coin on the table and grabbed my equipment from the carriage.

“I’ll be back to finish this later!”

“H-hey! This amount.”

“If that’s not enough I’ll pay more later!”

Ignoring the cold winds, I dashed across the street and followed the cry for help. I entered through the alleyway and found the same mercenaries surrounding the woman on some street. They surround and teased her. One was inappropriately stroking her arm, another lifted her rags, trying to tear them off. She was crying and shouting. No one outside the alleyway paid attention to her even if everyone heard her cry for help.

If they aren’t soldiers, they don’t have the authority to arrest me. These were the types of people I hate the most. They’re just as arrogant as Irvan.

I grabbed a plank of wood and charged into the streets. I smashed the board onto the back of Spearman’s head and grabbed the woman’s arm.

“This way, hurry!”

I ran back into the alley with the woman holding the child and raced through the labyrinth. Because of the woman’s lack of speed, the mercenaries were quickly catching up. They bulldozed through the debris I threw behind.

“W-wait, sir! That way’s-.”

Many turns and twists later, we were stopped by a dead end.

“Aw, c’mon!” I screamed.

Was this the bad luck the innkeeper talked about? No, I just don’t know the layout of this village.

“Found you, brat!” Swordsman smirked.

“Hey, it’s the same one we saw from the inn.” Daggers pointed.

“Good, I can teach him a lesson for bumping into me.” Spearman huffed.

“H-hey... hey guys…” I raised my hands. “Look, I’m sorry for doing that. I really don’t want to fight.”

“You smashed a board onto my head and now you want out?”

“I might’ve did that… and I know you guys good people. You can forgive me, right?”

“Pft. We were paid good money to get rid of the witch next to you!” Spearman roared as he lunged forward.

I’ve occasionally sparred with Megith when we were little. She used a spear, and her movements were much quicker and efficiently unlike this guy. Spearman’s exaggerated lunge gave me time to put my shield and sword in position to deflect it.

I slid my blade onto its shaft, shifting the spear downwards. The tip stabbed into the ground, ruining his charge as he was forced to pull back. Before I gave him the chance to recover his stance, I smashed the pommel of my shortsword into his helmet.

It was enough to make Spearman lose consciousness. Seriously?

“HIYAAA!” Swordsman rushed me, clashing his blade against mine.

Hold on… are they weak or is it me?

I shook away his sword, punching his wrist with the edge of my shield to disarm him.

I then saw his hand formed into fists and leaned back, dodging from one of his punches. I took a few steps back, unhooking the mallet hanging from my belt just as I saw a shadow in the corner of my vision.

“I got you!” Daggers rushed in.

I sidestepped from a slash. My mouth down, biting off the cap from a paper tube in my chest pocket and blew its contents at Daggers. They were finely grounded charcoal dust I used for setting up campfires.

I struck a row of flint that was on the edge of my shield to send sparks and ignite the black cloud. A quick fireball formed and went between us, and forcing Daggers and Swordsman to fall back.

I held my breath, rushing through the smoke. When I saw Daggers, his arms were guarding his head. I didn’t hesitate to kick his man jewels and whacked Swordsman unconscious with my mallet.

Yikes. I’ve gone and done it. Oh right, the woman.

“Are you alright?”

The woman in ripped clothing covered her body with every shred of fabric was left on her ripped rags and held the unharmed child tightly in her arms. While unharmed, I saw the child’s expression in pain.

It looks like the child is suffering from a flu? A cold? Maybe Lemi’s first aid kit had something to help.

A small scar was located on her left jawline. Her tattered darkish brown hair was filled with knots. Her horns were different than the other people in this village, it wasn’t a bump of skin but was a solid dark red bone but her only horn was broken.

The child had the same but with two horns and one of them was broken. The child had the shiny black hair only tidier, like the woman took the time to care for the child instead of herself.

They’ve been through rough times. Dry skin and chapped lips. They were both shivering.

“W-what do you want with me?” The woman shot me a cold gaze.

That’s right. To her I am a random stranger. She must’ve thought I must have some utter motives for helping her.

I pretended to turn away walked like I was told so.

“A-ah.” She squeaked.

I turned back waiting to hear her request. Instead, the woman changed her mind and does her best to lift herself. In the end, she fell back on her bottom. I wanted to help, but without consent I think it was the best choice to leave her alone. I took off one of the many layers I wore and handed it to her.

The woman hesitated to accept. She had no choice when she heard the child coughing. She tore it from my hands and quickly cloaked over her and the child. The woman still had eyes of doubt.

She obviously doesn’t trust anyone here. What if I tried speaking another language?

“Are you hungry?” I spoke in my native Language.

The woman furrowed her brows trying to make sense of my words. She (kinda?) understood when she saw me pass some rations I packed in my satchel. Her stomach growled. The woman swallowed what saliva was in her mouth looking at his food.

“Take this for now, I’ll be back.”

I carried the three thugs deeper into the alley and tied them with an emergency rope I always kept with me. You never know when it’ll come in handy. I then bought everything at the nearest food vendor. I brought bags of freshly grilled skewers back to the woman.

When I got back, my rations were untouched. The woman was still somewhat hostile, so I placed the bag in front of her and gave her some space.

She was drooling when she caught the barbequed aroma floating from the bag. Her eyes did not move away from me while she slowly crawled to it with what strength she had. The woman brought her face close to the food and stopped upon sudden realization of something trivial.

“Y-you… you put poison in it didn’t you!”

Really… really! Even though I went through the trouble, she would still doubt me!

Without another word, I reached into the bag and grabbed a skewer. The skewer itself was greasy with a pattern of roasted vegetables and meat. I took a big bite.

The contents themselves were bland but the sauce made them adequate. I missed Sorah’s food.

“I… I don’t believe you. You’ll put a large debt on me, I know it! You’re the type to take advantage of me after I fall for your tricks!”

“Look, I’m new here and I’m trying to help you. If you don’t want to eat, at least feed some to your child.”

“I… ngh…” Her stomach growled, overruling the delusions holding her back.

Her hands unconsciously reached for a skewer. Her tongue wetted her chapped lips. Each time the skewer drips a droplet of the savoring sauce, she gritted her teeth harder and was trying her best to not lower her front.

“Eat it. I bought it for you two. If you don’t want it, at least give it to your child.”

I can hear the child moaning weakly.

The child’s stomach growled and coughed as the woman inspected the skewer. Her eyes quickly went back on me as she took a bite to taste test for poison. After her first bite, she began devouring the food, so fast not to savor the flavor. She would occasionally soften the food in her mouth and feed it to the sickly child before eating one herself. I didn’t want them to choke and gave them a flask of water which she gladly tore off my hands.

“What illness does the child have?” I asked.

My curious eyes were on the child’s the whole time the woman was eating. I noticed a few signs that I recognized through watching Lemi preparing medicine for a patient once.

“She… umm… Can you heal her?”

“I may or may not have some medicine that can help. I will do my best.”

“She has a fever.” She grabbed my wrist tightly and pled. “Please help, I’ll do anything. She had this fever for days and it’s getting worse!”

A fever? It doesn’t look like a simple one.

I stood up and reached out to the woman. The woman hand hesitated but slowly reached out.

When she placed her fingers in my palm, I firmly held her hand.

“Let’s go to the inn-.”

“I-I-I-I knew it! You don’t plan on healing this child!”

“I don’t plan on doing anything.” I sighed for the umpteenth time. “Do you really want to have that child stay out here? The air is thick and difficult to breathe in.”

She stopped causing a commotion and glared at me.

“I don’t plan on doing anything.” I repeated in a monotone voice. “If you choose to run away, I will let you. Right now, I want to help, but you don’t seem to need it.”

“F-fine.”

The woman growled and cautiously prepared herself for whatever I was scheming. Which was nothing. She had serious trust issues but I could relate to that.

“Innkeep, I’m back.” I declared as I brought the women into the lounge.

The innkeeper was dumbstruck when he saw the women and her child entering the building. I needed a place to treat the ill child and this was where my belongings were.

“You…”

“I know you don’t like her. I’m going to borrow the room to treat her child’s wounds then leave.”

“No way in hell! She’s not welcomed here!”

“It’s only for one night.”

“I don’t care. Her problem isn’t mine. As long as that cursed child is here, I won’t let her!”

-Cursed? She seems normal to me. Maybe karma had gotten you because you aren’t so charitable.-

I reached for my purse and threw it at the innkeeper. I dragged the women upstairs without another word.

“Hey!”

“One night. We’ll be out of your sight before dawn even arrives. You also don’t want corpses because they froze to death in front of your place do you?”

There were around 20 gold coins the innkeeper received. I knew the price for one room is 10 silver and to stop the owner’s objection. I was foolishly willing to pay many times the amount. Money didn’t mean much to me. I still have more the Elder prepared, taken from the heroes’ treasure room.

“Keh, who in the world are you? Throwing money around like that.”

“Do you want it?”

“Fine, I get it. Only for one night and no more. Leave when no one is awake.”

I caught the key and stomped upstairs towing the women behind me. As I reached for the keyhole, I noticed the uncertain look on the women’s face.

“Why? Why are you going so far for us?”

“Why you ask? Aren’t people supposed to be good Samaritans when they see others needing help?”

“Not here. People don’t.”

“You don’t trust me. I get it. I’m just a passing traveller.”

“No, I just. I never met anyone like you before.” She then looked at me. “Also, your racial features are really strange yet… how do I put it? Familiar? No. Kind of divine, ish.”

“Is it?”

She might’ve caught a glimpse of my ears. I hurriedly pulled my hood further downwards to hide my face.

“Y-yeah, I never seen such odd color eyes before.” She nodded.

“We can talk more after I treat your child.”

I gently pushed them into the room and locked the door. I laid my head against the door to hear if anyone was tailing us. I felt multiple hostile glares as I crossed the streets with them by my side. I was being cautious in order to avoid another quarrel.

“S-something wrong?”

“Just a gut feeling. Better to be safe than sorry, but it seems fine. You can take a seat and show me your child.”

The room wasn’t the best, but it’s decent enough for my standard. A bed near the windows, carpet underneath the tables and chairs, lastly a drawer with a withering flower above, placed in a vase. I spot some wears, tears and rots on the wooden furniture and wondered if it was safe to use them.

It seems safe enough as the women sat on a chair. She revealed the child from the blanket for me to do a check up.

-First step, Lemi taught me to check for symptoms. There’s the obvious. The arm was bandaged. That’s likely the source. Followed by high temperature, constant sweating and coughing. Let’s check the manual.-

I brought out a copy of Lemi’s encyclopedia of the listed illnesses she practiced against. It was a giant heavy book that looked like a small chest. I was surprised someone had the time to made seven copies of this by hand.

“What happened on her arm?”

“She was attacked by rodents.” She paused. “I-I gave her some antidote and did my best to bandage it, but she caught a fever moments later.”

“Okay, I need you to check somethings for me while I prepare the ingredients. How are her eyes?”

“Normal, they’re dark green.”

“Fingertips?”

“Purplish.” The women spoke in a worried tone.

-This list is so complicated! Normal eyes… page 30. Unusual fingertips… page 86. I should give her some cough syrup first.-

I poured a few drops of medicine onto a spoon and had the women fed it to the child. It managed to slow the rate of coughing but not entirely stopping it. There was a sign of relief in the women’s face.

“That should hold until the ointment is finished.”

I gathered the materials into a mortar to grind the herbs to a light orange paste. The ointment was scrapped into a small wooden bowl then spread onto the cut. The child painfully moaned but was reassured by the women.

I then burnt the tip of a small needle and gentle poked into the child’s arm. Droplets of blood appeared but were quickly stopped by the ointment. I then took a new roll of bandages to cover the spot.

“This should ease the pain. Have her breathe in this.” I dropped a few Stredhime petals into a cup and put it over the child’s nose.

“Is this, Stredhime petals? This is, I can’t possibly repay you.”

“I don’t need you to repay me. If your child can get better, that’s all I want.”

I felt like saying it since it sounded cool. I looked cool saying it, right? Right?

The child’s face loosened and slept soundly in the women’s arms. The pain from her face faded for good although the temperature from the forehead was still hot.

I don’t know any ice magic. It’ll take longer for her to heal. So, this was what Lemi had to go through every day.

“The pain on her face is gone. I’m glad. I’m really glad!” The women smiled. “Thank you so much!”

“That’s good to hear.” I fell on the bed and exhaled. “I’ve done your request. Will you listen to mine?”

“Eh? A request? W-what could you possibly want f-from me?”

“I want to know your names.”

The women’s eyes widen as she couldn’t believe my simple request was to know her name. She fidgeted and looks around. It made me question if she was hiding something I shouldn’t know. Was she a fugitive or something?

“L-Lily… is this girl’s name. I am, umm… You can call me Martha.” She replied stroking the child’s head.

She’s clearly lying. The names she gave me don’t sound like they were originally from Xu. Perhaps she was nervous and just blurted out the names that first came to her mind, but they don’t look like bad people. There must be a reason, so I’ll play along for now.

“Those are nice names. I guess Lily is fine now. The medicine is pretty strong, don’t expect her to wake up for a few days.”

“Okay…” She casted her eyes on the child and pursed her lips. “Sir… where-.”

“Sir!?” I sprung up from the bed. “Do I look that old? I haven’t even started growing a beard yet!”

Well, if you were to Compare Enuis to every other race, I’m like ancient.

“N-no, I just didn’t know what to call you.”

“The name’s Kihet. Were you about to say something?”

“Kihet…” She repeated. “Where will you be heading next?”

“The capital. I have something I need to do there.”

“T-then. Please bring us along! I need to get into the capital too, but it would take days without transportation. I do not seek protection-, I mean I do, I beg you to please be my escort. I-I know the way!”

Without knowing, Martha threw her face close to mine. Her orange puppy eyes begged me.

“L-let’s not get carried away. I-I can see everything.” I said as I covered my eyes.

“Huh? Eek! S-sorry! I’m sorry!”

Martha shuffled backwards back to the fallen blanket and her face became beet red. It was difficult to see the color of her skin because of the dirt covering them. Her body was quite curvy, and I know for a fact her breasts were bigger than Sorah’s. Hey, Hannah told me her sister’s three sizes.

“H-here, some of my clothes.”

“T-thank you.”

Martha obediently accepted the set of clothes and wore them. As for the child, I didn’t have a size for her and was wrapped with a new blanket into a makeshift robe. Once we’ve recovered from the awkwardness, I noticed the sun had climbed down.

“Alright, you two get some sleep. I’ll wake you up in a few hours.”

“You’re bringing us?”

“We’re going the same way, aren’t we? Feel free to use the bed, I won’t be sleeping tonight.”

“B-but, I can’t possibly-.”

“Bed, now.” I said as I claimed the floor before Martha could respond.

-I wonder how the others are doing for their first day. I want to brag about how heroic I was.-

Before the dawn arrived, I walked down to the lounge and ordered myself a meal. I found myself facing the innkeeper once again. The man came out with the food then sat on opposite side of my table. He kept a stern face and watched me.

There was silence. I stared down at my food trying to keep my straight face in this situation. I nervously poked around and rigidly brought the food into my mouth.

“Look, I apologize for my behaviour before. You’re just a traveller who couldn’t stand against those types of incidents, right? This town used to be filled with righteous brats like you.”

“Used to? What happened?”

“They left. Someday ago when that child came into the city, the sacred tree stopped giving us its blessings. There were rumors from other towns affected when the child was there.”

“And how are they now?”

“Still as bad as this town. The prince is doing his best to purify the poisoned ground.”

“Prince? Shouldn’t he be a King?”

“It’s not that simple. I’m no good with how crowning works, but it seems he didn’t gather enough supporters yet.”

“What about the king? Where is he?”

“You’re really not from around here.” The innkeeper snorted. “Boy, you just missed a piece of very important history.”

The innkeeper proceeded to explain the revolution that recently ended. It shortly began after the Empress passed away, the Tyrant Emperor decided to recognize the Ogres’ independence. At first, it was rumored to be going well for lending the Ogres their own land to build settlements. However, the Emperor was plotting something much sinister while waiting for his patience to bear fruit.

Many of the Ogres had flocked to where their population was and yielded bountiful harvests yearly. Life had been peaceful within Xu, but the false life given to the Ogres was the start of “The Blood Harvest”. Taxes and tariffs imposed on the Ogres gradually increased and suddenly, heavy restrictions on trade were put on them. If they refused, their property would be seized. There were a lot of confusion at first. The Ogres protested and attempted to negotiate, but they were never heard. They only had so much time before they resorted to violence then terrorism which was what the Emperor hopped for.

“I won’t bore you, but in short it was a trap by the Emperor. He fabricated a paradise for the Ogres and waited for us to act rash. He intended to commit genocide on us from the beginning.”

“So the Ogres won?”

“Not a chance. Even if we won the leader of the terrorists was no better than the Emperor, but our saving grace was the Prince. His highness rebelled against the Emperor. The Prince is like a lion for his age for performing the impossible. He acted as a bridge for the Ogres and the Devil Folks, slew the terrorists, seized the throne and imprison the Emperor in hopes of bringing him back to his senses, but…”

“But?” I gulped.

“Some assassins got to the Emperor and were about to get the rest of the royal family. The royal guards were poisoned before the assault, and the Prince managed to fend them off himself. Unfortunately, in amidst of the chaos, the Prince’s sister got hit. Heard she’s still recovering to this day.”

“What about the cursed child rumor? Why is everyone afraid of it?”

“Anywhere that child goes, bad things just happen. The land’s dying but we just needed something to blame. Apparently, that might be the gist of it.”

Then, these people with horns grown under the skin were Ogres. The Prince, Lily and Martha must be Devils then. That’s one thing cleared, now I must get some information of the new ruler and hopefully not embarrass myself when I meet him.

“Can I ask the name of the Prince?”

“His highness’ name is Wu Shibata.”

“I see. Anyone else I should know?”

“His advisor is Ikki Eizan, an Ogre. I heard Eizan’s a crafty fella but he was alongside his highness through their rebellion against the Emperor. Here I thought it was impossible that the Prince chose an Ogre to be his closest aid to prove to us. Heard he and the Prince were childhood friends but that’s not for certain. There’s also the Prince’s sister, the Priestess, Wu Tomoe. With her absence from her duties, it might explain why the sacred tree’s been acting weird.”

“Is that so?”

“You sound like you’re off to meet his highness with all these questions.”

“This is my first time traveling here. I’m just learning about the world.”

“An explorer?”

“Yup! I better be off, I promised to leave before dawn arrived.”

“Alright, but take these for those two. What a gaff, after seeing someone like you I found how ridiculous I was acting because of some rumors.” The innkeeper placed a bag on the table. “If you’re ever passing, be sure to drop by. I promise to have more appetizing food by then.”

-He found out...-

“One more thing, if you plan to enter the capital, their inspection will be stricter on foreigners like you. Unless you have goods to sell, they most likely won’t welcome you with open arms. And listen, there has been a kidnapping spree within the city. Be vigilant, even the capital isn’t a safe place to be.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

I dropped coins on the table, this time not an absurd amount, and carried the basket upstairs.

I almost didn’t want to wake Martha and Lily because they made blissful faces. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a choice.

“Martha, wake up.”

“Ugh… who?”

“It’s Kihet. I’m bringing you to the Capital just as you asked. Can you get up?”

I woke the two and guided them to the carriage. Martha was nodding off as Lily continued her best to get as much rest as she could.

“The innkeeper gave this to you. It’s food. Eat it while we’re on road.”

“The innkeeper did? Kihet, how did you…”

“I guess I knocked some senses into him.”

When Martha got on, she snuggled with Lily in a wooly blanket. They look warm and happy. I had this fuzzy feeling when I saw Lily’s pleasant sleeping face. She reminded me of Hannah. I miss Hannah.

Crunch.

I quickly snapped my eyes towards the alleyway. I saw nothing but darkness between the buildings.

“Is something wrong?” Martha asked.

“No, nothing.” I peered into the night as hard as I could. There shouldn’t be anyone awake yet besides us.

One night, we came across a stream to make camp. I took this chance to give the two some time to clean themselves. Without any products for further health care, some parts of her skin would easily dry. Other than that, Martha’s skin whitened a bit after washing herself and her orange eyes became clearer and filled with life.

Lily on the other hand, stayed mostly asleep as her body was recovering from the fever. Sometimes it looked like she wanted to say something to me as I felt her tug on my sleeve. She would open her eyes just slightly and I would return a smile to reassure her everything would be fine.

The time to find the sacred tree’s blossoming petals took us about two days of travelling inwards to the country. As we got closer, the land turned more vibrant, but the great tree disappeared. No, it covered the entire sky above with its pink petals. Under its shade, I noticed a grand structure built underneath the roots.

This was one of the eight great trees of the world. It’s huge and pretty.

“Martha, is that the entrance?”

Her reply was silent. No, there were some small movements I felt from my seat. She seemed like a puppy that was either excited or scared. I couldn’t tell until I heard her voice.

“Martha? Can you hear me?”

“Is it alright if I hide during the checkpoint. I don’t think they will let someone with my appearance enter the capital.”

“What do you mean? There’s no place I can hide you with the size of this carriage. Besides, you look normal. You’re not wanted or anything I hope?”

“N-no way! If I was, I wouldn’t be able to escape from anyone even if I tried.”

“That’s true. You would lose in all games of tag.”

“Your words are hurtful. At least the-, I mean Lily… Can you hide her?”

“Is it because of the rumor?”

I referred to the cursed child one.

“Rumor-? Yes! I’m worried the people won’t let her through because of that. Please?”

I could tell by her words it wasn’t anything bad. I parked the carriage aside and inspected it to see if there was a spot to safely hide Lily.

Telling me to smuggle a child into the city when I could afford the toll for the three of us? I feel like this is going to go bad.

My carriage didn’t have any secret compartments. I searched and stacked objects aside. It would conceal but easily spotted if someone remove certain boxes.

“I can’t really do much. We can cover her horn with bandages saying she got injured.”

“T-that sounds good too. Hopefully they won’t recognize us.”

“Are you sure you are not really wanted?”

“Like I said, I am not. There would be posters. Kihet, I wish to tell you the reason, but I can’t. It’s to protect this child.”

“This child? You mean, she’s not yours?”

“She’s not. If possible, can we avoid this topic?”

“Got it. I won’t ask anymore. I’m just watching my own back.”

Our journey resumed towards the checkpoint. Martha and I wore hooded robes while Lily had a bandage wrapped around her broken horn.

The traffic in front of the gates was disorganized and confusing. The place was setup of many stalls doing business with three lines of people waiting for their turn to pass. One line was authorized by adventurers who quickly exited and entered the capital. The second had less people but took more time to complete registration for merchants to pass. The last one was for travellers who wish to tour within the city.

“You, come here.” A soldier called out.

His red horn suggested he was a Devil. Most of the soldiers here were of the Devil race unlike the outskirts. His armor was mostly cloth, but there were lots of bolts on it. Almost all the coat’s edges were lined with fluffy fur. He waved something like a stick painted in bright red color to guide my carriage towards the stables.

“Step to the side and await further instructions, traveller. We will be doing an inspection of your belongings.” An officer professionally spoke.

“Did I do something?”

“No, no. This is for safety measures. Are there any valuables in your cart you wish safe keep yourself?”

“Money.”

“Weapons?”

“The ones on me. Do flammable ingredients count? Some are used to make medicine.”

“Those are fine as long as they are not over a certain quantity on one individual.” The officer scribbled on his clipboard. “Shortsword, and a weird pitchfork looking dagger. How goes the search there?”

The soldiers inspecting the carriage formed an O with their arms. They practically brought everything on the ground and searched their contents. I was glad I didn’t try to hide Lily in any of those crates. I would’ve gotten in trouble. The soldier in charge of us gave a nod of approval and handed us a slip of paper.

“Good, you’re within the requirements for passing rights. Since you’re a traveller, you need to register a visitor’s badge. I’ll ask you leave your weapons in your cart. Your things can stay here until you return, and I’ll have someone to escort you and your wife.”

“Wife?!” Martha blurted out.

“Ah, sorry. Are you not his wife? I saw a child in your arms and just assumed. I must apologize.”

“We’re friends. Can I keep my shield and toolbelt?”

“Hmm… I suppose those are fine to carry.” The officer pondered. “In any case, the adventurer lane is piling up, it will take some time until someone can serve you-. Ah, never mind. Recruit, I need you to bring these three to the office.”

“Oh. Okay. Follow me.”

Martha and I looked at each other confused. We shrugged and obediently followed the guard.

The recruit moved strange. He waddled in a similar manner an undead would. He would occasionally turn his face towards us with an unsettling gaze. Martha hid behind me each time the recruit looked back.

“Kihet, this guy…” Martha whispered.

“I know. Something doesn’t feel right.”

This guy looked really creepy. What’s with those diluted eyes? We seem to be getting farther and farther away from the checkpoint. Was this really the way to the office?

“You, traveller. You do not have horns… You are from a different race?”

“Yeah. Is this really the way to the office?”

“It is.”

The recruit brought us to a warehouse filled with wooden crates. The place was dead, and our footsteps echoed through the storehouse. The lighting was dim, and the air felt very restrictive because of poor ventilation.

“We’re, here…” The recruit groaned.

I suddenly felt a sharp pain jabbed my shoulder and found an arrow where the pain was. I fell on the floor with my hand gripping the arrow and dropped my shield.

“Argh!”

“Kihet? Kihet!”

It was hard to move. It may be poison mixed with paralysis. I was thankful it didn’t punch through my shoulder pads, but only the tip poked into my skin.

For now, I’ll pretend to lay dead and watch them.

“That traveller died that easily?” The archer from the shadows sighed disappointingly. “Did we get the right people this time?”

“I believe so. The women matched the descriptions. She seems to be holding the Priestess.”

The recruit drew his blade and slowly stepped towards Martha. His footsteps grew hasty and charged at her.

No!

“EEEK!”

Martha took my shield to protect herself from the first blow. She couldn’t withstand the recoil and was threw down onto her bottom. When she saw the recruit raise his blade, she sheltered her head and blocked the repeated strikes.

“Stop playing around man, hurry up and kill them!” The archer yelled.

“This shield’s hard to get past. Annoying!”

Martha wrestled against the recruit with the best of her ability. In the end, the victor was the recruit as he pried the shield off her hands and raised his blade high in the air.

Martha turned her back to cover Lily from their assailants.

I reached for a bamboo canister and rolled it in front of the attacker with the key removed. I quickly dig my face to the ground.

A big flash illuminated the warehouse.

“Nagh! My eyes!”

“Where did this light come from?!”

I managed to fight off the paralysis by getting my mask to my nose. The Stredhime petals worked wonders. I’m glad I knew how to grow them to have this much with me.

“Martha, run!” I pulled her off the floor and ran towards the exit, picking up my shield in the process.

“He’s catching up!”

As we passed by a mountain of stacked paper, I used all my strength to topple it over the recruit.

“Your wound, is it alright?” Martha asked.

“It actually pierced my shoulder guard. It feels a bit numb, but I can handle it. How are you two?”

“Kihet… You are… are you an Enui…?”

“Huh?”

I didn’t realize my hood was down.

“I’ll explain later! Right now, we need to get out of here-! Hrk!”

They got me in my thigh with another arrow. I tripped on my front. This time I felt the deadweight of my leg. There was more than one archer up there.

“Kihet!”

“Go! They’re after you!”

My exposure to Strehime petal effects started to wear off. This did not look good but I’m still able to get up and run. Unfortunately, I’m slowing us down.

I then spotted four armed men guarding the exit.

“He’s resisting the poison?! We can’t let them get away!”

They’re drawing their bows!

“Behind here, hurry!”

Martha quickly pulled me behind covers of stacked paper from raining arrows.

This isn’t good. We’re going to get trapped at this rate.

“I told you that you can’t die on me.”

I heard the apparition’s voice. Whenever I had a thought I was going to die, his voice whispered in my mind. I looked down on my arms, noticing the symbols glowing under my sleeves. I felt empowered as a small surge of adrenaline rushed throughout my body. The numbness subsided, but I think it’s only momentarily.

This might be the only chance I’ll have.

“Martha, were going to charge past them. Stay close and run as fast as you can.”

Martha did not reply. Instead, she observed me for a while then nodded her head and held Lily tightly.

On my mark, we dash out of cover, sprinting towards the group of mercenaries gatekeeping the exit. I reached into my chest pocket for the four remaining tubes of charcoal dust. I’ll create a smokescreen to ignite later as a diversion to run away.

I’ve never killed people directly before. The thought of it was disgusting, but if these attackers appear more frequent, it might be inevitable.

“Martha, you might get hurt. Take my shield and do your best to protect yourself.”

“What about you?”

I send a smile her way, drawing my mallet and bite the handle of a short sword. The attackers saw us rushing them and braced themselves with weapons ready. Two of them opposed our charge while the other two acted as goal keepers.

Waving the charcoal dust around us, I warned Martha not to breath in the powder as we scurried around two foes. When I emerged and saw her safely ahead of me, I spun around to set ablaze the dust. This time, the flames engulfed the two assassins, sending them into a panic.

“Fire?!”

The flames caught onto the paper stacks, spreading to others behind us through the warehouse.

Our attackers immediately attempted to stop us. Seeing this, I raced to the front and lunged at the one closest to Martha.

“She’s going to get away with the child!”

“I won’t let her!”

“No you don’t!”

I overpowered one of the assassins and threw my shortsword at the other. He stumbled back and dodged, but I was already running at him.

“Shit, that was close.”

“Hyah!”

Martha suddenly turned back at the assassin, bumping him towards me to hit him with my mallet. In the moment of relief, she put down my shield.

“Move!”

In the corner of my eye, I caught a glint flying out of the warehouse. I instinctively jumped on her and shield her from a paralysis arrow. I felt a sharp intense pain on my back. An arrow lodged between the unarmored parts and the numbness feeling returned.

My legs gave out and I slumped on the ground. I’ve lost a lot of blood and it’s getting cold. It hurts. It’s cold.

“No, Kihet!”

The archer drew another arrow, putting two more on my back. I used my remaining strength to keep myself up, covering Martha and Lily from the assassin. My vision slowly became warped and hazy.

Is this the end for me? I haven’t started my adventure and I’m already at the verge of death. I can’t die, not when I still have to go back to Sorah.

From Martha’s dreadful expression, I could tell the assassins were making his way towards us. I could hear footsteps coming closer and the scraping metallic sound of a blade being drawn from its sheath.

“Guards! Capture the assassins! Bring caretaker Sayuri and Priestess Tomoe to safety!”

Suddenly two arrows flew over our heads. I heard something falling on the ground behind me. Was it the assassin? Are we safe?

With my fading consciousness, I looked up.

There was a commander being escorted by elite soldiers. I could vaguely make out his short black hair with two skinned horns, an Ogre. His uniform of artfully crafted scaled armor and golden cloth made him important. The Ogre pulled a royal carriage behind him.

There was a gasp. He probably saw me.

“I hereby speak for his highness! Save the Enui at all costs! His life takes utmost priority! This is a royal decree!”

“Yes sir!”

Help? I’m glad. I’m glad I held out this long for Martha and Lily to be rescued.

“Kihet! Open your eyes! Kihet!”