Chapter 11 - Kin

Kin woke up before Nami the next morning, way earlier than he needed to. He tried in vain to close his eyes again but they refused to stay shut for more than a few seconds. Sighing, he sat up and looked over at the sleeping form of his betrothed. Even after Hillevi had healed her with her magic, she had been very pale. He felt his blood start to boil as he recalled the story she had given him about the attack.

He stood up and headed for the door so he did not wake Nami from her rest. Looking out a window in the hallway, he could see the sky had not even started to lighten. As he watched the sky, his mind wandered back to yesterday.

***

It was around midday when Kin was finally allowed a break from the heat of the forges and the countless weapons. He loathed to break the rhythm he was in but his stomach complained that it was being neglected. He waved to Torunn who waved as she continued to count bundles of arrows.

He headed towards the square where he could smell food inviting him over. Some men and women were setting up tables of food for the raiding party to sate their hunger. Kin waved as he saw the young men and women that had been about their drills with Simeon devouring food already. He was about to reach for a bowl of stew and a chunk of home-baked bread when he heard a shout from behind him. Turning, he felt his heart sink as he saw Dyric and an unknown woman carrying a stretcher. There was a battered and bloody girl on it. Not any girl either, it was Nami. He fell to his knees as if someone had punched him in the gut, unable to even stand.

A strong hand grabbed him by the collar and yanked him to his feet . He whirled around to find Simeon was the one steadying him. He had only been able to mouth his thanks before rushing inside the temple.

***

Even now as these memories played in his mind, Kin could feel the bile rise in his throat. He never had been more thankful when Hillevi announced that she was going to be fine. He had knelt and thanked all four Guardians and the Lady as he cried in relief. Now though, he could not help but wonder why. What was the purpose of this attack? To show them that their reach was long? He frowned, they had painted a larger target on their back. He shook these thoughts from his mind, he would talk to Hugh about it later. The wise older man would have some insight on the attack by now.

His hand went to where his sword should be, but of course, it was still back in the room. He lowered his hand and kept glaring at the shadowy forest he could see in the distance. How many more of those beasts roamed it since the bandits started their work? This wasn't a local issue anymore. These bandits were a threat to the Dale itself and they must do something.

The door behind him opened, interrupting his train of thought. He turned to find his partner, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she joined him. Her pants were still ripped at the knee and would need replacing, but that was a small price to pay to see her well. If they had taken her or she had died, well he was not sure what he would have done.

"Hey, sleepyhead." He teased her to banish his unease. "You feeling better?"

"Much," Nami responded as she smiled at him and took his hand. "No more dizziness this morning."

Kin released a breath he hadn't been aware he was holding. "Thank goodness. I was really surprised at how fast Hillevi's magic worked. You cannot even see a scar." His other hand went down to touch the spot where the wound was without thinking about it.

Nami looked down at her leg Kin was touching and her face turned red. Realizing what he did, he moved his hand off her leg. "Sorry." That was all he could muster. He turned away from her, embarrassed.

He heard his best friend giggle behind him. "No, no. It's alright. I mean, you have touched me there before…" She trailed off as she too got embarrassed.

They stood there in silence for a while and watched the horizon .He managed to regain his voice a moment later. "Yes, well, Dyric brought you some new clothe while you were sleeping yesterday. I told him your sizes, I hope you don't mind."

"Hmm, no I don't mind." Her expression turned calculating. "How do you know my sizes, exactly?"

He gulped, aware he was now treading on very thin ice with his partner. "Well, mom measured you once for a new dress for your last birthday. The numbers kind of stuck in my head."

He wilted under her glare and then relaxed when her expression sweetened. "Alright, as long as you didn't do something weird like measure me in my sleep or something." She then turned and headed for the room to change. Usually, they didn't bother to separate to change, but he decided today was not a good day to poke the bear with a stick.

***

An hour later, they had broken their fast with hot oatmeal and fruit before they grabbed their gear. Nami was wearing a new leather outfit that looked made from doeskin. This new clothing was much more form-fitting than her previous set was. He could not help sneaking peeks at her as they headed downstairs. Eira was waiting beside the door and waved at the young couple.

"Hello, you two. Is it time?"

"Yeah. Thanks for everything Eira." Kin saw Nami beam at the older woman. "We will come back soon, we hope."

Eira clasped arms with her before turning to him to clasp arms with him as well. He returned the gesture. "You better. Both of you." She gave them a pointed look.

"No worries," He responded as he poked Nami's shoulder. "This one has reached her quota of injuries for the week." He chuckled as he caught her sticking her tongue out at him from the corner of his vision.

Eira handed them both sacks with dried meat in them. "Here, for the trip. My beloved always swears the dried meat I make is the best for long trips. She wanted me to give you her best but she refused to get out of bed this morning."

Nami rolled her eyes. "Wish we could lay about in bed. Well, these bandits are not going to take care of themselves. Shall we go, partner?"

Kin nodded and got the door for her. "After you, partner."

As the two headed off to the square to meet the others, Nami turned to Kin. "Do you think we will get to meet Eira's wife some day?"

He made an impish smirk but kept walking in silence. Baiting her was usually a bad idea but he could not help himself. The sun was starting to rise so his face must have been visible to his partner as he felt her punch him in the shoulder.

"Hey, if you know who she is you better spill it."

He held his hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright. Settle down Nami. Her wife is the smith Torunn. She told me yesterday while we were working in the forge."

Nami blinked in surprise before she started walking. "Never took her for the bashful type."

Kin shrugged as he followed her. "Some smiths are better with their steel than they are with people. Steel doesn't argue with you or try to haggle their prices."

He heard her giggle beside him, a wonderful sound. "I suppose. Still, when we get back after the mission, I want to get to meet her officially. Though I suppose that will be a while."

Kin nodded as he bumped Nami as they approached the meeting place. "Well yeah. The bandit fort is on the way to Crater City. So most likely we will continue on our journey afterward. We won't be back to Heartsville until we are hopeful on our way home from the Ordeal."

His partner hummed in agreement as the two of them arrived in the square. "When we come back, we'll have had way more adventures."

He was going to reply to her when he heard Dyric and saw the captain waving at them.

"Hurry up you two. We are about to start planning the mission. Get your butts in gear!"

Nami bounced ahead of him and winked back at him before dashing in that direction. "Race you."

Kin could only shake his head. "That is cheating," and he took off after her.

***

It took an hour for everyone to assemble and pack up the gear for the mission. Once everything was ready, Kin and Nami were invited to come to stand on the platform with Dyric, Simeon, and Hugh. There was a total of fifty-four volunteers from the town ready to go. There was also twenty Doves-in-training that would be coming as support staff. They had not passed their weapon training courses yet. Hillevi wore her cleric robes with a cloak thrown over the top of it. She was double-checking herbs and reagents in her bag. Dyric stepped forward and waved to the crowd. Everyone stopped their conversations and waited with bated breath.

"Thank you all for coming." Dyric proclaimed as his eyes swept the crowd. Kin could tell the crowd was anxious and of course, they would be. In a couple of days, there would be men and even women with weapons trying to kill them. "We will be heading out shortly. I wish it did not have to come to this. If we could wait for my Patrollers to return, I would never ask you all to risk your lives on this. But I am thankful that you all love your homes enough to pick up your weapons and defend them. Look to your left and right!"

Everyone did as he commanded, even Kin found himself doing it. Nami was to his right and Hugh his left. He took Nami's hand and squeezed, keeping the pressure gentle.

"Promise to give your all to protect the ones next to you. I'll not sugarcoat this, there is a chance not everyone is going to come back alive." Dyric then turned to show the crew that stood gathered on the platform.

"These are my lieutenants, each of them has had Dove training at some point in their lives. Allow us to lead the charge and support us as best you can from the side. Most of the bandits I have ever encountered were barely able to swing a sword. Kin," at this he pointed at Kin who blushed at the attention. "has confirmed this to be the case with most of the bandits he has fought. Including the one called Colburn."

At the name of the bandit that had defeated Kin yesterday, Hugh's face darkened. The hermit looked downright angry. This confused him, had Hugh reacted the same to the name yesterday? He made a mental note to ask him about it later. Dyric concluded his speech.

"Let's get out there and give them a show. We will teach these bandits what happens when you raid our land."

A cheer broke out from the crowd. Kin and Nami asked by Simeon to help hand out oiled cloaks and long ashen spears to the gathered crowd. As he handed out the gear, the people seemed much calmer than they had been before. People took the weapons and cloaks though a couple of the men gave him the stink eye after accepting the cloaks. When they had finished, the sun was about halfway up in the east. Kin could now see dark clouds gathering in the north. A storm was on the horizon. When he rejoined Nami, he nudged her with his arm.

"Hey, did any of your people you gave gear to look at you weird?"

Nami giggled and reached over to poke him in the shoulder. "A few of the girls gave me jealous looks, likely cause I was holding your hand up here."

Kin blinked. He had not thought about other guys taking an interest in Nami before. Red Phoenixes being material people, the women were the ones that pursued the men they liked. He felt like someone was squeezing his chest as he wrapped an arm around Nami's waist. He let go a moment later when his partner, firm but gentle, pushed him off her.

"No need to be jealous, Kin. Even if they broke tradition to try and court me, I love you. That's never going to change."

He flushed at his partner's words. Usually, he was the one assuring Nami of his devotion when other girls made a play for him. So this is what that had felt like for her, every time. Nami, ever able to read his thoughts, leaned in and kissed his cheek. He sighed in relief at the sign of affection.

"Sorry, your right. I never had to feel like this back home. Plus…" He trailed off as he took in her new form-fitting outfit again. "You look good in that, you know?"

Nami treated him with her biggest smile. "Flattery will get you everywhere, my love."

They separated when Hugh walked over and placed a hand on their shoulders. "Now is not the time, love birds. Lad, will you walk with me for a while today? I have a request to ask of you."

Kin glanced over at his partner and they shared a look. She gave a curt nod and he sighed in relief. "Alright, not a problem Hugh. It must be important."

The mountain of a man grunted in response. "It is, lad. Let's go, we are leaving."

Sure enough, the gathered townsfolk had gathered up in a tight group. Hugh and Kin joined the back of the line, to protect the rear. He had planned to walk with some of the young men for awhile and get to know them but Hugh seemed agitated. Kin saw a couple of young women wave Nami over to them. A few minutes later, they were walking side by side and giggling at something. Nami on more than one occasion turned to point at him and the giggling would get louder. Kin thanked all four Guardians when the front of the group, led by Simeon, started walking. Dyric was protecting the flanks, patrolling around the crowd. They were off.

***

The group began their march south before the sun was even up. But with each passing hour, the dark clouds from their rear started to overtake more of the sky. Kin and Hugh pulled out their cloaks and threw them over them in preparation for the coming rain. Around three hours into their march, the hermit finally spoke to Kin.

"So lad. The name of the bandit you fought yesterday, you're sure it was Colburn?"

Kin blinked in surprise at this question. "Aye. Well, that is what he introduced himself as. I suppose it could have been a fake name."

Hugh grunted in response and Kin could see him glaring at the horizon. His red eyes looked more gloomy than the storm gathering behind them. After a long silence, the hermit finally spoke again.

"I doubt it. Colburn was never one to hide his name or his face."

"It sounds like you know him." That was all Kin could bring himself to say.

"Aye, I knew him, if he is Colburn. My brother had a companion named Colburn back when he was an adventurer. One who looked exactly like you described the man you fought two days ago." Hugh's hand went to stroke the hilt of the battle-ax on his back.

"How could that happen?" Kin wondered aloud. "How could he turn bandit if that's the case?"

Hugh shook his head as he responded. "No clue. Colburn was always the most dubious of my brother's companions. But I was under the impression their entire team died after my brother fell in battle."

Kin gasped as he heard this. If Hugh's brother was even half as strong as the hermit was, what would it take to kill him? He felt a large hand rest on his shoulder.

"I didn't mean to scare you, lad. My brother died a decade ago. I have trained in isolation so one day, I can bring the ones that slew him to justice. If Colburn is the same man, I want you to leave him to me. I know you have a stake in fighting him after he beat you, but there are questions I need him to answer."

Kin smiled up at his friend and mentor. "You think he can direct you to your brother's killer? If so, I'll forgo our rematch to allow you to fight him."

Kin felt warm as the large man beamed at him. "You're a rare gem, lad. Don't worry though, I won't let him get away. I won't forget that he almost planted one of those crystals in the middle of the Temple of the Four Guardians. I can hear nature crying at the spots where the crystals have touched. I can hear the spirits of my ancestors sharpening their axes."

Kin shuddered, unsure if Hugh was being literal or metaphorical. Either way, it sounded bad for Colburn. A thought popped into his mind and he couldn't help but speak it. "Hey, who do you think is gonna battle Bjorg the bandit king?"

Hugh got a calculating look on his face. "Well, you are not ready for that fight yet, I'm afraid. If you lost to Colburn and he isn't the leader, there is a good chance the leader will be on Dove levels. If I beat Colburn in time, I can do it. But my money would be on Captain Dyric or Simeon."

Kin considered this in silence for a while before turning back to Hugh. "What if I do end up facing him?"

"I would recommend not engaging him unless you have to. Even then, I would focus on defense and buy time for one of us veterans to arrive. We have two days before we get there. I can double your training in that time, I bet Simeon or Dyric will help too. Fighting an opponent like me who is both taller and stronger than you will help. But I warn you, you will have little time to spend with your fiancee."

Kin sighed in relief. Sure, the training was hard. Hugh was a cruel taskmaster when it came to battle training but even he could tell the difference. "Thank you, teacher. Trust me, training with Nami's father was hard too. Also Nami will understand. I often went off with her father for days to train."

There was a hearty roar from his friend who slapped him on the back, almost knocking him down. "You'll be fine, lad. Until we get to Colburn, I'll let you take point and support you. Show me what you got."

Kin felt his pulse race as if his blood was on fire. He nodded to confirm he would do his best. They continued in silence.

***

When the company broke for lunch and dinner that first day, Hugh kept his promise and pulled Kin aside. They took off their shirts and faced off. The time he would have socialized with Nami and the other members of the raid, he spent honing his strength. They fought with training weapons during the break until they were both sweating. Kin had a few bruises as well but had managed to land the wooden sword on Hugh a few times today. Hugh was not bruised, though. During the dinner session, the townsfolk of Heartsville gathered around as they ate. They watched the two go at each other. Simeon and Dyric were sitting crossed-legged and were throwing helpful advice at him. Tips on improving his form and where to attack Hugh rang in his ears as he fought. The hermit glared at them.

"Come on now, ganging up on me are we?"

The two Doves laughed as Kin managed to touch Hugh's bicep with his blade. The large man turned and knocked him into the dirt. Of which, he got a large mouthful.

"Oh, sorry lad. I didn't mean to hit you that hard." Kin felt the large man help him to his feet.

"No, it's alright," Kin insisted. "That means your still holding back against me. I need to get you to use your full strength against me."

From the sidelines, Kin heard Simeon chuckle. "I like you, boy. Alright, I'll give you some lessons in the morning when you're not so sore. Hugh, will you take over my duties with the recruits?"

The ax-wielder looked over the town folks. "Sure, but a warning, I will be as cruel to them as I am to the lad."

"Good." Came Simeon's reply. There were some shudders from the crowd but Kin was already starting to walk away. He looked for Nami in the crowd and spotted her and headed that way. She was sitting next to two of the female Doves in training. As he approached, one of the girl townsfolk held up an arm to block his passage.

"Hold up there, lover boy."

Kin blinked in confusion at the girl blocking his path. "Can I help you with something?"

The girl frowned at him, her red eyes blazing. "Look, we are relying on you and Nami a lot on this mission. We cannot afford for you two to get all lovey-dovey and wear each other out so close to the mission." At this, Kin turned as red as the girl's eyes at what she was implying. He could see behind him, Nami was as red and looked like she was about to get up and give her a piece of her mind. Which she did.

"Look, what Kin and I do, as we are betrothed, is not anyone's concern. So I would tell you to bugger off but I am well aware of how dangerous this mission is. If enough people feel this way, I will do without my Kin time tomorrow tonight. Though this is under heavy protest. But I am spending this night with my lover."

The girl clicked her tongue, unsatisfied with the outcome but she turned on her heel and stomped away. Nami came over to him and hugged him. As they embraced, he spoke to her in a low voice.

"I don't mind spending the night apart if it means the peace of mind of our allies, Nami. You know that won't affect my feelings for you at all."

He heard Nami sigh against his chest. "I know, and while I hate it, I do see their point. But I nearly died yesterday and didn't get to receive any comfort from you at all yesterday or today."

Kin felt his heart sink at those words. His thoughts had only been on training today. He began to spiral when he felt Nami's hand bop his nose.

"I know what your thinking." She declared as he saw her sapphire eyes look up at him. "I did have fun with the girls today, plus I could tell Hugh had something important to tell you. Not to mention how important it is that you are as ready as possible for the raid. Even though all this is true, I still missed my best friend."

Kin smiled down at her as he tightened his arms around her. At this moment, Dyric walked over.

"Hey Kin, Nami. Got a favor to ask you two."

They looked up at him and Kin was not sure about Nami but his face read how irked he was at the interruption. He managed to force a reply out, trying to keep his voice as level as possible.

"Sure thing, Dyric. What did you need?"

The man winked an emerald orb at them and said. "Well, we need to make sure this camp is safe. Especially against squirrels. Little buggers will cause all kinds of Mischief. Mind if you two go into the woods for a while and scout for them?"

Kin blinked in confusion. "Squirrels?" He asked in dumb shock. This earned a giggle from Nami who stepped away from him. She placed her hands on his back and began to push him towards the woods.

"Come on Kin, you'll understand in a moment."

He allowed his love to push on him for a few seconds before walking on his own. Soon, they were in the woodlands, the camp viable through the thicket. He turned to Nami who was grinning at him.

"So, what are we supposed to be-"

Nami kissed him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she cut him off. He returned the kiss in kind, arms going to her waist when it hit him. 'Scouting for squirrels' must be Dove code for 'get a room, you two.' He flushed in embarrassment but his partner was not letting up on her kisses any time soon.

***

About an hour later, they decided to honor the requests of the girl from Heartsville. Nami had said her name is Signe. Signe was the younger sister of Hillevi, the priestess of the Four Guardians. Unlike her sister, though, she had no features of a Green Phoenix. She gave them a glare when they first came back, tossing her blonde braid over one shoulder. When she saw Kin taking his bed rollover with the men, though, her face relaxed. He didn't miss how Nami gave her the stink eye though. Their little trip into the woods had done wonders to her mood and if he was being honest, his as well. The sky was so covered in clouds now, Kin was sure it would rain overnight. Once he was down in the bedroll under a tree, he grabbed the oiled cloak and draped it over himself to help block the rain. Once he settled in, the exhaustion of the day came to collect its bill and he was out in no time.

***

Kin felt warm, so very warm. A bright white light was assaulting the side of his eyes. His eyes shot open to find himself not in his bedroll but laying in a field of white flames. The flames were everywhere and glowing bright. Some of them were even licking at his body. To his surprise, the flames did not burn him in the slightest. He stood up and looked around but all he could see for kilometers was a white fire burning. Where was he? He looked around but could not find any kind of hints. The sky was inky black and seemed to be pressing down on him and the fires, but the flames did not flicker for even a second.

At that moment, a voice spoke out from the darkness. It was a male voice he felt he had heard recently, but he could not place it. Soon, the flames began to expand and push back against the darkness which yielded. The world around Kin went white as he was completely engulfed.

***

He snapped awake in his bedroll, the sound of rain pounding on his cloak. He lay there for a moment, collecting his wits and trying to figure out what in the world that dream was about. Soon, he heard shuffling coming from a few meters to his left and moved over to peek outside the cloak. He found someone had erected a makeshift pavilion. Dyric and Simeon were standing under it. Interested, he rose, packing up the bedroll while under the protection of the oiled fabric. He walked over to join them.

"Morning." He brought his hand to his chest in greeting.

"Morning, Kin." Dyric smiled as he looked over at the group. The smarter ones had done like he and Nami and thrown their cloaks over themselves last night. The ones who didn't, though, were already shivering under the pavilion as well. "Did you sleep well?"

He was unsure how to answer the captain and shrugged. "I'm not sure, to be honest. I had a weird dream last night but other than that I can tell I spent the night on the ground."

Simeon nodded. "Sleeping outdoors is hardly ever restful, especially when exposed to the elements. We will have to postpone that training session until the rain lets up some. Or at least until we camp for the night."

Dyric nodded in agreement. "Cold rations for breakfast then. We can do something better tonight when we go to settle down. We ought to have done it last night."

Simeon shook his head. "No, the next suitable place was too far away. We are not taking recruits on a forced march here, we are discussing untrained volunteers. They wouldn't have made it to the next spot."

Kin grimaced at this exchange as he fished some dried meat from the supplies Eira had given them. Simeon held out a hand towards the boy, a knowing grin on his face. The boy sighed in defeat and handed over a piece.

"Thanks, Kin. Eira's family has some of the best food in the region." He tore a large chunk off. "So, have you ever camped out in the rain before, you seemed to know what to do."

Kin felt his lips twist in a smile as he too took a bite. "Yeah, on a few training trips with Nami's father or if I went to Rootford with my dad during very bad storms. We once got caught on the side of the road for two days on the way back from a supply pickup for the Apple Festival. Nami was very angry with me over being late."

The two older men laughed at the explanation. Dyric reached over and gripped Kin's shoulder. "You have had an interesting life to this point, Kin Hearthstone. Swordsmith, swordsman, and now adventurer. One day, you and Nami should go to the main Dove camp. I'm sure they would love to give you some advanced training."

Kin, polite but firm, moved his shoulder out of Dyric's grip. "I would like that, but I know Nami has her heart set on us being free to go where we please. She doesn't do orders, she hates them."

Simeon raised an eyebrow. "So, you considered being a Dove?"

Kin turned to look out over the rain as it soaked the countryside. "Sure, doesn't every kid at some point? Being a part of keeping the peace in the land. But it's too rigid and structured for Nami. She needs to be free like the wind, and I will be happy as long as she is. This was her idea after all."

Simeon's face was unreadable, but the captain was crying a little at his words. He responded after a few seconds. "That's sweet, you know? I'm sure you two will be amazing adventurers someday. Now, why don't we get these lazy bones up and get on our way."

Kin grinned and reached over to pick up a stick. "Sure thing"

The bandit invasion army was up and ready ten minutes later. Most of them were glaring at the male trio that was passing out hardtack and dried meat to them. He was also sure Nami made a rude gesture at him in her half-asleep state, but he couldn't be sure. They set off to continue their journey.

***

The rain ceased around midday so the group was able to have a proper stop for lunch. As promised, Simeon drove Kin hard with the wooden training swords. Dyric and Hugh instructed the volunteers at the same time. They had three rounds, and he managed to only last for two minutes the first time. To his pleasure he lasted five the second time and on the third time, he lasted a full ten minutes. Still, he was very sore and tired by the time they had finished. Hillevi used a little of her magic to get him back on his feet.

That afternoon, the forest that had flanked them on both sides up to this point thinned. Kin started seeing more rocky outcrops on the knobs heading up and out of sight. The day started to heat up again and the moisture on the ground turned into fog which started to obscure the trail. He didn't like the low visibility, as the captain seemed to agree to. He stopped the group and deployed the experienced fighters to each side of the group. He got assigned to the left flank. He loosened his sword in its sheath for a quick draw if anything seemed to be a threat. He hoped things would clear up soon.

It was around three hours after their lunch break when they heard the first howl. Kin felt his blood chill. It was a Shade Wolf, he knew it. He could hear muttering coming from the assembled group. They had come for bandits, not monsters. He gritted his teeth, needing to keep it together for the others.

He drew his sword from his sheath in a single motion. Nami, who was walking at his side again, notched an arrow. Kin could see Hugh ready his massive ax and Dyric and Simeon also drew their weapons. Hillevi gripped her holy symbol and was muttering what sounded like an incantation. The townsfolk took up the large spears they had packed in case Shades attacked the group. The Dove trainees were running around and helping adjust their stance. Soon there were four firm lines of sharp weapons pointing in all possible directions. Even Shade beasts would think twice before charging into a line of pointy death.

They held their positions as the howling continued and they could hear footsteps in the fog. Hillevi held up her symbol. It was a circle with a quarter ruby, sapphire, topaz, and emerald surrounded by a white band. Each stone represented one of the Four Guardians. The sapphire began to glow.

"Lord Godfrey, blow away this foul mist!" The priestess chanted and a gust of wind sprung forth from her and chased the fog away from the group. This did go very far from the group, but at least they did not need to worry about accidental friendly fire. Once the area was clear, Kin could see how many of the beasts were prowling towards them. There were ten of them in all, more than he, Nami, and Hugh had handled back in Shore Village. He had suspected before the bandits must have had some way to control the Shades, but now it was certain.

Kin steeled his thoughts as Dyric spoke from where he was standing, a spear at the ready.

"Nami, fire when ready. Shoot to kill. Everyone, when that arrow hits, group up with one of us commanders and wait for an opening. When you see one, strike the beast. Be careful all."

Kin looked over as his partner drew in her focus and aimed between the eyes of one of the wolves on their side. There was a twang as the arrow flew and slammed the creature right between its eyes. The beast slumped over and began to dissolve. Kin did not take time to watch, as he charged the next wolf. He could hear a few of the young townsfolk following him. The beast could not handle that its prey had broken formation and come at it. Kin struck with his sword, putting a light wound on its muzzle. He jumped to its side, trying to lure it to expose its side to the spears. The creature, enraged at the damage, fell for the bait and turned.

Kin stood firm as he deflected a bite from the beast. A moment later, the creature shuddered as four long shafts sprouted from its side. Dark purple blood spluttered to the ground as the townsfolk pulled the spears out. The beast fell over dissolving. He went to give them a salute when another wolf jumped on him from the side. He got a good look at the snarling fangs of the beast as it prepared to sink its teeth into him. Then there was a flash of crimson fire and the wolf rolled off him, singed. Hillevi was facing the beast, her hands glowing with the flames, the ruby of her symbol lit up. The beast rushed at her. He was too stunned to move to help the priestess, but it didn't seem needed a moment later.

The priestess gathered the flames together and formed a long spear of her own. She twirled the flaming weapon for hurling it straight into the mouth of the charging Shade. The creature took it head on and began to dissolve. The priestess slumped, spent from using such a powerful divine spell. As the beast burned, Kin kicked himself to his feet, grabbing his sword. He hadn't even heard the beast coming. He would thank Hillevi later though. He saw Nami trying to shoot another monster but she kept only hitting its thick hide and not its soft spots. He waved at his allies who readied their spears and they charged to help.

He was quite angry when he swung his blade at the monster. For a brief second, he thought he saw his sword flash white, but he had hit his head as he fell so it was likely a result of that. He slashed Nami's attacker in the eye and the beast roared in pain and tried to disengage. The spear users behind him rushed and impaled it, as they had done the last one. This time, though, the spears didn't come free as the beast dissolved and they had lost their weapons.

"Don't worry about it. You four are done, for now, check on Hillevi." Kin ordered before surveying the battlefield. Hugh had struck down two of the beasts on his own. Dyric and Simeon had led the other townspeople in finishing off the other four. There were no serious injuries, but he had the wind knocked out of him and was a bit sore from ending up on the ground. He saw one of the girls bleeding from a wound on her leg. Simeon had started first aid on her already. He felt someone lean against him as he relaxed.

He didn't need to look over to know it was Nami leaning against him. "Wow, I had hoped we wouldn't see any of those things at all." She admitted in a low voice.

He nodded his agreement. "Me either, but I should have known better. I wonder if there are those stones planted around here or if they are from some poor village like Shore Village."

There was silence from beside him in response to his quarry. Soon, Dyric wandered over. "Well done, you all. That was a scary fight. I had underestimated how strong those monsters were."

"I am more concerned over where they came from." Hugh remarks as he cleaned his ax. Once again, it did not seem damaged by the acidic blood of the Shades.

Kin glanced down at his weapon and saw it too had no damage, even though it was still covered in the purple ichor. He wiped it off in the grass. He noticed Dyric narrowing his eyes at the sword in its pristine condition.

"Say Kin, how is your sword not dissolving as mine and Simeon's did?" As he asked, he held up a hilt with a broken sword on it. Kin felt a pang for the poor weapon and held his hands out to the ruined item. Dyric handed it over and Kin examined it.

"I wish I knew, captain." The boy said as he gave the blade back. "It was fine last time as well. Also, I'm sorry but there is nothing I can do for your sword."

"Where did you get the metal?" Hugh asked from beside him, now interested in the sword. Kin felt Nami get off of him and watched her walk away. He could imagine her rolling her eyes and muttering 'sword dorks'. In answer to the question though, all he could do was shrug.

"I don't know, Nami's father obtained metal for me to use on it. He said he got it from a peddler in Rootford so it should be regular metal from Crater City."

"Ah, from the mines then." Hugh bit his lip as he considered. "Every so often lad, a massive rock will come falling from the sky and crash into the area around Crater City. It was a very large one of those that created the lake that used to be where the city was. You can use the metal to make weapons, and those weapons are special. My ax is one of those. We call them Weapons of the Fallen Stars."

This was news to Kin, whom he thought he had heard everything about weaponsmithing. He felt his pulse start to race. "Really? That's an amazing name! How do they forge this magic metal?"

Hugh chuckled at Kin's enthusiasm. "If I knew, lad, I'd tell you. The only smiths I know that can forge Fallen Star weapons are the Hearthstones in Crater City. You would have to ask them."

Kin frowned as he looked away. "I doubt they will teach me even if I ask." He said after a few moments. "I already suspect trouble with them over my betrothal to Nami."

The two red phoenix men nodded in sympathy but Captain Dyric looked confused. "Why would they care if he marries Nami or not?"

In response, the Captain was led away by Simeon who was likely explaining the whole feud to him. A massive hand patted Kin on the back at the same time. Still shaken from the battle, he fell on his stomach.

"Whoops, sorry lad." Hugh helped him to his feet, which he accepted.

"Thanks." Kin spat out some dirt that had gotten into his mouth in his face plant. "So, you were talking about Fallen Star Weapons?"

"Right, well I was thinking for a moment your sword might be one of those types at first. But your reaction to it tells me it's not. Your teacher would have told you if you were forging metal from the sky. Weapons of the Fallen Stars are very durable and are not affected by harmful magics. They never rust either."

"Well, I can guarantee this sword is not one of those then. I have had to protect it against rust every day since I first forged it. I guess I'm lucky then."

The big man shook his head. "I doubt luck has anything to do with it lad, but I cannot find another answer right now."

As he finished speaking, Dyric called out. "Everyone, assemble into groups again. We are going to be heading out soon. We still have some distance to travel before camp."

Kin heard the voice of his partner beside him as she appeared at his side again. "And tomorrow, we will be at the bandit's fort and can finally put this nightmare to bed.

Kin looked over and grinned at the woman he loved. "Yeah, let's do our part and protect our home from these monsters."

The company set off as the sun began to sink in the west.