Kyren walked back into the trade hall. Some of the prisoners moved toward the hatch leading down the pipe, while others exited through the doors. Kyren approached Lydel and Runa.
"So, Runa, what's your plan?" Kyren asked.
Runa shrugged. "I just wanted to make it into inner Epsilon and make a name for myself, but I think I've got some debts to pay with this cult." Her expression was neutral at first, but by the end, her muscles clenched and she visibly tensed with anger.
"Good. Then you might want to come with us," Kyren said, a mischievous tone in his voice.
"Sure, I should just travel with two men I just met," Runa replied with a small grin.
"Please, I don't want to be the only girl," Liora said as she flew into the group from wherever she had been.
"Where did that voice come from?" Runa asked, whipping her head around.
"From me, of course," Liora said, flying down and circling Runa before landing on her shoulder.
"Do you guys hear this voice?" Runa asked again, staring at the sprite.
Lydel burst out laughing. "Kyren, is this how I acted? I don't see how you didn't laugh at me."
Kyren just shook his head. "It's her on your shoulder, and yes, we can all hear her." Then, in his mind, he added, "We can all talk like this too."
Kyren's voice echoed in Runa's head. She liked the slightly deep and melodic sound of it. Trying it for herself, she thought, "Hello, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear," Lydel responded.
"That's so cool!" Runa exclaimed aloud. Her face flushed with embarrassment from the sudden outburst, but before anyone could respond, the hatch flew open again.
Baldwin emerged, followed by about fifteen people who began cleaning the area. Some collected bodies, while others salvaged what they could from the destroyed stands. Baldwin approached the group.
"Thank you for destroying that priest. Without him, it'll be much easier to keep the cult away. You guys weren't the only ones who hated that group—most of these people agree," Baldwin said, bowing slightly. "Also, my old lady back in the housing room whipped up some food. Go get some."
"He has a wife?" Lydel was the first to speak.
"Do you think she's really his wife or is he just saying that?" Kyren asked.
"You two are worse than any woman with all this gossip. Let's just go eat," Runa snapped, walking toward the hatch and lowering herself down. Kyren and Lydel followed.
They entered the housing room. The older woman who had been washing clothes the previous day now stirred a pot of stew over an open fire.
Runa approached politely. "May I have a bowl, miss?"
"The name's Marisa. I hope you enjoy the stew," the woman replied, handing her a full bowl.
The boys followed and, after asking politely, received their own.
The three sat together, eating stew and passing around a metal cup filled with water. They laughed and relaxed, enjoying each other's company.
Kyren finished first. "So, Runa, have you thought about it? Are you going to travel with us?" His voice carried a hint of sadness.
"What are y'all going to do that's so important you think I should come?" Runa asked.
"Something about an eclipse and some asses to kick. You know exactly what you want to do," Lydel said.
"How do you know there's going to be an eclipse?" Runa asked.
"Our grandma's journal," Lydel said flatly.
"It happens in about a week, and we're about 200 miles away," Kyren added. "We could really use your help."
Runa finished her stew and set her bowl down. "I'll go. Something about this feels like the right thing to do. So, what's next?"
Kyren looked her in the eyes. "Rest up to refill our mana. Then we head toward Zybana."
The group relaxed, savoring these few peaceful moments before their journey resumed. Kyren and Lydel had another helping of stew while Runa left to gather supplies, taking some coins from both boys.
Lydel also went to retrieve his bag from the prison storage room. They returned around the same time—Runa with a bundle of supplies including food, fire starters, and a large jug of water.
Lydel walked up. "Put it all in the bag."
Runa scoffed. "It won't all fit in that tiny-ass bag."
"Trust me," Lydel said, placing the supplies inside. His arm went shoulder-deep into the bag. "See? It's not a normal bag."
Runa looked surprised but not shocked. "Those are really expensive where I'm from. How did you get one?"
"Kyren gave it to me," Lydel replied, grinning.
Runa looked between them with a mischievous smile. "So… are y'all boyfriends?"
Kyren's jaw dropped. "No! Nothing like that. We're just friends."
Lydel slipped his ring onto his wedding finger. "Then why'd you give me this?" He started giggling before Kyren could respond.
"I swear, we aren't a damn couple," Kyren said, exasperated.
"So, are we ready to go or what?" he added once the laughter died down.
Runa led the way through long hallways toward massive double doors. As they stepped into the courtyard, a cheer erupted from the gathered crowd, celebrating the group's departure.
They walked silently until they reached the gates of Zafeer. Once outside, Kyren summoned Veldthar, who joined them on the road. They hung their bags on his saddle.
"So, how long will it take to reach Zybana?" Runa asked.
"Should only take five days if we hurry," Kyren said, holding his head high.
The excitement of the journey hadn't faded yet—but the fear of the destruction awaiting them in Zybana lingered quietly in the back of Kyren's mind.
They followed the path as it shifted from a smooth, well-traveled dirt trail through the plains to a rough, narrow passage that barely resembled a road. The terrain alternated between rocky patches and smooth stretches, while the grass on either side grew taller than their heads.
At some point during the journey, Runa picked up three dense rocks, weighing about five pounds combined. She absorbed them into her palms and, as they walked, began intricately weaving the mana she'd drawn from the stone into a new weapon.
"Runa, what are you making?" Lydel finally blurted out, no longer able to contain his curiosity.
"Keep your voice down. You're distracting me," Runa snapped. Then, after a pause, she added with a small smile, "I'm making a great axe. I have to build it like this the first time I want to use a weapon."
Kyren, who had been watching the road ahead, suddenly pointed. "Y'all see that, right?"
In the distance was the faint outline of a small village.
Lydel and Runa both nodded.
"Let's see if we can stay there tonight," Kyren said, picking up his pace to reach it before nightfall.