Chapter 45: Special Treatment
At night, after drinking meat soup to warm their bodies, Lucas called Wade and some others to gather around the central bonfire. The orange firelight illuminated their solemn faces, with Wade’s black iron helmet reflecting a metallic sheen.
He hadn’t discussed anything with the Tanians beforehand, yet he was placed at the very center beside Lucas—or rather, Lucas sat to his left like an adjutant. They perched on several dry logs where the snow had been cleared away, revealing dark soil beneath.
A burning pine log cracked loudly as Lucas showed everyone the route map he’d prepared earlier. Lines drawn in the dirt represented mountains, waves indicated rivers, square houses stood for Bronte Village, and clusters of trees marked the creek forest they needed to traverse.
“Here’s the Klavi mountain path,” Lucas explained, pointing with a branch. “A bit further ahead is Bronte Village. Our current position is between the Klavi path and Bronte Village—right here.” He indicated a triangular tent symbol on his makeshift map.
“Originally, after resting at Bronte Village, we planned to take the main road straight to Alvado Town.” Lucas drew a straight line with his branch. “Just two more days’ travel would have brought us within sight of Alvado.”
“But the necromancer will certainly be watching that obvious, well-traveled route. With 137 people, we’d be far too conspicuous. If the mage strikes first with poison and magic, we’ll end up like the villagers of Bronte—killed, with our souls and bodies becoming materials for experiments.”
“To avoid detection, our only option is the creek forest blanketed with Tanian mountain pines.” Lucas pointed toward nearby trees. “We’ll use the pines to conceal our movements.”
“Tomorrow morning we head southwest. The forest has no proper roads—mostly rugged mountain terrain—so we must abandon the ox carts and sheep. Prepare for mountain climbing on foot. Carry only essential food and warm clothing—nothing extra.”
“Uncle Lucas,” Avery asked nervously, licking his lips, “how many days through the creek forest?” His wife Emily wasn’t particularly strong, and five-year-old Aya would struggle. He feared they might not endure a long journey.
“Not too long,” Lucas reassured. “Actually, cutting straight through the creek forest is shorter. If we travel light without livestock or excess baggage, we can cross in three days at most.”
“The real challenge will be the tributary of the Prague River—about eight meters wide, dividing the entire creek forest. But in this weather, it should be frozen solid. We can walk right across the ice.”
“What about ice bears?” asked a teenage boy named Keo. “I heard creek forest is their habitat. What if we encounter them?”
“Keo, ice bears hibernate in winter,” Lucas explained. “Every autumn they hunt aggressively throughout the forest, sometimes even raiding nearby villages. But come winter, the fattened bears find tree hollows or dig caves to sleep until spring.”
“So we won’t meet any ice bears,” Keo said, enlightened.
“Not necessarily,” Lucas cautioned. “But if we do, just stay quiet. Don’t disturb their sleep or provoke them, and we’ll be fine.”
“Once in the forest, maintain silence,” Bardel advised. “Tell everyone to speak only when necessary and stick to pine-covered areas. I’ve heard necromancers can control undead birds to surveil both sky and land. Even in the creek forest, we must stay vigilant.”
“Agreed,” Lucas nodded, then turned to Wade. “Sir Wade, any suggestions?”
Wade shook his head and wrote on the ground: “Your plan.” Unfamiliar with the terrain, he’d follow the locals’ lead.
“Then this route it is,” Lucas confirmed, producing a pouch he handed to Wade. “By the way, sir, additional payment—thirty-six silver coins. After reaching Alvado, we’ll also give you the proceeds from selling those winter wolf pelts and teeth.”
“Thank you for accompanying us on this journey. Everyone here will forever remember your friendship and kindness.”
All eyes turned to Wade, who accepted the heavy pouch without protest, nodding in acknowledgment. He shook Lucas’s hand and gave a thumbs-up, easing the solemn atmosphere around the fire.
“Starting tomorrow, no more tents to block the wind,” Lucas said with a faint smile. “Tonight’s our last chance for proper sleep.”
“Sir Wade, we’ve prepared a separate tent for you. You’ll have many challenges ahead in the creek forest, so rest well tonight to conserve strength.”
Wade nodded. Compared to last night’s makeshift rest by the fire with his sword, today brought special privileges. Though needing neither sleep nor shelter from the cold, he entered the tent anyway.
The forest journey wouldn’t just test physical endurance—it would demand willpower and perseverance. Wade needed to appear “well-rested” to inspire hope in the weary Tanians.
Outside the tent, only the howling wind remained audible. Except for night watchmen, everyone slept to prepare for the arduous mountain trek.
Still awake, Wade examined the necromantic core. Mia, having finished digesting souls, emerged from his helmet, sharing some energy back with him. He felt his power growing.
Holding the gray crystal, he attempted to extract its magic. As foreign energy entered his body, he recognized the familiar sensation—that intangible connection from when he’d transferred “flame” to Mia in the cave. Now he channeled the core’s magic to her.
Mia shivered, instantly dropping the tent’s temperature. Frost formed on Wade’s glove gripping the necromantic core. The stone held abundant magic—enough to power that grotesque sewn beast—promising long-term utility.
“With this, Mia can unleash stronger frost power,” Wade mused.
That the necromancer would abandon such a potent magical crystal in Bronte Village suggested unexpected wealth—perhaps even reckless extravagance. To its original owner, this necromantic core might be insignificant.
They’d need extreme caution. Their unseen enemy was likely formidably powerful.