Chapter 8: Farewell and Millhaven (The Second Month of Spring)
Year 0004, Month I-III: The Imperium
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Day 28-32: Farewell's and a New City
Dawn broke over the encampment with a bittersweet quality that seemed to permeate the morning air. The entire camp had stirred to wakefulness, their spirits still buoyed by yesterday's celebration of August's miraculous recovery from his prolonged slumber. Yet beneath the lingering joy lay an undercurrent of melancholy, for today marked an inevitable parting of ways.
The Beast folk—Princess Mee-rka and her brother Marakan, accompanied by her steadfast bodyguards Sena and Kira—would have to depart from their human companions to return to their ancestral tribe. Their paths had converged merely by chance, as the route they traveled together had simply been along the way to their respective destinations. Though their acquaintance had been brief, the bonds forged through shared trials felt as strong as those between lifelong friends. Their first meeting had been anything but harmonious, marked by suspicion and misunderstandings, yet the time spent together had been filled with profound trials that had transformed strangers into trusted allies.
August had risked everything to help the beastmen in their desperate pursuit to recover Prince Marakan from the clutches of the despicable Baron Toffer—a man August had subsequently dispatched to whatever judgment awaited beyond this world. The rescue from Baron Toffer's dungeon beneath his embassy in the city of Gremory had been nothing short of miraculous. Now, months later, Marakan showed signs of returning to his former self. The haunted emptiness that had once filled his eyes was gradually being replaced by the spark of life, and he had begun to cautiously engage with their newfound friends and savior.
Princess Mee-rka stepped forward, her beastly features etched with solemn dignity as she addressed August with the formal bearing befitting her royal status.
"Devil," she began, using the alter ego by which she had come to know him—the Blurred Devil whose reputation preceded him in whispered legends. "We must part ways with you here. I, Princess Mee-rka of the Southern Beastman Tribes, swear by my royal blood that I will never forget the immeasurable help you have given to me and my brother these past months. This debt runs deeper than mere gratitude—it is carved into my very soul. As long as breath fills my lungs and blood flows through my veins, I will find a way to repay this sacred obligation. But for now, duty calls us home. I must return to face our chief and the tribal council, to answer for our actions and accept whatever judgment awaits."
August's expression softened with genuine warmth as he regarded the fierce princess who had become both ally and friend. "Please, Princess, there's no need for such formality between us. You and your people have already helped us immeasurably in return—your knowledge, your courage, your friendship. These gifts are beyond price."
He paused, then continued with characteristic generosity. "I wish to offer you a parting gift, though I cannot say with certainty whether you'll find use for it. Along with provisions and supplies for your journey home." August presented to Princess Mee-rka a Personal System crafted weapon, which he had requested from Administrator Magnus. He now stepped forward bearing a carefully wrapped bundle. "I commissioned this specifically for you."
From the wrapping emerged a short-bladed sword of exquisite craftsmanship, its metal gleaming with an inner light that spoke of Magnus's supernatural skill. The blade was perfectly balanced, its edge sharp enough to cut shadow, while the grip had been sized precisely for Mee-rka's smaller, clawed hands. Accompanying the weapon were several packs laden with preserved meats, travel bread, medicinal herbs, and other necessities for the long journey ahead.
"I wish we could escort you safely home," August added with genuine regret, "but time presses upon us as well. Our own destination calls, and delays could prove costly."
The gift-giving was conducted with the solemnity of a diplomatic ceremony, each party recognizing the significance of the moment. The other members of the caravan gathered to bid farewell to their beastfolk companions, embracing warriors they had come to respect and admire. Tears were shed openly, for the bonds forged in adversity run deeper than those formed in comfort.
Princess Mee-rka accepted the gifts with grace befitting her station, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Your generosity knows no bounds, August Finn. This blade shall serve not merely as a weapon, but as a reminder of the honor you have shown our people. May the spirits of the forest guide your path as they will guide ours."
The farewells stretched longer than anyone had anticipated, each member of both groups reluctant to sever the connections that had sustained them through danger and hardship. Finally, as the sun climbed higher into the morning sky, the moment of parting could be delayed no longer.
The caravan remained at the roadside as Mee-rka led her small band toward the western forests. She explained that they would need to trek deep into the ancient woodlands to reach their village, following paths known only to their people. The dense canopy would swallow them within minutes, making them invisible to outside eyes—a protection their kind had relied upon for countless generations.
As the beastfolk disappeared into the green shadows, both groups carried the unspoken knowledge that their paths would cross again. The bonds forged in trial and sealed in mutual respect were not easily broken, and fate had a way of reuniting those destined to stand together.
With heavy hearts but renewed determination, the caravan resumed its southern journey.
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Day 28-32: The Journey Continues
Three days of travel brought them down from the mountain paths and back onto the rolling flatlands that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. The majestic landscape unfolded before them like a living tapestry—vast grasslands dotted with ancient stone formations, crystal-clear streams that reflected the sky like mirrors, and copses of trees that provided welcome shade during the heat of midday. No settlements marred this pristine wilderness; they were truly in the untamed heart of the continent.
By August's calculations, they had covered more than half of their ambitious 7,000-kilometer journey to reach the outskirts of their village in the Great Forest of Lonelywood. The progress was remarkable, though it had come at considerable cost in supplies and endurance. In just a few more weeks, if their pace held steady, they would finally glimpse the towering trees that marked the edge of their destination.
The enhanced beasts that plagued this region proved to be mere obstacles rather than true threats. While these creatures possessed strength and cunning far beyond their previous self iterations before the Word System update, they were no match for August and his seasoned hunting party. The systematic nature of their party system—a mystical bond that granted enhanced capabilities to all members—made even the most formidable predators manageable adversaries.
Those outside August's inner circle found the common-ranked beasts challenging but not insurmountable, particularly when hunting the herbivorous species that provided excellent meat. The hunters had become adept at reading the signs of beast activity, setting appropriate traps, and coordinating their attacks to maximize efficiency while minimizing risk.
Their food stores had swelled with fresh meat, perfectly complementing the preserved provisions they had purchased in Gremory before departure. The variety was remarkable—tender venison from the six-legged deer that roamed these plains, rich marrow from the massive ground-birds that nested in the rocky outcroppings, and succulent fish from the pristine streams that crisscrossed their path.
Days blended into weeks as they pressed onward, each sunset bringing them closer to their ultimate destination. The routine of travel had become second nature: breaking camp before dawn, traveling during the cooler morning hours, resting during the heat of midday, continuing into evening, and making camp as darkness fell. It was a rhythm as old as civilization itself, connecting them to countless generations of travelers who had followed similar paths across similar landscapes.
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Day 28-32: Approaching Millhaven
Before they could complete their journey, however, one final stop awaited them—a significant settlement that represented the last bastion of civilization in this bandit-infested region of the Southern Realms of the Kingdom of Ogind. Though they had already passed beyond the borders of the Principality of Gremory, they remained within the broader boundaries of the Kingdom of Ogind's domain, where royal authority grew increasingly tenuous the farther one traveled from the capital.
This settlement, known as Millhaven the Ironbark Keep, stood as the sole major fortified city that bordered one of the great forests—specifically the Lonely Forest of Shadowfen, which lay north of their destination in the Lonelywood Forest. It was near the borders between these two vast woodland realms that Erik, Betty, and Bren had encountered the dreaded Slithering Dread, though that confrontation had occurred several thousand or so kilometers from their current position. Their own destination, the village of Maya, lay even farther away—approximately 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers from their present location.
The main road maintained a respectful distance of at least a thousand kilometers from the forest proper, though they had glimpsed its majesty during their descent from the mountains. It was a sight to inspire both wonder and trepidation: a forest of massive trees whose canopies stretched so high and wide that they blocked the sun entirely, casting the forest floor below into perpetual twilight. The trees seemed to reach toward the heavens themselves, creating a natural cathedral of unimaginable scale and beauty.
Most settlements maintained a buffer zone of at least 500 kilometers between themselves and these great forests, with major roads keeping even greater distance. This was the agreed-upon arrangement between human civilization and the wild places of the world which was further etched by the Imperial Decree—a recognition that some realms were not meant for casual exploration. The village of Pipik was unusual in maintaining only a kilometer of separation from the Lonelywood Forest, a proximity that raised questions about the wisdom and circumstances of its founders.
Millhaven represented a fascinating study in adaptation and resilience. Once a major trading city during the golden age of the old commercial routes, it had declined significantly after the opening of the Imperial highways near the coast. These newer, more direct routes had drawn away much of the merchant traffic that had once been the city's lifeblood, reducing a thriving metropolis to a shadow of its former glory.
Yet this decline had not meant death. The Lord of Millhaven and his people had adapted with remarkable determination, transforming their settlement into something entirely different but no less vital. They had become the sole representative of royal authority and justice in these forgotten lands, the last flickering beacon of law in a region where banditry and lawlessness had consumed most other communities.
The settlement maintained regular patrols throughout its territory, a necessity born of isolation rather than choice. With no other military forces to rely upon, every able-bodied citizen had been trained to serve in the militia that defended their home. They had their own standing army, disciplined troops who specialized in combating both human threats and the dangerous beasts that occasionally emerged from the Great Forest.
These defenders were no strangers to violence, death, and mayhem. The constant pressure of their environment had forged them into hardened warriors who viewed common bandits as mere practice for the greater challenges posed by rampaging forest creatures. Captured outlaws sometimes found themselves serving as unwilling bait, used to buy precious time during beast attacks—a grim but effective tactic in a land where survival often required hard choices.
The Kingdom's war against the Sovereignty of Arwen had passed them by entirely. No royal conscription orders had reached this distant outpost, partly because the crown recognized that these defenders could not be spared from their vital role, and partly because the logistics of maintaining supply lines to such a remote location made the posting impractical for regular military operations.
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Day 28-32: Arrival at Millhaven
Three days of steady travel brought them within sight of Millhaven's territorial boundaries, though their arrival was far from routine. Rather than approaching the settlement gates unobserved, they found themselves intercepted by armed riders who emerged from concealed positions with military precision.
The cavalry that approached numbered at least fifty strong, their six-legged war horses snorting and pawing the ground with barely contained energy. Every rider was armed to the teeth with weapons that showed the wear of frequent use—these were not ceremonial guards but battle-tested veterans who had seen real combat. Their leader, in particular, bore the unmistakable marks of a career soldier.
Captain Thorne Ironwood—though August would not learn his name until later—was a man sculpted by conflict. Scars crisscrossed his weathered face like a map of past battles, each mark telling a story of survival against overwhelming odds. His eyes held the piercing intensity of someone who had learned to assess threats in seconds, and his bearing radiated the uncompromising authority of a leader who brooked no dissent from friend or foe alike.
"HALT YOUR WAGONS AND PREPARE FOR INSPECTION!" The command rang out across the plains with crystal clarity, delivered in a voice accustomed to being obeyed without question. The tone was neither hostile nor welcoming—it was simply implacable, the voice of authority made manifest.
The caravan came to an immediate stop, some of their more seasoned migrant travelers recognizing the wisdom of compliance when faced with professional military force. August stepped forward without hesitation, understanding that any delay or equivocation would only increase suspicion.
"WHERE IS YOUR LEADER?" Captain Ironwood's voice carried easily across the distance between them.
"Here I am, sir," August replied, his own voice calm and respectful but carrying the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to command.
The captain's gaze fixed upon August with laser-like intensity, studying every detail of his appearance and bearing. Years of experience had taught Ironwood to read men like open books, to spot deception in a gesture, fear in a glance, or hostile intent in a stance. What he saw in August was more complex—here was someone young but carrying himself with the confidence of experience, someone who had clearly faced danger and emerged stronger for it.
"SPEAK PLAINLY, YOUNG MAN. WHAT BRINGS YOU TO THESE FORSAKEN LANDS, AND WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THIS PROCESSION?"
August chose his words carefully, understanding that truth would serve better than deception, though not necessarily complete truth. "We are bound for my homeland, sir, having departed from the city of Gremory some weeks ago. We hope to rest and resupply in your fine city for four days before continuing our journey. The people traveling with me are migrants and refugees of war whom we gathered in Gremory—skilled craftsmen, farmers, and other professionals whose talents my village desperately needs."
He gestured toward the wagons behind him. "You see, my settlement has suffered severely from lack of manpower. We can barely call it a village anymore. These good people have volunteered to help us rebuild, to create something new and self-sufficient in a place far from the troubles that plague more populated regions."
Captain Ironwood's expression remained impassive, but August sensed the man's attention sharpening. "And why, pray tell, did you choose these treacherous old trading routes rather than the safety and speed of the Imperial highways?"
August's smile was rueful but genuine. "A practical decision, I'm afraid, sir. While the Imperial roads would indeed be more direct, they're currently clogged with the Kingdom's armies marching to the border conflicts. We would face delays of months rather than weeks, and frankly, our people have already endured enough hardship. One of our number"—he indicated Korven with a respectful nod—"has extensive knowledge of these older routes. After considerable discussion, we decided the risks of banditry were preferable to the certainty of military delays."
The explanation was logical, verifiable, and delivered with the straightforward honesty of someone who had nothing to hide. Captain Ironwood's experienced eye detected no deception in August's manner or words. After a long moment of consideration, the scarred veteran nodded slowly.
"Very well, Mr...?"
"August Finn, sir."
"Mr. Finn." The captain's voice lost some of its harsh edge, though the authority remained undiminished. "I welcome you and your people to Millhaven the Ironbark Keep—the final bastion of royal authority on the old southern routes, and the last civilized refuge before the great wilderness swallows all traces of human ambition."
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Day 28-32: The Marvel of Millhaven
The escort that led them into the city moved with practiced efficiency, their horses' hooves clicking against stone as they passed through the massive outer gates. The sight that greeted the travelers was unlike anything they had encountered in their extensive journeys—Millhaven was not merely a city but an architectural marvel that seemed to defy conventional understanding of urban planning; most excited of this revelation was Sibus, the engineering genius in their group.
The settlement had been built into and around a mountain, its various districts carved directly from living stone or constructed within natural caverns that had been expanded and refined over generations. The result was a multi-layered metropolis that extended both horizontally and vertically, creating a three-dimensional maze of streets, buildings, and public spaces that seemed to exist in harmony with the natural landscape rather than in opposition to it.
The walls were not merely fortifications but integral parts of the mountain itself, seamlessly blending defensive necessity with natural beauty. Multiple layers of defenses wound their way up the mountainside, each level providing both protection and living space for the city's inhabitants. The engineering required to create such a structure spoke to generations of dedicated craftsmanship and an intimate understanding of both architecture and geology.
As they were led deeper into the city, August marveled at the ingenious infrastructure that made such a settlement possible. The walkways often incorporated natural stone formations, leading visitors through passages that felt more like underground rivers of humanity than traditional streets. Despite the subterranean nature of many districts, the atmosphere was far from claustrophobic—clever engineering had created a sense of openness and flow that made the environment feel welcoming rather than confining.
The temperature was notably cooler than the plains outside, a natural air conditioning system created by the mountain's thermal mass and the ingenious ventilation shafts that honeycombed the settlement. The massive canopy of trees that surrounded the area provided additional cooling and camouflage, making the city nearly invisible from a distance despite its considerable size.
At the heart of the lower city, a magnificent waterfall cascaded down from hidden springs high in the mountain, creating a natural centerpiece around which the busiest districts had developed. Houses and businesses clustered around this aquatic feature, their architecture designed to complement rather than compete with the natural spectacle. The sound of falling water provided a constant, soothing background that seemed to calm both residents and visitors alike.
The true marvel of Millhaven revealed itself as August's party was led through increasingly impressive districts. Residential areas had been carved into the cliff faces, with small flat surfaces supporting houses that seemed to perch like bird nests on the mountainside. Access to these elevated homes was provided by a combination of sturdy staircases carved directly into the stone and an intricate system of pulleys and platforms that could transport both people and cargo to the various levels.
The uppermost reaches of the city disappeared into man-made caverns that extended deep into the mountain's heart. These spaces had been carefully excavated to preserve structural integrity while maximizing living space, creating vast chambers that housed entire neighborhoods in climate-controlled comfort. Ingenious light wells had been cut to allow natural illumination to reach even the deepest levels, while the bioluminescent plants that grew throughout the cavern system provided gentle illumination during the darker hours.
The agricultural terraces that climbed the mountainsides were perhaps the most impressive feat of engineering August had ever witnessed. These stepped gardens not only provided food for the city's population but created a living tapestry that changed with the seasons, turning the entire mountain into a work of art. The terraces were fed by the same water system that created the central waterfall, with carefully engineered channels ensuring that every level received adequate irrigation.
The river system that wound through the city was itself a marvel of urban planning. The waterway had been partially diverted and channeled to serve multiple purposes—providing fresh water, powering mills and workshops, transporting goods between different levels of the city, and creating the spectacular falls that served as both a practical necessity and an aesthetic centerpiece.
The defensive capabilities of Millhaven were as impressive as its civilian infrastructure. The layered walls, scattered towers, and the ultimate stronghold—the Keep of the Millhaven family—created a defensive system that could withstand virtually any assault. The Keep itself was a structure of breathtaking beauty, rising toward the sky to catch and reflect the natural light that filtered down from above. It seemed to glow with an inner radiance, creating a focal point that drew the eye upward in admiration and wonder.
The entire city was designed as a maze that would confuse invaders while remaining navigable to residents. Even with several hours of exploration, August's party had barely scratched the surface of what Millhaven had to offer. The settlement could easily house half a million inhabitants with room for growth, and in times of siege, it could sustain more than a million people indefinitely.
The food production capabilities were truly remarkable—fishing in the underground rivers and carefully managed pools, farming in the terraced gardens and hydroponic caverns, and animal husbandry in specially designed chambers that provided optimal conditions for livestock. The city was a closed ecosystem capable of indefinite self-sufficiency, a characteristic that explained its survival when other settlements had fallen to banditry and chaos.
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Day 28-32: Rest and Respite
After exploring the marvel that was Millhaven, August's party finally located suitable accommodations—a private inn that perfectly embodied the city's unique character. The establishment boasted its own thermal pools fed by natural hot springs, with viewing areas that looked out over the surrounding wilderness through carefully positioned windows carved directly into the mountain face.
The view was spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the untamed lands beyond the city's influence. From their elevated position, the travelers could see for miles in every direction, appreciating both the beauty of the landscape and the strategic importance of Millhaven's location. The inn itself was a masterwork of comfort and functionality, its rooms carved from living stone but softened with tapestries, carved furniture, and other amenities that made guests feel welcomed rather than confined.
The cost proved reasonable given the unique nature of the accommodations and services provided. Unlike most settlements they had encountered, Millhaven charged no entry fees or taxes to travelers—a policy that reflected both the city's need for outside contact and its leaders' understanding that goodwill toward visitors ultimately benefited everyone. The only fees applied to those seeking permanent citizenship, and even these were structured to encourage skilled immigrants rather than exclude them.
Andy and Marcus, serving as August's mercantile administrators, handled the financial arrangements with their usual efficiency. The total cost for accommodating their party of 179 members for four days came to 14 local gold coins and 16 local silver coins—a sum that included not only lodging but meals and access to the therapeutic hot springs that were the inn's signature feature.
The care of their animals and equipment required separate arrangements, but the facilities available in Millhaven were superior to anything they had encountered elsewhere. Their beasts of burden—ten six-legged horses and nine four-horned Tamaras—were housed in climate-controlled stables that provided both comfort and security. The cost of 2 local silver coins per animal for four days included not only shelter and food but professional grooming and health monitoring by experienced handlers.
August also arranged for a comprehensive inspection of their seven wagons by master craftsmen whose expertise had been honed by generations of maintaining the complex mechanical systems that kept Millhaven functioning. This inspection revealed several minor issues that could have become major problems if left unaddressed—worn wheel bearings, loose joints, and stress fractures that were invisible to untrained eyes but potentially catastrophic if they failed during travel.
The care of their livestock required special arrangements, but Millhaven's facilities were more than adequate to the task. The city's agricultural specialists provided expert care for the various animals that represented the foundation of the new community August hoped to establish. The cost of 10 local gold coins for four days of professional animal husbandry was money well spent, ensuring that their breeding stocks would arrive at their destination in optimal health.
The total expenditure of 27 local gold coins and 4 local silver coins represented a significant investment, but August considered it essential preparation for the final leg of their journey. They had covered approximately 5,000 kilometers of their 7,000-kilometer trek, leaving them tantalizingly close to their destination. The outskirts of the Lonelywood Forest were now within reach, though they would still need to navigate hundreds of kilometers through the dense woodland to reach their ultimate goal.
The four days of rest and recuperation in Millhaven would allow both people and animals to recover from the rigors of long-distance travel while providing an opportunity to make final preparations for the challenges that lay ahead. The Great Forest was not a place to enter unprepared, and the time spent in this remarkable city would prove invaluable in ensuring their success.
As the sun set over Millhaven on their first evening in the city, August reflected on how far they had come and how much further they had yet to go. The bonds forged during their journey had created something more than a simple migration—they had become a community united by shared purpose and mutual support. Tomorrow would bring new experiences and discoveries as they explored more of what this extraordinary city had to offer, but tonight was for rest, reflection, and gratitude for the sanctuary they had found in this remarkable place.
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BANKING SYSTEM UPDATE:
**Imperial Currency:**
- 34 Imperial Orichalcum Coins
- 1,530 Imperial Gold Coins
- 592 Imperial Silver Coins
- 225 Imperial Copper Coins
**Local Currency:**
- 5,932 Local Gold Coins (-27)
- 482 Local Silver Coins (-4)
- 153 Local Copper Coins