The trio returned to Arthur's camp under a dusky sky, its gentle orange glow flickering in the distance. A modest bonfire crackled at the center, its warmth bringing comfort after a day of turmoil. Seated around it were Reu, Toby, Brea, and their new companions—Enci and his father, Mr. Gorio.
Brea let out a soft sigh, watching the flames dance. "I am so happy the good people of Gursh have reclaimed their city," she said with a bittersweet smile. "Though it's sad we can't be there to celebrate with them."
Toby poked the fire with a stick, frowning. "Those Paladin captains clearly said that if they see us again, they'll make Reu kiss the ground."
Reu swatted the back of Toby's head. "Idiot. They said all three of us."
Everyone chuckled softly, the tension loosening in their chests.
"Guys," Enci said, his eyes glistening as he looked around the fire, "thank you for saving my father."
Mr. Gorio gave a hearty chuckle. "And thank you, young lady," he said, turning to Brea. "What was your name again?"
"Brea," she replied with a nod. "And I'm glad you're reunited with your son."
"Yeah," Mr. Gorio said, patting Enci's back. "He's one hell of a son. Stubborn as a mule."
Reu grinned. "But brave."
Brea looked around. "By the way, where is Arthur?"
Reu's face turned grim. "Now that you mentioned it... Arthur, along with the sibling leaders of the Lunas Knights—Killa and Killi—was brutally beaten and taken by Ted "Knox" Brundy, the one Toby and me encountered."
Toby sat up straighter. "You mean by that weird guy we met on the road in Gursh? Odd-looking? Fat? Limbs like thin branches?"
"Yeah," Reu said with a heavy sigh. "He was actually a warlord. His name is Ted "Knox" Brundy."
Enci furrowed his brows. "Warlords? What are those?"
Mr. Gorio leaned forward. "The warlords are powerful Ashkins granted freedom by the Paladins in exchange for their loyalty and brutal service."
Reu nodded. "Your father is right, Enci. I saw it myself. Ted took on Arthur and Killi at the same time. They didn't stand a chance. He beat them without even sweating."
Toby suddenly stood. "Then let's go! We have to save Arthur!"
Just then, Mira, Arthur's wife, appeared from the shadows. Her face pale with worry. "Why? Where is Arthur?"
Reu stood slowly, his voice somber. "I'm sorry. I couldn't save him. He was taken."
"Taken where?" Mira's voice quivered.
"Ted said there are bounties on their heads. I believe he handed them over."
Mira gasped, tears filling her eyes. "I told him to stop... to stop living this life. And now he's gone."
Brea moved beside her, gently rubbing her back.
Toby clenched his fists. "We can still go after them, Reu!"
Reu shook his head. "No, Toby. We can't. Not now. Ted is too strong. We wouldn't stand a chance."
Mira wiped her tears and composed herself. "You three have done enough already. You brought peace back to Gursh. Thank you. Now... I will go find him myself."
Reu sighed deeply. "It's been a while since Gursh knew peace."
Mira looked at him, puzzled. "Why? Have you seen it during peace times?"
Brea answered for him. "Reu's actually from Gursh."
"I see," Mira said, her voice softening.
Enci noticed his father grinding herbs in a bowl. "What are you making, father?"
"A healing salve," Mr. Gorio replied. "It should help with their wounds."
He handed the salve to Toby, Reu, and Brea. The trio applied it, feeling immediate relief from their soreness.
Reu yawned. "Let's rest here for the night. We leave tomorrow."
"Sure," Brea said. She turned to Toby, only to find him already fast asleep. "Wow... this guy is something else."
Mr. Gorio laughed. "My salve tends to put exhausted souls into deep sleep."
In the heart of Gursh City, a crowd gathered. Debates erupted among the people.
"We need a new leader! A governor!" shouted one.
"And mourn those we lost!" another barked.
"We have mourned! It's time to move on!" a third exclaimed.
Then came a commanding voice. "Silence!"
All turned to see Elder Tubek, his silver beard flowing and his staff thudding against the stone.
"We must mourn," he said, "but we must also live again. We have already died once during the rule of tyranny."
Someone shouted, "Let Elder Tubek be our new governor!"
Cheers followed.
Elmer stepped forward, bandaged but proud. "As a leading fighter in the battle of Lunas Camp and friend to Arthur, I nominate Elder Tubek as governor of New Gursh."
The city roared in agreement. Elder Tubek nodded. "Tomorrow, we rebuild. But tonight, we celebrate our rebirth!"
In the ruined roads of Gursh City, the aftermath of the battle still lingered. Crumbled buildings lined the streets, their broken windows like empty eyes staring into the uncertain future. Debris and scorched remains whispered tales of struggle and resilience. Amid this haunting silence, paladin guards roamed solemnly, their polished armor dulled by soot and time, yet their presence still commanded authority. They moved in groups, checking alleyways and standing watch at intersections, ensuring that no chaos would rise again.
Citizens, some still nursing wounds, cautiously ventured out—sweeping doorways, salvaging what remained, and beginning the slow, painful work of rebuilding. Children peeked from behind doorframes, wide-eyed at the armored men who once struck fear, now symbols of temporary peace. It was the dawn of recovery, and the paladins were the keepers of its fragile order.
The next morning, the camp awoke slowly. A golden hue bathed the camp as the first rays of the sun pierced through the camp's tents. Birds chirped faintly in the distance, their songs interrupted by the soft rustling of leaves.
Brea stretched, letting out a long yawn as she sat up on her blanket, her muscles sore but grateful for the rest.
"Good morning, young lady," Mr. Gorio greeted, already awake and tending to a small pot of boiling water over the remains of last night's fire.
Brea blinked at him sleepily. "Already up? Doesn't seem like you slept at all."
Mr. Gorio chuckled. "Old men don't sleep much, especially when there's a city that needs rebuilding."
He stirred the pot slowly, inhaling the scent of some herbal concoction. "We're heading back to Gursh. They've begun the reconstruction efforts. I figured these old hands might still be good for something."
Enci, bright-eyed and clearly energized, bounced up beside him. "They say there's a new governor! I want to see what he'll do first. Maybe I can even help clear rubble or run errands. The city's going to need everyone."
Brea gave them a warm, lingering smile, standing and brushing off her travel cloak. "Take care, both of you. You're exactly the kind of people Gursh needs right now. We'll catch up again someday, I'm sure. And thank you, Mr. Gorio… for everything."
Mr. Gorio nodded respectfully. "Travel safely, and may the winds favor your path."
Reu called out, "Wake up, Brea! We need to go!"
She turned. "Wake Toby, too..."
But his sleeping spot was empty.
"Wake me?" Toby said, appearing behind her. "I've been up."
"Miracle," Brea grinned.
They packed. Reu noticed Brea's lighter load. "Where's your kitchen army?"
"Destroyed when Lunas attacked Helos," she grumbled. "Don't remind me."
They mounted their horses. Toby, as always, rode with Reu.
"You'll never learn to ride, will you?" Reu asked.
"Not if I've got you," Toby replied with a grin.
They traveled toward Gastonmere, their horses walking at a steady pace through the muddied road. The storm clouds above threatened more rain, but for now, there was a quiet lull, allowing them time to talk. They spoke of mundane things at first—favorite meals, dreams of home, and stories of childhood pranks that brought moments of laughter between the three of them.
Brea went on about her mother's famous herb-roasted chicken, describing its crisp skin and aroma that filled their little kitchen back in her village. Reu, surprisingly, shared that he used to sneak into the bakery as a kid, stealing warm loaves through a hole in the back wall—until he got caught and was forced to work there for a whole summer. Even Toby, usually reserved, chuckled as he remembered how he once tried to impress a girl by taming a wild goat, only for the goat to chase him halfway across the town square.
Their conversation turned reflective as the miles passed. They spoke of the homes they missed, the families they hoped to see again, and the burdens they now carried. There was a moment of silence when Brea asked, "Do you think we'll ever be able to live normal lives again?" No one answered right away.
Reu finally said, "I don't know. But I think if we keep going, we might find something better than what we lost."
Toby nodded. "Even if it's not normal... maybe it's enough to have each other."
The rain began, this time heavier, falling like a curtain from the sky. They quickly threw on their cloaks, shielding themselves from the downpour as they continued their journey. Despite the weather, their spirits held firm. For in that fleeting window of peace between storms, they remembered who they were beyond the chaos—and that was enough to carry them forward.
Rain began to fall, heavy and cold. They donned large cloaks and pressed forward.
Soon they reached a very wide river. The bridge was gone.
"How do we cross now?" Brea asked.
"We go around," Reu answered. "Through Opesia Province."
"I'm not swimming through that!" Brea snapped.
"Then Opesia it is," Toby said with a disappointed sigh.
As they continued, the road grew darker. Mist rose, curling through the trees.
Brea urged her horse closer to Reu. "What is this place?"
"The boundary of Gresia and Opesia. The Darkwoods."
They rode in silence. Thunder cracked overhead, lightning flashing.
And in the moment of brightness—a vast, winged, devilish silhouette appeared above the forest.
They stared, frozen. It vanished as the sky went dark again.
No one spoke. No one dared.
And their journey to Opesia through the Darkwoods continued...