"All right, I have decided," the first one said, and the crew looked at him confused.
"Hmm, I wonder," the second one said, "what changed your mind?"
"Ask as if you do not know the answer," the first one said smiling.
"So be it," the second one said.
"I have to ask you something and I am looking for the truth," the first one said seriously, looking at Arrdun. "Your answer will either save or destroy the camp," he continued while focusing on Arrdun. "So think twice because I warned you."
"Yes, I am listening," Arrdun said, hesitantly and confusedly.
"I thought you were leaving," Bardy said.
"Now it will depend on Arrdun's answers," the first one said.
"We do not want to scare you," the second one said. "Long story short, if we stay you live. If we go, you know what happens next."
"We are not just travelers," the first one said.
"I knew it, I knew it, you do not look like monsters," Bardy said.
"So, what are you?" Arrdun said.
"Are you witches?" Bardy said, tensely, and touched his dagger.
"To answer your questions, we will need some answers too," the second one said.
"We are searching for the descendants of The First Human Rebels who went against the dark divines and the monsters," the first one said seriously.
"Ahh, waste of time," Arrdun said. "Don't scare me, mister traveler."
"Just a legend and myth," Bardy said.
"Your determination is good but can it save lives?" the first one said. "I did not pass through darkness to listen to cheap lies. Do not test my patience," the first one said threateningly.
The crew became scared.
"I also passed through darkness," Arrdun said. "And..."
"You don't know what darkness is," the first one interrupted, coldly.
"Here is the thing," the second one said. "With very high chance, we think that the descendants are you and your clan. You have fake scars and no masters," he continued. "We do not understand how your clan survived without any help."
"I know someone or something helped you," the first one said, "but I do not know who or what," he continued. "There is no way that you could survive without any help."
The crew, Arrdun, and Bardy were shocked. This was the first time ever that someone from outside their clan spoke openly like that. They weren't prepared or even trained for this type of language.
"Scars are real," Arrdun said angrily.
"Why do you call them fake?" Bardy asked tensely.
"They are real but as if they were not from the dark divines' spell," the first one said. "They are fake."
"The only reason that you did it was to trick the others," the second one said. "But we see it differently."
"Hmm," Bardy said. "A witch cannot see, a monster cannot see. That means you are..." he said, and became speechless for a moment as he realized.
"Shit!" Arrdun shouted and stood up. "It can not be," he yelled looking at the travelers.
"There is no need to be angry," the first one said calmly.
"Choose lie or truth," the second one said. "Construction or destruction."
"Bloody Dark D..." the cook said.
"No!" the first one interrupted yelling.
"Don't use those words!" the second one shouted, looking at the crew.
Bardy grabbed his dagger and looked at Arrdun, his face was focused and ready to strike. Arrdun looked at Bardy and shook his head, he was scared. Some time passed, but the crew remained silent.
"At least we tried," the first one said and stood up. "Let's move on."
"It is a pity, all this for nothing," the second one said and stood up. "This time, I will not hold you back," the second one said, looking at the first one.
They went from the campfire. With their backs turned to the crew, they started to walk in the wall's direction.
Meanwhile, the crew members were looking at each other tensely. Arrdun was looking at different members, and they were exchanging some information with hand signs. Some members were covering their heads, faces, and foreheads because of the situation. But most importantly, Arrdun knew that they had no chance to survive. He was wrestling with this situation, and at the same time, in his mind, he was fighting against his clan's rules, orders, and traditions. He didn't want to betray his clan and beliefs, but on the other hand, all of them would die. Because of the tension, his face became sweaty.
"Wait, please!" Arrdun shouted, closing his eyes.
The travelers were a bit far, but they heard it, but showed like they didn't hear, so they continued walking.
"Please, wait!" Bardy yelled and stood up.
"Don't go! Stay!" the crew shouted.
But slowly, travelers' silhouettes disappeared in the dark.
Some of the crew members stood and ran to catch up with them by Arrdun's order. They took burning tree branches from the campfire to use as torches, as the evening light faded. Bardy, Arrdun, and the others stayed in place. They were silent.
Bardy was thinking. If they are what they claim to be, why didn't they hear us? That means they're bluffing. But if they really are dark ones, why didn't they kill us? Maybe they want us to die slowly, in pain. After all, they enjoy cruelty. I don't trust them. Maybe they're just a different kind of witch. And if they leave, our secret could be revealed. The dark ones broke our ancestors. If they learn how we survived, the other camps will be in danger too. I think I'll stop them. They used some kind of spell that confused the crew, and the crew started to trust them. But me, I'm different. After all, experience and knowledge matter. They aren't intimidated by the fact that I've killed witches before. Maybe they're stronger.
Arrdun was thinking. What am I doing? Saying that I'm surprised is saying nothing. How did they find us? What do they want to know? I had no choice. I just hope I can save the crew. They will definitely ask for a sacrifice. Since I already carry madness, I'll offer my life.
The travelers reached the wall where the gate had been broken. They were trying to open it, but the crew had already arrived. The crew brought the travelers back. Soon, they were all seated once again around the campfire. Bardy took a few pieces of wood and started to sharpen them. People around him looked at him strangely.
"If the rain returns, I'll be ready," Bardy said smiling. "Also, small, thin branches burn faster."
"Ready to talk, boy?" the first one asked.
"If I tell you, will you help my crew? Do you promise that we will not die here?" Arrdun asked.
"I am not a big fan of talking about secrets," Bardy said, looking at Arrdun. "But if this is the only way, then go on, Commander. I am with you."
"Honestly, I do not want to die here either," someone said from the crew.
"Boy," the first one said, looking at Arrdun, "you do not even know what you are wearing."
"Here is the thing," the second one said. "If you are who we think you are, that would make us allies."
"Aaa... liii... allies?" Arrdun said, stuttering.
"We can't be allies," Bardy said. "You tortured our ancestors. What kind of alliance are we even talking about?"
"We will end our lives, but we will not be your puppets," the crew said.
"Keep your wrong accusations to yourself," the first one said, looking at Bardy. "We do this because of our free will," he added. "We have no debts."
"I think you are afraid because of your clan's rules," the second one said. "You did your best, you kept your values, and here you are, Commander."
"My words are against me," Arrdun said. "You are smart," he continued. "It is better to remain silent than to speak lies."
"Well, technically, we already told you who we are," the first one said.
"When?" Bardy asked.
"What kind of joke is this?" Arrdun asked. "You said nothing. We are not dumb or deaf."
"Such a short memory," the second one said. "Need a reminder?"
"You asked," the first one said. "I answered, then you all laughed."
"We laughed so many times," Arrdun said. "I don't even remember which part you're referring to."
"That is unfair," Bardy said.
"So, Commander," the first one said, "I am hungry and will not wait forever."
"Fine," Arrdun said and took a deep breath. "I agree, I will talk."
"Killing a monster would be easier than agreeing with this one," the second one said.
"So, let us go and talk in private," Arrdun said.
"Why private?" the first one asked. "Do you have something to hide?"
"We are not asking about your intimate relations," the second one said. "It is about your clan, so everyone in this crew must know, right?"
"Yes, that is true," Arrdun said. "Others do not have the authority to decide. That is why I said to talk in private."
"Yes, I see why," the second one said. "No, I do not get it," he said, smiling.
"Commander, Commander, dear Commander," the first one asked, "your clan are the descendants we are searching for, right?"
"Yes, we are," Arrdun said.
"You call yourselves Fake Followers?" the second one asked.
"Yes," Arrdun said.
"Why that name? Is it connected with Real Followers?" the first one asked.
"Yes," Arrdun said, "in our society, to hide the fact that we do not have masters, we made fake scars. Then our name came from that, Fake Followers."
"How did your clan survive? Or how did your ancestors come up with that idea knowing the harsh punishments?" the first one asked.
"Who or what helped your clan?" the second one asked. "What kept hope and motivation alive until today?"
"Hope and motivation, ha ha," Arrdun said, laughing. "To be honest, our clan is already falling apart," he said sadly.
"No worries," the first one said smiling. "We will not let that happen. Tell me about your necklace and how it is connected with the clan."
"Thank you for comforting me," Arrdun said. "When the dark divines conquered the world, they broke all humans. However, some humans started to have dreams, and those dreams told us what to do and when."
"Hmm, interesting," the first one said.
"We cannot choose or control our dreams," Arrdun said, explaining. "Some dreams were simple, easy to understand and follow. Others were foggy, unclear, and hard to grasp. Over time, some were lost, like mine."
"Why is your clan falling apart?" the second one asked.
"Because no one has seen any new dreams. We don't know why," Arrdun said. "And those who took power illegally misled the people."
"For how long?" the first one asked.
"About fifteen years," Arrdun said.
"Oh, that must be hard," the second one said. "Fifteen years without dreams, it is no wonder your clan is falling apart."
"Who saw the last dream?" the first one asked.
"Sadly, we don't have records," Arrdun said, "but most people think that was me."
"What was your dream?" the first one asked.
"Oh, that was very strange, an unclear dream," Arrdun said. "I saw nothing but heard a voice that said 'gray' one time."
"What?" the second one asked. "Gray?"
"Yeah, for me," Arrdun said, "it's like the color gray, like when the dark divines, before starting a fight, use gray."
"You were right," the first one said to the second one.
"What about the necklace?" the second one asked.
"That one, I don't know. The meaning was lost," Arrdun said. "As a commander, my clan gave it to me. It's like our clan's symbol."
"Who made or found the first necklaces? Where or how?" the first one asked.
"The clan's elders, who are in charge, said that our ancestors saw the locations in the dreams," Arrdun said. "They took it and kept it."
"Hmm, dreams again," the second one said. "Your necklace is made from wood, so it's not the original one, right?"
"Correct," Arrdun said.
"I suppose the original is safe," the first one said. "And if something happens to the commander, the artifact or heirloom won't be lost, right?"
"Yes," Arrdun said.
"About the dreams," the second one said, "how do you know if it's not just a simple dream?"
"Easy," Arrdun said. "The thing is, it isn't just a dream. It comforts you, gives strength, and hope. In our camp, strange things happened to those who had dreams."
"Like what? What kind of strange things?" the first one asked.
"I was there," Bardy said. "A gray cloud briefly gathered near his head and then disappeared," he continued. "The gray cloud didn't cover his head fully," he said. "For everyone, it happened very fast, like I just blinked and the effect was gone. At first, I didn't believe what I saw, but when others talked about the same thing, I was convinced."
"We never noticed that from your ancestors," the first one said. "Did they have that cloud your camp members carry?"
"No. There are no records," Arrdun said.
"Indeed, there won't be," the second one added. "Otherwise people nearby would have seen and reported it, and they would have been killed. The Dream Sender is smart."
"I don't know why," Arrdun said.
"You were looking for answers, mister blaming you-know-who?" the second one said, looking at the first one. "Are we blind?"
"No, I don't think so," the first one replied.
"So, how was this missed?" the second one shouted angrily and stood up, staring at the first one.
"Low in numbers, mister all-knowing," the first one yelled back, standing up and looking at the second one. "Want to say something?" he asked threateningly.
"Yes, I do," the second one said. "Bloody Darkness!" he yelled, then sat down.
The first one sat down as well.
For a short time, they remained silent while staring at the campfire. The crew was afraid.
"Travelers?" Arrdun asked gently, "is everything all right?"
"By the darkness, who are you? How do you know all these things about our ancestors?" Bardy asked, shocked. "The Dark Divines killed and tortured our ancestors, but even they didn't know all this. Who are your allies? Are you some different kind of Dark One?"
He approached and whispered into Arrdun's ear. "Radi, What in darkness' name is that?" he asked. "I thought the second one was more stable, but both are scary. We are lucky that they don't torture us. You are a good commander, good."
"My mind is broken. I don't understand. Why allies?" Arrdun whispered. "Why do they want to help us? What's the point of all this? They spoke against the Dark Ones, and now they claim they are them?"
When the travelers heard their small talk, they simply smiled and exchanged happy glances.
"All right, one last thing," the first one said. "Arrdun, let's go talk in private. We will come back to the others soon."
They moved away from the campfire and the crew so they could speak without being overheard. Once they were gone, Bardy shifted his seat and sat beside the second one. He began shaping his dagger.
Once they reached a quiet spot, the first one looked at Arrdun calmly and asked, "Do you know why we are here?"
"Honestly, no," Arrdun replied, his voice shaky. "I hope you will not kill us. I hope you will keep your promise and, for the sacrifice, take my body."
"No worries. I will not harm you, and technically, I never made any promise," the first one said, smiling. "Hey, relax. From now on, we are allies. You didn't know that?" he added with a cheerful tone.
"Oh really? A mountain just fell off my shoulders," Arrdun said, exhaling heavily. "Thanks to darkness, I was hoping. Thanks, thank you. By the way, as allies, you will answer our questions, right?"
"Yes, I will," the first one said. "When we go back, the crew should listen too."
"What a great day," Arrdun said. "Thanks again."
"We are not here for appreciation," the first one said. "I want to tell you something. I do not know how you will react, which is why we are here, away from the others."
"Oh, I am listening. I am a tough guy in general," Arrdun said. "I survived today with you. You are my ally. I can handle anything. I am ready," he said, smiling confidently.
"Hmm, really?" the first one asked, looking at Arrdun. "We will see. We will see, tough guy."
"I'm all ears," Arrdun said happily, looking at the first one with a big smile on his face.
"Well, you said you were ready," the first one said, looking at Arrdun. "My name is Grey," he added gently.
"Nice to meet you, Grey. I'm Arrdun," Arrdun said, still smiling with excitement.
A brief moment passed.
"Wait, what?" Arrdun said, confused. "Grey? What a strange name. Grey or Gray like the color?"
"Grey like Grey. You can take it as a color if you like," Grey said.
"Gray... Gray..." Arrdun mumbled. "Somewhere I've heard it before."
Then, suddenly, he said loudly, "Oh no! Don't tell me that..." His voice changed; he lost his smile, the excitement faded and turned into sadness. His eyes were opened wide.
Grey stayed silent, looking at Arrdun.
"You... no, you can't be," Arrdun said, struggling to speak. He looked at Grey differently. In that look, Grey saw more than words could describe.
"I know," Grey said calmly and gently. "I see." He nodded slowly.
"Y-You..." Arrdun said, stuttering, falling to his knees, covering his face, and beginning to cry.
Grey approached and bowed down.
"Be strong," Grey said, placing his hand on Arrdun's shoulder.
"Where have you been?" Arrdun asked. "I've been waiting for you for fifteen years," he continued. "You ignored me. I'm broken and have already given up."
"But now I'm here," Grey said.
"No, it's too late," Arrdun said. "Fifteen years is too much. I put my hope and my life into it, but you were absent. I died, and I'm dead."
"I will revive you," Grey said.
"Go away from me!" Arrdun shouted. "Don't touch me!"
"Listen, the dreams weren't sent by me," Grey said. "I have my own theory about this. Trust me, my team and I were busy. When you hear what we did, you won't believe it."
"Where have you been?" Arrdun shouted again and slapped Grey's face. "Just kill me now!" he yelled, punching Grey's chest a few times.
After the slap and punches, Arrdun was surprised.
"Did you finish?" Grey asked.
"I felt nothing when I touched you," Arrdun said, surprised.
"That's normal. I used a spell," Grey said. "Otherwise it would be like punching a mountain. Like I said, I won't harm you. Are you going to stay there for a long time?"
Some time passed as Arrdun gathered his thoughts and began to come back to himself.
"I think I'm feeling better," Arrdun said. "You said you would help us."
"Yes, I will," Grey said. "The longer we stay here, the more time we lose."
"All right. For the others, we will choose the forbidden path, but promise me you will choose me for the sacrifice ritual and won't tell anyone," Arrdun said. "I'm the commander and I will take the risk. I hope my body will match."
"Which ritual? What are you talking about?" Grey asked, confused.
"A dark divine's standard ritual is called the Sacrifice. Every service requires a cost," Arrdun said. "For your followers, you call it a Blessing Ritual."
"No, there is no ritual," Grey said, surprised.
"Wait, wait... I don't get it. Did you already take someone else?" Arrdun asked, confused.
"No, I chose nobody," Grey said.
"So how will you help us? Everyone knows about the ritual and the rules." Arrdun said, "will you demand something different?"
"Tell me. Do others also think the same way?" Grey asked.
"Yes, absolutely," Arrdun said. "And why do we need to think differently?"
"All right, stand up. Let's go," Grey said. "I think you misunderstood us."
"But eventually you will use the ritual, right?" Arrdun asked.
"Join me now or I will throw you there," Grey said coldly.
"All right, all right," Arrdun said, standing up and approaching Grey. "By the way, today is my father's birthday."
"Oh, that's cool," Grey said. "You can wish for something. He will hear you!"
"Really? He will?" Arrdun said excitedly.
"No, fool," Grey said laughing. "I could use spells, but another time."
"That doesn't matter, I don't need your spells," Arrdun said. "Happy birthday, Dad!" he shouted. "I wish you the best and, most importantly, good health. It's sad that we are so far apart, but I hope one day things will change. Don't be like me. Keep your hope and faith."
"That was unexpected," Grey said.
"So, expect the unexpected from the expected," Arrdun said smiling.
"Ready to strike back, boy," Grey said seriously.
"Honestly, no," Arrdun said. "After all this, I will return home and have some things to change."
As they spoke, they approached the campfire.
"Wow, you're back?" the second one said. "I didn't even blink."
"All right folks, before questions and answers, and so on," the first one said, "we will eat something. And by the way, my name is Grey."
"I'm Aki," the second one said.
"Where is the cook?" Grey asked.
"I'm here, Mister Grey," the cook said nervously.
"No need for 'Mister'," Grey said. "Time for cooking, cook. What can we make?"
"Oh, will you cook with me?" the cook asked.
"No, it's just a way of talking," Grey said. "And why is everyone afraid? I won't eat you," he said smiling. "We are allies now," he shouted happily.
"Then, sorry, we have no food left since yesterday," the cook said.
"I'm not asking about food," Aki said.
"Then what do you want from me?" the cook asked.
"What language do we speak?" Grey asked loudly.
"Hold on," Aki said to Grey. "I am simply asking if you can cook for us and I suppose the crew is hungry too. So can you cook for all of us?"
"But there is no food," the cook said.
"Crap!" Grey shouted angrily.
"All right," Grey said calmly to Aki. "Let me try." He approached the cook and said, "imagine just imagine you have food no even better," Grey said, taking a deep breath. "What is your favorite dish? What would you eat right now if you could?"
"Think twice before answering, or I might become the new cook right after your answer," Aki said to the cook tensely. "Grey looks angry."
"A hungry one would eat anything," the cook said, afraid.
"What about a soup with vegetables, wheat and beef?" Grey asked. "Can you make that?"
"A noble's dish? Beef?" the cook said, surprised. "I have never made it but I think I can."
"Finally!" Grey shouted. "Do you need any kitchen equipment?"
"Yes I do because the rain took it all. I only have a few knives and cups," the cook said.
"All right folks the time has come," Grey said. "We will eat soon. While the cook prepares the food we will answer your questions." He continued, "Remember this day. We will start a new history. Hopefully we can overthrow the darkness and change those who follow it. But not now. Now we celebrate our new alliance. We celebrate Arrdun's dad's birthday."
"We will eat rest and free your captured friends," Aki added.
They all gathered around the campfire waiting with curiosity. So many questions they had and the dream day had finally come true.