Blater (handing Ortinus a small leather pouch):
"This crystal we extracted from the bird's heart… keep it safe. Nirar told me it may be your only compass when you lose your way in the northern storms."
Ortinus (examining the crystal glowing with a calm blue light):
"Thank you, Blater, for everything. Without you, we might have remained lost in this city's alleys — or ended up victims of that Echo."
Blater (laughing bitterly):
"No, I should be thanking you. Siwar breathes again today because of you. Pikos, are you sure the second wagon can handle all the food you bought?"
Pikos (arranging large pots and dried meat):
"Blater, the road to Asheel passes through frozen regions, and hunger in the cold kills faster than arrows! I bought half the market's supply of energy bread and venison. The wagon is sturdy — don't worry."
Darius (mocking):
"He's worried about the wagon, and I'm worried about our mechanical horses carrying Pikos and his purchases! Look, Nirar — do we really need all these clothes? I feel like I'll become a fat bear in all this fur."
Nirar (checking digital maps on his wrist):
"The snowy region we're entering isn't just cold. It's the Land of Silence. Creatures called Ice Wolves live there — they feed on heat energy. These clothes aren't just for warmth; they hide your thermal signature."
Romilius (solemnly):
"Wisdom says those who respect nature are respected by it. Nirar, do you think we'll meet humans in that region? Or will we be alone?"
Nirar:
"There are nomadic tribes — the Aiswar. They're strange and don't like outsiders, but if we show them the blue crystal, they may think we are messengers from Asheel. That's our only hope to cross the Great Strait."
Nikos (holding the reins of one wagon):
"The sea taught me storms don't like too much talk. Blater, any final warning before we leave?"
Blater (lowering his voice seriously):
"Beware of Leonor and his fighting school companions. I heard they left the city at dawn heading north. Their pride is wounded — and the wounded may do anything to restore their honor."
Ortinus (drawing his sword and touching it with the feather to check its energy):
"Leonor? If he wants a second round in the snow, I'll make him wish he stayed in Siwar's warm arena. Friends… are you ready?"
Pikos:
"Ready to eat anytime!"
Darius:
"Ready to silence Pikos the entire journey!"
Romilius:
"Ready to face hardship."
The wagons began moving with a soft hum, slowly leaving the beautiful walls of Siwar behind. Blater waved until they disappeared into the white fog.
Ortinus (looking back):
"Siwar was a good stop, but my heart is still there… in Acadia. Nirar, how long until we reach the borders of Asheel?"
Nirar:
"If storms don't stop us, maybe ten months. In the Second World, distance is measured by patience, not miles. Look ahead — the snow is getting thicker."
Pikos (suddenly shouting):
"Wait! Did you see that? Something moved behind that big rock!"
Nikos (readying his bow):
"It begins early… Nirar, are those your wolves?"
Nirar:
"No… that shadow is human. Looks like Leonor is faster than we thought. Darius, increase speed! We don't want a fight in open terrain!"
As the wagons accelerated, energy arrows shot from behind the rocks. One struck the frame of the first wagon, causing a small explosion.
Ortinus (shouting):
"To arms! Pikos, get down! Romilius, stay inside!"
Leonor (appearing atop a high rock, wearing icy armor):
"Did you think you'd leave with all that gold — and your pride intact? In the snow, we are the masters, strangers!"
Darius:
"You're really annoying! Wasn't the arena enough? Do you want us to bury you in this white grave?"
Leonor:
"In the arena, there were rules and a referee… here, there is only death and cold! Attack!"
Ten fighters from the school charged through the snow, wielding swords coated with ice crystal.
Nirar (firing an arrow that hits one fighter's leg):
"This is the problem with city people… they think bravery is shouting loudly. Ortinus — I'll handle the archers. You deal with Leonor!"
Ortinus (jumping from the wagon, his sword glowing blue):
"Leonor! Come to me… let's see if your ice can withstand the fire of my feather."