The next day, the mining expedition was ready to depart. AJ led the group, with Ethan and his team providing security. 5 workers were coming along for general labour and the bison pulled the cart loaded with all their supplies.
Kate had recovered fully from her previous injuries and seemed eager to go on an adventure. David still favoured his wounded leg slightly, but insisted he was ready for duty. Carl's side had healed cleanly, while Elena had regained use of her left arm. Jake had a few new scars but was otherwise as good as new.
"The route heads northeast," AJ explained to the group as they prepared to leave. "We'll need to clear a path for the cart through some rough terrain. It'll be tough but it's a one time thing, clear the path once and we can use it for years to come."
They packed food for 4 days, water containers, pickaxes, axes, and basic camping supplies. AJ had created glowmelt for any potential lighting needs, while the workers brought rope and canvas to set up improvised tents.
"We're the eyes and ears of the group, we need to scout the route ahead with AJ while keeping an eye out for any nasty creatures out there," Ethan instructed his team. "This isn't a field trip or hunting expedition—we're going to gather materials and return safely, that means avoiding fights when possible."
The expedition departed Valentra in the early morning, their cart rumbling through the northern gate as residents watched with interest.
The initial stretch of their journey took them through familiar terrain. Rolling grasslands gave way to scattered woodlands, the path clear enough for the bison to pull the cart without difficulty. The animal seemed to enjoy the change of scenery, occasionally sniffing at interesting plants along the route.
By midday, they'd covered good distance and were entering more challenging territory. The sparse woods became more dense, with rough terrain that required careful navigation.
"We'll need to be more careful about picking the best route for the cart now," AJ reminded Ethan.
Their progress slowed as they worked to clear obstacles and identify passable routes. The bison proved remarkably capable, pulling the cart up moderate inclines and through the dense shrubbery.
It was mid-afternoon when they encountered a pair of Scaleclaw Ravagers. They emerged from a rocky depression, their metallic scales glinting in the sunlight as they moved to attack the group.
"Defensive formation," Ethan commanded quietly. "Kate, David, with me in front. Carl, Elena, protect the cart. Jake, watch our flanks."
The Ravagers approached with caution, their clawed feet clicking with each step. These creatures were similar to the one they'd fought months earlier—lean, aggressive, and protected by natural armour that could deflect poorly-aimed strikes.
AJ created his twin axes, their obsidian steel edges gleaming. "Same tactics as back then, target the softer underbelly."
The fight was brief but intense. Kate's war hammer caught the first Ravager in the leg, staggering it long enough for Ethan to deliver a decisive axe strike.
The second creature proved more elusive, darting between the team members until Jake managed to pin it with his longsword, allowing AJ to finish it.
"Everyone intact?" Ethan asked as they regrouped around the cart.
The workers had remained with the bison during the fight, keeping the animal calm while the others dealt with the threat. No one had been seriously injured, though Carl had a small cut on his leg.
"Let's load these onto the cart and get moving quickly," AJ decided, as he moved one carcass into cart before beginning the process of absorbing it. "The noise might have attracted other creatures."
As they continued moving northeast the terrain continued becoming harder to navigate, forcing them to take a more indirect route that added time to their journey.
As evening approached, they made camp in a defensible position among a cluster of large boulders. The bison was secured with feed and water, while Ethan and his team established a watch rotation.
"The terrain is rougher than I remembered," AJ said as they settled around their small fire. "But we should be able to reach our destination by tomorrow."
Kate examined her war hammer, checking for damage. "What kind of minerals are we expecting to find?"
"Not sure, we didn't stay for long, all I remember is it was shining in the sunlight," Ethan replied.
"I'll know more when I can examine them directly, but it should be worth the trip." AJ spoke.
The night passed peacefully, nothing of note happened beyond the occasional distant howl of unknown creatures.
Morning brought clear skies and the promise of reaching their goal. The team broke camp, packed up their supplies, and continued towards the mineral deposits.
---
By noon, they crested a ridge and finally saw their destination. Below them stretched a series of rocky outcroppings, the stone surfaces catching the sunlight and revealing veins of metallic ore running through the exposed rock face.
"There," AJ pointed toward the largest outcropping. "That's what we're looking for."
The site was more extensive than he'd remembered from their hurried passage months earlier. Multiple rock formations showed signs of mineral deposits, with dark metallic veins threading through the stone alongside patches of crystalline material that glinted with an inner light.
"Iron ore," one of the workers said with satisfaction, examining the closest deposit. "Good quality from the look of it."
AJ approached the largest vein and placed his hand against the stone. The familiar sensation of astralite made him pause—the same material that had induced those strange dreams of cosmic machinery and failing star-bound structures.
"Astralite deposits are mixed in with the iron," he reported to the group. "We'll be able to harvest both at the same time."
Ethan surveyed their surroundings as his team secured the mining area.
The workers unpacked their pickaxes and began the laborious process of breaking ore from the rock face. The iron deposits proved stubborn, requiring repeated strikes to chip away usable chunks. The astralite was more brittle, breaking free in irregular crystalline fragments.
AJ assisted by absorbing sections of worthless stone around the ore veins, exposing the valuable materials for easier extraction. Each absorbed sample of ore gave him a better understanding of the minerals' properties, though he couldn't judge their quality compared to other sources.
"This is going to take all day," Kate observed, watching the workers chip away at the rock face.
"Good things are worth working for," Carl replied.
As the afternoon wore on, their cart gradually filled with chunks of iron ore and gleaming astralite crystals. The bison waited patiently in the shade, occasionally sniffing at the interesting smells carried by the wind.
The work was backbreaking. Each worker took turns attacking the rock face, their pickaxes ringing against the stone in a steady rhythm. Sweat stained their clothes despite the cool breeze, and hands grew raw from gripping tool handles.
"We've got enough iron ore to keep Robert busy for weeks," Jake announced, loading another armful of dark chunks into the cart.
"Load up the rest of the astralite too," Ethan said. "We may not know what it's useful for, but it's obviously something special."
By late afternoon, the cart was loaded with their mineral haul.
"Time to head home," AJ announced. "We've got what we came for."
---
The return journey proved equally challenging as their outbound trip. The heavily loaded cart moved slowly, forcing frequent stops to rest the bison and check that the load remained secure.
They'd barely travelled an hour when rustling in nearby bushes announced unwelcome company. 3 wolves emerged from concealment, their fur gleaming as they spread out to surround the expedition.
"Formation!" Ethan barked. "Protect the cart!"
Kate's war hammer caught the lead wolf in the ribs, sending it tumbling with a yelp of pain. AJ's axes flashed as he engaged the second wolf, while Jake and David worked together to drive off the third.
The brief fight ended with three dead wolves and no injuries to the expedition members, though it had cost them some time and energy.
"Predators are active in this area," Ethan observed as they resumed their journey. "We'll need to be careful on future trips."
Two hours later, they faced another delay when the cart's axle began groaning under the mineral load. They stopped to redistribute the weight and check the wooden components for stress fractures.
"The cart is just about holding together," one of the workers reported after a quick inspection. "This is definitely the limit of what it can handle."
The bison seemed more tired than usual, stopping to rest every hour rather than its normal steady pace. AJ made a mental note that future mining expeditions would need to lighten the load.
As evening shadows lengthened, they encountered a pair of large rabbits that bounded away at their approach.
"Let's make camp here," Ethan decided as they reached a cluster of boulders that offered protection. "We should make it home tomorrow morning."
---
The next morning brought clear weather and renewed energy. The bison seemed refreshed after its rest, pulling the cart with steady determination as they entered familiar territory.
"There's the settlement," Kate called out as they crested the final hill.
Valentra spread before them, its rebuilt eastern gate standing strong while construction crews worked on various projects throughout the community. Smoke rose from cooking fires, and people moved through the peaceful streets.
Their arrival drew immediate attention. Residents gathered around the cart as news of their return spread through the settlement.
"What did you find?" Thomas asked, examining the dark chunks of iron ore.
"Iron," AJ announced with satisfaction. "Enough to keep Robert's smithy supplied for the foreseeable future."
Robert himself appeared, drawn by the commotion. His eyes lit up as he examined the ore samples.
"This is good quality ore," he said as he nodded to himself.
"What's the shiny stuff?" Claire asked, pointing to the astralite crystals.
"Astralite," Sam replied, approaching with his notebook already open. "We encountered it before. The material has interesting properties, though we don't know any uses for it yet."
Maria examined one of the larger crystal fragments, noting how it seemed to catch and hold light. "It's very beautiful if nothing else."
The news spread quickly through the settlement. People smiled and talked excitedly about what the mineral discovery might mean for Valentra's future.
As the excitement over the mineral discovery began to settle, AJ found himself standing near the loaded cart with Maria and Walter.
Around them, residents continued examining the ore samples and discussing possibilities. Robert was already sketching plans for new tools, while Thomas calculated how much iron various construction projects would require.
"Robert won't need to worry about running short on materials anymore," Maria observed, watching the blacksmith's enthusiasm as he examined the iron ore samples.
Walter nodded, leaning on his cane. "When his supplies get low, we can just make another trip, simple as that."
"The route we cleared should hold up well enough," AJ added.
The mood around them was genuinely optimistic. People were making plans, discussing potential future projects.
"We'll have nice tools for everyone," one of the workers said, hefting a chunk of iron ore. "Hammers, axes, maybe even some decent cooking implements."
Maria smiled at the enthusiasm. "And the astralite... well, we'll figure out what that's useful for eventually."
The settlement now had a steady source of all basic resources, food, water, wood, stone, metal, as well as astralite.
This set them up for steady growth for the foreseeable future.