The dwarf—because Kael was absolutely certain that's what he was—approached with a gait that suggested power barely contained. His mythbeast followed with earth-shaking footsteps, the rhinoceros's metallic hide gleaming in the moonlight.
"Name's Borin," the dwarf said, his voice like gravel rolling in a barrel. "Borin Stonefist. And you lot look like you tangled with a thunderstorm and lost." His eyes, sharp despite the jovial tone, took in their injuries, the exhausted mythbeasts, Ren being supported by Garrett. "Need a ride to the city?"
"That would be amazing," Mira said gratefully. "If you have room?"
Borin laughed, a sound like boulders tumbling. "Room? Well, not exactly. But logs can be balanced on if you're careful, and it's better than walking, aye?"
He gestured to his cart, which was indeed packed nearly to overflowing with massive tree trunks. But there was space on top, and anything was better than another two miles of walking for the exhausted group.
"We'd be incredibly grateful," Garrett said. "We can pay—"
"Bah!" Borin waved a meaty hand dismissively. "Keep your coin. I'm headed to the city anyway, and it's no trouble to me. Just don't fall off, or my beast Granite here might accidentally step on you."
The metallic rhinoceros—Granite—snorted, a sound like steam escaping from a forge. Despite its intimidating appearance, its eyes were gentle as it regarded the group.
Kael found himself fascinated by both dwarf and beast. The rock/metal typing fit perfectly with what he'd expect from a dwarf—assuming this world's dwarves followed the same general patterns as fantasy dwarves from Earth. The connection between species and mythbeast types was something he'd need to explore further.
Racist, he thought to himself with a slight smile. Assuming a dwarf would have a rock-type just because he's a dwarf. Though in this case, I'm right, so...
They clambered onto the cart with varying degrees of grace. The larger mythbeasts—the grass oxen and Ren's moose—walked alongside, while the smaller beasts found spots among the logs. Kael settled near the back, Vera curling up beside him, while Ember took up her favorite position, hovering around his head.
Borin climbed onto the driver's seat with surprising agility for someone so heavily muscled, and with a gentle command, Granite began pulling. The cart rolled smoothly despite its massive load, the rhinoceros's strength making the weight seem trivial.
The ride was surprisingly pleasant. Kael scratched behind Vera's ears, feeling her contentment through their bond. The burns from the thunder-horse still pained her, but she bore it without complaint, simply enjoying the chance to rest.
Ember circled them both, taking in every new sight with undiminished enthusiasm. The road, the other travelers, the approaching city—everything fascinated her.
"First time in Thornhaven?" Borin called back from his seat.
"Yes," Kael confirmed. "First time in any city around here, actually."
"Ah, a traveler! Well, you picked a good one. Thornhaven's got everything you need—guild, markets, inns, smithies, healers." He paused. "You lot look like you could use a healer, speaking of."
"We're heading to one," Mira assured him. "Once we get inside."
The city grew larger as they approached, its scale becoming more apparent. The walls were massive, constructed from huge stone blocks that looked like they could withstand a siege by an army. Guards walked the ramparts, visible as silhouettes against the night sky.
As they reached the gates, Kael noticed something that made his analytical mind kick into high gear. The guards weren't just armed men with spears. Each one had mythbeasts beside them—two or three per guard, all of them looking well-fed, well-trained, and alert.
He spotted what looked like a large dog covered in rocky armor, a bird with metallic feathers that gleamed like steel, something feline and sleek that might have been a shadow-type. The variety was impressive, but what really struck him was their condition. These weren't wild beasts barely controlled; they were partners, companions, clearly bonded to their tamers and treated well.
This was a society that took mythbeast taming seriously. Very seriously.
The guards waved Borin through with minimal fuss—clearly, he was a regular, though one of them did a double-take at Kael's group.
"Rough day in the forest?" the guard asked, eyeing their injuries.
"Rougher than expected," Garrett replied. "But we made it."
The guard nodded sympathetically. "Get yourselves to a healer. There's a good one on Temple Street, two blocks past the market square."
Then they were through, entering Thornhaven proper, and Kael's jaw dropped.
The city was alive. Even at night, people thronged the streets—merchants closing up shop, workers heading home, tamers walking with their beasts, children running and playing under the watchful eyes of parents. Buildings rose two and three stories high, constructed from stone and wood and materials Kael couldn't immediately identify.
And mythbeasts were everywhere. Not just with guards or tamers, but integrated into daily life. A fire-type something providing light and warmth at a street corner. A water-type creature helping someone wash down a shopfront. An earth-type beast pulling a cart laden with goods.
It was beautiful and chaotic and utterly foreign, and Kael loved it immediately.
Borin guided his cart through the streets with practiced ease, eventually pulling to a stop in what looked like a trading district. "This is where our paths part, friends. The guild's that way,"—he pointed down a major thoroughfare—"two streets over, big building, can't miss it. And for a decent inn that won't rob you blind, try the Sleeping Drake, just off the market square."
"Thank you," Kael said sincerely. "For the ride and the advice."
"Think nothing of it, lad. You and your beasts take care, aye?" Borin's eyes lingered on Vera and Ember with appreciation. "Those are fine companions you've got. Treat them well."
"Always," Kael promised.
They climbed off the cart, the four adventurers gathering together. Mira turned to Kael, a slight smirk on her face that he didn't quite understand.
"Before we head to the healer," she said, reaching into a pouch at her belt, "we owe you."
She pulled out a small cloth bag and pressed it into Kael's hands. It clinked with the unmistakable sound of coins.
"For saving our lives," Garrett added. "We're not rich, but we're not ungrateful either."
Kael opened the bag, finding it filled with bronze coins. Some had what looked like a wolverine engraved on them, others showed some kind of basilisk-like serpent. He had absolutely no idea how much this was worth or what the currency was even called, but from their expressions, it was a significant amount to them.
"I wasn't expecting payment," he said honestly. "I'd have helped anyway."
"We know," Finn said with a grin. "But take it anyway. Consider it a thank you and a welcome to Thornhaven."
That smirk on Mira's face was still there, like she knew something he didn't. But Kael decided not to press. He'd figure out whatever joke he was missing eventually.
He tied the coin pouch to his belt—gods, he needed better clothes and equipment—and looked at the group. "You're heading to a healer?"
"Yes," Mira confirmed. "Especially for Ren. You should come too, get your beasts looked at."
Kael shook his head. "We'll be fine. I need to find the guild, get registered, or whatever it is tamers do in cities."
It was partially true—he did need to visit the guild and understand how this society worked. But mostly, he wanted privacy. Wanted to use Divine Restoration on Vera without witnesses. Wanted time to process everything that had happened and plan his next moves.
"Well, if you're sure," Garrett said. "The guild's where Borin said. You really can't miss it."
They said their goodbyes, the four adventurers heading off toward Temple Street with their injured beasts. Kael watched them go, noting how they supported each other, how their bonds—both with each other and their mythbeasts—were evident in every interaction.
He looked down at Vera, who gazed back up at him with those intelligent violet eyes. Ember settled on his shoulder, her warmth comforting. Through their bonds, he felt their affection, their trust, their readiness for whatever came next.
"Alright, team," Kael said softly. "Let's figure out this new world. Find the guild, learn the rules, make some friends, hopefully."
He started walking in the direction Borin had indicated, following the flow of people and mythbeasts through Thornhaven's lamp-lit streets. Around him, the city lived and breathed—a testament to what humanity could build in a world where mythical beasts were real and bonds between species created strength beyond measure.
Whatever challenges lay ahead—and Kael had no illusions there would be many—he would face them with Vera and Ember at his side.
His new life had truly begun, and he intended to make the most of it.
The guild building rose ahead, exactly as Borin had promised—impossible to miss, massive and welcoming, lit up like a beacon in the night.
Kael smiled, scratched Vera's ears one more time, and walked forward into his future.