A few days had passed since the fall of Whispering Pines. The group traveled quietly through the forest path that led to the next settlement—Maple Grove, a small village nestled between rolling hills and amber trees. The air was warmer here, the scent of pine replaced by the sweetness of maple sap and blooming flowers.
The journey had been slow. The wounds from their last battle were still fresh, both in body and spirit.
Han sat silently in the wagon, his gaze distant as the wheels creaked along the dirt road. His right sleeve hung empty, tied neatly at the shoulder where his arm once was. The others tried to speak to him, but he rarely responded. His eyes often drifted toward the horizon, lost in thought.
The trauma of losing his arm weighed heavily on him. The once cheerful and confident fighter now sat in silence, his spirit dimmed.
Eva stayed close to him every day, tending to his needs and ensuring he ate and rested. She spoke softly to him, her voice filled with patience and care, though she could see the pain behind his quiet eyes.
"Han," she said one morning as they stopped by a stream, "you're still you. You're still part of us."
He didn't answer. He only nodded faintly, his reflection rippling in the water.
Meanwhile, Isolde kept herself busy. She spent her days gathering supplies and materials from the nearby woods—metal scraps, herbs, and monster parts left behind from old hunts. She claimed it was for her "next project," though she didn't say what it was.
Her hands were always moving, tinkering with gears and wires by the campfire. The rhythmic sound of her tools filled the silence that Han's quiet left behind.
Sam, on the other hand, had thrown herself into training. Every morning, she practiced her frost spells until her mana nearly ran dry, then switched to dagger drills under Shin's supervision.
"Again," Shin said, blocking her strike with his sword.
Sam gritted her teeth and lunged forward, her movements sharper than before. The dagger gleamed in her hand, coated with a thin layer of frost.
"Better," Shin said, stepping back. "But your stance still wavers when you switch from magic to melee. You need to flow between them, not separate them."
Sam nodded, panting. "I'll get it right next time."
"You're improving fast," Shin said with a faint smile. "You've got potential, Sam. You just need to trust yourself."
She smiled back, wiping sweat from her brow. "I just don't want to be a burden anymore."
"You never were," Shin replied quietly.
The days passed in this rhythm—training, healing, rebuilding. The group slowly began to recover, though the scars of Whispering Pines lingered in their hearts.
When they finally reached Maple Grove, the village greeted them with warmth and curiosity. The locals were kind, offering food and shelter in exchange for stories of their travels. The air was peaceful, the sound of children playing and merchants calling out their wares filling the streets.
For the first time in weeks, the group felt a sense of calm.
That night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they gathered around a small fire outside the inn. The flames flickered softly, casting long shadows across their faces.
Isolde sat cross-legged near the fire, a bottle of amber liquor in her hand. She took a long swig, exhaling with a satisfied sigh. "Finally, something that doesn't taste like monster blood," she muttered.
She looked over at Han, who sat quietly beside her, staring into the flames. Without a word, she extended the bottle toward him.
"Drink," she said simply.
Han hesitated, glancing at her. "I shouldn't..."
"Don't think," Isolde interrupted, her tone firm but kind. "Just drink. It helps dull the noise in your head."
After a moment, Han took the bottle. He stared at it for a few seconds before taking a small sip. The burn hit his throat, and he coughed lightly, earning a faint chuckle from Isolde.
"Not bad for a first try," she said, smirking. "You'll get used to it."
Han handed the bottle back, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks."
Isolde shrugged. "Don't mention it. We all need something to keep us sane."
The two sat in silence for a while, passing the bottle back and forth as the fire crackled between them.
Across the camp, Sam and Shin were still sparring under the moonlight, their movements fluid and precise. Eva watched them from a distance, her hands folded in her lap, a gentle smile on her face.
For the first time in a long while, there was laughter—quiet, fragile, but real.
After a while, Isolde stood up and clapped her hands together. "Alright, everyone! Gather 'round!" she called out, her voice carrying through the night air.
Sam and Shin stopped their sparring, Eva looked up from her seat, and even Han turned his head curiously.
Isolde raised the bottle high. "I want to make a toast."
She looked at each of them in turn, her expression softening. "First, to Eva—for being there to help and take care of us. Without you, this party wouldn't have lasted a day. You're the heart that keeps us together."
Eva blushed slightly, smiling shyly. "Thank you, Isolde."
Isolde turned to Shin next. "And to our fearless savior—always showing up when things get rough." She grinned teasingly. "You've saved our hides more times than I can count."
Shin chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just doing my part."
But as she said it, Han's gaze dropped to the ground, his expression darkening. The word savior echoed in his mind, stirring the ache of helplessness he still carried.
Isolde noticed but continued, her tone lightening as she turned to Sam. "And you, little frostbite—don't think I forgot you. No need to thank me for all the times I saved your butt."
Sam puffed her cheeks. "Hey!"
Isolde laughed. "But seriously, without your support and spells, things would've been a lot harder. You've grown stronger, Sam. Keep it up."
Finally, she turned to Han, her expression softening. "And lastly... to you."
Han looked up, surprised.
"Thank you," Isolde said sincerely. "For having the courage to protect us, even against enemies stronger than any of us could imagine. You fought when it mattered most, and for that..." She reached behind her and pulled out a wrapped bundle. "I'm proud to present you with my gift."
She unwrapped it, revealing a metallic arm, sleek and unfinished but sturdy, with faint runes etched along its surface. "It's a prototype—a new project of mine. It's not perfect yet, but for now, it'll do."
Han stared at it, speechless. His throat tightened as he reached out with his remaining hand, touching the cold metal.
"Isolde..." he whispered. "You made this... for me?"
She smirked. "Who else, dummy? You think I'd let my drinking buddy stay one-armed forever?"
The group laughed softly, the tension melting away.
Han smiled for the first time since Whispering Pines, his eyes glistening faintly. "Thank you... all of you."
Isolde raised the bottle again. "To us—survivors of Whispering Pines, and the idiots crazy enough to keep going!"
They all raised their cups, mugs, and bottles, their laughter echoing under the starlit sky.
As the laughter faded, Shin took the opportunity to speak. "Alright, everyone," he began, his tone steady but serious. "We've had our rest, but we need to plan our next move."
The group turned their attention to him.
"I'll be heading to the blacksmith tomorrow," Shin continued. "We can't afford to be caught off guard again. It's better to be equipped than to be sorry for the perilous path ahead." He paused, his expression somber. "I miscalculated last time, and it nearly cost us everything. I won't let that happen again. This time, we'll be prepared."
He looked at each of them in turn. "Sam, you'll head to the village square and check for bounty opportunities. We'll need gold to resupply."
Sam nodded firmly. "Got it."
"Isolde," Shin said next, "you're our hunter. Scout the area and mark the best routes on the map. Only recon—no unnecessary risks."
Isolde gave a mock salute. "Aye, captain."
"Eva, Han," Shin said finally, "you two will check the shops for supplies. Find the best deals and make sure we get the most out of what we have left."
Eva smiled softly. "Understood."
Han nodded. "We'll handle it."
"Good," Shin said, his tone easing. "Let's make tomorrow count."
Everyone agreed, the firelight reflecting in their determined eyes.
The next morning, the group split up to carry out their tasks. The sun rose gently over Maple Grove, bathing the village in golden light.
Eva and Han walked side by side through the cobblestone streets, the sound of merchants calling out their wares filling the air.
Eva glanced at him, her voice soft. "How does it feel... to have a second chance?"
Han looked down at his new arm, flexing the metal fingers slowly. "It feels strange," he admitted. Then he smiled faintly. "But this time, I'll do better. I promise. I'll make sure to protect you—all of you."
Eva stopped, her cheeks turning pink. "Han..." she whispered, caught off guard by his sincerity.
He looked at her, his expression calm but resolute. "I mean it."
Eva turned away quickly, trying to hide her blush. "J-just focus on the supplies," she stammered.
Han chuckled softly, the first genuine laugh she'd heard from him in days.
As dawn approached, Han and Eva decided to stop by a nearby pub to quench their thirst. The place was lively, filled with laughter, clinking mugs, and the faint sound of a bard's lute. But as they entered, the cheerful noise was overshadowed by a commotion brewing near the back.
Five men surrounded two women—a druid with a striking pixie cut and a confident, wild aura that seemed to draw the forest's energy around her, and a mage with a regal twisted bun, elegant and composed, her presence radiating calm aquatic magic.
One of the thugs leaned forward with a sneer. "You should come with us. Both of you will have a good time later."
The druid's eyes narrowed. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. The mage behind her grabbed her arm, her voice trembling. "Pixie, no, please..." she pleaded, her expression fearful, almost childlike.
Pixie smirked, her tone sharp. "Don't worry, Ciara. I've got this covered."
She raised her hand to cast a spell—but nothing happened. Her eyes widened as she realized the pub was lined with safety runes, suppressing all forms of magic.
The thugs grinned. "Not good to cause trouble here, sweetheart," one of them mocked.
Han's jaw tightened. He couldn't stand watching any longer. He stepped forward, grabbed one of the thugs by the collar, and swung his fist.
The punch landed—but the mechanical arm sparked and jammed, the impact weak. The thug barely flinched before snarling and swinging back.
Before the blow could land, a blur of motion crossed the room. A powerful hand caught the thug's wrist mid-swing, and a single punch sent him crashing into a table.
The room fell silent.
Standing between Han and the thugs was a towering man covered in glowing animal rune tattoos. His long braided hair framed a horned skull headpiece, and his muscular frame radiated primal strength. His body was marked with runes shaped like a wolf, dragon, eagle, bear, and serpent, each glowing faintly. A fur cloak draped over his shoulders, and a curved claw weapon hung at his side.
Around him, spectral animals—a black wolf, brown bear, eagle, panther, and saber-toothed tiger—materialized, snarling and circling him protectively. The air shimmered with wild energy.
The remaining four thugs charged, but the man moved like a storm. Each strike was precise and brutal—one kick sent a man flying into the bar, another was slammed into the wall by a spectral bear's paw. Within seconds, all five were unconscious.
Han stared in disbelief. "No way... Chrome?"
The man turned, his fierce expression softening into a grin. "It's been a long time, Han."
Han stepped forward, still stunned. "You were here all along? I never expected to see you in a place like this."
Chrome chuckled, crossing his arms. "I could say the same. Looks like you've been through hell." His eyes flicked toward Eva, who stood beside Han, wide-eyed. "And it seems you've found yourself a maiden."
Both Han and Eva blushed furiously. "W-we're not—!" they said in unison.
Chrome laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the pub. "Still the same Han I remember."
Pixie and Ciara approached the two men, bowing slightly. "Thank you," Pixie said with a confident smile. "We owe you one."
Ciara, shy and soft-spoken, hid slightly behind Pixie, her eyes darting nervously toward Han and Chrome. "T-thank you..." she murmured before the two women quickly left the pub.
After they were gone, Han turned to Chrome. "We need to see Shin."
Chrome raised an eyebrow. "Who's Shin again?"
Han scratched his head awkwardly. "Shin's our leader, Chrome."
Chrome blinked, then burst out laughing. "You mean Shin the weakling? Hahaha! I don't remember him being the leader. I thought I was the leader of our pack!"
Han sighed, shaking his head with a faint smile. "You haven't changed at all."
Chrome grinned, slapping Han on the shoulder. "And you still find trouble wherever you go."
Back at camp, the gang was busy while waiting for Eva and Han. Shin was talking quietly with Sam, while Isolde tinkered with another mechanical arm by the fire.
Shin glanced toward the darkening forest, worry creasing his brow. "It's getting late," he said. "Han and Eva haven't come back yet."
Isolde smirked without looking up. "Maybe they went on a little date. Perfect time for two young adults to explore, don't you think?" She laughed as she spouted her joke.
Sam's face turned bright red, but she didn't say a word.
Before Shin could respond, he suddenly sensed movement in the darkness. His hand instinctively went to his sword.
A familiar voice called out, "We're here! Sorry it took a while—there was trouble."
Shin relaxed slightly as Han and Eva emerged from the shadows.
Without looking up from her work, Isolde teased, "Whoo, it's okay, Han. I can't blame you—Eva's a beautiful lady. I'd take all the time in the world before coming back too."
Eva's face turned crimson. "N-no, that's not true! We weren't on a date! We fought bandits—well, actually, we didn't do anything since this man helped us!"
Isolde raised an eyebrow, grinning. "A man, you say?" She turned her head—and froze.
Her eyes widened. "Wait a second... why is that caveman here?!" she shouted, pointing at Chrome.
Chrome's expression darkened instantly. "You old witch! You're still alive?!"
Everyone froze in shock—except for Han, who sighed and muttered under his breath, "I knew this would happen."
Isolde's eyes narrowed dangerously. She grabbed her revolver and fired several shots at Chrome, who yelped and dodged each one with surprising agility, leaping behind a tree like a startled cat.
"Isolde! You could've killed me!" Chrome shouted.
Isolde pouted, crossing her arms. "Then it would've been a glorious day for me!"
She turned toward Han, noticing the busted mechanical arm. Her eyes widened in horror. "What did you do to it?! It's a prototype!" she cried dramatically.
Chrome burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. "No wonder it broke—you invented it! Bwahahaha!"
Isolde's eyes flared with anger. She rolled up her right sleeve, marched toward Chrome, and punched him square in the face. Chrome stumbled back, dizzy, rubbing his jaw.
They were rowdy and loud, but Shin, Sam, Eva, and Han couldn't stop laughing as the two bickered like children around the campfire.
That evening, the group feasted together. The fire crackled brightly, and the smell of roasted meat filled the air. Everyone was drinking, laughing, and sharing stories. Mugs clinked, and the sound of joy echoed through the clearing.
Chrome leaned back, chugging his ale before glancing at Shin, who sat quietly, studying him. "What's the matter, Shin?" Chrome asked with a grin. "You look like you don't know me at all."
Isolde sighed, shaking her head. "He doesn't. He suffered memory loss."
Chrome's grin faded slightly as realization dawned. "Ah... I see."
A faint glow began to pulse from the runes on his chest. The light gathered at his right pectoral, forming the shape of an orb. Slowly, it materialized into a physical orb of nature, swirling with green energy and faint traces of life essence.
Chrome held it out toward Shin. "Here ya go, Shin," he said, then took another long gulp of ale. "Remember me—and why I was the leader of the pack."
Isolde immediately slammed her mug on the table, glaring. "You can never be the leader! Shin is the strongest of us all!"
Chrome smirked, leaning back with a cocky grin. "Strongest? Please. I used to carry both of you back then. You two couldn't even lift your own weight!"
He laughed loudly, chugging another mug of ale.
Isolde's face turned red with fury, steam practically rising from her head. "You arrogant beast!" she shouted, slamming her fist on the table.
They laughed, and Shin thanked Chrome. He reached out and touched the orb. In an instant, memories flooded back—visions of Chrome fighting beside him, commanding beasts with primal power, their teamwork fierce and unbreakable. Another memory surfaced—Isolde and Chrome bickering even then, yet fighting side by side with perfect coordination.
As the memories settled, Shin felt a surge of strength course through him. His aura flared briefly, his power rekindled. He smiled and looked at Chrome. "Chrome... the Beastmaster."
Chrome grinned wider, raising his mug. "Now we're talking! Cheers!"
They all chugged down their drinks, laughter echoing once more.
Then Isolde cleared her throat. "Alright, enough drinking. I've got something to report."
The group turned to her as she leaned forward, her tone shifting to serious. "During my recon earlier, I found that the path to the desert is guarded by Rocco's men. It's heavily defended. I think they set up that checkpoint while we were trapped in Ernesto's village. Getting through would be messy—he's got at least a thousand men stationed there."
Shin frowned. "How about heading back to Shangri-La and taking another route?"
Chrome shook his head. "No good. There's a checkpoint there too. I went through earlier."
Eva blinked in confusion. "Wait, what? But the path from Maple Grove to Shangri-La is miles apart!"
Sam nodded. "Yeah, how did you even get there so fast?"
Chrome grinned smugly. "Simple. I can fly."
Both Sam and Eva's eyes sparkled with amazement. "You can fly?!" they said in unison.
Chrome leaned back, crossing his arms proudly. "I know, I know. I'm amazing!" he said, laughing loudly.
Before he could finish his boast, Isolde punched him square on the skull cap. Chrome collapsed instantly, seeing stars. "Why are there stars so close to me... circling me..." he muttered weakly.
Isolde rolled her eyes. "Idiot." Then she turned serious again. "We'll need a special pass to get out. Either that, or we force our way through the checkpoint."
Shin leaned back, deep in thought. The fire crackled quietly as everyone waited for his response.
Before he could speak, Chrome's expression suddenly changed. His grin faded, replaced by sharp focus. "Wait," he whispered. "I feel something."
His body began to glow faintly, the runes on his arms pulsing with light. The group fell silent.
Rustling came from the bushes nearby.
A small rabbit hopped out into the clearing.
Sam and Eva gasped. "Aww, how cute!!" they said together.
But Chrome's eyes narrowed. He raised his hand, summoning a massive spectral snake that slithered from the ground, coiling around the rabbit.
"Chrome!" Eva shouted. "Don't hurt it! It's just a bunny!"
"Yeah!" Sam added. "It's adorable!"
Chrome's voice boomed. "That's not a rabbit! Show your true form—or die by my snake!"
The rabbit trembled, then began to glow. Its shape shifted, fur melting away into light until it revealed a female figure kneeling on the ground.
Han's eyes widened. "Wait... that's the lady from the pub earlier."
Chrome stepped forward, his tone cold. "Explain yourself. Why shouldn't I choke the life out of you?"
Isolde cocked her revolver, aiming it at the woman. "And make it quick," she warned.
Pixie looked uneasy, her body tense.
A frightened voice cried out, "Don't kill Pixie, please!" It was Ciara, trembling as she stepped out from behind a tree, her tone pleading like a child begging for mercy.
Chrome lowered his hand slightly. "Alright then," he said. "Explain yourselves."
Pixie took a deep breath. "We're on a sacred pilgrimage—to visit all the temples of the realm. But to reach the first one, the Temple of the Forest, we need to pass through the checkpoint. We don't have a pass. We came from the elven city of Alindor, but there's a checkpoint there too. We're stuck here."
She hesitated, then continued. "We met you at the pub earlier. We saw how strong you were, Chrome. We thought... maybe you could help us."
Chrome puffed his chest proudly. "Of course I can! I'm the leader!"
A loud thunk followed as Isolde's knuckles landed squarely on his skull cap.
Pixie and Ciara flinched in shock, but continued their story. "We were hoping to join your group—just until we reach the crossroads where our paths would part."
Shin hesitated, rubbing his chin. "The road ahead is dangerous. I don't want you two getting caught up in our mess."
Pixie frowned. "Why would we be in danger?"
Shin, already drunk, sighed and muttered, "Because the one who placed those checkpoints... is hunting us."
Before he could say more, Isolde slammed her knuckles into his skull cap, knocking him out cold—right beside Chrome, who was already unconscious.
Pixie blinked in disbelief, while Ciara giggled nervously. "It's okay," she said softly. "We have no ties with Rocco's gang. Would it be alright if we come along with you?"
Shin groaned, sitting up slowly, rubbing his head. "What do you think, guys?"
Everyone looked at one another, then nodded in agreement.
After the encounter with Pixie and Ciara, the group gathered around the campfire once more. Han stood up, stretching his arm. "Before we go," he said, "I need to upgrade my equipment first."
Before he could say anything else, Isolde threw a chest in front of him with a loud thud. "Already done," she said smugly.
Han blinked in surprise and opened the chest. Inside was a mechanical arm, far more advanced than his previous one—its surface lined with intricate gears, armor plating, and faintly glowing runes.
"You should try it on," Isolde said, crossing her arms proudly.
Han immediately equipped the arm, following her instructions. As the gears clicked into place, the runes pulsed with light.
"This upgrade," Isolde explained, "comes with magic runes and high-tech gears. The arm can even transform into your old weapons—like your hand cannon."
Han flexed his new arm, the metal shifting smoothly with his movements. "Incredible," he said, awe in his voice. "Thank you, Isolde."
Isolde smirked. "Don't mention it. Just don't break this one."
Then Shin stood up and walked over to the table. He tossed three boxes toward Isolde, Sam, and Eva. "A little something for your hard work, everyone," he said.
Isolde caught hers and opened it, revealing a sleek black barrel with a strange mechanism attached. "What's this for?" she asked curiously.
"Press the button," Shin replied.
She did—and the barrel unfolded and transformed into a marksman rifle. Her eyes widened, glimmering with excitement. "Oh, this is beautiful!" she exclaimed, grinning like a child. "Thank you, Shin!"
Next, Sam opened her box. Inside was a wooden staff made of elven wood, its surface engraved with frost runes. The moment she touched it, she felt her mana flow strengthen, her regeneration doubling instantly.
Shin nodded approvingly. "That staff amplifies ice magic. It suits you."
Sam smiled brightly. "It's perfect!"
Meanwhile, Ciara began pinching Pixie's arm. "I want one too!" she whined.
"Ow! Ow! Stop it!" Pixie yelped, rubbing her arm.
Finally, Eva frowned as she looked at her small box. "Mine's tiny," she muttered.
Shin chuckled and tapped her shoulder. "Open it."
Inside was a silver ring engraved with an eye insignia. Shin's tone softened. "That's the Eye of Hecate. It'll protect you from danger—it casts a barrier around its wearer when their life is threatened."
Eva's eyes welled with tears. "Shin... thank you."
Across the fire, Ciara was once again tugging on Pixie's sleeve. "I want that one too!" she pouted.
Pixie sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
The camp filled with laughter once again, the warmth of camaraderie glowing brighter than the fire itself.
As the night deepened, the group sat together, their new gear gleaming under the moonlight. The air was filled with the sound of laughter, clinking mugs, and the faint hum of magic from their new equipment.
Tomorrow, they would face the checkpoints, the dangers, and the unknown—but for now, they were together, stronger than ever.
The morning had risen. Shin gathered everyone around the campfire and laid out the plan. "We'll buy a horse carriage and cover it with a sheet," he explained. "We'll fill it with barrels—some with wine, some empty. The empty ones will be our hiding spots. Chrome will summon his horse and act as a merchant transporting fine goods to the Elven City of Alindor. Sounds fine?"
Everyone nodded in agreement and began preparing.
By noon, the carriage was ready. They hid inside the barrels, mixing themselves among the wine casks. Chrome took the reins, his expression calm but focused.
As he approached the checkpoint, a guard raised his hand. "Stop! We're searching for two fugitives—a man named Shin and a woman named Sam. Here's their picture from the wanted poster. Have you seen them?"
Chrome shook his head casually. "No, sir. I'm just a humble merchant transporting fine wine for the nobles of Alindor."
The guard narrowed his eyes. "Show me your wares."
"Of course," Chrome said smoothly. He hopped down and opened one of the barrels in front. The rich scent of wine filled the air. The guard dipped a cup, took a sip, and nodded approvingly.
"This is good stuff," the guard said.
"Only the best," Chrome replied with a grin.
Inside the barrels, the others held their breath, relief washing over them as the guard waved Chrome through.
Crossing the first gate, Chrome's eyes widened slightly. Beyond it lay a massive encampment—over fifty thousand soldiers under Rocco's banner.
As he neared the second gate, a voice boomed, "Stop that carriage!"
A tall, scarred man stepped forward—Dreadmore, one of Rocco's lieutenants.
"Where are you headed?" Dreadmore demanded.
"To Alindor," Chrome replied calmly.
"And your purpose?"
"Delivering wine to the elven nobles," Chrome said, gesturing to the barrels.
Dreadmore's eyes narrowed. "Then I'll taste it myself."
Chrome forced a smile. "Be my guest." He opened the same barrel as before. Dreadmore took a sip, smirked, and nodded. "Not bad."
Then, with a smug grin, Dreadmore drew his long butterfly knife and stabbed another barrel. "Let's try this one."
Chrome's heart pounded. Sweat trickled down his temple, but he kept his composure. "Go ahead," he said, forcing a grin.
Dreadmore filled a cup and drank deeply. "Excellent," he said, satisfied.
Chrome exhaled quietly, trying to hide his relief. "Glad you approve."
But before he could move, Dreadmore suddenly stabbed another barrel. Chrome froze. He knew someone was hiding in that one.
Dreadmore's eyes flicked toward him. "Why are you sweating? Feeling unwell?"
Chrome forced a laugh. "Ate something bad yesterday."
Dreadmore smirked. "I'll drink from this one too." He raised his knife again.
Chrome's hand clenched into a fist, ready to strike—when a soldier shouted, "Dreadmore! Rocco's calling for you in the war tent! Says it's urgent!"
Dreadmore cursed under his breath, sheathed his knife, and turned away. "Let him pass!" he barked.
Chrome bowed slightly, then quickly drove the carriage forward. Once they were clear, he checked the stabbed barrel—it was Pixie, who had transformed into a small animal to avoid detection.
He sighed in relief, covered the barrel, and continued driving until they were miles away from the camp.
When they finally stopped, everyone climbed out of the barrels, gasping for air.
Isolde shouted, "We are never doing that again! That was terrifying!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, still shaken but relieved.
They looked ahead—the road stretched toward the horizon, leading to the shining spires of Alindor.
Their next destination awaited.