Book 1: Chapter 29: A new dawn.

Book 1: Chapter 29: A new dawn.

The was little to say as we made our way home, but much left unsaid. Things hadnt changed, in truth. My perspective had. Beforehand, true danger was a far-off concept, with the Baron being situated far away and with other matters to occupy himself. Conflict and confrontation was there, but as a vaguely hazy thing further down the line.

There were monsters up the mountain, yes, but I had, for some reason, been incorrectly confident that I was the top dog or somesuch in these areas. That illusion was shattered now. Gareks memories held vast amounts of blood-soaked experience, yet the berserker had never fought an Apex himself.

Much as I wished I would not have to, I refused to be an optimistic fool. I would pray for the best, but steel myself for the worst.

Quiet and somber was the mood as Lerish led us back out of this wooded maze. The huntress deftly found trails my eyes would have passed over, and kept up moving in a consistent direction. Lost and with my trust in her, I followed.

Overcast as it was, I guessed it to be early in the evening before we emerged back onto the road. It was not where we had entered by her lodge, but close enough.

Well. She broke the silence. Till we meet again. I will be working at the camp these next few weeks. Hunting for those who cannot do it themselves. Your company would not be unwelcome. If you find yourself in the area.

I solemnly nodded and thanked her for all she had done today. The huntress gave me a rare, wry smile and went off on her own way. And I was left alone with my thoughts once more. There was a tiredness in my limbs as I trudged down the slope, following the road that would lead me home. Just I, the sound of birds in the distance and the dull evening light.

Exhaustion crept through my body, yes. But I was not too tired to smile when Gol lumbered up to me as I approached the farm. Ishila passed me on the road as I drew near, the big burly beast by her side.

Had a good day? I asked and leaned forward to scratch Gol behind the ears. The way he pressed his head into my hand brought a small smile to my face, I had to admit. The last few days had caused me to appreciate the big lummox.

Was alright. Bit boring, but thats how I like my days round here. Yourself?

Unexpected things happened, I grunted. Finished what we set out to achieve, and had a change of perspective.

Want to share?

Maybe in the morning. Too tired to do anything tonight. Gonna wash in the stream and go to bed.

Sounds like a plan. She grinned in her lopsided way. I still got chores at home or Id do the same and be asleep.

Well, have fun with that.

She chuckled and shook her head.

I make no promises in that regard. But Ill try.

And with that, she was gone. I watched her race down the road, dust kicked up in her wake. Gol followed me home, close at my side. And of course, I spoiled him with an abundance of head-scratches and much pets. Just to express my gratitude. He had risked life and limb for my farm, and now it was his home as much as mine. Supper was a vague blur of Artyom cheerfully chattering along and describing the day. Truth be told, I could remember little of what was said.

I encountered the Apex. I stated bluntly. In the heartbeat, the mans face went from relaxed and curious to alert and tight.

Every detail you can provide me will be compensated for in gold. He spoke, voice hard. But I waved him off.

From one friend to another. I assured him. Keep your coin, and instead do me a favour in the future, should I call upon it.

Very well. He agreed, voice low. But every. Single. Little. Detail you can provide me will be valuable beyond anything. Every scrap of knowledge might save a life when we have to go and fight it, might make the difference between killing it and a rout.

That was where I wholly agreed with him. Information and knowledge was what won battles, and decided wars. I knew this very, very well. Which was why I had come to pass it along. Hoarded, that knowledge was useless to me, but shared, it could benefit all. The worst thing I could have done was simply sit on it and fail to mention it to anyone.

Not a sound came from Raffnyk as I described the encounter in bluntly excruciating detail. Every little thing I could remember, from how it moved to its attacks to its stature and attitude. Frankly, the conversation took far, far longer than the actual slaughter at the stonemonger nest.

I thank you for this, friend Garek. He spoke once I had finished. He abruptly stood and clasped hands behind his back. Way your woes be few and your days many. I must go. Now.

He stalked away, and I watched a good man leave.

While I wish I could have said the day was profitable, that would be a very severe over-reach. Few and far between were the people who actually approached me, and fewer still were those who were willing to buy an entire large jar of milk after a few sips from the sample cup.

My business strategy was sorely lackluster, I finally concluded. Soon, evening came, and I could wait no longer. Cart just as heavy as it had been this morning, I turned and began to trudge back home.

Not entirely disheartened. Just more experienced. I would need to make several adjustments and compromises, but I had a plan.

If just milk was not enough to attract attention, I would need to add the proverbial spice to my selection.

Once again, it was late enough that Ishila passed me on the road home. The lass assured me that everything had gone well, albeit slowly. The harvested pods were safely stored and awaiting my attention, and she had drained some of the acid into proper glass containers.

Artyom deserved whatever reward I had promised him, and that was not because she had seen him chased across the yard by a massive biter pod before cleanly running it through with a spear. The image roused both concern and amusement in me, but I thanked her for her effort and we parted ways once more.

True to my words, Artyom was rewarded. I sat beneath my evening tree and watched the felinid happily lap away at a thick bowl of cream. Spoon abandoned, he slurped the liquid straight from the bowl, a content look upon his face.

Truly, blissfully happy. I let him enjoy it, my own supper already eaten. But I was not content to head off and sleep just yet. Despite my very un-nocturnal instincts calling, I heaved myself up and lumbered off towards the fields.

Amidst the freshly harvested stalks and vines, a single flower bloomed in the darkness. Surprise and delight swelled inside me as I regarded the sunflower in all its clerical glory. The petals I had plucked were already regrown. Did its healing capabilities also apply to itself?

With eager hands, I plucked several of the pale gold petals and headed back to the farm. Sleep could wait. I had some experiments to try.