Chapter 24: Into the Port
The horse-drawn carriage where Vincent and his team were seated finally left the main entrance of the city. There were citizens out there, cheering and waving their hands as they watched the saviors of the city depart. Vincent leaned out slightly, smiling and waving back at the crowd.
As the city grew smaller behind them, Vincent turned his attention back to his team.
"Okay, Captain Vandar is only going to escort us to the Port of Felaria where there will be a boat that will take us to Akarios Island. So that means I won't be able to return to the house that I built somewhere in the forest. It was ten thousand gold coins...I wasn't sure."
"What a waste sir," Alpha 3 said, feeling bad for Vincent's story.
"I know, but it's okay. At least I have gotten a lot of experience points and rewards," Vincent said. "Now the estimated time of arrival to the Port of Felaria is twelve hours without stopping. So with breaks, it'll take us around fourteen hours to get there. We'll need to be prepared for anything along the way."
Alpha 1 nodded. "Understood, sir. We'll keep our guard up during the journey."
Alpha 3 joined. "Sir...what about Cyclops's skin? We have forgotten to cash it."
When Alpha 3 mentioned that, Vincent suddenly realized the oversight. He ran a hand over his face frustratingly.
"Oh my god...yeah that one too. That was such a significant bounty we missed out on."
Alpha 4 tried to lighten the mood. "Well, at least we know we can take down a Cyclops using conventional weapons and without magic."
Vincent managed a small smile. "Yeah...but there'd be no next time as we are settling on Akarios island now. I wonder what it looked like."
Alpha 2 chuckled. "From what we've heard, it's a paradise... if you ignore the monsters." The team laughed, the light-hearted moment lifting their spirits. The carriage continued its journey through the night, the landscape gradually shifting from dense forests to open fields. Twelve hours into the journey the sun was already setting, casting long shadows across the open fields. The carriage made a brief stop to allow the horses to rest and for the team to stretch their legs. The night air was cool and refreshing, providing a welcome respite from the long ride.
The coachman approached the group who were gathering around a campfire and spoke.
"Sir Vincent...we will arrive at the Port of Felaria in two hours. Please take this opportunity to rest as I am sure the trip starting from Eldoria has not been an easy one."
"Welcome aboard the Sea Hawk. I'm Captain Bartholomew. We'll set sail for Akarios Island immediately. I will spoil you gentlemen, Akarios village is not a place you'd want to settle in. And judging by your numbers, I don't think you will last long."
"Stop saying that, Bartholomew, they are more than capable of handling any threats as they were the ones who forced Demon King General Telus to flee from the battlefield," Vandar
interjected.
Captain Bartholomew raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Is that so? Well then, I stand corrected. Welcome aboard, and may your journey be swift and uneventful."
Vincent shook Bartholomew's hand firmly. "Thank you, Captain. We appreciate your
assistance."
The crew quickly got to work, preparing the ship for departure. Vincent and his team found a spot on the deck, and they settled there.
Captain Vandar approached Vincent one last time. "Well, this is where we part ways. It has been an honor to assist you and your team. I hope we can meet again in the future under more relaxed circumstances."
Vincent shook Vandar's hand warmly. "Thank you, Captain. We couldn't have done this
without your help. I hope our paths cross again."
Vandar nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Safe travels, Vincent. Take care of yourselves
out there."
With that, Vandar turned and made his way back down the gangplank, leaving Vincent and his team to watch as he disappeared into the port.
"Alright, men," Captain Bartholomew called out, his voice carrying over the deck. "Prepare to set sail!"
The crew sprang into action, and soon the Sea Hawk was gliding smoothly out of the harbor, leaving the port of Felaria behind. Vincent and his team stood at the rail, watching the lights of the city fade into the distance.