Chapter 44: Meeting With Aetherwing
Year 0003, Month XI-XII: The Imperium
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Day 144-150: Updating his Master
The winter's grip tightened around the city like an iron vice, trapping August and his companions within the confines of the villa. The relentless snowfall had transformed the bustling streets into silent desolate cold, with its white-shrouded pathways that few dared to traverse unless you were equipped with proper clothing. Despite the harsh conditions, August made it a point to visit the nearby dormitory they had constructed for their migrant people—those unfortunate souls who had been caught in the crossfire when the city's paranoia had reached fever pitch, targeting migrants and refugees with increasing suspicion and hostility.
As the days stretched into weeks, August found himself consumed by thoughts of the immediate future. The question that haunted his waking hours was simple yet daunting: how could they safely escort their migrants back to the forests of Lonelywood? The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders as he contemplated the journey ahead. He harbored deep concerns that he and his security team alone would not be sufficient for such a treacherous trek, especially given the current political climate that threatened to erupt into full-scale warfare.
The tension between the Kingdom of Ogind and the Sovereignty of Arwen had been building for months, like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. August understood the timeline all too well—the conflict would likely reach its boiling point precisely when the snow began to thaw and spring returned to the land. This timing coincided ominously with their planned departure, creating a perfect storm of danger and uncertainty.
After extensive deliberations with his inner circle, August reached a sobering conclusion. The main highway, while offering the most direct route to the Lonelywoods forest, would undoubtedly be seized by military forces come spring. Armies would march along those well-maintained roads, accompanied by endless supply trains and logistical support. For a group of migrants and their protectors, traveling such routes would be tantamount to suicide.
Alternative routes existed, though they came with their own perils. August didn't mind if the journey took longer—safety was paramount. However, he needed additional insurance and assurance that his charges would be protected throughout the remainder of their perilous journey home.
The discussions that followed were comprehensive and inclusive. August made certain to involve not only his own advisors but also the leaders of the migrant community and the Fernando family. During these meetings, he learned that Marcus, his head accountant harbored his own desires to travel to the place where his saviors had lived. While August had initially planned to leave Marcus behind to manage their burgeoning traveling mercantile business, the looming specter of war changed everything. Without August's presence to provide their primary merchandise, there would be no traveling mercantile operation to speak of—at least not until they reached the village safely.
However, their earlier agreements had already set plans in motion. A merchant stall would be established in the city, managed by the capable hands of Mrs. Susan Fernando, Marcus's own mother. The arrangement was secure, thanks to their partnership with Baron Kirka, who had proven himself a reliable ally in these uncertain times.
The business would focus on tapestry, embroidery, and banner making—skills that had found unexpected demand in the city. Michelle had thrown herself into the work with remarkable dedication, training new staff and managers in the intricate arts that had been passed down through her family for generations. It was both ironic and poignant that she would be teaching these ancestral skills to others in a foreign place, especially after she had closed their family's workshop months ago when she decided to accompany August and his crew on their journey to the city of Gremory.
Now, Michelle commanded a full crew of workers training under her watchful eye. Their current task involved creating additional banners that would adorn their (2) new wagons, as well as signage for their future shops and sigils for their security team. The work was meticulous and time-consuming, but it served a dual purpose: generating income and keeping everyone productively occupied during the long winter months.
All of this activity was supported by August's resources, with Baron Kirka providing the necessary space. The chosen area was strategically located near the Baron's own stores and stalls, ensuring a steady flow of potential customers. The new employees would begin full operations come spring, just before the entire party would depart for the Lonelywoods forest.
While these preparations continued in the background, August dedicated himself to researching potential land routes for their journey home. During one of his conversations with the migrants, he discovered that one of them possessed knowledge of a secret route that was rarely used by travelers. However, this alternative came with significant risks—it was often referred to as "the path of death" by merchants and civilians alike. The route was notorious for being infested with bandits and other dangerous elements who would kill and rob unwary travelers without hesitation.
After procuring a detailed map of the area, August and his advisors studied the route carefully. While it appeared modest on paper, the reality was far more complex. They considered other options, including traveling to another great forest and using it as an escape point, but August quickly realized this wasn't viable with so many people to transport. They would need to procure additional wagons for transport, which would only make their convoy more conspicuous and vulnerable.
It was during one of these strategic planning sessions that a brilliant idea struck him. However, before he could fully develop this concept, he needed to consult with someone whose wisdom and experience far exceeded his own.
That night, as the snowfall gentled to a manageable drift, August seized the opportunity to contact his master, Aetherwing. He slipped out of the villa under cover of darkness, making his way through the quiet streets to a predetermined location outside the city. There, in the privacy of the wilderness, he drew his knife and deliberately cut his palm, letting the blood flow onto his Magical Item Pouch. The artifact, directly connected to Aetherwing through the mystical system that bound them, pulsed with otherworldly energy as August activated its communication feature.
The sudden contact shocked the enormous beast, who had been resting in his side mountain lair nest. It had been months since his ward and student had reached out, and the timing—in the dead of night—suggested urgency. After roughly determining August's location through their mystical bond and the Magical Item Pouches homing beacon once activated, Aetherwing spread his massive wings and prepared for flight. Before departing, he entrusted the protection of the village to his partner and children, knowing they possessed more than sufficient strength to handle any issues that might arise in his absence.
His partner, while not a guardian beast of his caliber, was still regarded as a regular boss-rank beast, comparable in skill and level to the ancient entity he had encountered recently—the Osteo-Tyrannus "Rex," known as both the Bone Tyrant or as the Armored Tyrant. With this assurance, Aetherwing launched himself into the night sky, flying as fast as his powerful wings could carry him toward August's general direction.
August had arrived early at their meeting place, a secluded clearing deep within the forest where there would be no distractions and no risk of discovery. The location was far enough from the city to ensure privacy, though it required August to rush through the darkening woods before night fully settled over the land. He came prepared with a small amount of food and camping equipment, planning to spend the night in the wilderness. More importantly, he wore his new full combat equipment—experience had taught him that one could never be too careful in the outside world.
After nearly an hour of waiting, August felt the connection between himself and his master growing stronger. A few minutes later, a massive silhouette appeared against the star-filled sky, its presence felt by every creature in the surrounding forest. Only August and the most perceptive beasts took notice of the approaching guardian, with the latter wisely fleeing the area.
Before addressing the matter that had prompted this midnight meeting, August observed proper courtesy. "It has been a while, master. How have you been? What is the current state of the village and my friends back home?"
Before responding, Aetherwing took a moment to assess his student's development. The boy had grown significantly stronger since their last encounter, his gravitas and overall aura radiating newfound power. More importantly, August had matured beyond his years, displaying a wisdom and bearing that spoke of hard-won experience.
"Hohoho, it has indeed been a while, lad," Aetherwing replied, his mental voice carrying warmth and approval. "I am particularly well, especially thanks to that precious gift of yours (boss rank mana beast cores)—I appreciate it greatly. The village has seen some improvements, as have your friends. They too have experienced interesting developments in their abilities and character. The village is thriving under Red's leadership. It seems he was indeed the proper choice to guide them. He has led them well through various challenges."
The great beast paused, his ancient eyes studying August with paternal pride. "Other than that, there is little to report, save for an ancient guardian of the forest stirring awake due to all the bloodshed occurring outside our forest boundaries. However, there is no cause for concern—I took care of the matter personally. Now then, let me see... it seems you have grown considerably more powerful since our last meeting. I suspect those gifts of yours—those two boss-rank beasts—would no longer pose a problem to you. How are you faring here in the outside world, lad? I hope this meeting isn't because you've encountered a significant problem?"
August felt a wave of relief wash over him upon hearing that his friends in the forest were doing well. "I myself am also doing fine, master. In fact, I have gained additional friends during my time here. When springtime arrives, I will return home, bringing with me a group of migrants—which is precisely why I called you here tonight. I hope I might inquire about your wisdom regarding this matter. You see, the current war situation..."
He proceeded to explain the ongoing conflict in detail, describing how they had become somewhat involved in its initial stages, though it seemed the situation would have inevitably reached this point regardless of their actions. Throughout the remainder of the night, Aetherwing and August have been communicating telepathically and sometimes verbally by August breaking the silence that emanated in their surroundings. With August sharing his experiences and outlining his plans for the journey home using the dangerous alternative route instead of the main road.
After August had recounted most of his adventures and detailed his strategic concerns, Aetherwing offered his counsel. "Indeed, lad, with that many people under your protection, you will need additional assistance. Do not worry—I may be able to offer a solution when the time comes. However, I will need to discuss these recent developments with the villagers. I plan to send my children here, along with your friends, to help you on your trek back home. I think it is high time they too gained some much-needed experience in the outside world, so they might be able to keep pace with your remarkable growth."
August contemplated his master's words carefully before responding. The offer was generous and would significantly improve their chances of success, but it also meant exposing his friends and Aetherwing's offspring to considerable danger. After weighing the risks and benefits, he nodded his acceptance. "I see, master. Thank you for your wisdom and assistance. I hope you will continue to guard the village in my stead."
When all had been discussed and planned, Aetherwing prepared to depart before the morning light could reveal his presence. He left specific instructions that he would return with his younglings, along with Erik, Bren, Adam, Isabel, Angeline, and Betty, by the following week before the end of the month. They would meet at this same location—at least, that was the plan for now.
As Aetherwing began to spread his magnificent wings in preparation for flight, August waved farewell, his heart heavy with both gratitude and concern. The great guardian beast launched himself into the sky, disappearing into the darkness as silently as he had arrived. August then began his careful trek back to the villa, his mind already formulating how he would present this new development to Andy and seek the older man's opinion.
The day had ended and begun anew, but August chose to sleep instead of maintaining his usual schedule. It was such an unusual occurrence that it shocked the other residents when they found him still asleep late in the morning, his exhaustion a testament to the weight of the responsibilities he carried and the momentous decisions that lay ahead.
As he finally stirred from his deep slumber, August's mind was already racing with possibilities and preparations. The meeting with Aetherwing had provided hope and additional resources, but it had also underscored the magnitude of the challenges they would face. The journey home would be perilous, but with his master's support and the added strength of his friends from the village, perhaps they could overcome whatever obstacles awaited them on the path ahead.
The winter would soon give way to spring, and with it would come the time for decisive action. Until then, August would continue to plan, prepare, and gather the strength necessary to lead his people safely home to the forests of Lonelywood.