This continent was a nightmare to get through.
Allendis knew that Eddan was a continent so large that it would take eight full moons straight just to reach across a single stretch of land.
That didn't take into account the body of waters that separated borders or the skies where some nations have already reached. Biomes and man-made lands take equal parts of the continent.
It was never such a simple trip. One has to account for crossing the deserts protecting the Galencia League. The mountains that separated the lands of fire and ice. The frosty plains just to traverse Folsung Kingdom.
The ever changing climate was the biggest hurdle. It dictates whether the sand will turn to snow. Whether the lakes would freeze over or evaporate.
He would also need to account for the city-states that have emerged after the pact of Peace of Sovereignty.
Allendis might be a lowly merc, but he knew how to read. Especially his mother's collections of books. Day in and day out, he remembered that he devoured everything she had, or at least, everything he understood.
If he wanted information about Halbin and the rest's whereabouts, a city or entering a nation would be appropriate. As long as he does not travel south, the dangers he would face would be manageable.
No one travels down south. The corrupted wasteland of the Decayed Land. It would be a worse fate than even death.
It felt like it was an eternity for him to even find anything of use besides wild animals.
He had been walking straight for several hours now, passing through the fields with wind blowing on his face, the forest that housed quite a few pretty yet common flowers and shrubs, and a narrow, winding road that he had followed for most of the day.
Allendis couldn't really complain. It gave him time to think of his next move.
He felt like the morning sun had already lost its luster.
"Damn you, Halbin. Why do I have to chase you down?"
Allendis asked no one but himself.
Questions spurred into his mind. What happened to Halbin and the others? Were they still alive? Who dumped his body in the depths of the Grassdig?
And just what the hell is the Argontale Chamber?
How could he even visit that…realm soon?
Those questions stayed for hours until dusk came.
Allendis sighed. He drew his sword and his gun, having both ready in his hands.
Even back when he was traveling with Halbin and the others, it was a rule for them to only keep moving during the day.
It was a simple rule but an effective rule.
That said, he cursed his luck. He really needed a horse. Walking to the next city or village would kill him faster than any monster.
"Oi! You there! The one in black!"
Allendis grew curious towards the voice behind him. He turned around and saw a caravan coming his way on the road.
He supposed walking along the roadside was an open invitation for strangers.
The caravan was being led by a large dark horse with a red mane. It was larger than most horses he had seen. Almost the size of the caravan itself!
It was a warlog. A breed of horse meant to take down foes on the battlefield as they charge right in. The last time he saw one was…
Before he died.
Allendis clenched his sword. He couldn't just assume they were bad people. They might be returning soldiers from a lord who gave such a really mighty horse.
He kept walking but slowed down his pace to let the caravan catch up.
While it was much darker than before, there was no light that emitted inside. The only light it provided was a lantern hanging over the head of the caravanner.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The horse-carrying caravan slowly approached him. He heard the steady footsteps of the horse. Strong and heavy this one was.
"Boy! What are you doing out here?"
The caravanner asked. He was an aged fellow. Not as old as Virion but much stronger in form and posture. Short gray hair was open to the breeze. He was adorned with a weathered armour. He was wearing some sort of banner on his armour. A red and orange 'flag' split into two sides, draped down to his knees.
Those colors resembled that of one of the New Zenithia Federation. Perhaps it was a coincidence?
"Just trying to find work in the next city." Allendis tried to act dismissively but his gaze was on the man.
He heard the caravanner laugh. Hearty and amused.
"The only thing here is Lord Gendrik's land. Rathlin is five miles from the borders."
Allendis grew curious. He had not heard of Lord Gendrik. Then again, he did not care what these lords use to wipe their own arse.
"What about you? Running back to you lord at this hour?" Allendis asked. He couldn't help but lace his words with sarcasm.
"Hah! I do not think Lord Gendrik would accept us even as we are now!"
Allendis's eyes darted around the caravan discreetly. The man was relaxed. From the looks of it, they were likely coming from a battle. Yet, there was no bruise nor cuts on his face. Dirt perhaps but not a disgusting grime.
"You come here just to make small talk?"
Allendis needed a ride. Whether he should steal it or curry a favor, it doesn't matter. He had no coin to give, not even a Scint.
"Just seeing if folks like you need a hand." The caravanner smiled.
"I appreciate the thought but unless you're gonna let me ride with you to the next city, then I don't think you'll be able to help me."
"On the contrary, I'm dropping the boys off at their hometown. I can give you a ride to the nearest town on the borders."
Exactly what Allendis was hoping for. It didn't make sense for someone to travel at night if they were sure that someone was waiting for them at the end of this road.
"Well, if certainly don't mind."
As soon as Allendis said that, the caravan stopped slowly.
"The name's Keg. You might want to come up here on the cariole. The boys' are sleeping through it after the battle."
Allendis paused for a moment. Could this battle be related to where he was before he died? He tried to remember the details of that time but it was somewhat foggy. Midstorm Castle was the only thing he could truly remember.
"Allendis. Thank you for your offer." Allendis said as he climbed up beside Keg. The man inched away to give him space. It was quite the large caravan from up close.
"Well then! On to our first stop, Lyland Fields."
Allendis had to admit, Keg might look like he had seen hell with just his eyes, but he knew how to give warmth to others.
He couldn't say the same for the caravan itself. Too large and heavy on this road. Allendis glanced back subtly as he sat with Keg. The inside was dark. He couldn't see more as the tarp hid what was inside thoroughly.
"You're not from around here, are you?" Keg asked.
Allendis was quiet for a moment. He didn't know what to say. Not because it was true, but because he couldn't remember much of his life beyond the battlefields he had gone to. Only bits and pieces remain of his past.
"Yeah, I just finished a job for someone."
"Ah! A mercenary are you? Quite the gruesome profession you've taken."
"It is, it puts food on the table though." Allendis snorted. "How about you? You said your lord would not accept you, why is that?"
Keg smiled. Something that fits his tired eyes. "I still have a duty to fulfill. Returning the boys home to their mothers is part of it."
"What a good commander you are." Allendis said. It might've sounded harsh but he was giving out a genuine compliment. Especially since Keg reminded him of Halbin's own dedication.
He witnessed it first hand after all.
Keg laughed. "No, no! I'm just their medic. Saving lives is part of what I do."
"Still, to bring back your soldiers in arms, I hope they will be hailed by their village for their valor, whatever good is that worth."
"They will. Everyone at Lyland Fields knows that these boys fought for our lands. Brave through steel for us. I am thankful I get to fight alongside them."
There was no deceit in his tone. Just one filled with admiration like they were some sort of heroes. Once dawn wakes them, he'd like to have a chat with them.
"So you and your brothers in arms were fighting? Was it as senseless as other wars?" Allendis asked. He was beginning to sag onto his chair, it was the first time he was ready to relax.
"That it was. Even with the might of all the noble houses of the western federation, this one just would not budge."
"All the lords got involved? What type of man is your enemy?"
"The one that would take on his people's skin to ascend to a higher being."
Allendis blinked at Keg with slightly widened eyes. It was a surprise to learn that someone was just as twisted as Tuvo was. No wonder the lords band together to kill the bastard.
"So it was an intervention then?"
Keg nodded solemnly. "Yes. The gods had willed it so."
"I say let man decide what to do with it. The lords of the western federation should not wait for the words of gods to do the right thing."
"Hah! I couldn't have said it better myself!" There was that hearty laugh again.
"I thought you'd disagree with me, with you loyally serving your Lord Gendrik."
"Loyal I may be to Lord Gendrik and his beliefs, I have my own to rely on."
Allendis for the first time in what felt like an eternity, let out a small chuckle.
"People should be more like you, Keg."
This time it was Keg who chuckled. Not out of amusement but a hollow one.
"I'd rather have them emulate someone of renown rather than a plain old man like myself."
"Don't sell yourself short."
Those were the last words that Allendis said before both him and Keg fell into a comfortable silence.
Only the cool breeze accompanied them as the silence of the lands graced them.
It was peaceful. And Allendis found a liking to it.
Minutes turned hours as he saw the fields sway. Trees on the beyond moved with quiet purpose. Beyond the road, he saw a steep mountain that curved inwards. It looked so far yet so close to them.
It was almost touching the sky from his view.
Above the mountain was the moon. Blue as the ocean and clear as crystals. It resembled the specks of stars in the night sky, only this time it was far bigger than any stars could ever be.
He had read in a book once that the moon was blessed by the Watchful Goddess after it arrived on this world. Philosophers said that she turned it into the lens of history itself where it records and watches over them.
They call it the Selipher.
Still, those were philosophers. To Allendis, it was just a big beautiful moon.
Dark may have engulfed all at night, but the moon still stood above all.
"Are those travelers?"
Allendis' thoughts were broken from Keg's words. He looked around and saw a bonfire on the right side of the fields, a bit deeper from the road. It wasn't a large fire but it stood out at night.
There were six carts in total. Tarps with various sizes that were either large enough to carry crates of goods and a person or two and small enough to accommodate one person.
They were clumsily formed into a circle. No horses attached to the carts, instead, each horse was tied with a rope by a makeshift hitching post.
People gathered around the fire. Of all ages too. Some were old enough to crack yet seem so brusque and strong enough to handle business. Others were young enough to have their trousers recently wet themselves. Men and women, enjoying the company of each other in the quiet light.
"Are you comfortable with a bit of a rest, lad?"
Keg asked but it wasn't one to be answered. He knew it as a smile formed on his face.
Allendis sighed.
"Sure. It would help our arses be stiff with another round of sitting."
He had not much say in the matter. He was just hitching a ride after all.
"Then let's greet them with a smile, eh?"
A light-hearted jest to get into the mood as Keg slowly halted his warlog by the road.