Using a large cone like object made from metal that amplified her voice Velna began issuing orders to her team circling below her like a bunch of hungry sharks.

"Stay sharp! No reports of flying monsters yet but that doesn't mean there aren't any. Aim for those fleeing to minimize your exposure to danger. Alright you sorry lot, let's go to war!"

"To War!"

Everyone shouted in response before pulling one of their two polearms from a sheath attached to the back of their saddles. In addition to the bladed weapon, its length approximately 10 feet long with the last three feet being a bowed blade designed for slashing, the riders also used the claws of their Wind Cutters, for combat. After breaking into three groups they began to drop down at the monsters in different formations, slashing and clawing as they flew by overhead. Even with their reach and speed they had to be careful and their skill was evident as they, seemingly without effort, guided their mounts, with pressure from their reins and knees, away and around various swipes and bites attempted by the monsters below.

Velna's Wind Cutter unit continued their runs for about another hour before returning to their hangar back on the Evireal to allow their mounts to rest. Commander Velna returned to her happy go lucky Captain to receive any updates and knew by the expression on his frowning face that his earlier jovial attitude was long gone.

"Captain?"

"Commander, did everything go ok? Everyone back it back?"

"Yes Captain, thank you for your concern. Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong per se, just slightly disturbing."

He had sent out the carrier corps, basically a non-combat unit of Wind Cutters, to get updates from the two forces below and had been brought up to speed on the general situation. It was in the received updates that he was informed of Ethan, his supposed acts of valor and bravery, and his current condition. That in itself wasn't the cause of his concerns, no, it was the power he must have to do what was stated. To be sure he and Velna were on the same page he also added the request sent by the healing team below.

"The healer in charge below, a female by the name of Rainelle from Ravenspire, has requested emergency transport back to the capital for this Ethan and one other who received a serious gut wound. They say they can handle the rest with the team they have. It sounds like Ethan was severely injured and even lost some limbs."

"Do you really believe one boy managed to do everything they are claiming?"

Even though Velna was saddened to hear of such severe injuries her shock over his supposed feats of strength overshadowed all other emotions for the moment. She, like the Captain, were obviously concerned with having someone that powerful in the Capital.

"We'll have to investigate ourselves but if he didn't even a fraction of what they are claiming then he is a national hero and must be recognized as such. Furthermore, we owe it to him to provide the best aid which is in the capital at this time."

"Agreed. You say there were two to be transported?"

"That are injured, yes. However there will be one more, a knight in charge of the one with the gut injury. They also seem to be an acquaintance of the boy."

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Understood, I'll send down some of my team to transport them back immediately."

"Thank you Commander."

While it seemed, at times, that they were about to come to blows with their back and forth jabs and taunts, they actually held each other in the highest regard and completely respected one another. They knew when their playful banter was appropriate and when they had to be serious, this current situation being one of the latter.

Over the next hour 10 of Velna's Wind Cutters transported Ethan and Serena from the cluster of healing tents to the healing bay of the Evireal. They had both been placed a thick canvas sheet which was then attached to four Wind Cutters, one at each corner, buy a thick rope before the two groups took to the sky. The remaining two went and found Terri to inform her of their actions and to request her presence back to the capital. While she hesitated a bit she knew in the end she wouldn't be able to deny such an official summons, especially when she considered the future meetings and audiences Ethan's action were sure to bring.

After ensuring several of the adventurers that had helped her organize and guide the forces from Cloudcrest knew how to handle the rest, and promised to bring their Guild Master up to speed, Terri mounted one of the larger Wind Cutters with a wave. It wasn't until they had taken to the air and had their backs turned to the waving group on the ground did Terri clamp her eyes closed to avoid looking down. The poor dear didn't do well with heights. As Velna collected the three Degardo sent updates to the forces below, as well as some short letters to be delivered back to their appropriate authorities. He wished he had more time to collect more details but they had to be mindful of the fuel levels. The fact they hadn't run into any problems on this trip was a blessing in itself.

Over the next two days, which would have normally taken close to a week by one of the faster afflicted beasts, the Evireal made its way back to the Eindalean capital; Des' Tril. At the same time the Ravenspire and Cloudcrest forces finished the subjugation of the swarm, though enough managed to escape back into their hive that many culling quests were sure to be popping up in the nearby cities and towns for the foreseeable future. On the third day after Evireal departed word was sent to the refugee camp previously setup between Coppershear and Cloudcrest that they could start heading back to their homes, at least what was left of them. The town still needed to be rebuilt, and cleaned up, but at least they had a place to return to, and there were survivals to even return at all.

Rainelle had detailed everything she could think of regarding Ethan and Serana, though her notes were mostly focused on the boy and what she found upon arrival. She had also sent Ethan's monster arm along with him as the capital would surely want to look into it more. Poor Patrick stormed off muttering some rather colorful phrases that caused several women, and men, to blush when he was told he had been left behind by the two females in his group. Some would later say he was still cursing toward the skies several hours later when he managed to find a mount and started taking the long way to the capital. Many would also point out that he still offered a warm smile and sincere waves to those that yelled out their thanks as he left the camp. He wasn't a jerk of course, just angry at the moment.

Terri hardly moved from between Ethan and Selena's beds once they had been situated though she knew that Selena would be fine so long as no infections appeared. It would just take time for her body to finish repairing itself, even with the help of the healers. Ethan, on the other hand, was an entirely different story and his future was a complete unknown, even if it looked like he had been stabilized. Not only did he have to worry about infections, but also any long term, or possibly permanent, side effects of the massive levels of Nel' Ina poisoning, and of course there were his amputated arm and leg.

"One step at a time..."

She winced as she realized the gravity of her words and offered the sleeping Ethan an apologetic frown.

"No pun intended..."

Leaning back in her chair she closed her eyes and waited for them to reach the capital and dock at the newly constructed ship yard. The low hum from the fans and her fatigue from the last several days of travel and battle caused her to quickly succumb to sleep as the healers moved around to care for the two on either side of her.