Jove hesitated before responding, his voice barely audible. "Do you truly have a death wish? Speaking openly about the illnesses is inviting danger upon yourself. The people here would sooner shoot an arrow at you than lend an ear. It would be wise to let it be."

Geo shrugged, a determined look in his eyes. "I can't just stand by. Rolly's daughter is suffering, and I made a promise. I have to try, Jove. Surely you remember Raina, her mother?"

A hint of nostalgia crossed Jove's face as he chuckled. "Ah, Raina. She was a sweet girl, wasn't she? Did she have a crush on you?" He laughed again, the sound carrying a mix of fondness and amusement. "You haven't changed, always playing the hero. But tell me, what good has it truly done you?" He studied Geo's expression, a touch of concern in his eyes. "Though it seems I won't be able to dissuade you. Very well, we can discuss this further. I'll share what I've heard. It's the least I can do after you saved me tonight." He motioned towards the lifeless body on the ground. Geo nodded, and together they untied their captive, making their way back to camp.

"I appreciate you opening up to me, my old friend," Geo said gratefully. "But I need to know the full extent of what you've heard. Do you genuinely believe the woods are haunted? The only haunting I fear is that of men, reveling in their cruelty as they fling knives at your chest."

Jove paused, his gaze searching Geo's face. "Perhaps your anger has served you well, for it has kept you alive thus far. And I fear that things are about to take a turn for the worse. You may find yourself needing those skills sooner than you expect." His words held a weight that matched the limp body they held between them. Geo nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, and they continued their trek in silence for a few minutes.

Finally, Jove began to speak, relaying the stories of the woods where his friend would need to go. "I have a map at the house I will show you the place that I found the, I mean where the healer was found, and the cure acquired. It is a dangerous place and I think you should abandon the quest many have gone after the same boon but only one has ever returned."

Geo nodded, "I know old friend, but I must, and you would do the same in my stead. One sick child could spread it to my family, your family it is too important! He decided to change the subject and said in a lighter tone, "I must admit, tonight was far from enjoyable. But I am grateful to have been able to repay the debt I owe you for saving me all those years ago."

Jove simply nodded and waved his free hand, "I would do it again there is no paybacks as far as I am concerned!"

Geo paused considering his friend a few moments then asked, "What was that gathering I stumbled upon at the den earlier?"

Jove's expression grew somber as he spoke. "I've seen them before, muttering about kings and such. I never took them seriously," he muttered. "But tonight, a group of them arrived with these peculiar cards, claiming they possessed magic. They spoke of strange creatures, warlocks, and powers. They were willing to pay a hefty sum for some of those cards. I thought they were merely avid players of a card game, until tonight."

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A furrow formed between Geo's eyebrows, his voice tinged with concern. "What I witnessed tonight was truly unnerving."

Jove nodded, gesturing with his free hand. "They must have been tailing me, spying and waiting. I can't fathom how they knew I would be at that location. It seems my stealth skills need polishing and any skill I once possessed at intimidation have been dulled. I never thought I would agree with my paranoid friend, but I will need to exercise greater caution after tonight!

Geo lowered his voice, a sense of urgency creeping into his tone. "I believe there is something more at play. How much can you truly trust your guards?" Jove's face contorted with a mix of pain and hesitation, not wishing to burden his friend with his fears. "I have known them for years, but trust them? I still remember what happened to your father." The weight of his unspoken words hung heavily in the air.

Geo persisted with his inquiries. "What have you done about the guards? They apprehended me without reason. Why?"

There was a pregnant pause as Jove contemplated the individuals who had been inquiring about Hawk's son. He hadn't divulged any information to them. Jove's voice emerged grumbly. "I sensed something was amiss when I found you standing there with three men sprawled on the floor. I'm glad to see you still remember how to come out on top, but my guards."

Geo raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Jove. "That hardly answers the question. Someone has been inquiring about me, haven't they?" His voice lowered, filled with concern. "I was attacked on my way here."

Jove's head drooped, his voice hesitant as he spoke. "Yes, there were mercenaries looking for Hawk's son. I simply stared at them foolishly for an extended moment before returning to my duties. I thought they had moved on."

It was just as he had suspected, Geo adjusted their groggy friend with a grunt. "What do you plan to do about the message and our messenger? He's becoming quite a burden!"

Jove scratched his head, a chuckle escaping his lips. "I'll take him back to the healer. They have a tea that calms the troubled mind. He'll be as docile as a kitten. I can put him to work, perhaps doing dishes, so he can earn his keep. I suppose I'll need to find new guards as well. Once things have settled, I shall pay a visit to this castle and confront this king. I may need to brush up on some old skills, just in case. Unless, of course, you are considering returning and joining me. We could be partners again, nothing has been the same since you became a farmer. I could use someone I truly trust."

Geo shook his head not wanting to leave his farm and the peaceful years behind, but he had the feeling he would find himself back here in the future. As they journeyed back to camp, they engaged in conversation, reminiscing about old adventures and discussing their children. Geo realized how much he missed the thrill of their escapades, but he desired a future that didn't involve shedding more blood. Was it possible to have adventures without such violence? Jove, however, seemed to have different intentions, feeling threatened by the king and the repeated messages he had received. It was the first time someone had resorted to harming him to deliver a message. Geo replayed the events of the evening in his mind as he parted ways with Jove at his home. He didn't believe they would have killed Jove, but he knew those men would return, and their forgiveness would be in short supply. Relief washed over him as he realized they now had a direction, a step closer to returning home, something Lake would undoubtedly be pleased to hear.