From what Dreiki recalled in his readings, Loktiir the Gray was an enigmatic figure who often appeared as an omen of change and revolution. It was a name which would pop up as a small reference in the historical texts Dreiki had studied.

As far as Dreiki could surmise, Loktiir sounded like a moniker people used to evoke the omen of change and revolution. Much like what Savekio was doing now. It was hard to know if a real Loktiir had ever truly existed, or if people simply adopted the name. Even books supposedly written by Loktiir had all been made in different eras of history. It could have been a god, but all accounts rumored Loktiir to be a xiozian.

It was extremely rare for a xiozian to live past a hundred, and Loktiir would have needed to be thousands of years old. Loktiir was folklore more than anything.

An urban legend being hunted by a folk legend, Dreiki thought to himself. It would definitely make those poachers paranoid, though.

The Jackal was powerful because The Jackal was an idea. So the only way to beat an idea, was to embody one of their own. What happened in Kul Creek and the other cities they visited would serve as a suitable wound to make those poachers hesitate.

That hesitation and fear was the difference for thousands of lives. If Dreiki couldn’t save everyone, he would take solace in fact he had made a difference.

Families were reunited with their children, and those who were left behind were allowed to stay in the ruins. When the final poacher base had fallen, they had liberated well over a hundred children. Unfortunately, they had only truly saved under a hundred.

Him, Luna, and Ezo had packed up. In the end, he hadn’t been able to offer Rixam and Gornax to come with. Seeing how well they took care of the children they’d saved put him at ease.

Dreiki worried for them. He didn’t want to leave, but he knew he had to.

Savekio placed a hand on his shoulder, “You’ve helped plant a seed of hope here, but only time can heal them now. When you’ve finished your training, come back to see how that seed has grown.”

“Argo! Wait up!” A voice called to them as they walked down the trail. It was Rixam with Gornax following close behind.

They were carrying travel gear.

“We’re coming with,” He huffed out.

Dreiki was shocked, “Are you certain? The children will need you.”

“That’s exactly why I’ve been teachin’ them how to fight for the past month,” Gornax said.

“Yeah, there’s a lot more to do in other towns right? We aint gonna sit around and babysit when there’s still poachers out there,” Rixam said.

Dreiki sensed there was another reason Rixam wasn’t telling him, but he didn’t feel any mistrust from it. Considering he knew him as ‘Argo’, Dreiki didn’t think he had any room to judge him for keeping secrets, “Are you sure? Who’s going to take care of the other children?”

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“Like I said, I taught ‘em everything they need to know!” Gornax said, “They’ve got a few with earth aix who can open up the base, and that place will be more than enough protection from any poacher. If they decide to touch Kul Creek after what we did, at least.”

“But Rixam, if you stay there, then you could lead your revolution right?”

“What revolution is there to lead? We already got rid of all the poachers in Kul Creek. I left behind a couple of kids who look up to me, so I can always return later if I need to put together a crew. It’s thanks to you and Loktiir, and… well I don’t think Feathers ever gave me her name.” He said, glancing over to Luna who simply looked away.

“Her name is Lilith,” Dreiki said.

“Oh! That was my mom’s name. Small world, eh?” Rixam said, waiting for a response from Luna that never came, “Anyways, there’s a lot more good to be done elsewhere, right? And I know we saved your ass a few times this past month.”

Dreiki already knew what he wanted to say, but he looked to the others for approval. Savekio gave him a nod. Having training partners with varied elements would be important experience. Ezo seemed particularly happy to have the four-armed petting machine Gornax tagging along.

“Lilith?”

“You know them better than me, so I trust your decision. Do what you want.”

Was she angry with him? Dreiki didn’t understand. He made a mental note to talk with her later.

“Then it’s settled. I’m happy to have the two of you with us!”

“Thanks for having us!”

As they left Kul Creek, Dreiki turned to look at it from the top of the valley. It looked so much smaller now. One day, he would come back and reunite with the children he had met there. The ones who grew up with no one but each other to keep them safe.

They journeyed for the next few hours until the sun had reached its peak. Finding some shade in the trees nearby, Dreiki helped Luna set up the camp for lunch. He wanted to bring things up, but he couldn’t think of the words. By the time he mustered the courage to do so, lunch was ready.

Pemmican stew. Not Dreiki’s favorite, but it was at least a step up from the gruel he had been fed in the poacher dungeons.

Rixam sat down nearby along with Gornax, “Damn, Loktiir, smells good as usual. Who taught you how to cook?”

“Good food heals the soul. It’s mandatory training for any Venator Knight. ‘Course I’d be good with it.”

“Really? I didn’t know that, but it makes sense. I guess that’s why you and Lilith got such strong magic, huh, Argo?”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Dreiki paused, watching as Luna took her portion and turned to leave, “Where are you going?” He asked.

“Eating alone.”

“Come sit with us. It’s been a while since we last had a meal together.” Dreiki wanted to tell her how much he had missed her company, but decided it was too embarrassing to admit in front of everyone.

“Maybe later,” She said, leaving without another word.

Now Dreiki really needed to talk with her.

“Ice queen huh?” Rixam said.

“She’s not like that. Really.”

“Hey pops, where are we headed to now?” Gornax asked in an effort to change the subject.

“Winter’s gonna be coming quick, so we’ll need extra furs and rations before we make it to Mt.Arukuniir.”

“Winter’s still a month away, though. Surely we’re gonna be stopping somewhere right?”

“Why don’t we make this a learning experience then.” He said, rummaging through a satchel they usually mounted on Ezo.

He tossed a stack of parchment to the two of them, “If you can read these, you’ll know where we gotta go.”

“Think I can’t read?” Rixam chuckled, “I might’ve grown up on the streets, but my dads taught me how to read.”

Dreiki looked over the pages, “I’m not sure you’ll be able to read these…”

“Why not?”

“All these pages are blank.”