Karn thrust a long stick into the searing embers of the campfire, causing the cinders to crackle and dance in the night air. The wood underneath glowed with an intense heat, radiating warmth that enveloped them. Thick smoke billowed upward, mingling with the dark expanse of the sky. The flickering flames provided a sense of solace and tranquillity in the ruins that surrounded them.
The remnants of Husno loomed in the vicinity, a haunting reminder of the savage incursion that had ravaged the town. Only structures barely a foot high remained, bearing witness to the passage of time and the abandonment that had gripped the once-thriving settlement. Nature had reclaimed the valley where the town once stood, its lush vegetation now offering shelter to the weary party beneath the sprawling branches of nearby trees.
Ralina, following Lyra's instructions, had diligently gathered the necessary kindling and logs to construct the fire. She had shared with Karn the secret of a particular tree whose green sap infused the air with a peculiar scent that only some Felren could detect.
Karn's body trembled involuntarily at the thought of encountering hostile Felren.
As he cautiously prodded the fire, his mind raced, the unique hue of the flames captivating his attention and momentarily distracting him from the weight of his mission.
Soft shuffling echoed from Karns' right as Ralina padded by to sit beside him. Still in her hand was the crude blade she had used to fell the strange tree that made the strange smelling fire. He couldn’t help but marvel at how such a blunt, unimposing slab of metal had so quickly transformed into a such a well-honed instrument within her grip.
Theo had taught him the basics of fencing and he had quite the talent for it. It was clear to Karn that Ralina’s circumstances were completely different. She almost looked as if she was born carrying the sword.
The Felren threw another log into the fire and grunted her approval. “Lyra should be able to see that,” she said softly, watching Karns' playful display. Regret tempered her voice; she sounded like she wasn’t ready to be found yet like Karn was far too interesting to let go so soon.
"I take it then, when Lyra arrives, you’ll be leaving us?" Karn asked, raising his gaze to meet Ralina's eyes. "We'll be sad to see you go."
A soft smile graced Ralina's lips in response. However, before she could reply, Hope interjected sharply. “I won't be.” Their attention swiftly turned towards her, their gazes surprised, while she flinched under their scrutiny, evidently taken aback by her own vehement reaction.
Ralina shot a venomous glare at Hope, causing the young girl to shrink back.
Alec let out a chuckle, finding amusement in the exchange.
Karn, feeling increasingly uneasy with the intensity of the moment, shrugged his shoulders.
Back on Earth, he had spent years with Theo, yet navigating the complexities of women was an aspect of life he had never been taught. Memories of his past, fleeting relationships that were doomed to fail, flashed through his mind. Karn couldn't help but remember how Ellie used to find endless entertainment in his constant inept ability when it came to understanding the opposite sex.
Ralina, sensing Karn's unease, edged closer to him, her gaze fixated on his shoulder, where the mystical winged mark lay beneath his shirt.
Karn cleared his throat, a subtle attempt to ease the growing tension. "Is there something you wanted to ask?" he inquired, turning his attention towards Ralina as he subtly shifted away from her.
Ralina's response came in a soft tone, barely audible, yet her eyes remained fixed on the concealed mark on Karn's shoulder. Intrigued by her unwavering gaze, Karn observed her intently, trying to discern the thoughts. In a sudden motion, Hope stood up with an exasperated groan and plopped down on Karn's other side.
Alec couldn't help but let out another snicker.
Ralina, her eyes shooting daggers, questioned Hope's actions. "What are you doing?" she demanded, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
Hope shrugged; her reply tinged with uncertainty. "I don't know."
Alecs collapsed to the ground, overcome by fits of laughter, while Karn stood frozen, a mixture of confusion and overwhelm washing over him.
The challenge of understanding girls was not Karn’s forte. His mind reeled.
Hope, unaware of the whirlwind of emotions within her, was navigating uncharted territory, her judgment clouded by the lack of understanding. Meanwhile, Ralina saw Karn as a mystical figure, bearing a special mark on his skin. Both were confused, overwhelmed, and oblivious to their own actions.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Karn knew the situation required delicate handling. So, he spoke in a calm and composed manner, attempting to restore some semblance of normalcy.
"Girls," he began, "why don't we enjoy some of the food Alec prepared by the fire and take turns getting some sleep?"
Ralina responded obediently, "Yes, Karn."
"Sure," Hope giggled.
Karn rolled his eyes. This was going to be more challenging than he had expected. His goal to find his Charles and Ellie had not lessened in the slightest and he knew that this situation could make the entire journey far too complicated.
Suddenly, a gust of wind caught them off guard, causing the smoke from the fire to consume them. Ralina sprang up from her seat, recoiling at the unpleasant sensation. Hope coughed and moved away, leaving Karn alone to shrink in his seat under the billowing smoke.
He lay sprawled on the floor under the rising fumes, while hacking and coughing as the smoke once again wafted away.
After a long while of uncomfortable silence, a familiar face emerged from the nearby bushes.
Lyra entered the camp and bowed before Ralina.
"Get up, Lyra," Ralina said in a friendly tone at the exaggerated guesture.
Lyra straightened herself and cast a searching gaze over Ralina. "You're not hurt, are you? I'm so glad you..."
Her attention shifted to Karn, her eyes narrowing as she approached him cautiously. "So, you found her then?"
Karn rose from the fire and nodded. "Yes, I did."
"Suppose you demand a reward, then?" Lyra asked, her voice tinged with caution.
Karn shook his head, wearing a smile. "Ralina has already done enough to compensate."
Lyra glanced at Ralina, who kept stealing glances at Karn with an unreadable expression on her face. She turned back to Karn, and a hint of irritation flickered within her eyes.
"What have you done to her?" Lyra demanded.
"Nothing," Karn replied honestly.
Alec slapped his rocky knee once again, roaring with laughter. "Fleshlings are truly amusing!"
"Lyra, please stop," Ralina said.
"I think it's time to leave," Lyra added.
"Good," Hope chimed in, positioning herself next to Karn.
Lyra turned her attention to Hope, seeing her for the first time. "What? Oh, one of you." She eyed the girl who was now attempting to stand as close to Karn as possible. Raising an eyebrow, Lyra took her Felren clanmate by the arm and led her away. "Let's go."
"Wait, let me say goodbye at least," Ralina pleaded.
"Bye!" Hope exclaimed, a genuine sense of joy radiating from her.
Karn placed a hand on Hope's shoulder, shaking his head. He would have to talk to her later.
"Ralina, wait up," Karn called out, jogging to catch up with her.
The Felren girl looked at him curiously. "Yes?"
"I didn't get the chance to say thank you," Karn said. "You saved me back there."
She nodded sharply. "I would have done the same for anyone from my clan."
Lyra scowled at Ralina’s words and interjected, urging them to move. "We have to go."
Waving goodbye, Ralina followed Lyra into the darkness.
Karn waved back and felt a gentle tap on his leg and glanced down to see Alec patting him.
"I think she kinda likes you," Alec chuckled.
Karn let out a sigh. "She’s like the magic man she imagines me to be."
“True enough,” he said with a nod. "Do I need to remind you that pursuing any romantic endeavours at this time would not be sensible?" Alec asked, his concern genuine.
Karn nodded at the stone Elementlet with a defeated sigh. "She's drawn to the idea of a legendary magic man. I fear that any relationship we might have in the future would pale in comparison to her imagination."
"And what about her?" Alec pointed toward Hope, who was currently poking her head out from behind a bush, fully convinced that her hiding spot was flawless.
Karn chuckled nervously. "She's an even greater problem."
“She will have to get used to having emotions,” Alec said.
“Alec,” Karn said while eyeing Hope cautiously, “If we travel to Hope’s home, and the people are like her. Will they react the same way?”
Alec mused at the notion before nodding slowly. “With the power leaking out of that book of yours, I believe so.”