Nert sat on a nearby rock, carefully peeling off the last bit of his bandage, moving as though it held some hidden explosive.
Jiighual, already free from his own bandages, watched with a mix of impatience and amusement.
"Hey, what's taking so long?"
Jiighual asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"You look like you're handling some ancient curse, not a piece of cloth."
Nert smirked, still focused on his task.
"I'm being cautious, Jiighual. What if this poison they hit us with gets triggered by something as simple as ripping this off too fast?"
Jiighual chuckled, crossing his arms.
"Does it even work like that?"
With a final tug, Nert tossed the bandage aside, finally done.
He stood up, stretching as he let out a sigh.
"Of course not, you dummy. Poison doesn't care about how you take off your bandages. I'm just... I'm just..."
He blinked, his eyes drooping, and stifled a yawn.
"Just sleepy."
Jiighual's eyes narrowed, a knowing grin forming.
"Sleepy, huh? Wait a second, you didn't sleep last night, did you?"
Nert shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Not a wink. Figured someone needed to stay up and keep an eye out. I mean, it's either that, or we risk getting ambushed and adding another scar to the collection, right?"
Jiighual shook his head, amused.
"So you're telling me you gave up sleep because of some imaginary ambush that might not even happen?"
"Hey, it's not imaginary."
Nert gestured to the fading bruises and marks on his arms.
"I'd rather feel like a walking zombie than wake up to one more 'surprise' attack."
Jiighual gave him a small, appreciative nod.
"Well, don't go passing out on me now. You're the only one here who manages to spot trouble before it's at our throats."
Nert laughed, a little light-headed but steady.
"If I do, at least you'll have someone to talk to when you're bandaging me back up."
"Yeah, yeah, don't push it."
Jiighual clapped him on the shoulder.
"Come on, let's get you some rest before you collapse."
With a smirk, Nert allowed himself to lean on Jiighual slightly, content to finally take a moment's break, grateful to have someone watching his back.
Nert took a deep breath, glancing around their surroundings with a quick, instinctive check for anything unusual.
Jiighual, still lingering close after the conversation, picked up on the shift in Nert's expression and gave him a gentle nudge.
"Something bothering you?"
Jiighual asked, not really expecting an answer from Nert, who was usually tight-lipped about his thoughts.
Nert didn't respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the distant campfire where Zach had been sitting earlier.
He sighed, a low, tired sound that carried the weight of too many sleepless nights.
"It's Captain."
He finally murmured.
"Something about him feels off. You noticed it too, right?"
Jiighual's gaze sharpened.
"I mean, yeah, kinda. But he's always been intense, strategic, focused, all that. What makes you say it's different this time?"
Nert leaned back, scratching at his bandaged arm as he considered his words.
"It's more than just the usual weight on his shoulders. The way he looked at me last night, right before he went to sleep. It wasn't just exhaustion. There was something else in his eyes. I don't know... almost like he's fighting something inside himself."
Jiighual frowned, his brow creasing as he thought back to Zach's expressions.
"I did notice he's quieter than usual. Maybe he's just, I don't know, carrying too much on his plate?"
"Maybe."
Nert let out another sigh, though this one had a hint of uncertainty to it.
"Or maybe it's not just about what he's carrying. I've known Captain long enough to know his usual 'quiet mode,' but this feels darker, somehow. Like he's haunted."
Jiighual shivered at the word.
"Haunted? You think he's seen something out there? Or something's after him?"
Nert shook his head, half-exasperated but thoughtful.
"I don't know. But I've seen him handle more than most of us could, and he's never looked like he's on the edge of breaking before. Whatever he saw out there, it's enough to shake him."
Jiighual's face took on a serious look.
"And you think he's still holding onto it? Like it's something he doesn't want to share?"
"Exactly. And that's what worries me."
Nert rubbed his temples, the weariness of his sleepless night finally settling in.
"If Captain's got a shadow following him, that shadow could be a problem for all of us. He'd never let on, though—he's too stubborn for that."
A pause settled between them.
Jiighual's voice broke the quiet, soft and almost hesitant.
"But what if it's more than that? What if he's not just carrying the weight of our mission, but something darker? Like something none of us can help him with?"
Nert nodded slowly.
"That's what I'm afraid of, Jiighual. Whatever he's holding back, it's dragging him somewhere we can't follow. And if he can't find his way out of that, well, then we're in more trouble than we think."
They both knew the Captain had been their anchor, the force that kept them moving forward, no matter the cost. If he was starting to fray, then their entire foundation was at risk of crumbling.
Jiighual met Nert's gaze, a shared understanding passing between them.
"We'll just have to keep an eye out."
Jiighual said finally, his voice quiet but firm.
"Whatever's got him in its grip, we can't let it pull him down."
Nert nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. We've got to stay strong for him, even if he won't tell us what's wrong. But something tells me. Whatever he's dealing with, it's only the beginning."
----------------------------------------
The sunlight cast a soft glow over the rippling water as Leeani, Ruby, and Yzavynne settled near the riverbank, the peaceful morning air a welcome break from the intensity of recent days. With a line cast lazily into the water, Leeani sat on a rock, looking every bit as comfortable as if she'd been born to fish.
Yzavynne, however, was less enthusiastic.
She squatted awkwardly, holding her fishing line at a bizarre angle as if it might explode at any moment.
"So, let me get this straight. We sit here, holding a stick with a string, waiting for... what? A fish to, what, magically appear on the end?"
Leeani chuckled, giving her a knowing look.
"It's not 'magic,' Yza. It's patience. You don't just summon the fish; you let it come to you."
Yzavynne scrunched up her nose, clearly not thrilled by the concept.
"Well, I don't know what's more painful—the waiting or this awful sitting position."
"Yzavynne, it's not that bad." Ruby's voice was calm, soft, but with a gentle humor.
She glanced at Yzavynne, stifling a smile.
"Just let yourself relax. That's the point of fishing, after all."
Yzavynne raised a brow.
"I'd relax more if we were doing... I don't know, anything else. How do you two find this... entertaining?"
Ruby leaned back on her hands, her gaze drifting to the slow current of the river.
"Sometimes, doing something this simple is exactly what we need. Just listen to the water, feel the sun."
Her voice trailed off, and she closed her eyes, taking a slow, deep breath.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
"Yeah, listen to the water, Yza," Leeani teased, casting her line a little further.
"Besides, aren't you the one who's always preaching about being adaptable? Maybe it's time you adapted to a little bit of peace and quiet."
Yzavynne rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips.
"Fine, fine. I'll 'listen to the water.' I just hope it tells me something interesting."
Leeani snorted.
"With that attitude, you're probably scaring all the fish away."
"Oh, please," Yzavynne retorted, giving her fishing line a half-hearted tug.
"Fish are just too smart to fall for this, anyway. They can sense our human impatience."
Ruby gave a quiet laugh.
"Maybe you should try talking to them. I'm sure the fish would appreciate your... perspective."
"Fine," Yzavynne said dramatically, lifting her head toward the river as if addressing a grand audience.
"Attention, fish of the river! You may approach without fear. I am a friend of nature... even though I think this whole fishing thing is ridiculous."
Leeani burst into laughter, shaking her head.
"Friend of nature, huh? We're gonna end up with no fish in this river if you keep up the theatrics."
Just then, Ruby's line gave a sharp pull, and she sat up quickly, gripping the rod as it bent under the weight of whatever was on the other end.
"Oh! I think I've got one!"
Yzavynne's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait, seriously? That actually worked?"
Leeani gave her a mischievous smirk.
"See? You just needed a little faith."
Ruby wrestled with the line, her movements careful but focused. After a few moments, she managed to pull the fish out, and it flopped onto the bank—a decent-sized catch, shimmering in the sun.
Yzavynne looked at the fish, her eyes wide.
"Alright. I stand corrected. I guess you're not just sitting around doing nothing after all."
Leeani nudged her playfully.
"Told you. Maybe next time you'll actually try."
Yzavynne huffed, glancing at her rod.
"Fine, I'll give it another go. But only because I'm clearly being shown up."
Ruby smiled as she unhooked the fish, placing it carefully in a small bucket of water nearby.
"See? Not so bad when you're patient."
Yzavynne muttered.
"I'm already too patient for my own good."
But she couldn't hide the faint, amused glint in her eye as she cast her line again.
Leeani gave her a light slap on the back, her grin wide.
"That's the spirit! Now let's see if you can catch one without scaring it off."
For a while, the three of them sat in easy silence, just watching their lines and occasionally exchanging amused glances.
The gentle sound of the river, the soft rustling of trees—it all wrapped around them in a quiet that felt almost like a forgotten luxury.
Finally, after a stretch of quiet, Yzavynne sighed, the hint of a smile lingering on her face.
"Maybe there's something to this after all."
Leeani gave her a knowing look, unable to resist a little teasing.
"So, admitting I was right?"
Yzavynne shrugged nonchalantly, though there was a twinkle in her eye.
"Don't get used to it."
The three of them laughed, a sound that mingled with the flowing water and the rustle of leaves.
For a few peaceful moments, it was just them, the river, and a world that felt almost untouched by everything else that had been weighing on them.
----------------------------------------
Zach sat alone on a jagged rock, his gaze distant as he watched the others from across the camp.
Jiighual and Nert were talking by the tents, while Yzavynne, Leeani, and Ruby were still near the riverbank, laughing together, their voices drifting up in soft, lighthearted tones that seemed to blend with the murmur of the water. But Zach's mind was elsewhere.
He touched his forehead, a lingering unease settling over him as he recalled the strange vision—the statues with those petrified faces, the whispers that gnawed at the edge of his sanity.
Quietly, he muttered to himself.
"Why am I the only one who saw them? And what are they trying to tell me?"
Suddenly, he heard soft footsteps, and Kazaks appeared at his side, moving with his usual lazy confidence.
Without a word, Kazaks settled down beside him, crossing his legs as he made himself comfortable on the ground.
After a beat, Kazaks leaned back on his hands, looking out at the scene before them.
"Feels good to see 'em like this, huh?"
Zach gave a slight nod.
"Yeah, we could all use some calm after everything."
Kazaks chuckled softly, eyes narrowing in thought.
"But the real question, Captain, is whether you know how to take it easy. Seems to me, you're always watching. Not joining."
Zach's smile grew, though he stayed silent, not meeting Kazaks' gaze.
After a moment, he replied.
"Someone has to make sure everything's steady. But don't worry, I know when to relax."
"Hmm."
Kazaks muttered, unconvinced but amused.
"You've got an interesting definition of 'relax,' Captain. But I get it."
He looked at him, eyes filled with understanding.
"That burden, it's no small thing. I think everyone here can see it, but they'd follow you anyway, all the way through."
Zach's eyes softened, glancing back at his friends.
"I know they would,"
He murmured.
"And I'll make sure to give them a reason to. But for now,"
He nodded toward the group.
"Let's let them enjoy what peace we have."
Kazaks nodded, satisfied with that answer, and the two sat side by side, watching over their friends in a rare moment of shared understanding and quiet.
△▼△▼△▼△
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the trees, the day slowly surrendered to twilight.
The group gathered around a small campfire, each settling into the cozy warmth that spilled out from the flames, casting flickers of light across their tired faces.
Leeani, perched on one end of a log, whittled a small stick with a focused expression, occasionally glancing up to join the conversation.
Ruby leaned back against the same log, arms crossed, watching the fire as if entranced.
Jiighual had his cooking gear out, casually fiddling with a battered pan over the flame.
Yzavynne sat cross-legged on the ground, watching with amusement as Kazaks, in his usual fashion, joked with anyone who made eye contact.
"So, Jiighual."
Kazaks called out, a smirk in his voice.
"What gourmet disaster are you cooking up next? Another batch of your famous 'whatever-you-could-scavenge' stew?"
Jiighual rolled his eyes but played along.
"It's an acquired taste. If you're not up for it, well, more for the rest of us."
He gave a dramatic sniff, lifting the pan and pretending to savor its nonexistent aroma.
"You're just not refined enough for such delicacies, Kazaks."
"Oh, please, call me anything but refined."
Kazaks laughed, leaning forward with his hands stretched out toward the fire.
"I've heard stories of your 'delicacies' for months now, and somehow, I keep surviving. But seriously, what would we do without your concoctions, right?"
Jiighual smiled, then lifted the pan with mock pride.
"You'd be out here gnawing on sticks. The last of the foraged roots went into tonight's soup."
Across from him, Yzavynne leaned in with genuine curiosity.
"Alright, what's in it tonight?"
She asked, peering over the pan as if the contents might reveal themselves.
Jiighual shrugged.
"Same as always—whatever I managed to scavenge. Some roots, wild onions, a few berries. Oh, and the last pinch of those herbs Ruby found earlier."
Ruby chuckled, then reached into her pocket and tossed a few more dried herbs his way.
"You're in luck."
She said with a smile.
"Figured you might need a little extra flavor for whatever that is."
Jiighual caught the herbs mid-air and gave Ruby a grateful nod.
"See? A real supporter of the culinary arts."
Kazaks snorted.
"Aren't you fancy with your 'culinary arts.' Just try not to poison us, alright?"
"Oh, relax."
Jiighual replied, giving the soup a final stir.
"I haven't poisoned anyone... yet."
Leeani glanced over, her quiet presence grounding the group as she finally spoke up.
"I've survived this long on Jiighual's meals, so I'd say we're safe."
Zach, seated quietly just outside the circle of logs, watched with a faint smile, finding himself oddly at ease in their banter.
For a moment, he let himself forget about the burden he carried, content just to listen. The light of the fire played over everyone's faces, softening their features and turning their laughter into a comforting rhythm in the night.
Yzavynne, catching Zach's gaze, gave him a teasing smile.
"You look deep in thought, Captain. Plotting our next move, or just pretending to listen to our nonsense?"
Zach smirked, shaking his head slightly.
"Maybe a little of both."
Kazaks chimed in with a grin, his tone light.
"See? He's always plotting something. Even in the middle of nowhere, he's still got his grand schemes."
Zach raised an eyebrow.
"Someone has to," he replied, dry but with a hint of humor.
"Leave the plotting to the Captain, then," Jiighual said.
Zach cleared his throat, giving a nod to catch everyone's attention.
"Tomorrow morning, we'll head north, toward Gargeal, Andhur, and Qarek. First light. Pack everything up as soon as you're awake; I don't want to leave anything behind."
A few nods went around the campfire as they took in his words, their laughter settling down as the focus returned to the journey ahead.
Jiighual then gives the pot a few last stirs before ladling out the makeshift stew.
"We've all earned a night to rest."
As bowls were passed around, the conversation took on a gentler pace, everyone falling into comfortable rhythms.
They shared stories of battles, mishaps, and old memories, slipping easily between laughter and quiet reflection as the stars slowly filled the sky above.
Leeani recounted a time when she and Ruby had narrowly escaped a close encounter in a forest not unlike this one, and Ruby added her version of events with a grin, making everyone chuckle at the contrast.
After a while, Yzavynne's eyes grew heavy, and she stretched, finally letting herself sink into the grass.
"If I fall asleep right here."
She muttered.
"Someone better wake me before dawn."
Nert, still leaning against a tree near the edge of the campfire light, called over.
"Not to worry, Yza. I'll keep watch. None of you are leaving my sight tonight."
"You're too serious sometimes."
She yawned, settling in.
"But thanks, I'll take you up on that."
One by one, the group slowly drifted into silence, some stretching out under the stars, others leaning back against logs and rocks.
Zach remained seated by the fire, staring into the flickering flames as they began to die down, feeling the weight of the day settle in.
It was a rare kind of peace, fragile yet real.
And for that night, they let it hold them.
----------------------------------------
Morning crept over the camp with soft, muted light, casting long shadows through the trees.
Jiighual and Kazaks were already at work, their movements quiet but efficient as they stowed the last of their supplies, double-checking straps and fastening bundles.
Kazaks grunted as he hoisted a pack onto his shoulder, glancing over at Jiighual, who gave him a nod of approval.
Across the clearing, Yzavynne stretched her arms high above her head, arching her back as she loosened up for the journey.
She yawned, blinking against the morning sun that was just beginning to break through the dense canopy
Ruby and Zach stood a little apart from the others, watching with a quiet satisfaction as everyone slowly prepared for the day ahead.
Ruby glanced up at Zach, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"They're like clockwork."
She murmured.
"Almost feels like a quiet morning at home, if that were ever possible for us."
Zach's gaze lingered on each of them, his expression soft but thoughtful.
"It does."
He replied, nodding as he watched Jiighual adjust one of the straps with a precise, practiced motion.
A few feet away, Leeani crouched beside Nert, who was still sprawled out on his bedroll, a peaceful look on his face as he slept.
With a mischievous grin, she nudged his shoulder.
"Rise and shine, 'Warrior of Sloth,' or we'll be leaving you here as camp guardian."
Nert groaned, pulling the edge of his blanket over his head.
"Don't worry."
He mumbled, voice muffled.
"The trees will keep you safe."
"Oh, no you don't."
Leeani tugged the blanket back, grinning down at him.
"It's morning, and we're moving north. So if you don't want Kazaks hauling you over his shoulder like a sack of rocks, I suggest you get up."
Grumbling, Nert sat up, rubbing his eyes and giving her a mock glare.
"A sack of rocks? Have a little respect for your senior," he said, though the playful smile tugging at his lips gave him away.
Jiighual, overhearing, chuckled.
"With how you sleep, Nert, I'm pretty sure you weigh just as much as one."
Nert rolled his eyes, still pulling himself together as he slowly packed his bedroll with exaggerated movements, grumbling under his breath about "ruthless teammates."
Meanwhile, Yzavynne strolled over, stretching her arms and smiling as she joined the others.
"Let him wake up in peace, or he'll find a way to blame us for being sore later."
Nert smirked at her, raising an eyebrow.
"You're just scared I'll make you carry me if I don't feel like walking."
"Not in your dreams."
Yzavynne laughed, crossing her arms with a raised eyebrow.
"Though I might lend you a hand if you collapse halfway."
They all shared a laugh, and for a moment, the sense of camaraderie settled over the camp like a warm blanket.
The morning's chill started to ease, and the faint sounds of birds waking in the distance mingled with their voices, adding to the calm of the scene.
Watching it all, Zach leaned in close to Ruby.
"They'll be ready soon. Good to see them like this—makes the journey feel lighter."
Ruby smiled, eyes soft.
"It's these moments, isn't it?"
She murmured.
"The quiet ones before we're back on the road."
Zach nodded, giving her shoulder a gentle pat.
"Yeah. And they'll make sure everything's packed up soon enough."
As Zach patted her shoulder, Ruby caught his hand before he could pull it away.
She held it gently, letting her thumb brush over his knuckles with a soft, thoughtful smile. For a moment, the bustling camp around them faded into the background.
She looked up at him, her gaze filled with a quiet warmth that lingered just for him.
"Guess you don't need to keep watch alone anymore."
Zach's mouth quirked into a rare, softened smile.
"Never thought you'd want to be on lookout."
Ruby chuckled softly, tilting her head as if studying him.
"Well, maybe I'm keeping watch over you."
She murmured.
"Someone has to, you know."
There was a brief silence between them—one that held more than words ever could.
He shifted his hand slightly, his fingers brushing against hers as they held onto that shared, quiet moment.
He looked down at her, his serious gaze lightening just a touch.
"Guess I'm not going anywhere, then."
For a split second, Ruby's smile widened, her hand giving his a gentle squeeze before she let go.
The soft, unspoken connection between them lingered as she glanced back to the others and whispered.
"Good. We still have a lot left to do, Zach."
The morning stretched on as the group continued their lighthearted preparations. One by one, they fell into familiar routines.
The ease between them a reminder, of how far they'd come.