He sat down on the grass beside me, or rather collapsed, exhausted. I sat down next to him, admiring his spell and watching the creature's demise.

After a few minutes, the movements inside finally stopped, although the fire was still going strong. It took another ten, maybe twenty minutes for the fire to finally die down.

-I think you can drop the spell.

He sighed with relief and the ice structure's blue shimmer instantly disappeared.

-Finally… - he laid down on the grass. - I need a moment…

-Take your time.

I stood up and started walking towards what used to be the monster. The pyramid was still see-through and glasslike, but as I got closer, I realized it started melting. I guess once he dropped the spell, the heat of the embers inside started winning against his ice - the top part was already halfway melted, with water slowly dripping from it.

As I got closer, I noticed that the fire was pretty thorough. There was no sign of any rubble from the carriages and the plant was just a pile of ash in the middle. I touched the side of the icy pyramid. It was still pretty solid, although it was only a matter of time for it to melt completely. I started circling the ice structure, waiting for it to melt and looking around, scouring the clearing where the battle took place.

After a minute or two, the walls have finally melted to the point where I could step through them and take a look at the core of this mess.

The first thing that hit me was the smell. It was actually kinda pleasant, something like a burned pine tree. It was a bit unsettling, since I saw this thing drag in corpses and other wreckage that would definitely not smell like that when burned, as well as the cocoons.

The thought alone was unpleasant. How many people did just burn inside this creature's belly? I didn't have time to think about that before, but I just cremated at least a dozen people. The thought hit me a bit hard, and I picked up the pace, walking towards the middle of where used to be the tangle, now just a large hill of greenish-gray ash. Just ash…

Wandering, I started slowly parting the pile with my feet, trying to feel if there was anything… well, else. For a good while the only thing I found was more ash, which was unsettling. Was the fire so strong that even the bones were reduced to dust? As I was digging through, I finally felt something hit my foot. For a second I was mortified, not knowing what I was gonna find, but I was stressing out for nothing. It was just the sword that we used to burn this thing to the ground.

The hilt was more or less still in one piece, although the dragon head melted a little bit. The blade was mostly intact, although the runic writing that it was covered with was melted to the point it was unreadable.

I sighed with relief.

-Maybe that's for the better…

I made my way back to Bert, lying in the grass.

-You found anything?

I pointed to the sword.

-Nothing besides this and a pile of ash.

He winced and looked away.

-Damn…

-Yeah.

There was this moment of awkward silence.

-Well at least the sword is still in one piece… Sort of… We are gonna need that if more of those show up… I'll have to thank Goldie for bringing that thing.

-Yeah, about that…

-Yes, yes, and you too. I have no idea what he was thinking, not using this thing but…

-No, no - I interrupted him. - I wanted to ask you a question.

-Well, your plan saved our lives, so ask away.

-Hmm. Yes… I wanted to ask about him, actually. Caleb, was it?

-Him? I thought that kid already told you all the stories about him - he laughed, still laying on the grass.

-Yes… But my question is, do you trust that guy?

He stopped laughing and sat up.

-Where did this come from? - he sounded surprised. - I know it was your plan, but he also saved your life, don't you remember? I mean, I know he acted a bit strange with his magic and all, but he still used it to kill the plant, right?

-Riiight, he used it… - I started slowly. - This is his sword, right? - I raised the blade that I brought back with me.

-Yes?

-Oletram.

I ignited it again, like before. Even though it was dirty and melted a bit, the flames still sprouted from it without any issue.

-What are you…

I stuck the handle under my arm and grabbed the flaming blade with my hand.

As expected, it didn't burn. The flames were licking my body, but there was no heat, just a glowy effect.

-I think he is hiding something from us.

-Stop trying to show off! Didn't he say it won't hurt the wielder? - he said and rolled his eyes at me.

-Try it yourself then.

Still uncertain, he slowly stood up and came closer.

-It's not hot… - he said, reaching towards the flame.

-It's not. From what I can tell, this "fire enchantment" as he said, is just an illusion. For what reason someone would've made something like this, I have no idea.

Finally, he was so close that the flames were basically licking his hand.

-I don't get it… How did he burn this thing then…

-Well, he didn't.

-What, you're gonna tell me all this is some illusion? I am not buying that.

-And I am not saying it was. This monster was real. And the fire that you stopped was too. But I was the one to burn this thing.

-Wha…

I dropped the blade and extended my hand.

-Usc fi geksu.

I summoned the fire orb.

-My fire is real and I think you can tell that.

His eyes widened.

-A red mage… that's unexpected… But why are you telling me this? And why didn't you act sooner?

-Well I am telling you because you are the only one that seems remotely competent in this group. I don't know what's in Goldie's head, but I'd rather work with someone who threatened my life and is at least competent with magic than someone who thinks yelling at a sword louder will increase the likelihood of a spell working.

I paused for a second.

-About why didn't I act sooner… I didn't really want to flaunt my magic, that bit me in my ass already before. Although I wanted to do something…

When he didn't say anything I continued.

-You seem awfully calm about all this.

-So are you.

-Yes, but that was not my squad that got wiped out a while ago. I am just a bystander.

-That is bullshit and you know it.

He hesitated for a second.

-I am sorry. You are right, I didn't care that much. Those were just mercenaries, some worked with me longer than others, but that was it. I am more concerned about Caleb. If what you are saying is true, and it definitely looks like that, that means that he has to be up to something. I can assure you that I didn't know about that sword's power and that concerns me.

He started pacing around.

-I find it hard to believe that that prominent figure would be that ignorant, and that only means he is plotting something.

-Well, you know him better than I do, but he is a weird one.

-Hmm. What about the kid?

-I know as much as you do, but he is infatuated by him and his "legend", so I'd rather not mention anything about this to him. He might just tell him and if you are right and he is plotting something, that would not be good.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

-I agree that this should stay between us. And by the way, I am sorry for that little threat earlier, I think we started on the wrong foot. No hard feelings, right?

-Whatever. As long as you are not gonna follow up on those threats.

-But of course.

It was a bit weird coming out of him, especially after he was so adamant on keeping his secrets before. I guess he lost his leverage on me - his team got wiped out and he was a poor matchup against me.

-Well, what now? - I asked after a moment of silence. - We lost our transport and I don't think we are even remotely near the capital.

He scratched his head.

-I am not sure… But it shouldn't be that bad. Since we were so heavily loaded I had planned to go to the capital in a straight line, although without horses now it would take forever. I think I have a map somewhere…

He reached to his belt but stopped almost instantly.

-Shit. I left it in a cart…

We both looked at the pile of ash.

-I am pretty sure it did not survive.

-No shit... Ehm. I mean, you are right. - he corrected himself. - I am not sure about our whereabouts, but if I remember correctly, on our way to the capital we would've passed near one of the villages that I sometimes stock up in. I wasn't planning on stopping there this time, since it is a bit out of the way, but now it seems like our best bet.

-Nice. How far?

-Hard to tell. If we were traveling by horseback, it would be about an hour from the main trail.

-It doesn't sound so bad. If you were there already, it shouldn't be a problem, you can lead us there, right?

-I think so.

-It's settled then. Let's check up on the rest for now. I still don't trust Goldie, but I want to keep an eye on him.

-Same here.

And so we made our way towards the forest where Goldie and the kid disappeared a while ago.

We found them about a hundred meters deep into the forest. Goldie, clutching his shield, was walking nervously around the kid, who was sitting on top of some fallen tree, with his book on his lap. As soon as we got close, he leaped towards Bert, startling all of us.

-Are you okay? What happened? Where is everyone else?

-Easy there… - he put his hand on his shoulder. - I managed to stop the forest fire and the creature is as dead as it gets, thanks to you, but I am exhausted. Anything new on your end?

-No, after the screams stopped I haven't heard or seen anything unusual. What was that thing?

-We have no idea - I answered for him. - From all of us you are the most well-traveled one. Have you seen or heard about anything like that?

-I guess that is true… - he pondered for a second - but no. First time I encountered such a weird being…

-We were lucky. Without quick thinking of Mr. Mor and your blade, we would be long gone.

-Just call me Mor. And without your ice, we would've been burned alive after that. But speaking of blades…

I presented the dirty gold blade that I brought with me.

-I think that belongs to you.

-Oh! As expected, Oletram survived and came back to me! What a great weapon you are!

-Ehm, you're welcome… - I muttered under my breath, but he was not paying attention, cleaning the blade in the patch of grass nearby.

-As soon as we get to the capital, I'm gonna find the best blacksmith there is and you will be as good as new.

-Yes… - started Bert, interrupting his monologue - speaking of travel, we have to get back on the road. Since we lost our horses we now need to stop by a village nearby. It shouldn't be far, but we need to get moving if we want to get there before night.

Goldie of course did not pay any attention, cleaning his sword and checking for damage.

Bert just sighed heavily and instead centered his attention on the kid, sitting there listening to the conversation.

-Are you all right? I know this is pretty sudden, but you'll have to bear with us for a while.

-Yes… I think… - the kid managed to say with a weak voice.

He still looked a bit scared, but I guess the presence of his "idol" calmed him down a bit.

-Sorry, but we will have to walk for a while. Tell us if you need a break, okay?

He patted his shoulder.

-Well, there is no reason to stay. Let's move out.

According to Bert we had to turn back and retrace our steps a little bit. Apparently, a good while ago we passed a fork in the road that is now gonna lead us to Kalkano, the village in question, where we are gonna stock up on supplies and buy new horses to travel to the capital.

Apparently Kalkano is often used as a resupply spot for a bunch of traders and other caravans, which worked perfectly for us. Bert even promised he will cover all the expenses for both me and the kid, which was a welcome surprise. After the encounter he started being a lot more kind towards me. On another hand, Goldie was still mostly ignoring us all and just kept trying to clean his sword, with little to no result.

Well, it was a bit of my fault anyway, not like he knew that. You see, my spell which created that flame was a bit too powerful - I melted a bit of the blade. Luckily, I didn't destroy the enchantment itself, although the ash which the blade was buried in mixed with melted metal and when I found the blade… Let’s just say it was not in a good shape and no amount of polishing was gonna change that.

The journey back took the better part of the day. Nothing worthy of noting happened, although we made a few stops on the way, most of them for the kid to catch a breath. Although every time he was saying he wanted to press onward, just to be promptly informed by Bert that he does not want to increase the death toll of his caravan. A bit over the top statement if you ask me, but it worked, so I didn't mind it.

When we finally arrived at our destination, the sun was beginning to set and by the time we reached the village, it was night already.

Kalkano wasn't very different from the places I visited so far. Houses were still wooden, made from one big piece of wood and with green windows. This time however, the layout was just a grid. No one long street, no randomly spread buildings, just clean and straight lines, almost like a city, although smaller. It was about ten buildings, maybe less, each one looking like each other.

-This is… A bit mundane place… - I couldn't help but comment.

We quickly reached the main plaza, or rather an empty space in the middle of the village.

Bert took a quick look around.

-Ah. Here - he pointed towards one of the houses where there was a yellowish glowing gem hanging next to the door.

-Your acquaintance or something?

-Sort of. Give me a minute and I will set everything up - he told us and went towards the house.

After a while someone let him in.

He was inside for a good couple minutes, after which he emerged back, this time with a small pouch.

-Good news. We have a place to stay for tonight and I managed to buy horses. Come on.

He led us to the other end of the village, to the building that looked suspiciously like a stable. He pulled out a key from the pouch he got and opened the door.

-This is our place for the night? - Asked Goldie, looking around the place. I was not wrong. It was a stable. Pretty barren as well. There were only five horses in there, and a lot of hay. The smell was… not pleasant.

-Yeah. I know it's not an inn but we have to work with what we get.

-You cheap bastard. That's how you thank your savior? - he muttered under his breath, although it wasn't quiet enough.

-May I remind you that all my belongings went up in flames along with the caravan? You should be happy that we are not sleeping outside. If you want something more then go and pay for it yourself, I am already broke.

-Hmpf.

But, even while discontent, he gave up and instead went to inspect the horses.

-So, which ones did you buy?

-Those three in the back - he pointed at three black horses.

-Hmm. Well, they at least look better than our living quarters for tonight.

-Very funny.

As we were about to go to sleep, Bert gave each of us one… I guess a nut? It looked like a larger peanut, but it was green and was shimmering slightly, like it was dipped in glitter.

-What's this? - asked the kid.

-Right, you probably have never seen those before. It's a mana fruit. I still had a few on me for emergencies. Eat it now, oruse it as a breakfast, it will satiate you for a long while. That is if you don’t use magic… - the last part he muttered to himself.

After this explanation the kid finally made up his mind and ate it.

I didn't say anything but when I heard his explanation I focused on the nut in my hand.

Sure enough, it had a bit of a flow of mana through it, albeit small. It reminded me of the certain "tea" I had a while back, but a lot less invasive and, let's say, “filtered”.

I seriously considered not eating it, but seeing how Goldie and Bert ate it without a hint of hesitation, curiosity got me.

It tasted funny, not like a peanut, it more reminded me of a hard candy made of rhubarb mixed with tree sap. I couldn't tell if it really satiates hunger as he said, but judging by the looks of the kid, he was not lying.

-See? Pretty good.

The kid nodded, looking very happy for some reason.

-In any case, let’s rest for now.

They had to be quite tired after today, because it didn't take them long to pass out and fall asleep, each on his own pile of hay. I also found myself a nice and comfortable pile and tried to rest.

The sleep did not come to me though, probably thanks to the mana fruit “charging” my crystal again.

Okay, let’s be honest. Even without the additional “boost” from the fruit, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. It looked like the mana from the crystal was constantly flowing through me, keeping me wide awake at all times. Even after all this time, I was not even slightly tired. I wanted to check if it was glowing again, but decided against it. I did not want anyone to notice my “condition”.

So I was just lying there, watching my companions. Goldie, still in his armor, found himself near the horses that we apparently bought. His helmet and weapon, which now didn't fit in his sheathe, were laying next to him on the ground. Once in a while he twitched in his sleep, and muttered something that sounded very close to the phrase he used to summon illusory flames on his blade. I silently was thankful that those were just fake, because this stable was very flammable.

Bert found his pile closer to the main door and was snoring silently. His bow was still on his back, how could he even sleep like that?

Beside him, surprisingly close was the kid, who used his book as a pillow. Well, maybe not surprisingly close. He was the only person that showed any concern for him during our trip. Goldie was not thinking about our pretty young and weak travel companion at all and constantly wanted to press on, but every time he was stopped by Bert. I am a bit ashamed to say, but since I now had a seemingly infinite amount of energy, thanks to the crystal, I also sometimes forgot that I was not traveling alone any more. Even though he was the one that was threatening me not so long ago, Bert appeared to be the kindest person of us all. Well, maybe besides the kid.

The whole night went by peacefully.

As soon as Bert woke up, he started waking up others and was surprised to see me awake.

-Well, night passed, I hope you all are ready to go.

I want to say that we left the village smoothly and rode off to the capital without any issue, but who am I kidding, there is always something. This time the issue was pretty mundane - neither I nor the kid have ridden the horse before. It was no issue for him, since he could and had to share a horse with one of us. I didn't want to share my lack of experience with my companions though - I was posing as the seasoned wanderer and traveler after all, so I decided to make up a small story.

-Can you give me a hand with that? - I started, when Bert finished putting the saddle onto his horse and was about to climb on.

-What?

-Horse. Can you help me get on?

-What do you mean, help, have you never ridden on a horse?

-Not with one arm, no. It makes a lot of things harder than you think.

-So that's why you wanted to join my caravan… You just needed a cart… - he looked like he just had a sudden epiphany.

-How did you even travel this far? - asked Goldie, who overheard us, clearly having a hard time not to laugh at me.

-What? You are now gonna make fun out of a cripple?

That shut him up.

With Bert’s help I managed to get on and stabilize myself. Honestly, even while it was the first time for me, it wasn't that bad. I honestly would like to think that if I still had both hands I would've done that by myself.