“Why has the plan changed into something like this?” asked Akira.

“We need more allies and trading partners. Yuki and Nollan already agreed to guide you to each of the larger tribes on the way south to their capital IsKald. There should be no problem with it as long as you don't spend too much time at each of the villages,” said Grand elder Carl.

“But if we do this I will only arrive back when the warm months have passed! The town needs my help to plan the buildings and grow. There are also many enemies just waiting to do something,” said Akira.

“You have already given us detailed plans on how to move forward. You have already said several times before that the army, guards, and navy are strong enough to defend the town for now,” said Grand elder Seoc.

“Although we would like to send a Grand elder with you to help speed up the negotiations we must stay here and take care of the town. Right now we cannot risk another death of a Grand elder,” said Grand elder Hegir.

“It is all for the best that we stay here due to the lurking Demigods. The four of us have fought them in two great wars and multiple battles. We may have gotten older but we still know a thing or two about fighting and killing demigods,” said Àaron.

“After a chat with the others, we decided to have Zundar join you on the travels south. He seems to be a strong and honorable warrior. Have you gathered all the people and supplies needed?” asked Grand elder Carl.

“Yes all the supplies and everyone that I asked to accompany me, are currently waiting at the gates right now,” said Akira.

“Be sure to diligently take care of the errands that we gave you,” said Grand elder Seoc.

***

As Akira exited the castle and walked past the castle guards something darted out of the shadows and tried to attach itself to him but the shadow was blocked by a headbutt from Fluffball.

“Oww...”

“What are you doing Azura?” asked Akira as he looked at his sister who was laying on the ground with Fluffball licking her face.

“Get off be you fat furball,” said Azura as she struggled to sit up while pushing off the heavy Fluffball.

“Yap!” Fluffball unhappily. He lightly swatted her nose as payback for calling him fat.

Before Azura could respond he jumped off of her and hid behind Akira.

“GRRRR...That furball needs to go on a diet! And you... why didn't you pick me to go with you on this trip!” said Azura as she stood up and pointed a finger at Akira.

“You don't know? It's because I trust my little sister to take care of things for me while I'm gone!”

“S...so...that's how it is... you trust me huh.”

“...”

“Wait! You're just trying to push all the work off onto me so that you don't have to do it when you get back!” said Azura.

“I don't know what you're talking about,” said Akira as he looked away from his sister. “Anyway the Grand elders have also decided that you should stay to help them since you are such a trustworthy person. Well... good luck! I need to go now since the others are waiting!”

“Don't run away! I'm not done with you yet!” shouted Azura as she chased after Akira.

Unfortunately for Azura, the town was quite lively due to all the projects going on, and lost Akira in the crowded streets.

***

As Akira helped unload the supplies off of the transport ships he looked over everyone that he would be traveling with for the next few months.

There were many familiar faces with some unknown people as well.

“Hahaha! The whole team is back together to travel once more!” said Varbu happily.

“Why are there so many people here that have nothing to do with traveling to IsKald?” asked Mileena as she looked at the several other new people that would be joining them.

“The Grand elders gave us a few extra diplomatic errands and tasks to do while we head south. They also want us to make sure we kill all the monsters we encounter on our way south. Something about making the journey for merchants safer for a while,” answered Akira.

“And Burkin?” asked Maya as she pointed at the Dwarf and several other merchants that were gathered around large bundles of items.

“Burkin and the other merchants agreed to help take care of transporting the rest of the armor and weapons to the Kamen tribe's new village. In exchange we have to act as an escort for them until we reach the Kamen tribe,” said Akira.

“I hope we don't find any troublesome monsters on our trip south,” said Klyn.

Stolen story; please report.

“Don't worry! I will take care of all of them!... I lie! I will hide behind that big guy!” said Chack as he pointed to Zundar.

“If a monster gets in my way or attacks my lord I will just smash them!” said Zundar showing off with a few showy swings of his Hammer.

“OHHH!” said Klyn and Chack as they clapped after listening to Zundar's deceleration and watching his performance.

“The more I get to know you the more I like you. You're almost as manly as me,” said Varbu as he gave Zundar a thumbs up.

“We'll be stopping at many of the wandering tribe's camps so you'll get your chance to kill all the deadly monsters and clear out any of the smaller dungeons that we find,” said Akira as he finished loading one of the modified sleds that had removable wheels attached to the metal runners.

“Lord, if we go into a dungeon, how are we to protect you with all the danger inside!” said Dolph.

Vilkas silently nodded his head in agreement.

“Relax, we aren't going to be going into any of the larger dungeons. Plus anything we find in the dungeon we can trade or sell to the next wandering tribe we meet.”

“It's true it would be troubling for me if lord's thing was hurt in that place. You need to hurry up and get married and have a son so that you can have an heir. Then I can train the young master in the greatness of hammers!” said Zundar as he looked at both Mileena and Akira.

“Ohh! I like this guy! Let's be friends!” said Chack as he pat Zundar's thigh due to his height being nearly two times as tall as Chack.

“What an interesting idea,” was all Mileena said as she stared at Akira, making him uncomfortable.

“Then it is decided! I will be the young master's personal weapons trainer when he is born!”

“Fine with me,” said Mileena.

“Hey! Why are you guys deciding on something like that without me!” asked a flustered Akira.

***

“Damn! Why are there so many monsters that we have to clear out everyday,” said Klyn as he sat at the fire eating a quick lunch with the others.

“It's strange. I don't remember this many monsters the last two times we went to the Kamen tribes village. I sorta get a feeling that this is similar to that time I led the group south to find a place to live,” said Burkin as he stared at Akira.

“Hmm, you're right, he may be a monster magnet. Crazy things are always happening wherever he goes,” said Varbu as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully and stared at Akira.

“I'm not a monster magnet!...anyways isn't it good that they all show up? With so many of them gathering we have an easier time cleaning up the path south for the merchants while getting stronger,” said Akira trying to turn it into a positive.

“Right! I totally agree, even more monsters showing up would be better! It would be really annoying if only the small fry showed up in small numbers,” said Zundar.

“Can we even call what we're using a road? We're just wandering through the woods, the grassy plains, and the hills,” said Mileena.

“How long until we reach our next destination?” Akira asked Yuki.

“We left the Kamen village five days ago and now that we don't have to escort the other merchants that turned back we should be able to move more quickly, so... a few more days?” said Yuki unsure as she looked to her grandfather for confirmation but found him snoring loudly.

“I'm surprised at how many wandering tribes we have been able to get into contact with. Most of them have been quite friendly and willing to at least trade with us and Kodria in the future,” said Akira.

“I'm more surprised with the number of small dungeons you keep finding,” said Klyn.

“We need to pick up the pace or we'll fall behind schedule. Let's hurry up and get to the Nyaan tribe. Mr. Kat, we'll drop you off there so you can negotiate on behalf of Kodria you'll have enough time to hash things out before we return to Kodria,” said Akira as he looked to the elderly Nyaan male Mr. Kat.

“No need to worry, my skills in negotiating are very good. I am sure they won't mind gaining a few more of the same race, making a new village near us or even joining us!” said Mr. Kat.

***

“What did you just say?” asked Tormoid as he grabbed onto a merchant's collar and lifted him up into the air.

“It's just a rumor I heard at Jerora! There is a new frontier town farther south than any other. It seems that it is growing well and is quite prosperous and important,” said the merchant.

“Not that part! What you said before that!” said Tormoid as he shook the man.

“The man named Akira is the lord of the town?” asked the unsure merchant.

“Damn it!” said Tormoid as he threw the merchant down onto the ground.

'I'm a Grand Elder of the Bloody-claw tribe! But here I am being treated like a small nobody! While those guys are living in houses, I'm still stuck here living in a tepee!' raged Tormoid.

'Think, think, how to use this to my advantage to get up out of this mess...'

“Does the Coldpelt clan on the east coast know of this?” asked Tormoid.

“Everyone knows of it in Jerora so if another merchant went there it is possible,” said the merchant.

“You, and your friends you brought with you, better keep your mouth shut about this,” said Tormoid.

The werewolf guards that stood behind Tormoid flexed their muscles and laid their hands on their weapons as a threat to the merchant.

“Don't worry we won't say a word!” said the frightened merchant.

'I need to hurry and tell that bastard about the village and try to convince him to follow my plan. I can not let that runt get all the glory and rewards after all that he has put me through!' though Tormoid as he left the cowering merchant.

***

As the party moved south the weather had grown colder and colder.

“It seems like we can never escape this damn snow!” grumbled Klyn as they walked through the light dusting of snow on the ground.

“I quite like the snow, it is refreshing compared to that heat which was way too hot,” said Nollan.

Ding!

Warning!

A nearby dungeon is in the process of a dungeon break!

A new quest has been created!

Kill all monsters that escape: There is no need to worry about finding them! They will find you! Even if you run!

Difficulty level: C++.

Seeing Akira stop and start looking around on full alert Zundar moved closer to him.

“Lord is there something wrong?”

“Danger has found us...”

“What is it?”

“...a dungeon break.”

ROOOOOOOOAAAARRRRRR!