They stopped at the foot of the mountain by dusk.
Johannes got off his horse. He looked around the barren part of the forest. The air that was filled with the stench of corpses was much better than it was in the central forest.
"Set up the camp. Startup with the medics tent. We need to treat those who are wounded."
They all collapsed with exhaustion from all that marching since the day before.
Most of their goods, horses, and men were gobbled up by the man-eating plant.
Johannes appointed the duties in groups. One-fourth of their troops had been eradicated before they could reach their destination.
The work was harder. Few set up the tents while some were assigned to build up the fire. Canute along with some other mages was made in charge of treating the wounded.
The rest were appointed to stand by as guards around the camp.
"Too many of them are injured. We need more medics. We don't even have healers to cure a large number within a short time."
Chaol panicked.
"Chaol.It's not time to panic. Its time to move on and do something and overcome this hurdle."
"How about illusion magic? I could create an illusion within their minds to ease them momentarily."
Canute and Johannes stared at him bawling their eyes as if they could fall off their sockets any second.
"H-hey.... what are these tears for?"
—"Great Divinity's blessings are upon us."
They screamed internally.
"Nothing," Johannes smiled and left the tent.
—"What was that for?"
Chaol shrugged.
Canute grabbed him by his shoulders trembling the same time to which Chaol responded with a startled look.
".... Great!"
"Sir Canute. What's the matter? Why are you all shaky?"
He shook his head and looked up. His sharp turquoise eyes twinkled with hope.
"Can you do it?"
"Pardon?"
"I'm asking you about the plan you just proposed. Can you do it?"
"I might be able to if I try. Although I cannot guarantee how they'll feel."
"Leave that bit to me. Just focus on the plan."
"As you wish." Chaol left the tent in a hurry.
Canute sighed heavily.
—"Master. This is the fruit of teaching me."
He smiled bitterly. A vile taste filled his mouth.