Standing in a spacious meeting hall, Kwamey, Ayfia, Cisse, the two newly-arrived individuals, and a few others stood around a large map, all with focused looks on their faces.
Observing the map, Arthur finally had a good grasp of where he currently was. Just as he had observed and Ayfia had explained, the southern part of Mare Nostrum was really comprised of three main biomes. The forest biome took up around half of the region, while the plains biomes took up around forty percent, leaving the coastal biome with approximately ten percent. And just as Ayfia had explained, each biome possessed a Main City that have all been speculated to have appeared along with the continent's emergence.
Courtesy of how far north the Coastal Main City was from the continent's southern point, it became increasingly obvious why little to no attempt had been made to occupy the southernmost part of the region – well, that and the protruding rocks from the sea bed. In addition, there is also the fact that the Plains Main City was also further up in the region in line with the Coastal Main City. So really, whether for trade or travel, there was no real reason for anyone to come so far south on the continent - there is quite literally nothing here.
Interestingly though, when observing the forest biome, Arthur couldn't find its main city. Instead, what Arthur did find were large dark areas marked as 'unknown.' Even more interesting was that a similar event took place for the plains biome's central region. But it was obvious that there were things in those areas as parts of lakes and rivers met the areas' edges.
Nevertheless, making a mental note of this, Arthur quietly watched as Ayfia pointed the median point between the Plains Main City and the forest/plains border.
"Dinga and the troops are skirmishing with Soumaoro his troops here. Trying to make it in time will be difficult."
"But it's doable," responded Kwame. "The main detour you guys will have to make is avoiding Zarla's Den. She should still be slumbering since it isn't mid-Aestas (summer) yet. Though it would shorten the journey if you guys went by her den, it isn't worth the risk since she's been known to wake up early for all sorts of reasons."
"Mhmm." Nodded Ayfia. "Another factor we have to consider are the raider zones. Though we clear them out every year, new people always arrive. Though I can't blame them too much due to the adequate distance, they are from trade routes and beast areas. But having to deal with them as we journey will prove to be too much of a hindrance."
"Indeed," responded a bald man by the name Manu, as he placed markers in areas north of a big skull that Arthur could assume was Zarla's Den. "Especially considering th fact that the nomadic tribes are still migrating into the plains for this Aestas, their activities should be quite high."
"Hmmm," began Ayfia. "We could bet on the nomadic tribes taking care of them as they migrate. But, we will still have to watch out for beast hot zones since they are typically random for the most part."
"That's true," agreed Kwame. "But since your party will be small, navigating around them shouldn't be too much much of a hassle. However, the biggest problem that remains is time. The journey at its fastest will take seven days, and the Ntoqua is in eight."
"We'll have to make do with what we can." Responded Ayfia. "better to try and fail than to not try at all."
"Mhmm."
Following this, the discussion continued as the group slowly charted out a route.
Though expected, Arthur couldn't help but be surprised by just how many dangers there were. It was almost as if any wrong move would result in a disaster. Actually, that isn't far from the truth.
"Alright, this seems like the best route to take," breathed Ayfia as she marked a path from the tribe to the battlefront, carefully navigating around certain dangers while marking where her party should be on each day.
"Haish," sighed Kwame. "Don't know where that son of a bitch got that artifact. If it wasn't for it, he would be dead ten times over already."
"And his audacity, to keep strutting back as if he isn't going to run away with his tail between his legs again. What's even more, aggravating this time is that he actually came with a properly trained army." Added Manu.
"Well, we can complain all we want, but that won't change anything." Sighed Ayfia. "Kwame, you will be in charge while I'm gone and Manu…be good."
"Hey!" Protested Manu. "I'm always good."
"Mhmm," replied Ayfia with a slight roll of her eyes. "Anyways, I need to go grab some supplies."
"Oh right, we almost forgot. Who are you going to have joined you guys?" suddenly asked Manu as Ayfia was about to walk out the door.
"Oh right. Amina, Karami, will you guys join us?"
"Of course," replied Karami, the young man who had delivered the news.
"Good," smiled Ayfia.
"Can I come along too?" Suddenly asked Arthur.
Hearing Arthur's question, a confused look appeared on Ayfia's face for a brief moment before she smiled and replied. "Of course, sweety, do you even need to ask?"
…
Arthur, Amina and Karami. Amina and Karami, Arthur." Introduced Cisse as the quartet patiently waited for Ayfia in the training zone.
"Nice to meet you." Smiled Arthur as he shook hands with the duo in turn. "Don't mind my asking, but are you guys twins by any chance?"
"Haha, it's fine." Smiled Karami. "We aren't too sure ourselves, but it wouldn't be the first time that connection has been made. Honestly, it happens so often that so we kind of just treat each other as if we are, though."
"Oh," reacted Arthur, tacitly avoiding prying further. "Well, I can see why. Your hair and eyes match, and you guys look like you're the same age too."
"Cough!"
"Though Amina could definitely pass for your younger sister." Arthur quickly added.
"Heh," smiled Karami as his eyes suddenly flashed a teasing light at Cisse's sudden cough. "I will take that as a compliment. But man, who would have thought that in the short time I've been away, Cisse would find me new brother top of already being my brother-in-l-"
FWOO-WHOOSH!
Not even finishing his works, Karami suddenly ducked just a white blade made of energy cleaved where his neck was.
"One more, Karami, just one more word," came a soft voice from the side.
"Hehehe," laughed Karami in his squatting position as Amina retrieved her blade of energy while Cisse gave him a secret thumbs-up.
"Oh yeah," continued Karami as he stood up again. "Can you ride horseback, Arthur?"
"Oh, that? That won't be necessary. Aegon!"