As soon as Terrence confirmed Kenley's words, the Hamoursh man carried Terrence's tiny body on his back. Not long after, the boy asked Kenley to put him down because the boy felt pain in his wound.
Finally Kenley let Terrence out of his arms. Eldred rushed to find something to help the boy walk. Eldred also found a log not far from the tree. This was probably to be expected for the boy.
The scorching heat was slowly turning into a warmer sunlight. Because the sky that had faded to orange color seemed to adorn the western sky, it was already getting late.
They had come a long way since the two of them saved Terrence from the Demon's attack this afternoon. Now the three of them were on the main road to Gussin, according to the directions they had. They hoped that a Vlatsh would pass by so they wouldn't have to spend the night in an uninhabited realm.
A gentle breeze on the land decorated with wild trees that stood growing irregularly, swept by the afternoon breeze that was getting cooler. Combing the grass that grows unkempt around it. This trip they really had to pass on foot.
Since leaving the Glinth tribal settlement, the two of them had not brought an oil lamp with them if circumstances forced them to spend the night in that area. Their responsibility, now is not only on the personal mission they carry on their shoulders, but on the boy who is now joining them on their journey this time. The two of them would take Terrance to Brandish, so the boy could meet his little sister. Then what will happen after?
The sun is sinking towards the west. The bright blue color in the sky is fading, accompanied by the afternoon wind that blows, continuing to brush the land. Wearing only his underwear, of course it made Kanley feel cold as the breeze gently brushed against his body. Even so, it didn't matter to him.
"I don't think there will be any passing vehicles to Gussin today." said Kenley, stopping walking while holding his knees because they felt sore. Eldred flicked his gaze around.
It was true, there was nothing that he saw of any vehicles other than trees, weeds and small rocks that adorn the unknown area.
"Well, how about we just rest here tonight" He suggested looking at Kenley and Terrence alternately. But the boy gave Eldred a slightly frightened look instead. However, the Elfair tried to ignore it.
"We really don't have a choice, do we?" Kenley said lightly, shrugging his shoulders. "Gussin isn't anywhere near anyway. If we keep walking like this, I'm going to die." He continued who then lay down on the ground in a supine position. "Hey, you're tired too right?" Kenley then asked Terrance who was still standing next to him. The boy nodded innocently.
"Okay, we can just spend the night here. If we build a fireplace not far from the road, we can keep an eye on passing vehicles." The white-skinned Elfair suggested.
Finally they put their things under a small tree not far from the road. Around them, a lot of tree branches scattered on the ground. Coincidentally, it saves them the energy to search for it.
Kenley wished he could just lie like that all the time, but Eldred was already staring at him with a horrible look. He immediately rushed to collect firewood and arrange it neatly to make a fireplace for cooking, as well as heating.
Eldred is in charge of finding and collecting leaves that have the right size and width to be used as a base when they sleep later.
The sun was almost setting. Just a matter of minutes, night will come. This means that the surroundings will be dark. And I don't know what dangers will suddenly attack them while spending the night in the open like that.
After Kenley managed to neatly arrange the wood he had gathered earlier, the man then used stones to make a fire, just like what he did this afternoon. Actually he forgot to bring a wooden lighter from his guild since the first day he rushed off with Eldred. proficient in making fire with the two stones rubbed together.
Terrence stood watching what Kenley was doing, not far from where he was. Although sometimes he feels pain with a wound in one of his legs even though it has been helped by the wood that supports him.
Actually, there were still a lot of minor injuries such as claw wounds that adorned the dark blond haired boy's body. But Terrence didn't mind if the wounds weren't treated. The boy thought maybe in the next few days it would dry up and heal by itself.
The fireplace was lit perfectly thanks to Kenley's hands. It was getting dark, Terrence began to curl up in front of the fireplace not far from Kenley. The Hamoursh blooded man occasionally rubbed his palms and brought them closer in front of the fireplace to feel warm. The night breeze was much colder than the afternoon breeze he used to feel every day. Eldred who was sitting not far from him also did the same.
"I don't know if Gussin is this far. Looks like we'll be in Brandish in a week, or less. If we can hire Vlatsh to take us there." Eldred said without taking his gentle gaze from the fireplace.
"That's true. We still have enough money to rent that carriage. But today there isn't a single vehicle coming through here. It's really annoying." Kenley snapped, ruffling his hair in despair. Eldred turned to him while raising one eyebrow.
"Have enough money huh .." His mind recalled the crazy event they did a few days ago before leaving the Capital of Gracylia, namely robbing a bank early in the morning.
"Do you think your background is the same as this kid's?" said Eldred spontaneously, starting again with a question that made Kenley start to feel uncomfortable hearing him every time they chatted.
Kenley shrugged his shoulders. This time the man felt lazy to talk about who his family was. It was like making it difficult for him to find the pieces of his past life. This time maybe he will just wait for fate to speak to him.
"I now only believe in my destiny. If it's good or bad, whatever lies ahead, I'll accept it." He said smiling lopsidedly. He did not think that he was already at his saturation point and started trying not to care about who his parents were anymore.
Eldred frowned. "We have to save Terrence while he's still with us. Our goals are the same after all. Oh yeah, the second piece of Crystal Crytilops is in Brandish right?" said Kenley again, actually changing the subject.
Eldred nodded. According to the map and this book, it's true." His answer was short. Eldred opened the map again. There was a sign there pointing to Brandish. Maybe if it was true that the second Crystal was there. Then he checked the piece of crystal that at first glance looked like stone, but had a blue glow soft as Elded's eyes.
"I don't know if this kind of thing can save the Elfair nation. And you know? I really can't believe this thing exists. Eldred said. "Of course, Elfair is a mage," said Kenley in reply.
"Hahaha not really, there are also a lot of different abilities that the Elfairs have. For example like Aithen, Kluith, or Vhynt." Eldred replied as he put the Moon Crystal Piece back into his bag.
"Vhynt?" Kenley was starting to get confused. Eldred replied with a small nod.
"Vhynt is a term for someone who is knowledgeable in the field of music. In the Elfair nation, usually someone who is an expert in that field, generally is a useless person." Eldred said smiling wryly. "Useless?"
"Yes. Because long ago people from the Elfair nation who have expertise in music, will be called weak people, and weak people are considered useless." Say it again.
Terrence didn't seem to have slept yet, but he was already in a crouched position with his knees bent on the ground with the straw knitted shirt that Kenley had given him earlier, covering his tiny body.
"Terrence," called Eldred. The boy still felt a little scared if he had to meet Eldred's eyes. To him, Eldred was like a complete stranger because of his physical appearance, naturally.
"Hey, you don't have to be afraid of him. Because he's just an Elfair." Kenley gave a little explanation, because he was worried that later Eldred would feel uncomfortable. "You've heard what Eldred said earlier, right?" The connection.
The little boy nodded. "And the way to tell them apart is, the pointy ears. And I think that's very unique." Kenley stifled a laugh. It actually made Eldred uncomfortable.
Pletakkk
The tip of the bow landed on Kenley's head causing him to rub his head in pain. Finally, Terrence couldn't help but laugh. "It's okay, he's just like that," said Eldred.
"Damn Eldred." He said then looked away. Kenley was honestly a little annoyed, but seeing Terrance laugh made his heart go cold. "That's right. Honestly, I hate seeing you so gloomy all the time." Eldred said with a gentle gaze like the moonlight.
"I-I'm sorry," Terrence stuttered.
"Oh yeah, you said earlier, Elfair who has the ability in the field of music is a weak person? How can they casually say that?! I think every ability that everyone has is the most beautiful blessing that can't be doubted. Because that's their strength. " Kenley said a little protested.
"I don't know. Or maybe because of the war factor in the past. Because maybe they think a Vhynt will only spend his time singing instead of being in the war line." Eldred speculated. "Maybe that's why they're called weak." The connection.
"I still mind." said Kenley, looking down slightly. "Actually, I'm also a weak person like what you said earlier." he continued. Eldred furrowed his brows.
"You mean?" Eldred narrowed his eyes trying to guess but Kenley had grabbed it with a determined nod.
"You can sing, really?" Now it was Terrance's turn to speak. "That's right..." but Kenley was still a little hesitant. "Can you sing us a song?" Eldred said next. But Kenley shook his head vigorously. "I'm afraid that later you guys will make fun of me, I don't like this at all." He said averting his gaze.
"Come on, you yourself said that someone's ability is a beautiful blessing?" Eldred said with the aim of cornering Kenley. "I'm saying it because the people at church used to teach me." he said he was still reluctant to show his secret advantages which he had never shown to anyone, including the guild people.
"It's okay sis, I'm sure your voice must be very good." Terrence gave Kenley a little encouragement, though he felt sorry for revealing what he had been keeping secret.
"But you promise not to tell this to anyone." Kenley gestured by giving his pinky finger to Eldred and Terrance who were becoming increasingly curious. What would happen if a robber like Kenley also had abilities like another Vhynt.
"We promise!" They both said almost at the same time. Kenley took a deep breath before finally exhaling. His lips prepared to release a song that he was about to sing. Once a song was sung by Kenley, the silence and emptiness around them became filled and peaceful. Little flaming fireflies, coming, flying around them. The sky was filled with twinkling stars that adorned the sky that had been filled with gray clouds.
There were several fireflies that landed on Kenley's head and shoulders. They seemed to hear the melodious voice of the Hamoursh man. With the night wind blowing across the plains, Kenley was getting carried away even more with the rhythm.
Eldred could hear such sounds in his area, but the song and Kenley's voice now filled his ears, making it difficult for him to guess and being carried away by the rhythm of the hum. Once Kenley reached the final melody, the atmosphere around them returned to normal. The fireflies that had been flying were slowly disappearing again.
"You promised not to tell anyone that." Kenley said with his arms folded across his chest.
"I didn't expect your voice to be so beautiful." One compliment given by Eldred to his friend. Terrence, on the other hand, gave him a warm pat. "You're not making fun of me, are you?" Kenley was starting to feel embarrassed to death, his face red as a tomato.
"Making you? For what? Your voice is amazing, I didn't expect people in the church to have a golden voice like you." Said Eldred bending his knees and placing both hands on them.
"Of course. I can't forget them every time I sing that song. And I only sing it when I'm alone and lonely." Kenley continued.
"Well we better get to bed, tomorrow we have to get up early. Terrance, you better use this as a blanket so you don't get cold, the air is getting colder. Kenley stretched out his straw knitted shirt that had slipped from Terrance's body.
"How about your own brother?" Terrance said feeling bad. "Never mind, you don't need to think about other people if you only have to pay attention to your condition." Connect Kenley.
****
It was getting late, Terrance also seemed to have slept very soundly since they had listened to Kenley sing earlier. The fire was almost extinguished, but Kenley quickly gathered back large twigs and logs for the fire to devour so the fire wouldn't quickly go out. Because it was the middle of the night, it was so cold for him.
The thin clothes he wore, were not at all able to make himself feel warm, if not facing the fire. But if Terrence hadn't been wearing his straw suit, the poor boy would have felt even colder.
Considering the condition of the dark blond haired boy, it was a concern. "You haven't slept yet, Eldred?" Kenley asked without turning his face away from the sparks in front of him. the fire was lit with a warm orange color and produced a puff of smoke above it, the smoke was sometimes blown away by the night wind and faded as it began to rise higher to touch the clouds.
"You alone?" Said Elfair, his head down looking at the pages of the book in his hands. I can't sleep when it's cold like this." replied Kenley who was busy looking at the fireplace, every now and then when the wind blew towards them, the Hamoursh man rubbed his hands and then pointed them in front of the bonfire. "Why are you even reading a book?"
"I'm just curious about the contents of this book. The book is very unique, as if it solves all the facts that exist on this continent." Eldred said finally closing the book again.
"That book from the library in Gracylia?"
Eldred nodded, "Why is this book there? The author is even an Aithen from the Elfair nation." murmured Eldred Curious.
"It shouldn't be there." Kenley said curtly. "Kairlt Lounish?!" Eldred said slightly surprised. "The one who wrote this book turned out to be Elfair the baker?!" he continued.
"What? To be honest as long as the book was with us, I was completely unaware of the name of an Aithen who wrote the book said Kenley. something." Eldred said as if trying to turn back time.
"And he asked us to return this book, didn't he?" Kenley denied that he was thinking the same thing as Eldred. "You're right! To think that Kairlt is an influential Elfair. But, why is he in Hamoursh territory?"
There were so many questions running through their minds. And they hadn't thought of anything at all when they were at Kairlt's bakery a few days ago other than their top priority, which was Crystal Crytilops.
While the two of them were busy discussing this important matter, Eldred heard a low roar that suddenly caught his sharp ears. He swept his gaze, searching for the figure from the source of the soft but sounding voice that seemed to him a threat. He was afraid that it was a demon's voice. Even so, it was only natural. they were currently in a large open area and with no one inhabited other than the three of them staying the night there. So don't be surprised if there will be Demons attacking them at any time.
"Eldred? What's wrong?" Kenley asked a little scared. He could already guess with the situation that suddenly became so quiet. "Eldred, did you hear something?" He said again.
The albino-haired Elfair nodded. "I don't want to say this, but we're in danger. There's a demon coming here." he explained with a serious face. It was completely dark around them if it wasn't for the light of the fireplace. Kenley couldn't see anything but that. Or maybe it's because the fire made by them was what provoked the arrival of Daemon.
"Shit! Seriously!" Kenley hastily turned off the fire and produced only a puff of smoke that still billowed in the air. Terrence was suddenly awakened by the smoke that forced its way into his nostrils, making the boy cough as his breath hitched.
"Terrence? Thank goodness you're awake. Stay behind us." Eldred said turning to the boy. The boy still looked confused. "There will be demons attacking us" Kenley snapped.
They both had their backs to Terrence, continuing to flick their eyes around. "I saw something moving from the street, heading this way." Eldred said again. "That roar came from there." He continued, pointing to where he was referring.
The atmosphere grew tense, Eldred and Kenley were already on standby while pointing their weapons forward in preparation for something unexpected to strike them.
"Wait a minute-" Eldred then said. He seemed to have caught the figure clearly even though it was actually quite far from where they were. But Kenley could only see it faintly in this darkness. As soon as the figure approached them, then it became clear, There was a girl with shoulder-length jet black hair, riding her chariot, but the animal that was pulling her was neither Vlatsh nor Anomius, but really a Demon. The girl stopped her carriage as soon as she saw them.
"Wh-who are you?" asked the girl with a surprised face.
"We-" Kenley's voice was cut off by the roar of the Demon pulling the carriage as well as the Girl, suddenly squealing. Just imagine, Eldres' ears already heard it, especially at such a close distance. It made all of them, except the girl, have to cover their ears.
"Shut up Grash! How rude." The girl shouted at the Daemon who was pulling her to shut up. "We just wanted to go to Gussin on an urgent matter." Eldred explained.
"Wow, what a coincidence, I'm also going there. You guys just get on my carriage, better than staying the night in this lonely place, right?" She said he was making an offer.
Finally they agreed to the black-haired girl's offer and rushed to carry their things onto the carriage. After they all boarded, the girl lit her oil lamp for lighting before finally leaving.
"You shouldn't be here at this time of night." She said, glancing at them for a moment. "I don't know, since this afternoon we haven't seen a vehicle that crosses this place. That's why we have to rest and spend the night here." Obviously Kenley. "I see."
"Oh yes, I'm sorry. We haven't known each other since. My name is Kinan Vrounth." She said kindly. "I'm Kenley Rhys, and this is my friend Eldred Carlton. and this boy, Terrence." Kenley replied with his trademark smile.
"Kenley, why don't you wear thick clothes. The air here is very cold, especially at night." Said Kinan who had only realized since met them. "It's okay, I'm fine," how come Kenley said trying to ignore Kinan's words. "I'm sure you're cold. Just take my coat in the bag there." Kinan points to the load, which can be seen there is also a bag stored nearby.
Kinan has the same cold nature as Eldred, but it's the first time they know him, They seem to have just felt cold snow, but it feels warm. Kinan has slightly green eyes. Kenley wondered where this girl had come from. As far as he knows, there is no human race in Ortania that has green eyes like that.
After Kenley found there was a knitted coat in Kinan's bag, he immediately put it on. And it will reduce the cold that hit his body. "Thank you very much, Kinan." said Kenley later. Kinan replied with a warm smile. "No problem," She continued.
"By the way, why did you use a daemon to pull your carriage?" Eldred asked, who had wanted to ask that question for a long time. "That's right, daemons are very dangerous." Terrence continued. Kinan chuckled. "That's true, but for me this daemon is different. This is a Demon who became a friend in our family. My father used to take care of this Daemon since childhood," explained Kinan. And this Daemon was once the result of crossbreeding with Chilant." She continued.
"Cross-breeding with Chilant? I just heard about it." Said Eldred. "That's it. My father is a famous Alchemist in Gussin, he got such an idea because of a trial with his new knowledge. To be honest, this is not a Demon, but a Chilant that was injected Demon liquid into his body by my father. That's why many think that this is a Demon. " Kinan smiled proudly explaining it.
The midnight wind blew, blowing his black hair coquettishly. His green eyes blended with the light of an oil lamp not far from him. It seems to make her look really like a girl who has a different charisma.
"Unfortunately, people thought my father was mad. And they put my father in Brandish." Kinan's cold face suddenly gloomy. The atmosphere suddenly became awkward, Eldred and Kenley couldn't say anything but fell silent.
"You're not from the Hamoursh are you?" Kinan turned the conversation to Elfair who was in front of Kenley.
"Yes. I'm from the Elfair nation." Eldred replied curtly. "The territory of the Elfair nation is to the south on the continent of Magire Kivanal. and it's so far from here, why would an Elfair like you be in the Hamoursh territory?" Asked Kinan became curious.
"I was just on an important Elfair mission there, and I happened to have received permission from the Gracylia kingdom a few days ago." Eldred explained.
"Are you from Gracylia too, Kinan?" Kenley asked. The girl nodded then replied, "I just took some of my mother's orders. It's been three days since I left home and will return there. My mother said that the seller who traded these goods could not deliver the goods to Gussin because there had been a lot of trouble said the passers-by." Said the girl as she looked around her which did look dark.
"It must be the demon's attack. I didn't expect Terrence to be dumped in a place like this." Kenley suddenly looked at the boy, but the boy's gaze had changed since the first time they had rescued him. "What?" Kinan just realized there were several cloth bandages wrapped around the little boy's body.
"We can't tell you about it, because I'm afraid Terrence will be reminded of an incident that will traumatize him later." said Endred. But Terrence shook his head vigorously.
"I'm fine now, although it still hurts, Hehehe." The boy held his waist, and instead giggled a little while narrowing his eyes. "Thanks..." Kinan smiled.
****
The crescent moon was in the sky, like a small ring that now shone after a swarm of gray clouds covered it. The stars around him also adorn the view of the sky that had looked cloudy. The surrounding air still hasn't changed since the night came to say hello. Luckily Kenley now covered his body with the coat that Kinan had given him. To be honest he felt tired, but he was afraid to disappoint the blue-eyed Elfair. Not to mention that he had to keep his longing for all the people he rolled over. He hadn't felt that place in a long time, a place filled with losers inside. He missed the delicious food Liza made, or Fyerith. The boy will always be greedy when it comes to food on the dinner table.
Kenley supported his chin with his hand, holding back the sleepiness that was bubbling over his head. Every time the man closed his eyes, his head fell and then realized.
He lightly slapped his cheeks with his palms, trying to fight the drowsiness that assaulted him. Kinan, the girl still looks fresh even though she doesn't sleep because she has to ride a train. Eldred and Terrance had just drifted off to sleep and looked very sound asleep.
"Why don't you sleep, while your two friends are already asleep?" Kinan said as soon as he realized the sound of Kenley's stomping feet every time his head almost fell down because of the intense sleepiness. Kenley found it very hard to open his eyes wide, but he could still feel half of his consciousness. He heard Kinan ask his something.
"I just want to be on guard. I'm afraid something will happen." He said with the remnants of his consciousness. Seeing Kenley's exhausted state, the girl laughed softly.
"Never mind, you don't have to worry about that. Tomorrow morning we will arrive at Gussin, you should just sleep," She said. "Really Grash?" The girl joked at the Demon who was pulling them.
The daemon retaliated with the same voice as earlier, making Kenley startle and nearly fall over. Kenley nodded and dropped to his knees as his sleepiness had won against him. He fell asleep in the end.
****