Back in the room, the girls could not hide their long faces, all their effort had been for nothing. At least they hadn't been discovered, but they lost the chance to get the cell phone.
- I didn't want it that badly after all.... - Faye said trying to fool herself.
- Keep repeating it until you believe it. - Mila replied with a smirk.
- It's not that bad either, is it? it's just an old cell phone. - Said Zafiro trying to be optimistic.
- You really didn't want the cell phone? - Kunoichi asked smiling. - Well, that's a pity... then what am I going to do with it? - She added as she took the cell phone out of her clothes.
- The cell phone! How did you get it? - Faye asked excitedly.
- Elementary my dear Watson, at the moment we fell to the ground, I took the opportunity to grab it and closed the box, luckily the mayor didn't check if the cell phone was inside. - Said Kunoichi showing off a little. - Now we must leave as soon as possible, because if he opens the box and does not find the cell phone, he will think that we took it if I may say so, with good reason.
- My new cell phone! - Faye said, taking the cell phone, even though they had no way to charge the battery.
- It will be even more suspicious if we run out of the house, get some sleep and leave in the morning, besides we haven't told the boys anything yet.
So the girls went to sleep, it had been quite an eventful night, the sleep was just what they needed.
The next morning, Ashram woke up the group very early, Mathew looked like he hadn't slept at all because of Runkdar's snoring, the dwarf on the other hand looked radiant after a good night's sleep. The girls were a different story, after their night adventure, they had a hard time falling asleep, so they looked like students who had stayed up late for an exam. Although this time they had the good sense to wash their faces and comb their hair before going out.
They gathered in the girls' room, apparently there were things to discuss. They took seats on the beds and the boys on the floor, as there wasn't room for everyone. Ashram paced around as if looking for the right words.
- What were the four of you doing last night? - he asked rather seriously, like an adult interrogating a group of children who have been up to mischief.
- I love it when he gets like that... - Faye whispered.
- Come on and then you say you're not crazy about my brother? - Kunoichi whispered back.
- Ahemm! I'm waiting for an answer... - Said Ashram trying to make them pay attention to the subject.
- Well it's just that since Faye wanted the cell phone so badly and it's a clue about our world, well I thought we could take it.... - Said Kunoichi embarrassed.
- Taking something that is not yours, it's called stealing, isn't it? - He replied.
- Well sue me, my character is a thief, thieves steal... - She said defending herself. - Next time I'll create a nun character to be a saint.
- Technically you are a ninja, not a thief... - Said Runkdar sticking his spoon in.
- And just because your character is of a specific profession doesn't force you to act accordingly, you see Mathew is a paladin and never does anything a paladin would do. - Ashram said.
- Hey, that is offensive... even if it's true. - Mathew admitted.
- Well, it's done, now what am I supposed to do? give it back? - Asked the young ninja.
- No, that would be more trouble, plus I don't think it would be easy to do. Unless you can sneak out and return it without anyone noticing. - Ashram said.
- I can try... - She said. - It seems like a bigger challenge than taking it.
- Better not, you've done enough. - Said Mathew.
- Hey I can accept that from my brother but not from you! - Replied Kunoichi getting up.
- Ok, ok, let's calm down, I'm sorry for scolding you, I know you did it with good intentions, it's just that we already have enough problems with the villagers calling us criminals, and I would have preferred to avoid giving them another excuse to make us look bad. - Said Ashram
They went down to the second floor and found breakfast served, the mayor's wife was a very kind hostess, the portions were not abundant, but enough to replenish their strength. Once they finished eating, Ashram offered the mayor help with the first reconstruction work, no one objected to this decision, as they knew they were at fault.
Once again using some growth spells, Runkdar, Zafiro and Mathew were able to lift the heaviest debris without the need of a crane. Ashram summoned another earth elemental to dig a pit in which to bury the fallen enemies. There doesn't seem to be a day when we don't end up burying monsters, they thought as they went about the task. They went on like this until nightfall, they had advanced in a few hours what would have taken the villagers days, there was still a long way to go, but it was a good start. At the end of the day, the villagers no longer looked at them with bad eyes, they returned to the mayor's house to spend the night, they would have preferred to leave at that moment, but the road was long and it was not a good idea to undertake the journey in the dark, they could leave the next day after a good night's sleep.
- Today you have really worked us too hard "great leader". - Mathew said sarcastically as was his habit.
- Well, I guess it's the least we could do, although it wasn't entirely our fault, we did contribute something to the town being torn to shreds. - Ashram said.
- Don't be lazy Mathew. - It's just a little physical labor. - Said Mila.
- Right because you didn't have to carry those stinking monsters? - Mathew replied. - I can't wait to have a nice bath...
This time they bathed in their rooms before going down to dinner, it was really a blessing that soap existed in this world, apparently their hygiene habits were not the same as those of the medieval civilization of planet earth. Otherwise they would have to walk around dirty for a week or a month.
Dinner was served promptly, it was roast chicken with vegetables, it looked very good. It was not clear if it was customary to eat like that in that house, or if the lady did it because they were visiting. Runkdar and Zafiro had the audacity to ask for seconds, to which the lady very kindly agreed.
- I'm glad you enjoy my cooking, the house hasn't been this lively for.... for a long time. - She said interrupting herself so as not to say too much.
- Darling, there is no need to elaborate. - Interrupted the mayor.
- Did we say something wrong? - Ashram asked
- No, it's not your fault kids, it's just that... I haven't completely gotten over our daughter's departure. - Said the lady.
- Honey... - The old man tried to interrupt.
- Oh shut up old man, what's wrong with them knowing. They're just kids who want to go home. You think I didn't hear what you were talking about last night? you don't have to be so grumpy.
- I'm sorry we're so inconvenient, we'll be leaving tomorrow. - Ashram said.
- So soon? I thought you were going to stay at least a week. - Said the old woman with some regret. - You don't have to hurry, you can stay as long as you like.
- We appreciate the hospitality, but we don't want to abuse it. - Ashram replied.
- The truth is that we could use your help in the reconstruction work, we will be very grateful if you decide to stay a few days. - Said the mayor changing his attitude.
- It wouldn't hurt to get some rest, since we arrived we've done nothing but run around and fight. - Runkdar said.
- Well, I don't like the idea of digging pits, but I like the way you cook madam, I guess I vote for staying. - Said Mathew
- Come on Ashram, just for a few days. - Said Zafiro, Faye and Kunoichi.
- I don't think the pink dragon is going to disappear because we delay a little bit, it will still be there. - Mila said.
- Meow meow meow," said Kuro.
- Shut up you lazy cat, I know you want to rest. - Ashram replied.
- I think we are seven against one brother. - Said Kunoichi.
- Okay, but this will only slow us down. - Said Ashram.
- It's not always because you walk faster that you reach your goal sooner, young man. - Said the mayor, whose change of attitude left Ashram thoughtful.
So against the druid's will, the group decided to stay a few days in the town they had saved. The routine they followed was simple, they got up early, enjoyed the good food of the mayor's wife, then went to work, first digging pits, lifting bodies, also removing debris and demolishing the houses that were too damaged to be habitable. At lunchtime, they were served a generous portion, after which they went back to work until nightfall, their bodies sore, but the fatigue was forgotten after a good bath and a good dinner table, enlivened by Faye who had discovered that she enjoyed playing when she didn't have to, or being in danger of death. A week went by like that, almost unnoticed. It was as if they had lived there for much longer, the villagers now smiled at them as they passed and all hint of bad thoughts vanished.
It was their last night in the village, staying any longer was dangerous, because if they ended up getting used to it, they could eventually forget that they had to return to their world, so Ashram arranged that the next day they would leave. This time, everyone accepted without protest.
They got up at dawn to prepare their things, they were surprised that it took them some work to get used to the idea that they would no longer spend the night there, the mistress had included generous portions of provisions for the trip, especially for Runkdar and Zafiro. - I know you have a good appetite. - She told them.
The farewell was more emotional than everyone expected. Of the hostile villagers, there was no trace left, the whole village came out to see them off, saddened by their departure, especially the children who begged them to stay some more time. But the decision was made. Mark, who had previously been their antagonist and wanted to capture them, came out in front of the crowd with something in his hands.
- Here, it's something for the trip. - He said handing them a bag of coins. - We all chipped in, I hope you're not too proud to refuse.
- I'd better take it before Ashram says no. - Said Mathew holding the bag.
- Thank you. - Said the druid, we will put it to good use.
- And I'm sorry for treating you badly, if saying so is worth anything. - Mark added.
- Of course it is. - Mila replied with a smile.
- There is something else you should take with you. - Said the mayor coming forward as well. - Here, when I was young, I was tempted many times to go in search of the hero to return it and maybe live adventures, time passed, I got married, I don't regret it, however from time to time I think about what would have happened if I went after them. It is too late for me now, so I hope you will be able to answer the questions I was asking myself for so long. - With that said, he handed them the cell phone box. - I hope you find your way home and don't forget the people you met along the way.
That gesture left them speechless, they could not help but hug the old man and his wife, a feeling of guilt invaded them for a moment, remembering that they took the cell phone days before.
They set out on their journey, turning around several times to say goodbye, not knowing what they would find along the way, but they hoped it would not be another army of monsters.
Once they left the village, they walked a long way before anyone dared to break the silence, the farewell had affected them more than they would have liked to admit.
- After what we did, and in the end he handed us the cell phone... - Faye said hugging the box.
- He knew it was important to you, well to all of us, it's a link to our world, and maybe a clue to the way home, even if we have no way to make it work. - Said Kunoichi. - Maybe I shouldn't have taken it.
Faye opened the box to put the cell phone in it, inside, she found the charger, which made her smile, maybe it wasn't so impossible to charge its battery, there was also a piece of paper, when she opened it, she almost fell on her knees, and tears began rolling down her face. It read: "To be young is to make mistakes, you are forgiven, we hope you can return home".
At about noon, they stopped to take a bite of their supplies and check the map, it was necessary to make sure they were going in the right direction. The heat was making them sweat profusely, for it was the hot season.
- How do you know we are going in the right direction? I don't think we have a compass, do we? - Mathew asked panting.
- Well, there is a zero range spell that I use from time to time, it is useful to know where the North is, we could make a compass, but I don't know if the magnetic north works the same as in our world, the sun is not a reliable source to locate because this world has two. - Ashram answered pointing to the sky.
- What the heck is that? - Runkdar asked pointing to a gigantic cloud several kilometers ahead.
- I think it's a cumulus cloud, but its size is enormous. - Kunoichi said. - It's not that surprising either, in our world there were clouds that covered entire cities.
- Yes, that's true, but I remember that clouds move with the wind, this cloud does not. - Faye interjected.
Then they all turned around again to make sure of what she was saying, but they had no choice but to accept it, as incredible as it seemed, all the other clouds were moving, except that one.
- Maybe it is an optical illusion due to some atmospheric phenomenon of this world, the clouds do not necessarily have to move like ours. - Ashram answered, not very convinced of his words.
- Ok, I don't care about the clouds, the question is, why are we walking when we could be riding on summoned steeds? - Mathew said looking at Mila.
- Do you want me to summon my little mice again? - she asked amused.
- No please, not the rats, don't you have another spell that doesn't involve sewer rodents? - Faye said.
- If you don't like them you can go on foot. - Replied the young witch.
- Couldn't we ride Zulki? asked Faye to Ashram.
- No, the growth spell lasts several minutes, but not an hour or two, much less six, so I would have to repeat it many times, it is impractical, I think the rats are the best idea. - Replied the druid.
- Nooo, why me... - Faye sighed resignedly, lowering her ears.
In a few seconds, Mila summoned the "magic rat carpet", everyone climbed up without complaint, except for Faye who demanded that they put several cloaks under her so she could sit down without touching the rats. Once everyone was ready, the rats set off at great speed, despite the elf's complaints, they really were a very efficient means of transportation. In a few hours they covered a great deal of road, until the summoning time was up, then Mila summoned them again for a second round, now she could hold the spell for longer, according to Ashram's calculations, that meant that the battle they had, took them to level four, probably very close to five. This excited Mila, for it is well known among mages that from level five onwards is when they begin to learn the really powerful spells.
They stopped late at night, set up their camp on the side of the road, lit the fire to eat something, it was not necessary to bring water, because Ashram had a zero level spell that allowed him to extract water from the rocks. Kunoichi set her alarm against intruders, Mila did the same and they went to sleep, it was the first night they spent outdoors. However, nothing bad happened. They continued on their way for three days and nights, that is, on the magic carpet, so they ended up covering three times more ground than they would have covered if they had walked. The last part of the journey was uphill, the side of a mountain was part of the way to the dock city, according to the map. As they climbed, they noticed that a thick fog began to cover the road, until it was no longer possible to see ten feet ahead. So they decided to continue on foot, going at high speed, without seeing where you are going, is a bad idea.
They had been climbing for a few hours when the path ended at a cliff. There was no way to go on. Everyone looked at each other's faces in bewilderment, having no idea of what to do.
- This is when we sprout wings and fly? - Mathew said.
- I don't have that spell yet... - Said Mila, and Mathew turned to look at her thinking that he wouldn't like having wings like a chicken.
- Hmmm there must be a way to go on. - Said Ashram. - Something we are overlooking.
- Have you noticed that above us is the same cloud that wasn't moving? - Said Faye pointing to the sky.
- Faye, what do your elven eyes see? - Ashram asked immediately.
Faye sharpened her eyes as much as she could, trying to scan that thick layer of clouds that almost looked like a wall. But was that possible? it was a wall!
She could make out some towers among the clouds, but nothing else could be seen.
- It is a city! There is a city among the clouds! That's why they didn't move.
- It can't be! - Mathew said. - Now how the hell are we going to get up there?
- There must be something around here, everyone search. - Said Ashram
- What exactly are we looking for? asked Mathew.
- We'll know when we find it, but it must be something out of place.
- Greetings travelers! - said a voice through the fog.
Everyone instinctively grabbed their weapons, if this world had taught them anything, it was to be on guard.
- Relax travelers, I am not here to harm you, I am just another traveler passing through. - Said that character.
Before them stood a young man with reddish hair, he had small horns on his forehead, his lower half was of a goat, he was dressed very stylish from the waist up, but wore nothing at the bottom, he carried a heavy backpack that made him slouch slightly and pipes hanging from his neck.
- Who are you and what are you doing here, traveler? asked Runkdar without trusting the newcomer.
- I am Pantaleon, storyteller and trader of rare things, I am traveling in these parts, as you see, I follow the same path as you.
- Well, unless you have wings, I don't know how you will be able to follow the road, Pantaleon. - Mathew said mockingly.
- There is always a way for the seeker. You see, when you meet such things on a road, there is always something you can resort to. - That said, Pantaleon pulled a wand that looked more like a branch from his coat and said in common tongue. - "Reveal the magic before you eye of Gorth."
As he finished these words, a magic circle lit up about ten meters away from where they were, it was carved in stone, but covered by mist and moss, it was hard to notice when it was not lit.
- There you have it, that's the way. - Pantaleon said, leaving everyone speechless.