Jorge was doing push-ups in his yard that morning, and an aide approached him.
"Good morning, Don Jorge. Sorry to bother you." The aide lowered his head. "I would like to report the disappearance of several people at our place."
Jorge stopped his workout, then drank water from the large wooden glass on the table. "Who are they?"
"A man named Sergio and his two female colleagues named Elise and Gina." The aide answered. "They are in one group, and since yesterday they have not reported to their superiors. Their rooms are empty, and neither the guards nor the villagers have seen them since last night."
Jorge wiped his sweat with a cloth." As I expected, they were keeping something. I can already feel it but can't do anything to heroes like them. Others might curse me…. Ah, sorry, I was rambling on to myself. Ask some of our men to look for them."
"All right, sir." The aide then backed away.
***
After Elise explained Raymund's plan to Gina and Checo, they took a day off. After that, they came out of the plantation area at night and headed eastward through the wilderness.
They had walked there long enough, and Elise could feel the warmth of the morning sun entering through the leaves.
"So, Frei, the goddess of nature, was the one who asked for the oils to be found? She doesn't believe that animals can handle those oils because they don't have common sense like humans? Then, the god of hope suggested choosing one of the most striking-looking animals in order to attract the attention of a guard? The animal then led the guard to the hiding place for the oils?" Gina asked a long question.
Elise nodded.
"How many times have you asked something like that since yesterday, Gina?" Checo, who was leading the group, sighed." You're the one who proposed betting onElise'ss plan. Why are you the most doubtful one?"
"It is not like that." Gina shrugged." I'm only interested in the way the gods interfere in human affairs."
Checo looked at Elise. "I hope that this plan of yours really works, Elise. We can't go back anymore because we must be suspected. We left without permission. This is our last chance."
"Hey, did you forget, Checo?" Gina chuckled. "She is the servant of the god of hope! Your wish will surely come true!"
Suddenly Checo gave a hand signal and leaned closer to one of the trees. Gina and Elise immediately followed the man's movements.
A sound like several flapping wings approached. Checo and Elise readied their weapons while Gina had raised her hands that were wearing magical gloves.
"Take it easy, Elise," Raymund told his servant. "They are not your enemies, but the ones who will carry you to your destination. Frei apologized that the beasts could only come now. Their original location is quite far from the fields."
Raymund could have asked Elise and company to wait for the beasts somewhere instead of walking a long distance. However, Raymund felt it would be better if they left as soon as possible from that cursed plantation.
When they heard that the location of their oil had been discovered, Gina and Checo's expressions changed completely. Most likely, Jorge realized that, but the big boss chose to remain silent first, for whatever reason.
The sound of the flapping of the wings stopped. Elise walked away from the two comrades, according to her master's request."
"What are you doing, Elise!?" Checo quickly grabbed the woman's hand.
"We have to meet them." Elise answered.
Gina put her hand on Checo's shoulder. "Let's trust her, Checo. Elise wasn't the kind of person who would go into danger carelessly. She must have good reasons for doing this, such as getting a whisper from a God she believes in."
Having been silent for a moment, Checo let go of Elise's hand, allowing the female warrior to continue on her way.
"There's no need to be afraid, Elise. They won't attack you. The one who guarantees that is the goddess of nature herself." Raymund tried to calm his servant."
" What the..." Gina gasped when they finally arrived at an empty lot in the middle of the forest.
Elise and Checo could only open their mouths wide when they saw what was in front of them: two creatures with bodies like lions but whose heads and feet were shaped like those of a white-feathered eagle. On the backs of the two beasts were gigantic wings that made them look so mighty.
"Griffin." Gina hissed. Her mouth began to form a smile. "Holy shit! They are bigger than I thought!"
"They are extremely rare beasts, Elise." Raymund spoke with an enthusiastic tone. "One of the fastest and can carry all of you. Don't forget to thank the god of nature later when you come back here."
One of the griffins walked over to the three. Gina and Checo immediately flinched and readied their weapons, but Elise stayed where she was. It wasn't because she was too scared to move or because her master ordered her to. Elise had a feeling that she would be fine around the legendary beast.
The female warrior rubbed the beast's neck gently. Her two comrades held their breath when they saw that scene as if what Elise did was an act that could threaten their life.
"Frei said, you are natural at handling animals, Elise." Raymund chuckled. "We will ride them to get to the destination," Elise said as she turned to her two comrades. As usual, the female warrior relayed her master's words.
"Elise, you're kidding, right?" Checo gave a bitter chuckle. "A legendary beast like that can't be controlled by someone."
Gina lowered her hands that were ready to launch magic. "Don't you know, Checo? Various literature said Griffins would attack anyone who gets too close to them. Basically, they are not aggressive if we keep our distance. But look what's going on now. Elise is fucking petting the beast like she's petting a house cat! Her head should have been crushed by that beast!"