The two traveled for many miles and took stops to eat while on the road. Having extra buck meat was indeed useful and it played a great role in saving time without hunting for now.
The two seasoned the meat with pepper and salt. Making it a bit more extra special than eating it with nothing at all. As the salt heightened the umami of the meat.
They soon put off the campfire with dirt and resumed traveling. The two were very lively and Redmund was a likable person. Troan immediately made a close relationship with him in just a few minutes. Their meeting was unprecedented but it was fate that pulled them together.
"So this village is located in the Eldoria forest?" Troan asked while buckling his bag strap.
"Yeah, we might be secretive but it was not a place like before. The place was tainted. It has monsters roaming inside the concealment of mages. I am sorry to say that I was worthless, I can't solve it with my own strength," he said, a bit sad in his tone.
"You can leave that matter to me. You see, I am a necromancer. I have my own skills," Troan smirked.
"You are? Wow, that is even better! But I can't let the Prince die yes?" he asked.
Troan scoffed, to think he was underestimated this time.
"I am capable, that's all I can say. I am not even boasting when I say that! You see, I like to harvest a bit more, the crystals of the monsters." Troan winked.
"Ah I see, I suggest you kill weak and farmable ones. It will be an easy route," Redmund said then clicked his tongue.
"What is it?" Troan asked. Redmund then hesitates to speak but found courage.
"You see, there is a bit of a problem. The spell crystal is stolen by a Critter. Or so we speak, a demon mantis. It was attracted to shiny things and I haven't recharged the spell at the time. It stole the spell crystal that wards them when I was recuperating from the past and was sick. The village was in great danger as of now as it was not protected," he said in a low voice.
"Ah, leave that to me. You can count on me this time," Troan said then winked.
"Sure, I guess! Haha!" he yelped.
The forest was getting humid as the temperature dropped. The fog was all over the horizon and the two were paving an unknown road. Not to Redmund who knew which way to go.
"This village, it was very mysterious and hidden. I am very much excited to let it be shown to you young prince. I have to say that this will be a good journey to show you the way from here towards it," Redmund said.
"Yeah, I am excited, is there food there? We should feast! You know, the fancy stuff," Troan muttered.
"Haha, we'll see when we get there,"
It was a few miles of fogs and trees that they already have traveled. Making Troan lose to what and where they were currently. It was hard to navigate the path with all the fog. Also, it was not easy as it didn't have obvious landmarks or signs. Troan was impressed by Redmund's capabilities of navigation. All was on his hands for now.
It was then, that they arrived at a stone wall that has vines that covered it. It has thick bushes and undergrowths located on the place. Shrubs, saplings, and, herbs were seen intricately placed so that it felt surreal and dream-like.
"We have arrived at the gate, this way!" Redmund said while gesturing.
"Where?" Troan was dumbstruck.
He pointed his staff and the vines opened. It shows a stony gate and has engravings of ancient mages. Making it glow and then the door sounded as it opened with a clunk.
"Wow, such magic was lost! I personally think that it is a good rune that they got there! Especially the vines spreading forth and opening, it was majestic! It looked like a girl's legs," Troan muttered then they chuckled. He didn't hide his impressed face.
"Let's go,"
They soon entered the place and what greeted them was marshy water. Paving the path with wet boots made them have difficulty walking. It was sounding with squishy and sloppy sounds with every step.
Still, the mangroves were having a good ambiance to see. Making Troan relax as he was enjoying the sight and the way. Also, the place has birds chirping while on the trees. Bathing the surroundings with their songs and symphony.
They soon arrived at the river banks and paved the rivers with cattails on the side. Redmund explained that the village was located near Eldorian Lake.
A place right in the middle of the continent and has all routes to all places. As the waters extend to the farthest reach of the map. Making it the best strategic location for trade and supply chain.
Also, a place in the middle of all villages and tribal citadels. Making it a place of refuge in case of unprecedented wars as it has concealment magic.
They traveled forth towards the north and started to see the Lake.
"Whoa, you see. Such a view will be worth remembering. I personally think this is relaxing to my eyes. Feeding my soul with nourishing memories," Troan felt relieved after a tiring walk just looking at the view.
Many birds flocked the horizons and the wild ducks and geese were on their seasonal migration. Honking sounds were heard as they flocked.
They soon encompassed the Lake and as Redmund has said, the village was on the other side of the lake.
"We will arrive soon, we are near," Redmund muttered.
They soon arrived at the place. But contrary to Troan's expectations, it was a rundown village. Boats were destroyed on the docks and had holes.
The roofs of houses were dilapidated and others were detached. Many were wounded and others were skinny.
The place was under a dark and brooding atmosphere. Making him feel perturbed at what his eyes can see.
One can say that it was not a healthy village nor did they eat normally and were in good condition. Famished kids were on the outside of their homes and were sitting on the dirt. Other children still in their nursing years were in their parent's arms and were crying.
"What happened here? I need justice!" Troan was deeply confused. He didn't expect it to be this bad. Not at all!
"Well, you see. Our hunters have died on the monster attacks or others, missing. No one can hunt for food. Nor the village has food to supply all the villagers' food needs," he said sadly.
"This is an emergency, we need to hunt now! Tummies are waiting!" Troan said immediately.
"The village was attacked in the past on the eve of war. All the survivors refused to leave the village for many years, but they were attacked by monsters all the time. All who were left were the ashes of their once thriving society. The village was run down after many monster attacks for many years. How we survived was still a mystery. Troan, our Prince, please help us," Redmund said to him.
The villagers then approached him and they greeted him.
"Please help us, Prince Troan!" Redmund shouted as he knelt on his right knee.
"I will, okay, I will," he said.
"Hail the Prince!"
"Bless you our Prince!"
"Help us!"
He went to find the hunter's hut located in the village. Making him see a hut made with a tent of animal skin. He entered the place and then saw bows laid on the walls. Others were still not yet crafted and were left as it was on their crafting table.
Lined up were bows and arrows. Quivers too and arrowheads. He immediately then grabbed a bow and a quiver of arrows. Exiting the tent where Redmund was waiting outside.
"Good luck on your hunt, my Prince!"
"Yeah, will do. Take care of the people while I am away, they might eat themselves out of hunger. Toes or fingers, you know what I mean," Troan winked.
"Yes, my Prince!" he bowed.
He soon waved goodbye to Redmund and he said his good tidings to him. He thought that he needed it the most right now. Troan inwardly thought.
He traveled the forest and first found clues of a potential hunt. He saw a track of a hoof foot in the mud. He saw it and was glad. Alas, he has a game to begin.
His first hunt here will now be a start, in the forest for meat and tracked a boar. It has mud tracks on the leaves on the forest floor and has mud stains on the tree trunks. There was also some drool that dropped while on the way.
Sneaking it, he saw that it was bathing in the mud. Rolling while snorting in the process. He tucked the arrow on the bow and then pulled the string. Firing it to the head and then the arrow struck on the spot.
"Bullseye!"
Troan killed it with a bow from the hunters. It was indeed a great bow as well as the arrows. They were indeed well crafted. He brought it to them and will cook the boar as their supper.
Night came and Troan planned to cook the meat. He asked for a cooking pot and butchered the meat in front of the villagers. Others couldn't wait and were eager to eat.
Troan made a soup and then distributed the food. They soon ate and then the villagers thanked him so much that their lives were extended.
They rested early that night and Troan was escorted by Redmund to the castle. The place his father and mother once lived, "Eldoria Castle".