Once the Sailfish drifted silently near the shore, hidden from the eyes of any pursuing mages, Arthur prepared to depart. His focus was unshakable as he secured his blade and adjusted the folds of his cloak, his gaze set firmly to the south of the extinguished volcano.
"I'll come with you." Aleks offered, stepping forward with an unusual seriousness. His expression was resolute, his grip firm on the hilt of a blade he'd salvaged from the battlefield, a weapon marked with faintly glowing fire runes.
Arthur gave him a sidelong glance, his tone even. "Are you ready for hours of tracking? This isn't going to be a walk in the dunes."
Aleks nodded, undeterred. "I've fought through worse. Besides, you'll need someone watching your back." A part of him wanted to see what use had the fabled treasure.
