The village square was crowded again. The villagers had heard they were finally leaving, a news they received with much sadness.
Anthony and Irene had only stayed a little more than a week, but with those few days several things had happened. They've experienced joy and sorrow, life and death, all together. And if they could, the villagers would never let them go.
The noble couple stood in their midst, right beside the horse they came with. But unlike the first time when they arrived, they no longer had dirty and tattered clothing on.
Anthony had set aside his hunter attire, and have worn a new clean black tunic and a dark red cloak, with shiny leather boots on. Irene was the same and no longer wore the clothes the village gave her. Garbed in a blue intricate dress, and expensive looking sandals, she shone like never before.
Looking at them, reminded the villagers that they were from a different world and would now return to it.
But they could not just let them go without trying.
The girl Anthony had healed from tuberculosis, along with her family, knelt before their feet. Repeating their messages of thank you as well as an additional plea.
"Please bring us with you, my lord. We will be your servants, we still have a debt unpaid." the mother said, the same crying mess that she was, the day her daughter was cured.
Her daughter also broke in tears, out of sincere gratitude and sadness. The illness that has tortured for years, now gone, and she couldn't be thankful enough.
"What is her name?" Anthony asked and beckoned the girl to come near.
"Daphne, lord Anthony." the girl had now gained complexion, and although still skinny, it was clear that she would grow up a beautiful woman.
"Now Daphne, you shall repay your debt by eating a lot and taking care of yourself, as well as listening to your mom." Anthony roughly petted her red hair, effectively calming her down.
She nodded energetically, and threw herself at him for a hug. And in the midst of villagers clapping, he squatted to receive the girl in his embrace.
She also wanted to hug Irene, but she has baby David in her arms, and so she contented with just a wave. But both gave each other their brightest smiles.
The surviving hunters also knelt before them, offering their services as well, and would be likewise refused. But they wouldn't return to the crowd empty-handed, Anthony gave them a jar of wine and instructed to pour some at the graves of their two slain fellows.
Then came Jason along with his family. He was Anthony's closest villager, and had received many favors from him. Even before his son was bitten and healed, he had already been there for him. He was the one who told him of the hunting spots, and would wait for his safe return every time he goes into the forest. He was also the one, who without any questions, arranged a group of hunters to help him that fateful day.
"I was serious when I said that I would offer you my life, and of my sons and our descendants. There's no other way to repay such a debt."
"The debt has been paid, my friend." he held his shoulders and had him stand up. "I will be forever thankful to you, for saving me yesterday."
Anthony had heard that it was him who threw the spear when the officer was about to kill him. As his farewell gift and a gesture of gratitude, he gave him an expensive bow, to help with his hunting.
"Your son, what is his name?"
"I also named him Jason, and he is fifteen years of age, my lord. If you like, you can take him with you. He's an obedient boy, he could be a great help to you."
"No, but maybe when he grows up. I could ask his help then, just like I had asked yours."
Anthony bought another bow, not as expensive, but of decent quality. He gave it to the boy, who received it with much gladness.
"Help your father and try to grow up like a man that he is. Who knows, maybe I'd need your help in the future."
Anna too, David's wet nurse paid her goodbyes, and had a tearful interaction with Irene. She begged to be brought, reasoning that no one would be able to feed the baby. Irene had to refuse her, and explained to her that the mage could also conjure breast milk.
If she was granted her request, then the whole village would ask the same.
And that would be the last thing they want to happen. They intend to travel to North Alendia as discreetly as possible. Not to mention, the tokens would not be enough to provide provisions for such a large caravan of people in such a long journey.
Soon, they had to leave, and Anthony must address the whole village as he planned.
"Thank you all for your hospitality, and sorry for what had happened."
Right after his words, he took out a large bag of silver from the inventory. Silver coins they looted off the soldiers, and something he doesn't have much of a need for.
"Please use this to start your lives somewhere. You cannot stay here. The imperial command will not stand idly by and will send men to investigate."
"I'll hand this over to Anthony, which I endorse to be your new village chief, should you decide to build a new village. I believe he's trustworthy enough, to distribute this among you in accordance to your needs." he continued, and placed the bag on the palms of the reluctant Jason.
"Let us see each other again in the future."
Anthony, midst the chanting of villagers, finally climbed atop his horse. Just like the first time, he received David first, and then Irene.
After a final look at the cheering crowd, they ride out of the forest, never to return again.