Chapter - 40
The ogre gave one last shuddering gasp, its body convulsing before it went completely still. The forest fell silent once more, the echoes of the battle fading into the distance. Jacob lowered his revolver, the blue faerium dissipating as he exhaled a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
Elara stood beside him, her sword still ablaze with fire. She looked at Jacob, her eyes filled with a mix of admiration and relief. "We did it," she said.
Jacob nodded. "We did. Good work, Elara. Now let's get back to the others."
After taking out the monster core, they turned and made their way back to the caravan, where Darius and Marcus were waiting. The sight of the two hunters, unharmed and victorious, brought a collective sigh of relief.
Jacob approached Darius, who had maintained the barriers around the carriages. "The ogre's dead. We can move on," he said, clapping a reassuring hand on the guard's shoulder.
Darius nodded, his tension easing. "Thank the goddesses. I thought we were done for."
Marcus, his face still pale from the encounter, managed a shaky smile. "You two were incredible. I've never seen anything like it."
Jacob shrugged, holstering his revolver. "Just doing our job. Let's get moving. We still have a long way to go."
"Jacob, Elara," Lucius began, his voice filled with admiration, "I can't thank you enough for what you've done. That ogre would have been the end of us if not for your quick action and skill."
Jacob gave a modest nod, his expression calm. "Just doing our job, Lucius. Ensuring your safety is our priority."
Lucius smiled warmly. "Even so, I'm deeply grateful. I've invested a lot in this expedition, and your protection means everything to me. I'll make sure to compemsate you appropriately for your troubles."
Elara, standing beside Jacob, offered a reassuring smile. "We're glad we could help. Let's keep moving and make sure we all get home safely."
The rest of the journey proceeded smoothly. Jacob, Elara, and the rest of the caravan remained vigilant, but no other threats emerged to challenge their progress. At each stop, Lucius conducted his business with the efficiency and confidence of a seasoned merchant. Jacob and Elara's presence ensured that no one dared to interfere with the transactions, and the young merchant's gratitude continued to grow. His guards, Darius and Marcus, also grew more comfortable and confident.
As the caravan approached the final city on their route before heading back to Ironhelm, Lucius called for a brief meeting.
"I want to thank all of you again," he said, looking at Jacob, Elara, Darius, and Marcus. "Your presence has been invaluable. This expedition has been a success, and it's all thanks to your efforts."
Jacob nodded. "We were glad to help, Lucius. It's good to see that your business is thriving."
Elara added, "And we're grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you and your team. It's been a learning experience for us as well."
With the final trades completed, the caravan turned back towards Ironhelm. The return journey was uneventful, the roads quieter. As they neared Ironhelm, the familiar sight of the city's walls brought a sense of relief and accomplishment. The caravan rolled through the gates, and the bustling activity of the city enveloped them once more. Lucius and his guards expressed their thanks one last time before parting ways.