It was a peaceful night like usual for us since we didn't really have any enemies sneak up or anything like that. I'm honestly surprised we haven't had a problem like that during our entire time traveling.
Usually certain bands of bandits are notorious for their overnight attacks or even for sneaking up on people.
Artemis notices the sun shining into the tent. At least I've been able to wake up to the beautiful light of the sun every morning so far— I could never complain about waking up to the sight of it.
Its always such a relief but it usually does remind me that I really am here still.
"Morning Art." Amelia says softly as she turns over to face him.
A real read headed beauty, I'll never get tired of traveling alongside her. "Morning Amelia." Artemis replies with a soft smile, forgetting his face is already covered by his mask.
Everyone seems to be waking up now soi guess that's the sign that we need to get back to traveling after all. We've got quite the travel ahead of us still and I'm not even sure I know what to expect.
Even if a reputation is scary to most people, there are a few rare ones like us who are willing to go. It makes me wonder who else might be heading there or who's already there now.
Everyone helps with cleaning up the camp before heading back on the road, a truly tiresome journey for a place like Helfri. Most don't travel by foot for it either— A lot of travelers usually go by wagon or manage to find a gate.
But gates are hardly able to be used nowadays after certain restrictions were put in place. It makes sense to shut them down, especially during war times.
The sights around us slowly started to change to something more dark, the woods weren't nice to look at anymore, the roads were starting to show their age, and some old belongings were scattered throughout the path.
We were definitely entering the outskirts of Helfri... Its not what I was expecting to see within the first few steps into the area itself but I guess it matches the stories.
This place isn't even within our sights yet, how do they have such a radius like this? I imagine they set it up over time after they realized that no one was going to fight them for it.
Must've made things a lot easier to set up since they didn't have anyone interrupting them. Throwing belongings along the road just gives off a vibe that people don't make it there or back.
"Most of my kin rot here." The girls soft voice echoes throughout his ears.
So the girl who's been helping me with these shadows is from this place? I can't say it's that surprising or maybe they came here and died here during the process. Both seem like terrible situations for anyone to be in regardless.
I wouldn't want to die here in a place like Helfri after all the changes that have happened.
"We're almost there." Liora speaks up while continuing to lead.
Isabel, that's the name of the girl who rules over this continent for the cult of Nyxoria but I doubt we'll be seeing her any time soon. Most people who rule tend to be hidden in the darkest corners of their territory.
It would be dumb for them to be out in the open which makes sense unless they are playing at something in the long run. Who knows though... Especially after the death of one of their generals.
It wouldn't surprise me if they happened to be here because of the recent events but I feel like it would be stupid in the same sense. Wasting time here instead of heading the direction of the attack.
They probably have the people to launch a decent attack on the town of Bristiel, even if they didn't know who it was that did it.
"Helfri, my father mentioned this place quite a bit during my childhood." Shimada says while looking ahead.
I forget that this is the continent he grew up on sometimes, well, at least since we've been here. His kingdom is definitely quite amazing to see in person and it's one of the cornerstones of the continent.
Holding the border of the continent is quite a big deal but I don't know what the other kingdoms are like here.
"Good mentions or always bad?" Cynthia asks with a bit of curiosity in her voice.
Shimada lets out a small chuckle before speaking. "Usually back then it wasn't the worst but over time the stories changed." Shimada answers with his usual not so serious tone.
Even if he isn't saying it in a serious manner... It carries the meaning nonetheless. Helfri use to be a great place and is now home to a dangerous cult.
"Do you even think it's possible to wipe out the entire cult?" Shimada asks while shifting his gaze towards Artemis.
That's something I've thinking about recently since it's quite the amount of land to cover over the course of the next few years but I'm young. I'll be 17 soon and there's still plenty of time for me to handle this.
I don't know if everyone will accompany me for that entire journey but no matter what I want to kill off this cult. There plans will one day come to fruition if we don't do something about it.
"I do think it's possible with time and dedication. I just can't expect everyone to accompany me for that whole journey." Artemis responds with a genuine tone to his voice.
Fighting a cult while a war is raging on could be quite the mess so I wouldn't expect someone like Shimada to stick around when he's needed in Avania. He is a prince at the end of the day.
"I'll be there with you the whole way." Amelia chimes in, Cynthia agrees silently after she says that.
"I also will be there." Liora says with confidence.
Shimada was the only one who didn't say anything yet so I'm curious what he'll say to everyone else agreeing to stick around for the journey.