Radiance

Chapitre Cinq

As we ventured into the forest, our journey became a blur of winding paths and towering trees, each step bringing us closer to our destination. The days stretched on, blending together in a haze of exhaustion and determination as we pressed onward through the dense undergrowth.

I have to admit, they were among one of the most capable groups I had ever led. While I was the only one who knew the land, making me an invaluable piece to them, they picked up where many other groups would slack off. Kigan was a magnificent cook, and each night, Raishe and Eloise made sure we had plenty of supplies for the next day.

It wasn't long, though, before I discovered what it was about Raishe that had me so wary. Luckily, it wasn't too bad - what I had been expecting was a possible traitor, seeking to sabotage whatever the goal of the group was. Instead, I was met with a player, and a mighty good one, too. I heard him and his various... activities with almost every member of the group, save Teak, ever the loyal husband.

It was a wonder that anyone found the time to do anything, given everything we ran into. We lost the majority of our supplies during the storm at the start of the journey, so although the team was efficient, it still was taking longer than expected.

Amidst the hardships of our journey, my thoughts often drifted back to Kianti, her presence lingering in the recesses of my mind like a whispered promise. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye, a hidden depth that begged to be explored.

In the quiet moments of the night, as we huddled around the campfire, I found myself lost in speculation, pondering the enigma of Kianti's nature. Was she simply a beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness, or was there something more sinister lurking beneath her radiant exterior?

And so, as we forged onward through the wilderness, I clung to the hope that our journey would lead me closer to the truth, closer to unlocking the secrets of Kianti's heart. For better or for worse, I was determined to uncover the mystery that surrounded her, even if it meant risking my own heart in the process.

After eight days, we arrived at the midpoint. We lost almost all of our supplies, my bow was snapped in two, and there was only one mule left of the 3, but we made it.

"It was nice working with you all," I said, a slight smile on my face. This group had taken another step in bringing out the other side of me, the side that Kianti was beginning to crack open. "I hope you make it to wherever you're headed."

Teak smiled. "Thank you. I wish you a safe trip back home, friend. Know that, if you ever need a hand, you have friends on the other side of the wood." He reached into his satchel. "It's a good thing I didn't lose this," he said with a chuckle, pulling out a thick purse. "I have the second half of your payment."

My eyebrows knit together. "I thought you paid me in full?" I asked.

"No," he laughed. "I paid for a guide through the woods at the start. I didn't pay for a hunter, medic, craftsman, and friend. Those were all bonuses. Now, here's your bonus. Stay safe out there, James." He took my hand and shook it firmly, leaving the purse in my grasp.

"I can't-"

"You can," Raishe stepped forward. "We all talked about it beforehand, and we all pitched in. We agree, you earned it."

I smiled at them. "Thanks, Raishe. Thanks to all of you. Be safe, and let me know if you guys are back in this corner. I'd be happy to help you out."

We finished our goodbyes and I handed them off to the next guide, who would lead them across the rest of the woods to the other side - or, wherever it was they were headed. And then it was my turn to leave, to turn back and make my way to the village, to home.