Upon their arrival, Astraa, Flanco, Lykaa, and Amara found themselves brimming with anticipation, eager to lay eyes upon the figure who had stirred such a curious blend of intrigue and apprehension among the locals.

  The fishermen, with Rohu safely in tow, soon joined them at the cottages.

  As they dismounted from their steadfast yakons, the group was met with a sight that momentarily stole the breath from their lungs.

  The cottages, expertly crafted with an artistry that spoke of both skill and care, stood proudly along the coastline, their windows framing a panoramic view of the tranquil sea. The soft lapping of waves upon the shore lent an air of serenity to the scene, casting an almost ethereal calm over the group, who stood momentarily transfixed by the beauty before them.

  "By the stars!" Flanco exclaimed, his voice bursting with admiration as his gaze swept across the idyllic scene.

  Astraa, swiftly cut him short. "Now is not the time, Flanco. Help the fishermen with Rohu."

  Without hesitation, Astraa assumed command, her resolve set on locating the elusive healer whose skills might very well save Rohu’s life.

  Lykaa, equally steadfast, fell into step beside her, sharing in the silent determination that propelled them forward. Together with Vysag, the trio left behind Amara and Flanco, who remained with the anxious fishermen, their hearts heavy with hope.

  As they ventured deeper into the cottages, each step further fueled their curiosity about this enigmatic figure—this healer.

  The trio, with Vysag at the helm, hastened toward a dilapidated cottage that clung precariously to a bed of weather-worn rocks along the shore. In stark contrast to the tidy, well-maintained dwellings they had just passed, this cottage stood forlorn, weathered by time and neglect, casting a shadow of doubt over their hopes.

  Vysag knocked vigorously upon the door, his fist echoing through the stillness. Yet no sound from within greeted them. Lykaa, her skepticism growing with each passing moment, could not help but question, "Are you certain he's in there?"

  Vysag, with a weary sigh of resignation, replied, "I'm certain. It's the weekend, and he often drowns himself in drink on his days of rest. But, as dire as the situation is, we have no other option."

  With that, and without further hesitation, Vysag took matters into his own hands, forcing the door ajar.

  Inside, they were met with the sight of a young man, perhaps in his mid to late twenties, slumped languidly in a rocking chair. His face, illuminated by the soft rays of sunlight filtering through a cracked window, seemed lost in a haze of solitude and indifference, a figure at once serene and troubled.

  Astraa and Lykaa exchanged startled glances, their surprise palpable as they took in the sight of the healer, who appeared to be no older than themselves.

  "Akagoan! Stir yourself, man! Wake up!" Vysag’s voice rang with urgency, shattering the quiet of the neglected cottage.

  Slowly, Akagoan stirred, lifting his head from the depths of his slumber.

  As he roused, Astraa and Lykaa beheld his countenance more clearly: warm brown eyes gleamed beneath a furrowed brow, his light brown complexion marked by a rugged charm.

  A light beard, more pronounced along his chin and upper lip, added to his rough-hewn appearance. His muscular frame was unmistakable, his shirt hanging loosely from broad shoulders, unbuttoned to reveal the contours of a body hardened by trials and a jagged scar tracing its way down his chest.

  With a groggy grumble, Akagoan squinted at the intrusion of daylight, his voice thick with irritation.

  "Vysag, what trouble have you brought this time?" he muttered, one eye barely open against the glare.

  "It’s Rohu—he’s been poisoned, likely from an excess of drink. His life teeters on the brink, and we beg you to intervene," Vysag implored with urgent desperation.

  "Rohu? Who in the devil’s name is that? I’ve told you before—don’t upset me on my days of rest unless it concerns the old man or the crone," he retorted, his tone dripping with disdain as he made a half-hearted attempt to resume his slumber.

  Astraa, her patience worn thin by his apathy, could no longer hold her tongue.

  "Akagoan, what manner of man are you?" she exclaimed, her voice sharp with indignation. "Here are people pleading for you to save a life, and yet you care for naught but your own selfish comforts!"

  Her words struck a chord. Akagoan, startled by the fierceness of the rebuke, opened his eyes fully for the first time, now truly taking in the sight of the two unfamiliar women standing before him.

  “Vysag, you maddening fool,” Akagoan growled, his voice thick with annoyance, “I swear, one of these days I’ll throw you into the sea. What possessed you to bring strangers into my cabin?”

  Vysag, undeterred, quickly explained, “Akagoan, these aren’t just anyone. They’re from Arela. Astraa here is a warrior apprentice, and Lykaa is a healer. They’re the ones who tended to Rohu and brought him here in the hopes that you might save him.”

  Akagoan turned his piercing brown eyes toward Astraa, his gaze sharp with intensity.

  “So, you’re a warrior, are you?” he sneered. “That explains why you think you can waltz in here and issue commands.

  Listen well, woman—I neither seek aid from you folk nor do I dispense it without due cause. And as for the one beside you,” he continued, his gaze shifting to Lykaa, “isn’t she a healer? Why doesn’t she save him herself?” .

  "Akagoan, please," Lykaa urged, her voice imbued with both desperation and humility. "I did all I could, but my abilities aren't enough to save him. We've come to you because we’ve heard of your expertise. That's why we're pleading for your help."

  Akagoan, still reclining with a look of indifference, arched a brow and asked skeptically, "Vysag, does this Rohu fellow have a family?"

  "He does," Vysag responded, "a wife and two children."

  At this, Akagoan let out a dry, sardonic laugh.

  "Two children, you say? The fool can’t even manage to keep himself upright, and yet he has a wife and two mouths to feed?" His lips curled into a mocking smirk.

  Astraa’s temper flared, though she maintained her silence, her fists clenched in barely contained frustration. Akagoan, sensing her ire, only leaned further into his goading.

  "Tell me," he continued, his voice dripping with condescension, "is this Rohu’s wife coming along as well? Or have I only the pleasure of dealing with the desperate cries of you fine strangers?" His teasing tone was calculated to provoke, testing the limits of their patience.

  "I suspect she has been informed by now; she may well be on her way as we speak," Vysag replied with a hint of hope.

  With a playful grin, Akagoan declared, "Then what are we lingering for? Let us make haste," casting a glance at Astraa.

  Thus, the four of them made their way toward the cart, where a gathering had formed around Rohu, who lay there in a perilous state. To their relief, Rohu's wife had also arrived at the scene.

  Flanco’s gaze was drawn to the newcomer, a man of light brown complexion, his form rugged and muscular, though of unremarkable height.

  Leaning closer to the fishermen who were tending to Rohu, he inquired, "Is he the healer of whom they spoke?"

  The fishermen, their faces etched with disappointment, nodded in reluctant affirmation. "Indeed, that is him. One can only wonder what he is up to now," one muttered, a note of frustration in his tone.

  Amara, her gaze sharp and discerning, observed Akagoan with a critical eye. Her expectations were not high, given his disheveled appearance. She leaned closer to Flanco and remarked, "I have little faith in his ability to be of much aid."

  Flanco, sharing her skepticism, whispered in agreement, "I harbor the same doubts."

  As Akagoan approached with a swagger that spoke of utter indifference, he remarked with an air of casual disdain, "So, this is the unfortunate soul in need of salvation?" His lack of concern was palpable.

  Flanco, unable to contain his frustration any longer, retorted with a hint of exasperation, "Indeed, that is him! Why do you appear so unconcerned? Assist him at once!"

  Akagoan, his smug demeanor unwavering, shot back, "Assist him? And who are you to command me?" He then turned to Vysag with a sharp inquiry, "Vysag, you assured me that his wife would be present. Where is she?"

  Astraa and Lykaa were momentarily taken aback by Akagoan’s peculiar demand, initially mistaking it for a mere attempt at provocation.

  Astraa, her composure strained by the undercurrent of her frustration, inquired with barely suppressed ire, "His wife? What could you possibly require of her?"

  Akagoan’s reply was laced with condescension. "It would be prudent for you to remain silent. After all, you are powerless to alter this predicament, are you not?" His dismissive tone only fueled Astraa's simmering anger, though she chose to remain silent, feeling helpless in the face of the unfolding crisis.

  At that moment, Rohu’s wife, arrived breathlessly.

  Her voice trembled with desperation as she implored, "I am here—Aitoe. Please, save my husband!" As she spoke, Rohu’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of her voice, and he weakly reached out toward her, though his voice failed him.

  With an air of detachment, Akagoan lit his wooden pipe and exhaled a plume of smoke as he addressed Aitoe.

  "I shall endeavor to assist your husband, but understand that such aid will come at a price."

  Desperation tinged Aitoe’s voice as she pleaded, "How much? How much will it cost to save him?"

  With his head inclined and his gaze unwaveringly fixed upon Rohu, Akagoan responded, "The sum required is likely to be three silver coins."

  "Three silver coins?" exclaimed one of the fishermen in dismay. "Such an amount would take us all a week of toil to amass, even if we labored together."

  With tears streaming down her face, Aitoe offered a trembling handful of coins. "I have twenty copper coins. Please accept this; it is all I have saved to feed my child. It is everything I possess. Take it and save my husband."

  Akagoan took a leisurely drag from his pipe and regarded her with a disdainful air.

  "Twenty copper coins? That scarcely meets the amount I mentioned. It seems you are less concerned with your husband's fate than you claim to be."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Astraa, her indignation boiling over, could no longer contain her fury.

  "Are you not filled with shame? We, strangers from Arela, are striving to aid Rohu, yet you demand payment before extending your help to a fellow man," she chastised, her words cutting with fervent indignation.

  "Please, Astraa, refrain from provoking him further," Vysag implored with a note of desperation in his voice.

  "Vysag, you are indeed a person of great kindness, yet I must regretfully declare that the company you keep is most deplorable. Never have I encountered a creature so enshrouded in selfishness as this one," Astraa proclaimed with earnest conviction.

  Though unable to speak, Rohu's eyes brimmed with tears as he beheld Astraa’s impassioned plea and his wife’s desperate entreaties to Akagoan.

  "Akagoan," Vysag entreated with a note of desperation, "I understand you may be reluctant to heed others, but I pledge to compensate you later. Please, I implore you, save him."

  Akagoan, his demeanor unchanged, responded with a dismissive air, "Ah, Vysag, though I hold a higher regard for you than for these wretches, my services are not rendered freely."

  With a mixture of disdain and resolve, Astraa interjected, "If money is indeed your sole requirement, then accept these three silver coins. May they bring you joy. Now, I beseech you, save him."

  Flanco, visibly troubled, voiced his concern, "Are you certain? Three silver coins are considerable, and we must last here for three months."

  Astraa, her expression unwavering, reassured him with a warm smile, "Fear not, Flanco. I shall manage with what remains. The preservation of a life takes precedence above all else."

  "Indeed, and I shall ensure that Astraa is well cared for should her finances dwindle," Lykaa interjected earnestly.

  Catching wind of their exchange, Akagoan interjected with his customary air of arrogance, "Ah, what a closely-knit band of companions you are. I suppose that ensures your ability to fulfill your financial obligations to me."

  "That is the essence of true friendship. I doubt, however, that you possess any understanding of such bonds," Astraa retorted sharply.

  "Now that your payment has been rendered, I expect you to fulfill your duty. I presume you can be compelled to act now that you have accepted our coins," Flanco added, his voice tinged with indignation.

  "My duty? It has already been accomplished. I express my gratitude for the easy coins, by the way," Akagoan replied, his tone laced with smug satisfaction.

  "Are you truly intent on betraying us after accepting our hard-earned money? You embody a new level of deceit," Astraa seethed, her fury barely contained.

  Lykaa grasped her hands, striving to impart a sense of calm amid the rising tension.

  "No, do not hinder me, Lykaa! I feel an overwhelming urge to deliver him a well-deserved thrashing! He has pilfered our funds, and now a life hangs in the balance due to his greed!" Astraa seethed, poised to confront Akagoan with righteous indignation.

  "Astraa, look! It is Rohu!" With an astonished glance, Astraa turned to witness Rohu propped up, his wife Aitoe embracing him tearfully. "Thank you ever so much," Aitoe expressed, her voice filled with gratitude.

  Astraa stood astounded. "What transpired? The last I beheld, he was on the verge of death."

  "I know not what occurred either," Lykaa confessed, her brow furrowed in confusion.

  "One moment, Rohu was fading, and the next, he appears revived and well."

  "Who, pray tell, is this man?" Flanco inquired, flustered by the inexplicable turn of events.

  With an smile of nonchalance, Akagoan deemed it an opportune moment to take his leave.

  Astraa, Lykaa, and Flanco remained rooted to the spot, utterly astonished. Amara, too, exhibited a look of profound dismay.

  They were at a loss to comprehend how Akagoan, merely lounging with his pipe in hand and apparently doing naught, had succeeded in restoring a man who had been on the brink of death.

  The entire affair seemed an enigma beyond their understanding.

  Vysag's countenance bore the weight of disappointment, his voice laced with regret.

  "Let us return to the cottages. I truly apologize that your first day here has been so tumultuous, and I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude for the aid you have rendered."

  Flanco, sought to uplift the atmosphere. "Oh, Vysag, do not wear such a forlorn expression. None of this was of your making. Moreover, we were dispatched here to encounter both the joys and tribulations of Tadu; it is all part of our training, after all."

  Lykaa interjected with her characteristic playful banter. "Flanco, you are exhibiting an admirable degree of maturity. Your nonsensical jests are becoming a rarity."

  Astraa couldn't help but chuckle at the familiar camaraderie shared between Lykaa and Flanco, before redirecting her attention to Vysag.

  " Vysag, which of these cottages shall we call our own?"

  Vysag responded with a warm smile.

  "I have made arrangements with Sir Filic to reserve two cottages for your party. You are welcome to select any two from this row, for they are all identical."

  "I believe we shall opt for these two cottages," Astraa proclaimed, designating a pair at random.

  She then turned to her companions. "Does this meet with your approval?"

  Flanco nodded in agreement. "Indeed, that is perfectly acceptable. They are all the same, after all."

  Vysag offered his assistance. "You may secure your yakons behind the cottages, and kindly entrust me with your bags. I shall carry them to your respective rooms while you tend to that."

  As they busied themselves with their yakons, Vysag broached another topic.

  "If I may inquire, how have you chosen to divide the cottages? I shall place your belongings in the rooms accordingly."

  Lykaa promptly answered, "Astraa and I shall share one of the cottages."

  A subtle flicker of disappointment crossed Amara's face, though she remained otherwise silent. Astraa, ever perceptive, noticed this and extended a gracious offer.

  "Amara, would you care to join us in our cottage?", Amara nodded hesitantly, accepting Astraa’s offer.

  Lykaa, who had previously encountered Amara's less agreeable demeanor during their training, cast her a pointed glance.

  Nevertheless, Astraa intervened with a calming tone. "Very well, it is settled. Vysag, you may also place Amara's luggage in our room. We appreciate your assistance."

  With their accommodations arranged, they were now prepared to acclimate to their new surroundings in Tadu.

  Astraa, Lykaa, Flanco, and Amara made their way into their respective cottages.

  Upon ascending the stairs, they were greeted by a charming seating area, perfect for relaxing while taking in the serene view of the beach. As they entered the main quarters, they found two beds, one on each side of the room, with sunlight streaming through the windows, casting a warm, inviting glow. Beside each bed stood a small table for convenience, and a spacious wardrobe stood ready to house their belongings.

  "Sir Filic truly is a master craftsman," Flanco remarked, clearly impressed by the quality and design of the cottage.

  "It’s not something you’d expect to find in Tadu."

  Vysag, nodding in agreement, added, "That’s precisely why many traders choose to stay here and are willing to pay handsomely for such accommodations."

  "Flanco, you appear to have a discerning eye for quality," Lykaa remarked, to which Flanco responded with a hint of pride, "Well, my father is in the lodging business, and that’s how I first met Gargus. His father owns a butcher's shop just opposite our lodges. We’ve been friends since childhood."

  His voice carried a touch of wistfulness as memories of his friends crossed his mind.

  Sensing his mood, Lykaa flashed a mischievous grin and teased, "Oh, don’t fret—we’ll be here to keep you company for the next three months."

  Astraa, observing their banter, smirked in amusement.

  Turning her attention to Vysag, Astraa asked, "Vysag, is our cottage identical to the others inside as well?"

  Vysag confirmed with a nod, "Indeed, all the cottages are identical both inside and out. Is there an issue?"

  Astraa thoughtfully remarked, "There are but two beds in each cottage, yet with Lykaa, Amara, and myself making a group of three, I find myself wondering how we might arrange for the third bed."

  Amara, quietly touched by Astraa's consideration for her well-being, regarded her with a newfound sense of admiration.

  Vysag, quick to offer a solution, spoke up. "No need for concern. I can move the extra bed from Flanco’s cottage into yours."

  "Thank you, Vysag. I shall be happy to assist you with the task."

  Amara, though deeply appreciative of Astraa’s kindness and feeling a growing bond, found herself restrained, unable to voice her gratitude openly. Yet, the sentiment lingered within her, unspoken.

  Once the third bed was arranged in the girls' cottage, Vysag inquired, "Are the accommodations to your satisfaction?"

  Astraa, graciously responded, "They are more than pleasing. Thank you."

  Lykaa nodded in agreement, adding, "Indeed, I never expected such comfort in these lodgings."

  Vysag, with a warm smile, replied, "I am glad to hear it. There is an attached bath, and should you require anything further, do not hesitate to let me know. Is there anything else I can assist with?"

  Astraa shook her head gently. "No, nothing at all. Thank you once again for everything."

  "Very well, I shall leave you to your rest. Once you have refreshed yourselves, I invite you to join us for dinner at Sir Filic’s cabin. It is the one with the green roof, situated at the far end beyond the row of cottages. I am certain they will be pleased to make your acquaintance as well."

  Astraa replied with a warm smile, "Indeed, Vysag. We'll be right there. First, however, let us unpack and take a moment to catch our breath."

  With that, Vysag bid them farewell and departed, leaving the girls to settle into their new lodgings.

  Lykaa reclined comfortably upon the bed, stretching and savoring the sensation of relaxation that followed their arduous journey from Arela.

  "This bed is truly delightful. The ride on that yakon has certainly taken its toll on my back," she remarked with a contented sigh.

  Astraa, settled comfortably upon her bed, agreed, "Indeed, the bed is quite cozy."

  Amara, however, remained somewhat aloof, observing Astraa and Lykaa as they relaxed within the cottage.

  Noticing Amara’s reluctance, Astraa gently urged, "Amara, why don’t you also take some time to rest? You must be weary from the journey as well."

  After a moment of hesitation, Amara accepted the invitation.

  Astraa, with a tone of genuine concern, decided to address the underlying tension. "Amara, I have observed that you seem somewhat distant and uneasy in our company. Is there something amiss? Do you feel uncomfortable in my presence?"

  Amara, her gaze flitting nervously between Astraa and Lykaa, replied with a touch of uncertainty, "Oh, not in the least."

  Astraa, pressing the matter with gentle insistence, inquired, "Then what is it? Given that we shall be cohabiting this cottage for the forthcoming three months, it would be most advantageous for us to become acquainted."

  Amara hesitated once more, but Astraa, with a reassuring smile, encouraged her, "Do speak openly, Amara. There is no judgment to be found here."

  With a deep breath, Amara finally divulged, "It is merely that I observed you during your second trial, when you wielded your strength runes. Your performance was truly remarkable. Having just completed my final trial as a healer, I ventured out to witness your feat, and you were utterly captivating."

  Astraa, her interest evidently piqued, inquired, "So, you admired my performance, and this is the cause of your discomfort? I am rather confused, Amara."

  Amara, with a touch of clarification, responded, "No, it is not that. It is simply that I have long wished to become better acquainted with you. However, you were chiefly in the company of Minosa and Lykaa. During our training, I endeavored to approach Lykaa, but she did not seem to welcome my presence, leading me to surmise that you might feel likewise."

  At this revelation, Astraa burst into a hearty laugh.

  "And here I was fearing we had somehow erred," she chuckled.

  Lykaa, equally entertained, interjected, "You sought to get close to me? Throughout our training, you constantly demeaned me. How, pray tell, was that an effort to be close?"

  Amara, revealing her peculiar reasoning, explained, "In my youth, I was bereft of companions save for my grandmother, with whom I conversed. She was a strict matron who impressed upon me that pointing out flaws would serve to strengthen them, and thus, I followed her counsel."

  This admission elicited peals of laughter from Astraa and Lykaa, their mirth spilling forth in tears of amusement.

  Lykaa, still caught in the throes of laughter, declared, "All this while, I believed you harbored ill will towards me, when in truth, you were merely attempting to forge a friendship."

  Astraa, with affectionate exasperation, proclaimed, "Oh, Amara, you delightful eccentric, come hither, and permit me to enfold you in an embrace."

  Amara, taken aback by their reaction, hesitated and replied, "It is quite alright; I am well."

  With a mischievous glint in her eye, Astraa turned to Lykaa and said, "You know precisely what is to be done, do you not?"

  Lykaa, with a nod of assent, and Astraa, with equal enthusiasm, together embraced Amara in a warm and heartfelt hug. "You are now among us," they proclaimed, making Amara feel genuinely embraced.

  Lykaa, with a sigh of relief, added, "It is fortunate that we resolved this matter on our very first day. I was uncertain about sharing a room with you until this moment."

  Amara responded with a somewhat awkward smile, while Astraa, observing their exchange, chuckled with relief, glad to see the initial tension dissipate.

  "I find myself quite ravenous," Astraa declared. "I shall first take a shower, and thereafter we may proceed to dinner."

  "Indeed, an excellent suggestion. But, Astraa, do ensure not to exhaust all the water; save some for us," Lykaa jested.

  Astraa, embracing the playful spirit, replied, "I shall do my utmost."

  After their invigorating showers, the young women felt rejuvenated, their hunger growing ever more insistent with each passing moment.

  "I believe we are prepared to venture forth," suggested Astraa.

  Amara, with a nod of agreement, replied, "Yes, I am ready."

  Yet Lykaa, with a note of reminder, interjected, "But are we not overlooking something?"

  Astraa’s eyes widened as the realization struck her, and she exclaimed, "Flanco!" For a fleeting moment, she had forgotten their companion, who was already feeling the absence of Markon and Gargus. "We must seek him out," she urged.

  Just as they were about to step outside the cottage to summon Flanco, a knock resounded on the door.

  "Oh, Vysag, it is you! Do come in," Astraa beckoned.

  Vysag lingered in the doorway, shaking his head gently. "No, thank you. I merely came to fetch you for dinner."

  "We were just on our way there. We need to summon Flanco," Lykaa informed him.

  Vysag, with a reassuring smile, replied, "Fear not on that account; I have already seen to it."

  With a slight turn of his body, he revealed that Flanco was waiting just outside.

  "I had my suspicions that you ladies might forget me, so I asked Vysag to signal me when dinner was served," he confessed, his cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment.

  Lykaa playfully nudged Flanco, saying, "Come now, we could never leave you behind."

  Astraa grinned and added, "Indeed! In the absence of Markon and Gargus, we are now your steadfast allies. We shall always have your back, my friend."

  Flanco, unable to suppress a blush of both pride and modesty, felt his cheeks warm. Amara, observing his reaction, could not help but chuckle softly.

  "Very well," Flanco said, shifting the focus back to their repast. "Let us proceed."

  The group, delighted by Flanco’s charmingly nervous demeanor, shared a moment of light-hearted laughter. Vysag then guided them along the path toward Sir Filic’s cabin, where their evening meal awaited.