TeyaoThe surgery was a success. A solid sense of teamwork, together with James' bold and decisive action and instruction, had saved the soldier from severe permanent damage, inevitable infection and other potential conditions. Much gratitude was doled out to Clive, Arthur, MacKensie and James for their help. And even more thanks were given after that to the party as a whole - a party which had been dubbed by many; The Heroes from the Sky. This story would no-doubt be passed on for a generation.
Once the group were all stocked up with supplies and ready to go, they gathered together at the eastern gate. Any two of them that had not been formally introduced, had their chance to do so, and the intentions of the party were clear; A trek through the woodlands and hills of Southern Central Mytheria, northbound to the great city of Valhiem. To deliver the heart of the Undead Skeleton Leader - the strange metal cube.
"There are many adventurers who bear The Gift on this continent," Vadim declared. "Half would not have taken such an unofficial contract, a contract with no guarantee of reward - a contract that would not provide the extra bonus Source that comes from completing a task stamped by the Guild. And among those adventurers that would, there are even less who would stick around to busy themselves with non-magical medical assistance." His eyes narrowed as he looked over them. "You are not normal. And I believe you have come to this world for a reason. I'm too old to still believe in coincidence." He finished with his gratitude. "Hommas will never forget you - Heroes from the Sky."
And with that, he let them be off. Many of the townsguard saw them off too.
***
It was mid-afternoon. The party had set out from Hommas only an hour earlier. Starting as late in the day as they did, they would not get a full day's travel in, meaning that they may or may not have to camp under the stars for two nights before they reached their destination. That would depend on their decisions. How long would they walk into the night, if at all? Would they find the shortest routes in the mazy hillocks? Would they be hampered by wolves... or worse? Travelling in Mytheria was best done on roads with horses, or even better by airship, generally speaking, but if anyone could brave the wild without training, it was adventurers.
Luckily, the party had two in their number who had plenty of experience in the outdoors, and another one with military survival training. One of them was Adam Phillips, who held the map, the compass and the strange metal cube. Being the only one with a map, he was at the front, guiding the group up until this point.
At this moment they walked through light woodland, with not-so densely packed trees that the afternoon sun would shine on them and the bushes and grass under their feet. The sounds of insects, birds and animals made up the song of nature, together with the light breeze and running streams.