Chapter 142: Return To Lightburgh To Forget

POV Eliza

We returned to the community. On the way, we met Kron, who was standing guard at the old camp. By then, others from the community had also arrived to dismantle the timber from the huts. They were very hard-working, as we could see from the amount of timber they had collected. We took as much of this timber back to the new camp as we could.

When we arrived at the camp, we unloaded the wood at a central collection point. Aslan turned directly to Will and spoke briefly with him. Then I was called over. Together we withdrew to one of the huts.

“Aslan has already briefed me, but I would like to hear what happened in your own words.” <Will>

“Of course.” <Eliza>

I told him in brief what had happened after I had gone on his mission. As time went on, his face grew increasingly dark. The news of the betrayal affected him deeply, as did the death of Jared.

"I asked him why he did it. Apparently, he was offered the chance to see his family again and restore his reputation. That's probably why he gave in, but according to the priest, he was also a traitor in their eyes. They probably just took advantage of him." <Eliza>

“He suffered greatly from not being able to see his sister and parents again. It's sad that he betrayed us, but I can understand it to a certain extent. I don't know what I would have done in his place.” <Will>

"Nevertheless, he has caused us serious harm. We have to start all over again now and are being pushed further and further to the margins." <Aslan>

“That's true, but we're all still alive. That's why we can still consider ourselves lucky.” <Will>

“I hope he was the only mole among us. I feel sorry for him, but I couldn't let him go. It couldn't be helped.” <Eliza>

“We don't blame you, Eliza. It's just hard to accept.” <Will>

“It's a relief that you don't blame me, but I wouldn't care either way. I'll do anything to protect Mama, no matter what it costs me. I won't compromise on that.” <Eliza>

“You mean that seriously, right? Then we can only be glad that we'll never have to face you as enemies. And Mimi can be happy to have someone like you.” <Will>

“I feel the same way. That's why I believe you won't betray us.” <Aslan>

“I would never do that, but in an emergency, I will save Mama first and then the rest. My family is the most important thing to me, but my friends come right after that. You don't need to worry about that.” <Eliza>

“That sounds good. You can go now, Eliza. Aslan, please stay. We have to decide how to deal with the news.” <Will>

I left the hut and looked for Mama. I immediately hugged her without saying a word, and she looked at me questioningly but accepted it without saying anything either. We stood there for a few minutes, holding each other. When I finally spoke, my voice was hoarse and heavy.

"Mama, I'm going back to the Empire tomorrow. There are still many things I need to do. Unfortunately, I don't know when I'll be able to come back to you. It probably won't happen this year, but I'll try to make it next year. I love you, Mama." <Eliza>

"Oh dear, oh dear, someone is feeling particularly affectionate and needy today. Don't worry, sweetie. I know you're only here for a short time and you've helped us enough. Be careful and don't take any unnecessary risks. Come on, I'll cook your favorite meal. " <Mimi>

I beamed at Mama and followed her. That night, I spent in her embrace, together in one bed, and slept better than I had in a long time. The next day, I packed my things and, after a brief farewell, set off for Lightburgh. The main reason for my hasty departure was the events surrounding Jared. If I had stayed any longer, I might not have left this year.

I bypassed the nearby town and after about 10 days arrived near the large river close to Lightburgh and transformed into Stevt. In this form, I entered the town and reported directly to the palace. There I learned that the heroes had already set off to visit the Lightning Dungeon in the north. However, it was possible to follow them in two days. To do so, all the recruits who had arrived late in Lightburgh were to follow in a travel group on horseback. I decided to join this group. It was the best opportunity to take my mind off things. I was ordered to report here in the morning.

I reported to the palace at the appointed time and met my fellow travelers. There were six of us, including Ezekiel, the hunter. I greeted him right away.

“Hello, Ezekiel. You're coming too?” <Eliza>

“Stevt, nice to see you. Yes, I want to take this opportunity to improve my skills.” <Ezekiel>

“But that's not all, is it?” <Stevt>

“You've figured me out. I want to build a more stable future for myself, so I'm joining the army. If I prove myself to the heroes, my opportunities will increase and I'll get a better rank.” <Ezekiel>

“You can do it. In my opinion, you've already proven that you have what it takes to be a leader through our work together.” <Eliza>

"Thanks. What about you? Are you also planning a career in the army?" <Ezekiel>

“That will probably be more difficult as a wizard. I'm not very strong and I'm not good at fighting. I even almost broke my arm recently because I wasn't careful. I'm more into theory, so I'd rather work as an analyst or something similar.” <Eliza>

"There are opportunities for that too. With Identify Item and especially Identify Monster, you offer enough skills that are needed. If you work on your leadership skills a little more and learn some support spells, you'll make a good sub-leader." <Ezekiel>

“That's an idea. It sounds better than working as an adventurer in the long run. I'll consider it once we've gained some experience among the heroes.” <Eliza>

“Do that. If I make it and actually rise to become a group leader and you're also in the army, get in touch with me. I could really use someone with the skills you just mentioned and a bright mind as my adjutant.” <Ezekiel>

"You're setting the bar very high for me. Very well, when we return from this expedition and it actually happens, we'll talk again." <Eliza>

“That sounds good. I'll take you at your word. Well, I think the others want to get going. Let's be on our way.” <Ezekiel>

We greeted the other four and then rode north to catch up with the heroes.