The speed of the group is much slower than when I was alone, let alone with children present, so the distance I could traverse alone in about three hours now took the whole day. The upside to this was that I at least had some conversation partners who could help me understand how long I had been gone and what had happened since my disappearance.
It became quickly clear to me that from the trio of them, Liz was the quietest, but also the most clingy to me for some reason. From the third day, she would spend her entire free time, aside from resting and helping others, she would try to be by my side. All that time, she would be silent, speaking only when someone directly addressed her, but even there she would try to nod rather than speak as much as she could.
The person I had spent the most time talking to was Margaret. After our first argument, we learned each other's character, thanks to which we were able to cooperate seamlessly. She was rather easy to get along with, even more so due to both of us being knights. At some point, she even invited me to spar, which allowed me to gauge her strength to be around a top knight from Britain, slightly short of someone like Finn or Gaheris.
Last was Shining, who kept her distance from me, but I would often find her watching me. I never felt any enmity from her, only curiosity mixed with some guilt, so I ignored it. She would approach me only during our rare times alone on night watch.
-"Here."-She passed me a bowl of porridge.
-"Thank you."-I took it from her and took off my helmet to eat.
As this was the first time she saw my face, she seemed little surprised, but quickly collected herself.
-"We should be able to reach another village in two more days, but..."
-"Wherever they are accepted is doubtful, or rather almost impossible."-I finished.
-"Yes. In their state, they are nothing but a burden; few villages can accept them. Had they been in a better state, some might have taken them to wed, but now it's impossible."
-"Do you have any idea?"
Shining remained silent.
-"Sigh. I can take them with me to Laterano."
-"They won't be able to enter there."
-"They won't. But they could settle in a monastery at the border. What's more, it might be even a good idea to gather more refugees to form a monastery consisting almost only of them."
-"Why?"-She looked genuinely surprised my my idea.
-"As Sarkaz, what do you think of Laterano?"
-"This..."
-"Just be direct."
-"It's something I wish Kazdel was, yet I detest those who never know suffering outside those pristine walls."
-"I expected worse."-I smiled at her honesty.-"In my eyes, it's a city built on lies, a house of cards. As powerful as the walls are, the fragility at the core all but promises that sooner or later, it will crumble."
-"Is that so? Then you plan to use these refuges to resolve this hidden danger?"
-"Partially. I want Laterano to open up, letting Sankta know how the Terra is. I can't stand the blind fanaticism of people there, so I will make them see the ugly reality."
-"This... I can only say: as expected of some accepted by Liz."-She turned her face away, quietly adding another sentence.-"As expected of you, sigh."
-"What about you? Why are three of you wandering those lands? Ursus isn't a welcoming place, more so to the infected, as you declare yourself to be."
-"Liz and I were simply wandering around, escaping from some troublesome matters from the past. Margaret joined us later, having been exiled from Kazimierz for her Oripathy. As for some greater purpose, we don't have one. We will travel around helping those in need, dealing with those who need to be dealt with."
-"This sounds quite nice."
-"Yes, but it's also taxing. We have no place where we belong, no home."
-"But that doesn't have to be like that forever, right?"-I finished my meal and put my helmet back on.-"I believe that you will find a new home in the future."
-"Thank you."
-"There is a convoy of armored cars heading this way. Wake Margaret up and take Liz to hide."-I changed the subject.
-"A Ursus military patrol? I'll call them right away."-Shining stood up and moved to the camp.
A minute later, Margaret came to my side, already fully armed. I also took out the spear from Arion, waiting for the convoy that was already visible from a distance. As they closed in, I was able to get a better look at the cars, resulting in my humor quickly worsening.
-"Be ready for a battle."
-"Eh?"-She looked surprised by my call.
-"This isn't a patrol. This is a transport convoy, infected transport to be precise."
-"I'll wait for your command."-She instantly agreed with my plan after hearing that.
Soon, the convoy stopped in front of us, a uniformed Ursus man stepping from the leading car.
-"Identify yourself!"
-"I'm an Apostolic Knight who accepted the plea of displaced refugees. Next to me is my travel companion, Knight from Kazimierz, who is traveling to gain experience."
-"An Apostolic Knight? That's rare, well, whatever. We demand to search your camp."
-"Why?"
-"To check if you don't harbor any filthy infected."
-"You may."
-"Boys, get this over with!"
I watched how thirteen soldiers exited their vehicles. There should be another seven left inside, aside from the drivers and the officer. I motioned Margaret to lead them into the camp, while I stayed here. Not long after, a commotion occurred in the camp, alarming the rest of the convoy. The officer took the rest of the soldiers there, but before they could enter, I made my move.
With one quick thrust, I shattered the head of the officer, quickly stepping forward, swiping at the closest two soldiers. Before they could respond, two more bodies lay on the ground. The remaining four instantly panicked and tried to run, but only exposed their back to me, dying before they could take a second step.
With them dealt with, I waved my free left hand, creating Glintstone swords that flew toward the drivers who were attempting to start the cars. And so, everyone was dealt with in a matter of seconds. I waited for a moment, and Margert, accompanied by Shining, came to my side.
-"Done. Liz stayed to calm down everyone."-Margaret reported to me.
-"Good."-I nodded and approached third car from the convoy.
After opening it, we were greeted by a group of people huddling together. Counting them quickly, a total of nineteen people of various ages were there with almost no space to stand. Opening the cage they were in, Shining helped all those who were harmed while explaining everything. We repeated this for every car carrying the infected, rescuing a total of one hundred and twenty-two people.
With that number, adding our previous numbers, we were a group of almost a hundred and fifty, but now with ten cars in our hands, we could travel with much greater ease. But first, we helped the infected get some rest, after which four of us sat down to decide on our plan of action.
-"Eno, thank you."-Shining started with those words.
-"No need. I know how Ursus is with the infected,"-I responded, despite knowing that alone, I would most likely not act.
-"Nonetheless, I'm grateful for your action."
-"Let's focus on maters on hand. With a group this big, entering villages and cities would only bring unwanted attention."
-"True. A small part can enter to trade, but we need to stay out of their range."-Shining agreed on this point.
-"We also need to understand what those infected plan to do from now on."
-"Most of them want to just leave Ursus. Only a few have a concrete destination. We can take those who want to follow us toward Laterano, letting anyone who wants disembark."
-"Sure, but we have to deal with supplies then."
-"I can contact some friends that might help."-Margaret suggested.-"My family name can be used even if I was exiled."
-"Won't that be risky?"-I asked.-"Don't forget we killed Ursus' soldiers. Don't put your family in a tough spot."
My words instantly silenced her. As a Knight, she wished to do what she could to help, yet she couldn't bring herself to endanger her family.
-"I might have a way."-Shining decided to speak up.-"There is an infected organization in Ursus. I met them a few times, and while I don't have the best opinion of them, they should be able to help us."
-"Can you contact them?"
-"No, but I can write a letter. Your birds should be able to do the rest."-Shining smiled mischievously.
-"So you noticed? I'll make sure to deliver it if you give me precise enough directions."
-"I found them fascinating. Is that your Originium Art?"
-"You can consider it so. Because of certain reasons, my Art is rather complicated; those are just part of it."
-"Is there anything else we need to consider?"-Margaret returned us to the subject.
-"Just pick some people to keep the order."-I commented after a moment of thinking.
-"I will deal with it."
-"Then let's return. We also need to rest."-Shining stood up.
-"You three can go, I will stay."
-"But..."-Margret seemed to want to say something more.
-"Ok."-But Shining interrupted her and took her away with Liz.
After I watched them enter the camp, I quickly got rid of the dead and returned to where I was sitting. Since it was already close to dawn, I only had to wait for a few more hours, so I continued with a task I started some time ago but was unable to complete: recording the star map. With my connection to Stars, the star map was an essential item for some spells and rituals, so I wanted to finish it as soon as possible.
As I was busy, the girls entered their joint tent, where Margaret started speaking.
-"Why did you let Eno stay on the watch?"
-"Sigh, Margaret, can I ask you something?"-Shining looked at the golden knight seriously.
-"Sure."
-"Do you plan to finish this journey, after which to split from Eno and wander like before, or did you change your mind, and plan to follow him?"
-"Eh? My mind hadn't changed, but why can't we just invite him to travel with us?"
-"Because Eno has a place where he belongs. He won't, or even can't, abandon it to join us."
-"So..."
-"That's why I keep some distance from him, and would interrupt you when you ask something that shouldn't be asked. Eno has his secrets, and knowing him, while he wouldn't mind telling you some of them, are you sure you want to get involved?"
Margaret was quiet, hearing this question.
-"You still have ling time to decide."-Shining ended this subject like that, but.
-"What about you?"-Margret turned the spotlight to her.
-"I? I can't stay by his side."-Shining smiled lightly, as if talking about something obvious.
-"Just because you are a Sarkaz?"
-"That's only part of it. I can't because I'm who I am."
-"I think you are mistaken. While I can't decide, I also know that denying it from the start is wrong."
Shining didn't respond.
-"Sigh. I think that both of us need to think about this more."-With that, she entered her sleeping bag.
-"What about you, Liz?"-Shining asked the last person present.
-"Eno is a good person. I want him to stay with us."
Hearing that, Shining lowered her head, many complicated emotions appearing in her eyes.
When the morning arrived, I coordinated with the infected and the previous refugees on the preparation of breakfast. Some of the women were afraid of the infected at first, but Shining explained how one can become infected and how to prevent it, thus making them calm and somewhat accepting. Of course they still kept distance, keeping to their own group for various reasons.
After dividing into groups and picking the drivers, we departed from our campsite. I decided to ride Arion next to the convoy, my partner easily keeping up with their speed, resulting in Margaret's astonishment. On the subject of two of them, I found that Arion seemed unexpectedly protective of me near Margaret, almost jealous. I found it amusing, but it caused Margaret to doubt her life, as all horses always adored and listened to her.
At some point, Liz requested to ride on Arion with me, and not wanting to make her pout, I agreed. Because of this, Margaret also requested this after the next stop, and despite Arion's protests, I agreed to have someone to talk with. The next day, Liz brought Shining to me, almost forcing her to ride with me. Surprisingly it was her first time on a horseback, resulting in her being still and nervous for some time, holding me tightly despite my armor. So a rotation was set, with me riding with each of them in order.
As this was happening, was also were also able to contact the infected organization, and after setting up a meeting place, we changed our course to be there on time. With our food reserves being barely enough, we set our camp a walking distance from the meeting point, after which Shining took Margret there while Liz and I remained in the camp.
After those days of travel, almost everyone got used to my presence, though most still kept their distance due to slight reverence. The only exception were children, as they almost instantly felt comfortable in my vicinity, often coming to me when I was free. Because of this, I would find myself telling many stories I read in Lands Between, and while I was in Britain.
And this happened again, me surrounded by the children was telling them a story, when the Shining led a group of armed people through a gate. I took a glance and instantly decided to focus on them, sending the children away for now. They also noticed me and had their eyes locked on me, especially the tall figure in black.
Seeing the awkwardness in the air, Shining decided to break the ice.
-"Eno, these are leaders of Reunion. Talulah, Alina, FrostNova, and Patriot. This is Eno, he could be considered to be the leader of our group."
-"I was in disbelief when I heard of Sankta, who was traveling those lands, but here you are. I'm thankful for your assistance to the infected."-Talulah spoke with an air of nobility, though some aspects of it seemed a little awkward for her.
-"I acted as it also benefited me."-I responded with courtesy and blunt words.-"I never would expect such line up in the unknown infected group."
-"Nor would we expect to find Apostolic Knight."-Patriot spoke, his voice harsh through the mask.-"What is your purpose here?"
The remaining leaders of Reunion seemed surprised by his harsh tone, but decided to wait and see how the situation turns out. I once again looked at Patriot's tall figure, and couldn't help but feel surprised that someone as strong lived here. It would seem that I needed to place more importance on this meeting and the reunion as a whole.