Everyone had finally reached Zefer's village.
The village looked just like it always did—not too quiet, not too noisy. People were everywhere, moving around with their daily routines. Massive, wild trees surrounded the entire area, their branches stretching like guardians over the village.
On top of those trees, several guards were stationed, silently watching every direction.
One of the guards noticed a group of people approaching the village from a distance. Beside him, another guard was fast asleep.
"Wake up… hey, wake up!" he whispered urgently.
But the guard didn't respond.
Annoyed, he punched him lightly. "Get up! Look—someone's coming this way!"
The second guard jolted awake, confused.
Without wasting a second, they blew the horn.
The moment the horn echoed through the village, everything changed.
The noise disappeared.
People rushed into their homes. Within seconds, the lively village turned completely silent—almost empty.
Just then, Zark appeared behind the guards.
The guard who blew the horn immediately bowed. "Sir, some people are approaching. They're very close now."
Zark didn't reply. Instead, he leaped higher up the tree to get a better view.
But the darkness made it hard to see clearly.
"I can't tell who they are…" he muttered.
After a moment of thought, he made a quick decision.
"Give me your spear."
The guard instantly threw his spear toward Zark. He caught it effortlessly.
Without hesitation, Zark hurled the spear with incredible speed toward the approaching figures.
The spear shot through the air—straight toward Zorath.
Zorath noticed something coming at him, but he realized too late that it was a spear. He thought it would just pass near his head.
Closing his eyes, he braced himself.
CLANG!
A sharp metallic sound echoed.
Zorath slowly opened his eyes.
He quickly checked his body—no injury.
Then he looked to the side.
The spear… was broken into two pieces.
Standing in front of him was Leo, holding his katana.
Both Leo and Zorath were breathing heavily.
Zorath thought to himself, "I should keep him close… for my safety."
Back on the tree, Zark focused again. As the moonlight finally fell on Leo's face, his eyes widened.
"…Leo?"
He immediately turned to the guard. "Go. Inform my father—Zefer. Tell him Leo is here."
Zark quickly jumped down and rushed toward the village entrance.
Meanwhile, the guard ran to Zefer's chamber and bowed.
"Chief… Leo has arrived."
Zefer's eyes lit up with excitement. "What? Where is he?"
"At the village entrance, sir. Zark is already there."
Without wasting a second, Zefer rushed out.
At the entrance—
Zark arrived and saw Leo standing there.
Leo noticed him too—and saw that Zark's body was covered in bandages.
Zark walked up to him. "How are you, Leo? What brings you back? I thought you had left."
Before Leo could answer, a voice came from behind—
"Leo! I knew we would meet again soon!"
It was Zefer.
Leo smiled slightly. "I'm glad to see you again."
Zefer stepped closer. "Now that you're here, stay the night with us."
"Thank you, Uncle Zefer… but—"
Leo suddenly became serious.
"I need your help."
Zefer's expression changed. "What kind of help?"
Just then, Zorath stepped forward from behind Leo.
Behind him… were dozens of villagers—tired, hungry, and broken.
Maya, Kio, Alex, and Nyra also stepped forward.
Leo took a deep breath.
"I want you to give these people a place to stay."
And then—
Leo dropped to his knees.
He bowed his head before Zefer.
For a moment, Zefer said nothing.
Then he spoke calmly, "Let's go inside. We'll talk there."
They all entered Zefer's chamber, which was built inside a massive tree.
Zefer sat in the center. Zark stood beside him.
In front of them sat Leo and Zorath.
"Tell me everything," Zefer said.
Leo explained how their village had been destroyed by ogres… how their fields were gone… how they had lost everything.
He even told him about Zorath losing his hand.
Zefer glanced at Zorath's arm silently.
Leo stood up again—and once more, bowed.
"Please… give them shelter."
Zefer thought for a while.
"Sit down, Leo."
Leo obeyed.
After a pause, Zefer finally spoke—
"I will give them a place to stay."
Zorath and Leo's faces lit up with relief.
"But…" Zefer continued, "I have conditions."
Zorath leaned forward. "What conditions?"
"We will give you shelter… but in return, you will work for us. Farming."
Zorath didn't hesitate.
"I agree."
Zefer smiled slightly and stood up, extending his hand.
"Then it's settled."
Zorath quickly stood and shook his hand.
"Thank you…"
Tears rolled down his eyes.
Leo watched, slightly surprised. He hadn't expected Zorath to cry.
They all stepped outside.
Both villages stood there—silent, waiting.
Zefer raised his voice.
"From today… they will live with us."
Smiles spread across every face.
Then Zefer turned to Zark.
"Make arrangements for their stay and food. Immediately."
Zark nodded and left.
Soon, food was served.
The villagers ate like they hadn't in days.
Some of them even cried while eating.
Zorath stood there, watching everyone… smiling quietly.
For the first time in a long while—
They felt safe.