Oak Heart led the way. Colin, who was less injured, carried Aidan on his back, while Kase carried the luggage. The group pressed on.
Fortunately, they didn't encounter any monsters along the way and eventually arrived near Aidan's Forester cabin. It was also the closest safe location for the party.
Colin, still carrying Aidan, walked to the door.
Ale stepped forward, knocked on the door, and called out, "Excuse me, are the lady and the young lady still here?"
"Coming! Miss, is Aidan still with you—"
The door creaked open. Aidan's mother stopped mid-sentence when she saw her son on Colin's back, the rest of her words catching in her throat.
"This..."
"We ran into a bit of trouble," Colin said. "Could you let us in first?"
"Then please, hurry." A flash of sorrow crossed Aidan's mother's eyes, but it was immediately replaced by a look of calm resolve.
She opened the door wide and entered the room, quickly clearing off a bed.
"What happened to his wounds?"
