Kalia leaned over the barricade toward the building's entrance. "Hellooo, anyone here?"
"We're adventurers from the guild in Tuugo!"
"Yeah, yeah! I'm comin'! Quit yer hollerin'!" The man's raspy voice was punctuated by the rhythmic thud of a cane hitting the wooden floor.
"Whaddya want?" An old Veltmaar appeared in the doorway, leaning heavily on his cane. "Can't ya see I'm kinda busy!"
"Um, I'm Kalia Waywrenn. We're here to investigate the recent monster attacks. I was hoping to talk to any witnesses."
He pointed at the patched-up doorframe. "I saw it. Those damned things busted right through the granary doors and started lootin' the place."
"I see. Was anyone injured in the raid?"
"Naw. Even when some of the men came out to stop 'em, the beasts just ran around 'em."
Kalia stroked her chin. "So that part of the reports was accurate. Did you see which way they went?"
"Went north, same way they came from." He jabbed at the air with his cane.
"So Kerradan."
He snorted. "Ain't nothin' good ever come outta there, I tell ya. Anythin' else? I still got repairs to make."
"No, thanks for your time."
"Yeah, yeah." He nodded.
"Anything useful?" Astra called as Kalia returned to the carriage.
"Looks like we were on the right track. A witness confirmed the horde came from the north, stole food, and headed back the same way."
"Should we head into Kerradan and check things out, then?"
Kalia unfurled the map and tapped a town. "No, I think we should head here next."
"Why that one?"
"If your theory is correct, Venn's northwest of Caldra, so it could be the next village they hit."
Astra pointed at the map. "What about Orelith? It's about the same distance away."
"Mmm, true." Kalia scratched her head. "I don't really like the idea of splitting up."
"I could handle the horde, no problem!" Astra beamed.
"I know, but we need to find out what is really going on, not just take them down."
Astra puffed out her cheeks. "You always assume I'm gonna just start blowing stuff up!"
Kalia smiled. "Call it pattern recognition."
"Hey!"
Kalia patted Astra's head and laughed. "I'm just messing with you."
Astra folded her arms but couldn't stop herself from leaning into Kalia's hand. "Hmph."
Kalia studied the map for a moment. "It's a gamble, but let's go to Venn."
"What if we're wrong?"
"We could be, but Orelith has a lake to the north and forests to the south. Venn has neither, making it a much easier target."
"Okies!" Astra jumped into the driver's seat. "If we hurry, we can get there before dusk."
————————————————————————————————————
Astra stopped the carriage on the outskirts of Venn. "Looks like they are getting ready for an attack."
Kalia stepped out of the carriage. She watched as the villagers hustled about erecting barricades and spike traps around the village.
She leaned toward Astra. "You think this'll stop them?"
Astra shook her head. "Not even a little."
"Thought so. At least they are thinking ahead." Kalia turned back to the carriage and opened the door. "Let's give these people a hand."
"Yes, Master Lia," they all replied.
The party approached a villager driving sharpened stakes into the ground around the barricade.
Kalia tapped the man on the shoulder. "Excuse me?"
"Yeah?" he replied, not bothering to stop working.
"We're with the guild. We're here to help."
He flicked a thumb toward an elderly Assam woman standing by the village gates. "Go talk to Ijya."
"Thanks..."
"He seemed pleasant." Eron snickered.
"Right?" Milena whispered back.
"You'd be in a bad mood too if your village was facing famine," Fio scolded.
Both girls quickly bowed their heads. "Sorry..."
Kalia motioned for the others to wait before approaching Ijya.
"Are you the village chief?"
"Depends who's askin'." Ijya eyed Kalia warily.
"I'm Kalia Waywrenn. The guild sent my party to deal with the recent attacks. Is there anything we can do to help?"
"An' how am I supposed to know you ain't lyin'?"
Kalia rummaged through her pockets and produced her guild identification card.
"Mmm." Ijya examined the card for a moment, then handed it back to Kalia. "Sorry, can't be too careful these days. Not with all the trouble brewing in Kerradan."
Kalia tilted her head. "Trouble?"
Ijya fished a pipe from her breast pocket and began packing it. "There be rumors o' war breaking out."
"Really? I haven't heard anyone mention this before."
"'Tis just rumors." Ijya lit her pipe and took a long drag. "A few months ago, a half-dead demon came crawlin' into our village. He kept mumblin' bout some noble house tryin' to take over the throne."
"Did he say anything else?" Kalia asked. The timing felt too convenient.
"Not much. Caught a fever a couple of days after we found 'im and died."
"Oh..." Kalia frowned. "Well, thanks for the information, anyway."
"Yep." Ijya nodded. "Anythin' else you need?"
"No, but if there's anything we can do to help, just say the word."
"Mmm, we could use some help diggin' out a trench around the village."
"Of course." Kalia smiled. "We'll get right on it."
"'Preciate it." Ijya tapped the ash from her pipe. "We already got the area marked, an' shovels are over by the barn."
"Right." Kalia turned and rejoined the rest of the party.
"So what's the plan, Master Lia?" Fio asked.
"For now, we're going to help them dig a trench around the village."
"We're digging a hole..." Eron frowned, glancing around the village. "Around the whole village?"
"That'll take forever," Milena added.
"No complaints, girls. They need our help."
"Yes, Master Lia..."
"Oh! I'll do it." Astra bounced on her heels, waving her arms. "Watch!"
Kalia lunged toward Astra, a fraction too late. "Wai—"
Mana swirled around Astra's Spire as she chanted her spell.
"Pere Askera."
The ground beneath their feet began to churn and heave as a deep crack raced across the earth. A thunderous rumble echoed across the plains as large sections of dirt and rock collapsed in on themselves.
Kalia grabbed Astra's ear. "What did you do!?"
"Oww, Lia, that hurts!" Astra winced. "I dug the trench like you wanted! See?"
As the dust settled, Kalia could see a perfectly cut trench encircling the entire village.
She let out a weary sigh. "Could you at least warn us before you start casting?"
Astra dug her toe into the ground. "Sorry..."
Kalia turned just in time to see Ijya storming toward them.
"Jus' what the hell do you think you're doin'!?"
Kalia grabbed Astra by the shoulders and hurriedly bowed with her.
"We're sorry! My companion here can be a bit overzealous with her magic."
"I'm really sorry!" Astra cried. "I was just trying to help."
Ijya folded her arms and grunted. "You mages. Always tryin' to find the easy way out."
"But..." Astra started to protest, only for Kalia to clap a hand over her mouth.
Ijya followed the trench for a short distance, inspecting the freshly exposed earth before returning to Kalia. "Hmpf. Guess I'll overlook it this time. 'Tis good work, more than we coulda done by hand."
"Anything else we could do to help out?"
"Don't think so. Jus' finished settin' out the stakes. All that's left to do is wait an' hope we don't get attacked."
"Let us take watch tonight, then." Kalia glanced at Astra. "Astra would be happy to take the first shift. Wouldn't you?"
"Mhmm!" Astra nodded vigorously.
"Very well." Ijya smiled as she turned back toward the village gates. "Jus' let me know if ya need anythin'."
"Will do. Thanks." Kalia waved.
————————————————————————————————————
Fio spooned some stew into a bowl and handed it to Kalia. "You sure you don't want us to take a shift?"
"Nah, Astra and I got it. I'd rather not have a huge fight break out if possible."
"But wouldn't it be faster for all of us to take them down together?" Eron asked.
"Sure, but our goal isn't just to get rid of them. We have to find out if someone's behind this. If we kill them all, another horde could show up, and we'd be right back where we started."
Eron nodded. "Makes sense."
Astra motioned for another bowl of stew. "So what's the plan for tonight?"
"We'll set up camp here. I'd rather not be inside the village if the horde shows up." Kalia turned to Fio. "Can you summon Uuro tonight? It'll be easier to have it keep watch from above and warn us if anything approaches."
"Mhmm."
Milena raised a hand. "What about us?"
"Just get some sleep. We'll wake you if there's trouble."
"Okay."
Kalia watched the sun dip below the horizon. "It's getting dark. We should hurry and pitch the tents."
"We got it, Master Lia. Help me grab this, Eron." Eliane began unloading the gear from the back of the carriage.
Milena followed after them. "I'm gonna go grab some more firewood."
Fio unhitched the horses and tied them off to a nearby tree. "I'll go see if the village has any spare hay for the horses."
Kalia leaned toward Astra and whispered, "Wanna take a quick walk while they set up?"
"Okies!" Astra hopped up.
Kalia took Astra's hand as they followed a path toward a nearby stream. "It's nice out here, isn't it?"
"Mhmm, it's so quiet." Astra gazed upward. "And you can see so many spirits in the sky."
Kalia tilted her head. "Spirits? You mean the stars?"
"What's a star?"
"All those lights in the sky. They're giant balls of burning gas in space."
"Space?"
Kalia sighed. "You know what? Maybe that's a discussion for another time."
Astra puffed out her cheeks. "You can't just tell me these things and not explain!"
"I promise I'll tell you after we finish the quest."
Astra folded her arms. "You better!"
The two sat quietly beside the stream, taking in the cool night air. Occasionally, a firefly flashed nearby, or a frog broke the silence with a soft splash.
Astra rested her head on Kalia's shoulder. "Kinda hope there isn't an attack tonight."
Kalia slipped an arm around Astra's waist. "Me neither."
A familiar buzzing interrupted the silence.
"This one has news," Uuro announced.
"That's what I get for opening my big mouth..." Kalia rolled her eyes.
"This one has found a horde of monsters approaching from the west."
"Fine..." Kalia pushed herself off the ground. "Let's go, Astra."
"Okies!"
Kalia dusted off her pants. "Uuro, how many monsters are in the horde?"
"This one counts around thirty."
"Is there a Malefang among them?"
"Yes, one is leading the pack. This one has also observed Thornmaws, Blacktusks, and several smaller species."
"Are there any others nearby?"
"No. This one does not see any other monsters in the immediate area."
"Uuro, warn the others about the attack."
"This one has already done so."
"Perfect. Then lead the way."
"Certainly."
Kalia glanced at Astra as they hurried after Uuro. "We'll cut them off before they get to Venn. Let's take out as many as we can and leave the Malefang. With any luck, they'll retreat, and we can follow them."
Uuro darted ahead, weaving between the trees. Kalia and Astra were only a few paces behind.
The forest's peaceful sounds gradually gave way to heavy footsteps and low growls.
"We must be getting close," Kalia whispered to Astra.
The two paused at the tree line. Through the brush, Kalia could see dozens of dark shapes moving across the open field.
"I can't believe it," Astra gasped.
Barely visible beneath the pale moonlight, a massive Malefang lumbered at the head of the horde.
"So how do you want to handle this, Lia?"
Kalia smiled. "I'll draw the Malefang's attention while you take out the monsters at the rear."
"Okies."
"Once we take out a few of them, we'll see how the rest react. If someone's pulling the strings, they might order a retreat to preserve their numbers."
Astra nodded. "Ready when you are."
"Then let's go."
Kalia sprang out of the tree line, running parallel to the Malefang. Once she'd pulled ahead of the beast, she turned sharply.
"Manifest!"
A bow appeared in her hands. She drew an arrow, took aim, and released.
"Right here!" she shouted as the arrow sank into the creature's shoulder.
The Malefang roared in anger, dropping onto all fours before charging straight at Kalia.
Seizing the opportunity, Astra leapt into the field and began chanting her spell.
"Tas et Mer!"
Astra extended her hand toward the monsters trailing behind the Malefang. With a sweeping motion, dozens of long stone spikes erupted from the ground and slammed into the creatures. In an instant, her spell had pierced through nearly half of the monsters.
Kalia manifested the Locked Case as the Malefang bore down on her. Just as it was about to strike, it stopped to look back.
Astra repeated her incantation, eliminating several creatures that had escaped the first attack.
The Malefang turned and fled, the surviving monsters following close behind.
Kalia let the Locked Case dissipate. "Uuro, follow them."
"Certainly." Uuro darted after the Malefang.
Kalia watched the Malefang disappear into the night. "I guess that answers our question."
Astra nodded. "Yup. Neither a normal horde nor a Malefang would behave like that."
"Let's get back to camp. With Uuro tracking them, it's just a waiting game to see where they go. I doubt they'll be coming back anytime soon."
Astra stretched her arms. "Sounds good. I wanna get some sleep."
————————————————————————————————————
"Welcome back." Fio yawned, stoking the campfire.
Kalia plopped down next to the fire. "Are the girls sleeping?"
"Yeah, I let them go back to sleep when Uuro told me you had routed the horde. Are you and Astra still going to stay up and keep watch?"
"No, I don't think we need to."
Fio glanced around. "Wait, where's Astra?"
"She said we should go wash off in the stream, but I didn't feel like getting wet."
"Master Lia..." Fio folded her arms.
"What?"
"I can see the sweat from here. Do you have any idea how much trouble it is to wash those bedrolls?"
Kalia laughed. "Yes, Mom..."
She made her way back down to the stream but stopped as she heard the gentle splashing of water. Astra's clothes hung from a nearby branch. Her pale skin shone in the moonlight as she rinsed the dirt and sweat from her slender form.
I shouldn't be peeking... but my god, Astra is just stunning.
Kalia unconsciously took a step forward. The moment her foot landed, a twig snapped under it.
Astra's head whipped around, her eyes landing on Kalia's face peeking out between the trees.
She folded her arms. "What are you doing...?"
"Hehe, n-nothing. Just coming to wash up."
"Mhmm, and that's why you're sneaking in the bushes?"
"I wasn't sneaking..." Kalia nervously twirled her tail between her fingers. "I was just admiring..."
Astra smiled. "Just come take a bath."
Kalia stripped off her dirty clothes and waded into the stream beside Astra.
"The bath at home is nice, but there's something to be said for roughing it once in a while."
Astra chuckled. "If you say so. I'd still prefer hot water."
Kalia lowered herself into the water, shivering as she resurfaced. "On second thought, I agree."
"But..." Kalia slipped her arms around Astra. "You're pretty warm."
"L-Lia!" Astra's cheeks flushed. "So are you..."
Astra leaned into Kalia's embrace, relaxing as Kalia gently ran her fingers along her back and through her hair.
"Lia, that tickles," Astra whispered.
Kalia pulled her hand back. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."
Astra gave Kalia a mischievous grin. "It's only fair I get you back."
Astra slowly traced her fingertips along Kalia's spine and into her crimson hair.
"Mmm." Kalia shivered slightly under Astra's touch.
A frog croaked loudly somewhere along the bank.
"We should probably get out before we freeze," Kalia whispered.
"O-oh, yeah." Astra smiled.
"You can go ahead. I still need to rinse out my hair."
"Okies." Astra climbed onto the bank and began getting dressed.
As soon as Astra had disappeared into the trees, Kalia plunged into the cold water.
Any more of that, and I don't think I could have stopped myself...