LRAB Chapter 41: Thread of Smoke
Chapter 41: Thread of Smoke
Chapter 41: Thread of Smoke
There was no way of telling whether Veil succeeded or not. In the course of the day he approached the Cleric, then walked back to the volunteer group without a word. Dallion suspected that a longer conversation had taken place, possibly accompanied with a trial as well, all in the awakened state. The results remained unknown, but based on Veils expression they cant have been too good.
So much for getting to level four, Dallion thought. That didnt change their previous conversation, though. Dallion did have to become stronger before they ran into the beast. The only question was how. Given the training regimen there was no time for further awakenings, so Dallion couldnt improve objects for personal practice. Furthermore, thanks to Veils blunder, Dallion didnt think asking the Cleric was a good idea.
To make matters worse, by order of the Dame, Gloria along with all other level fours, was moved further to the front of the group. When Dallion tried to ask about the reason for this change, he was only told to shut up and keep walkingnot the most trust inspiring reaction one could get.
Dont worry, Havoc approached. Shes in better hands than the lot of us.
What do you mean?
Shes a four. Parties tend to protect those. At least more than us losers, the large man laughed. Shouldnt complain too much, though. Could have been worse. We could have been twos.
That didnt sound too encouraging either.
What happens to twos? Dallion asked.
Nothing much. The soldiers wont go out of their way to save them if things get bad. Then again, you cant be sure about anything during hunts. What happens happens, so why waste time worrying about it, right? He gave Dallion a pat on the back, almost knocking him to the ground.
A few steps away Veil snorted, though didnt voice any comments.
You know a lot about hunts, Dallion grumbled.
You live a long life, you pick up a thing or two. Also, this isnt my first party.
Oh? This sparked Dallions interest, and not only his. Veil along with another few people within earshot casually moved closer, trying to listen in on the conversation.
Its no big deal. Havoc shrugged. Every few years some bad beastie starts causing problems and one troop or other has to go and kill it. Its inevitable to happen, even in the middle of nowhere. I guess youre just been lucky so far.
Dont, the red haired whispered. Youll see it soon enough.
The entire group fell silent to the point that steps, even the occasional movement of chainmail could be heard.
How close is it? Vesuvia asked, drawing a two-piece sword. Back on Earth the weapon would be pegged as a cheap movie prop and completely ignored. Here, though, Dallion could feel its power even from this distance; the two blade partsshaped like a tuning forkwere never meant to be the cutting part, they merely held the real blade, created from what could only be described as hardened air.
Half a day, the cleric said, removing his hood. Fifteen hours at most. It did its thing and moved on.
By the Crippleds luck! Thats the last thing I needed! The Dame scowled. Did it heal?
Maybe. Ill need to check the spot to know more. Either way, if we dont hurry itll get stronger.
Youre sure its not hiding?
There was a long pause. Dallion, like many others, held his breath. He didnt know the specifics of the conversation, but his imagination did a pretty good job of filling in the blanks.
Its nowhere near, the Cleric replied after a while. Ill go and check.
No. We all go. Ill need you close in case we lose the trail again.
We cant waste time, Initiate. Ill go see. You need to continue on its trail. If it finds more health bags, you might not be able to take it down.
That is not your decision to make, Cleric! The womans voice had a force behind it that could make steel snap. Dallion felt as if a dust of wind had hit him in the chest. By the reaction of the people nearby, he wasnt the only one.
Yes, Initiate. The Cleric bowed only. By the Seven Moons.
By the Seven. The Dame sheathed her sword. Double march forward! she ordered. Heavy troops in front, volunteers in the back! Keep your eyes peeled and dont stop until ordered!