Defeating Dragons

Chapter 9 - Forest Collections

Back at the town hall, we talk to Nashta and Chieftain and tell them what went on. I call Kyle at Chieftain's request.

"You think we should let the kid leave the village?" He questions Kyle politely.

"You've never stopped a Traveller before," Kyle says after nodding.

"True, but this one is young. And skinny. There are monsters about." The gruffness of a seasoned old man can be heard in his voice.

I would say I'm not that skinny, just tall, but these guys are all taller than me, so I just won't respond. Any more than a weak smile anyway.

"He is fine. You are not leaving him by himself but taking the warriors and hunters with him, as long as there are at least two others and you are in safe place, preferably with other warrior or hunter groups around elsewhere, he should get a look at the world. He may not be back there again and might as well holiday it if he can. Get mind off the portal and all," Kyle continues to speak with Chieftain and convinces him.

Not that he needs convincing of Kyle's words, but more so checking the appropriate level of care and safety and expectation.

Please don't let me die.

Though, seeing a completely different world is exciting on its own. And Uncle did say to enjoy myself. Okay, let's have a good look at this place while I'm here. Mini holiday.

"To Vaneesa's for lunch," Turmec shouts and we start to head off behind him. After leaving the town hall though, Akna pulls Kirsec away with work to do. Itotia runs off and doesn't come back until we'ce finished eating, with a timid Cualli behind her. She's less red than during the feast, though.

"She is the best hunter in our group," Itotia sums up. And then leaves in the same direction as Akna went earlier.

I tilt my head, Turmec chuckles, thudding Cualli in the back. As with all the Lakamhaan, she doesn't even flinch. Maybe they are all strong and so it's more of a pat on the back for them. I roll my shoulders.

Turmec looks to me, "This girl Cualli is good. She will sense monster from far away and kill it most effectively." He winks at me, "Good looking as she does," and burst into a green and brown laughter.

Uh huh.

The three of head to the forest. Another three groups also come with us, splitting off as we get closer to the materials forest. I can't really tell the borders between forests at all, apparently it has to do with what monsters and resources are prominent there. But to me, it all looks the like same foreign alien fantasy.

Glad I'm not by myself.

Following Turmec and Cualli, we come to a grassy spot. There are small bushes of brightly coloured fruit? flowers? I take a step closer.

Nope, baby monsters.

"They won't bite if you don't touch them," Turmec grins. "But they make a good stew if you are hungry for some tonight."

"Ahhh," I'm unsure right now. We just had lunch not long ago. Though, I do wonder if they taste like fruit, "Maybe on our way back we can grab some?"

More laughter, "Sure Traveller. We can do that, right Cualli?"

She nods, then runs off, "I'll scout the area."

Turmec nods, but I don't think she sees it.

We gather some of the grasses Vanesa asked for, and Itotia takes us to the spots where they are most prevalent.

A few monsters attack us, well, they try. Cualli had them sorted.

At least they didn't have red eyes. And they were all relatively small.