Chapter Twenty: Rekindling the Flame

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As Vash and Ominis began to stir inside the tent, the first light of day breaking through, it was clear that finding sustenance was our immediate concern. Embarking on our journey, we held onto a glimmer of hope that we might stumble upon something edible along the way. The early hours wore on, our spirits gradually dampening as our search yielded no results. But just as despair began to creep in, a small farmhouse emerged on the horizon, a beacon of possibility.

As the sun's rays illuminated the scene, the quaint muggle farm came into clearer view. Since Vash had more experience with muggles, he took on the role of liaison, approaching the farmhouse while Sebastian, Ominis, and I remained on standby, observing the exchange from a distance. Their interaction appeared to be productive, with the farmer handing Vash a basket filled with food.

Returning to our group, Vash quipped, "Maybe I should have let Josie handle that. My French is honestly embarrassing."

"Wait, you can even speak French?" Ominis exclaimed in astonishment.

Sebastian playfully slapped Ominis on the back and chuckled, "Looks like someone needs a personal study session."

We pressed on, savoring the sustenance the farmer's basket had provided. The map unfolded before us, guiding our path through unfamiliar terrain as we traced our route. My fingertip settled on the next destination, a point nestled within the Bavarian Alps of Germany.

"According to the map," I shared, "our next target is likely hidden somewhere in the Bavarian Alps."

Vash leaned closer to examine the map, his features etched in concentration. "Bavarian Alps, huh? Sounds like a challenging place to reach, which means it's probably well-guarded."

Sebastian's voice chipped in, revealing his hesitation, "Wait, you're saying we have to hike all the way to the Alps from here?"

Vash's smirk hinted at a solution, "Fear not, Sebastian. I made arrangements with Mr. Weekes. We have transportation options. Ominis, you can ride with either of us. Josephine, you're up for a broom ride, right?"

Ominis chimed in, his choice clear, "I'm riding with Sebastian."

Vash laughed, "Wise choice."

As our brooms carried us higher into the sky, the landscape morphed beneath us, transforming from the serene French countryside to the jagged expanse of the Bavarian Alps. The wind surged past, tugging at our robes and tousling our hair. We ascended above the clouds, basking in the liberating sensation of flight. But as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, we recognized the need for respite.

I led the way, guiding us toward a stream nestled in a tranquil spot amidst the towering peaks. The fatigue of a day spent on broomsticks settled into our bodies, making our descent to solid ground a welcome relief. As our feet met the earth, a collective groan of exhaustion escaped us. Our legs wobbled and our rear ends throbbed from hours of aerial travel.

Ominis voiced his fatigue in a weary tone, "Couldn't have found a spot near a town, could you?"

I responded, sympathizing, "I'm sure there's a settlement not far from here. Let's rest and regroup before making any decisions." Retrieving the map from my bag, I spread it out on the ground. Vash and Sebastian made their way to the nearby stream, splashing water on their faces and taking deep drinks from their cupped hands.

Studying the map, I identified the landmarks around us, triangulating our location. "There's a town relatively nearby. We could reach it by nightfall."

Vash inquired, "How far is the town from the Alps?"

I scrutinized the map again, calculating the distance, "It seems to be within a reasonable range. The town is probably a day's journey by broom from here."

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