The Red Moon Chronicles Book 1: The Crown Of Xenthos

The Pain of Loss

After 2 weeks of excavation, Keenio, Elizabeth, Theseus, and Akida finally return to Eleon, Theseus's traveling pack was full of ancient forgotten treasures, and what wouldn't fit in his bag, was gently stuffed in Keenio's seemingly bottomless pack, they were unaware of the deaths of Atraus and Martinis. Yet somehow, Elizabeth had an uneasy feeling in her gut.

"Is something wrong Elizabeth?" Akida asked her, "you've been quiet for a while, even Keenio isn't that quiet.."

Keenio and Theseus were up ahead, eager to reach the Red Orchid Inn, so they could rest in warm beds, instead of the cold sleeping bags.

"..it's.. nothing... I'm sorry..." Elizabeth felt off, "..let's just get to the inn, I could use an ice cold pint.."

"I will drink to that!" Akida smiled, "I'll be more excited for the warm beds!"

".. that too.."

After what felt like ages, the four of them arrived at the beautiful courtyard. The large beautiful doors greeted them as if they were old friends.

"Finally!! We are back!!" Theseus grinned, "..as much as I like collecting rare treasures for the Xentidos, nothing beats returning home!!"

"You live at the inn?" Keenio asked, "with the amount of payment you and Akida receive from your missions, I expected you both to have your own estates at this point."

"Akida has her own home," Theseus smiled, his heavy pack weighed him down, "but I like living here in the inn, so I can be close to all the knowledge I collect.."

"I swear you are so much like Odin.." Keenio teased, "let's just hope your quest for knowledge keeps both your eyes in their sockets.."

"I completely understand why Odin would sacrifice his eye for knowledge" he countered, "but even I have a limit."

Once Elizabeth and Akida caught up with them, they passed through the doors together, all four of them. Inside was a sea of patrons on the main floor, it was very lively. Almost every seat and table was full.

"Keenio!!!" A familiar voice called form within the crowd, "Elizabeth!!" Her voice was just as sweet as ever.

She navigated through the crowd, rushing to Keenio first. Veronica's golden smile brought a small sense of belonging to him.

"Veronica," Keenio gave a small inviting smirk, "I missed you.."

She latched onto him, hugging him tightly, Keenio felt her now toned muscles, she was no longer as delicate as he left her, she was wearing the armor of Annabeth, and had her silverite spear on her back.

"I can tell you've been training hard.." he smiled, as he let her remain with her arms around him, "it seems Ai'sha has trained you well.."

"I've been working hard" she smiled, releasing herself from him, "Zalpa and I were worried about you guys!"

"Why? We haven't been gone that long right?" Elizabeth asked, "only about 2 weeks.."

"..no.." from the distance Zalpa walked to them, with the barbarian Balthazar behind him, "..you four have been gone for a month and a half.."

"You're joking.." Keenio answered, "..there's no way it was that long.."

"..no.. you guys have been gone for a while.." The tall bulky barbarian broke his silence, "Theseus.. my friend.."

"..King Balthazar!" Theseus grinned, "..I am sorry to keep you waiting so long.."

"It's fine, I made a new friend here," his low grumbling voice was so distinct, "this is my friend, Zalpa.."