The Rosflame Chronicles

Chapter Ten: The Journey to Gilbert's Spire

Kiona's feet carried him swiftly through the Twelveswood, the towering trees and winding paths leading him toward Gilbert's Spire. The spire stood tall in the distance, a familiar landmark, yet it still commanded an air of authority. His recent tasks had given him a greater sense of purpose, but he knew there was always more work to be done to restore balance to the forest.

As he approached the spire, Kiona's eyes were drawn to the soldiers standing guard, their sharp eyes scanning the woods for signs of danger. Among them stood Monranguin, the veteran guard Kiona had worked with previously. The look on Monranguin's face was one of concern, though his expression remained as disciplined as ever.

"Ah, Kiona," Monranguin called, spotting him as he neared. "Just the man I was hoping to see."

Kiona nodded, coming to stand before him. "What's the situation?"

Monranguin's expression darkened slightly. "One of our recruits was out on a survey mission, gathering important data about the forest. Something spooked him—likely a beast or something worse—and he abandoned his equipment in a nearby cave. We need that equipment back."

Kiona raised an eyebrow. "What was he surveying?"

"Changes in the terrain," Monranguin explained. "The Calamity shifted the very geography of the Twelveswood. We've been tasked with mapping those changes, but without the equipment, we're at a standstill."

Kiona nodded. "What do you need me to recover?"

"Here," Monranguin handed Kiona a list of items. "Survey records, two boxes of surveyor's instruments, and a surveyor's rope. They're all in that cave. Once you've retrieved them, take everything to Pauline at Gabineaux's Bower. She's the one leading this survey."

Kiona took the list and tucked it away, the weight of the task setting in. "I'll get it done."

Monranguin gave him a nod of approval. "Be careful in there. The forest has a way of throwing surprises at you when you least expect it."

With that, Kiona set off, making his way through the dense forest toward the cave where the equipment had been left behind. The trees around him seemed to close in, their branches intertwining as if forming a protective barrier over the land. He could feel the weight of the Calamity's changes in the very air—a reminder that the Twelveswood was still healing from the catastrophe.

The cave loomed ahead, its entrance dark and foreboding. Kiona stepped inside, his staff at the ready as he ventured deeper. The air inside was cool and damp, and the distant echo of dripping water filled the silence.

He soon found the first item on the list—the survey records, scattered across the cave floor, half-buried under debris. Kiona carefully gathered them, making sure not to leave any behind. The next items, two boxes of surveyor's instruments, were stashed further inside. They were heavier than he expected, but he managed to retrieve them without issue. Finally, he spotted the surveyor's rope near the entrance, coiled up and ready to be returned.

With all the items in hand, Kiona made his way back to the surface, the forest greeting him once more with its familiar sounds and sights. He breathed a sigh of relief as he began the journey to Gabineaux's Bower.

The walk was peaceful, though Kiona's mind remained focused on the task. The equipment he carried was crucial to understanding how the Calamity had reshaped the land, and he knew that the work being done by the Order of the Twin Adder and Gridania's conjurers was vital to the forest's recovery.

When he arrived at Gabineaux's Bower, Pauline, the conjurer leading the survey, greeted him with a relieved smile.

"You've recovered the equipment! Thank you, Kiona," Pauline said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Kiona handed over the boxes, records, and rope. "Everything's here, just as Monranguin instructed."

Pauline inspected the items, nodding with satisfaction. "This will allow us to continue our work. The Calamity may have reshaped the land, but with your help, we can map the changes and ensure Gridania's safety."

Kiona bowed slightly. "I'm happy to be of service."

Pauline smiled warmly. "Your efforts here will not be forgotten. The forest may never be the same, but thanks to people like you, we can help it heal."

With his task complete, Kiona turned back toward the Bannock, his mind already focused on what lay ahead. The journey to restore the Twelveswood was long and fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them—one step at a time.