The battlefield still reeks of blood and burnt flesh. The wounded are prioritised, dragged or carried from the carnage to makeshift infirmaries. Healers and clerics work tirelessly, their hands slick with magic and blood as they mend torn flesh and stabilise the dying.

  Meanwhile, scouts sweep beyond the battlefield, ensuring no remnants of the enemy linger in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. The dead remain where they fell for now. There is no time for mourning, only survival.

  Warriors gather the fallen, separating friends from beasts. Commanders and elders convene. The decision is made: pyres.

  Wood is gathered, stacked in towering pyres, while the dead are prepared for their final rest. Their armours are stripped, weapons set aside to return to grieving families. Priests and mages conduct final rites, whispering prayers into the wind, hoping they reach the realm where the soul rests.

  The air thickens with the scent of burning incense, an attempt to mask the inevitable stench. Some whisper that the battlefield still hums with restless spirits, waiting for release.

  At sundown, the pyres are lit, their flames a solemn tribute to those who gave their lives to protect Mistwood.

  Edran, Theodore, and Darius stand before the survivors.

  “This is not just our victory,” Edran declares. “This is a message. We are not prey. We are not weak. And we will never fall.”

  —

  “Why are you leaving in such a hurry?” Audrey and Clementine ask Risa.

  Risa scratches the back of her head. “Sorry for leaving so suddenly, but Finn says we need to meet the professor soon to make it in time.” It’s the best excuse she can come up with, not that it’s a lie.

  Clementine takes Risa’s hands. “I’ll stay here to watch over Tristane and Samson. They’ll be better in no time.”

  “I should bring you to Osemond, but…” Audrey hesitates.

  Risa finishes for her, “I know. You have to stay back and help rebuild your town. If I could stay longer, I’d want to help too. But I have to leave early, so really, I should be the one apologising.”

  “Risa… here, take this.” Audrey is relieved by Risa’s understanding beyond her years. She tosses something to her.

  “This is… a transportation stone?” Risa’s eyes widen as she snatches the glimmering stone from the air, astonishment flickering across her face.

  “Yes. When you went missing in the labyrinth, I kept blaming myself for not giving you one beforehand. So, we got this for you.” Audrey places a firm hand on Risa’s shoulder and leans in. “Clementine says Finn’s reliable. He protected you girls on the battlefield. But there’s nothing wrong with being a little more prepared. Mark this stone so only you can use it. If anything happens, it will bring you back to your chosen location.”

  A transportation stone can be used only once, and, like storage and masking stones, it responds only to those who have marked it. Higher grades allow for travel across greater distances.

  “Want to say goodbye to Tristane and Samson too?” Clementine asks.

  Touched by their kindness, Risa pulls them both into a hug. “Of course! I wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye to them.”

  —

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  Meanwhile, Finn steps quietly into Alan’s healing chamber. This time, the room is fuller than before: along with Esta and Lucille, both Micah and Mrs Heather have gathered.

  Alan remains unconscious.

  The little boy presses close to his mother, his eyes wide with confusion as the weight of the room settles around him.

  Finn inquires about their well-being, shifting the conversation to lighter topics in an attempt to lift the mood.

  Lucille suddenly remembers something and rummages through her bag. “I meant to return this.” She hands Finn a small pouch. “These are the coins from selling your portion of spoils. It’s yours.”

  Finn takes it but immediately presses it into Esta’s hands. “This is for Alan. Please, just take it.”

  “No, Finn. I can’t accept this.” Esta shakes her head, pushing the pouch back.

  “It’s not just for Alan. It’s for you, Micah, and your mother too.” He insists. “I already got more than enough from the labyrinth.”

  Esta hesitates at first. Eventually, she accepts his goodwill and thanks him.

  After saying his farewells, Finn turns to leave, only for Lucille to catch up to him at the last moment. “It’ll be a while before we meet again. Want to grab a drink before your departure tomorrow? We can bring our own beers and find a nice spot.” She smirks, and for a second, it’s like they’re back in the labyrinth, holding each other to promises made in the dark.

  No reason to say no to that.

  Finn grins and nods, already thinking about who else he could pull in for the night. Some laughter wouldn’t hurt after the tough days they’ve had.

  —

  The rest of his day goes to the Family Hunters.

  Their homes are half-ruined, roofs torn and walls splintered, but they’re still standing. And somehow, they still manage to greet him like nothing’s changed. Anna, Emma, and Caroline welcome him with arms open, faces bright. They offer him what little food they have left without hesitation.

  Frank and Steve attempt to help with the chores but are swiftly shooed away by their wives, who insist they entertain Finn instead.

  They exchange stories. Steve shares about rebuilding his home, his wife, and his child. Finn is relieved to see his friend returning to his old self and recovering from the trauma.

  Frank, on the other hand, is already planning to join next year’s hunting expedition.

  Rathen, now able to speak normally, is careful not to strain his throat. Upon hearing Finn is heading to Osemond to meet someone at The Academy, he mentions considering sending Caroline there when she turns sixteen.

  Time passes, and the sun dips below the horizon. The perfect time for a drink with Lucille.

  Finn invites the members of the Family Hunters and their families to join them, and none of them rejects his offer.

  Under the starlit sky, they sit together on picnic mats, exchanging names, greetings, and news—alongside plenty of drinks.

  Beer has never tasted better. They drink to their hearts’ content, relishing this brief moment of peace. Rathen, being a light drinker and still recovering, only takes a few sips, while Caroline and the children are allowed only juice.

  Though it’s the first time Frank, Rathen and their families meet Lucille, alcohol proves to be the perfect icebreaker. Soon, they’re laughing and sharing stories like old friends.

  Finn remains sober, watching over them with a bright smile.

  Peace is so easily taken for granted, yet so desperately sought once lost.

  By the end of the night, Finn has to help Lucille back to her tent. Anna holds onto Frank, guiding him home as he stumbles with their little girl in tow. Steve, even more wasted, is half-carried by Emma and Jimmy. Rathen and Caroline stay behind to clean up.

  Before parting, Rathen turns to Finn. “Thank you, Finn. I can never repay you for saving my life.”

  Finn simply nods.

  —

  Back in his tent, Inky and Plushie are nestled in the corner, already accustomed to their new home.

  Finn kneels beside them, pulling something from his bag. “Here. Wear this all the time.”

  It’s a small hood. Finn helps Inky slip it on, adjusting the fabric until it sits just above his eyebrows and drapes low enough to hide his noble attire.

  “This will do,” he says.

  Then, he picks up Plushie, pressing it gently into Inky’s arms. “No floating around others. Stay with Inky. Is that alright?”

  Plushie settles against Inky, a silent ‘yes.’

  With that, everything is in place. Tomorrow, he’ll meet Risa, bid farewell to Mira and John, and then—

  On to Osemond.