The sun rose over the Desolate Expanse, casting golden hues across the mercenary outpost. Jon stood atop the watchtower overlooking the sprawling desert wasteland, arms folded, his eyes scanning the horizon with purpose.
Inside his home, Asha quietly folded the hand-woven blanket Jon had bought for her. Her gentle fingers paused every so often over her stomach, now fuller than before. She was entering her ninth month, and the child stirred often.
Jon stepped back into the house with a firm expression.
Jon:
"Asha, we leave in three days. I've already started arranging the route and protection."
Asha looked up, startled.
Asha:
"Three days?"
Jon:
"We don't have time to waste. The Black Wreath isn't done yet. If what you say is true, they'll strike again. I don't intend to wait around."
Asha nodded solemnly. She placed a hand over her stomach protectively.
Asha:
"Then I'll trust you, Jon. But… Seirei no Tami won't welcome us easily. Especially with you being human."
Jon smirked slightly.
Jon:
"Then it's a good thing I'm not just any human."
---
By the end of the day, Jon had sent messages to a few trustworthy contacts across the region. He secured a small, inconspicuous transport wagon, loaded with magical food stores, healing potions, and protective talismans. He also acquired cloaking runes—rare artifacts that could mask spiritual presence for brief windows of time.
In the dead of night, Jon met with Guild Master Renvar under the stars outside the guild hall.
Renvar:
"You sure about this, Jon? That forest is on no map. Everyone who wanders into the Spiritfolk's domain never comes back."
Jon:
"I'm not wandering in. I'm returning something precious."
Renvar handed him a thick parchment sealed in wax.
Renvar:
"Take this. It's a mercenary charter. If anyone questions you along the road, say you're under official guild business. And Jon…"
He paused, his usual gruff demeanor softening.
Renvar:
"Come back alive. The Desolate Expanse doesn't need another ghost story."