“Yeah, I cannot lift her on my own.” I say, dragging Meuko close to a rock, so that her body is not just left clumsily on the ground.

  “This is quite the predicament, then. I assume you will not leave her behind.” Tiaj sighs.

  “And reinforcements will be here soon.” Julie says, looking around. “Did you find the book?”

  “I am afraid not.” Sylvar sighs.

  A problem for another time.

  I can only describe the battlefield as a mess. Blood splattered across the rocks, the hills filled with bodily remains. Words can barely convey the smell, the imagery, the eerie sensation of death surrounding us.

  “We must move efficiently and quickly. My dear friend Volter and I will both carry Meuko. We can certainly manage that between the two of us. The important issue is guarding the wizard.” Sylvar says.

  “Refer to me as Irmgard.”

  “His name is Tiaj.” I say.

  “That explains the necromantic predilection. To think we have someone of such prestige among us.” Sylvar exclaims.

  “Can we walk and talk? Besides, he is not running away. He could use magic whenever he wanted to. We are his best shot at whatever he wants, said so himself.” I explain.

  “Indeed so.” Tiaj says.

  “I should leave now. Place is clear. Best chance.” Snaray says.

  “Do you have a plan?” I ask.

  “Depends. Why did you keep one alive?” Snaray asks.

  The goblin in question is tied up and completely immobilized, looking at us in fear. Destroying everyone around it would do that to someone’s confidence, I suppose.

  Look at me, already using lighter expressions from the past. It is as if the torturing and mortal fear, along with risky escapes and deathly fights never happened.

  “In case you did not want to go back. I wanted to let this one know what to tell to the Queen.” I explain.

  “Thought as much. I do not think she would help you with that.” Snaray responds.

  “The Queen?” Julie asks.

  “The goblin.” Snaray says.

  “One day, I will be able to understand the physical differences, I promise.” I chuckle.

  “Yeah, right.” Snaray says. “I will tell her the important bits. So, we do not need her.”

  He draws his sword, stabbing the female goblin straight through the neck. The blood pools on the ground, as she sighs for the last time.

  “That was… Weirdly brutal, given all the other killings of today.” I say.

  “Because she was defenseless, the fight was over. However, the current politics between the goblin tribes and our faction do not allow for careless kindness.” Sylvar explains.

  “We cannot have witnesses.” Snaray says.

  “True.” Julie responds.

  I guess everyone is going through intense ordeals, not just myself. And they are right. We cannot allow potential alliances or plans crumble because of one goblin’s survival. Stay on task.

  “Zamayular has already informed her of the wizard and the success of the ritual’s interruption. He must have. He must have also informed her of his plans to kill you. We should assume that as well.” I growl, frustrated. “So, how do we keep Snaray safe?”

  “No such thing, I am afraid. We are into perilous territory now.” Sylvar responds.

  “We should be faster.” Julie says, taking the rope off the most recently killed goblin.

  “Right. Tell her we have the wizard and will share any information he gives us through you and only you. Tell her you survived his abominations and explain exactly what happened to everyone.” I say.

  “So, the truth?” Snaray says.

  “What an extraordinary plan.” Sylvar sighs.

  “What advantage would that possibly avail to you in the coming days?” Tiaj asks.

  “We just made Snaray survive another impossible fight. Imagine the influence he could gain now. Which means…” I turn to Snaray. “You are the only way this alliance works. I understand the Queen made a decision to kill you but that was because of the rushed nature of today. I hope, at least. We make her second-guess the value of that decision. You will be in the protection of the gray goblins again. All you have to do next is what we already agreed on before leaving your mine.” I say.

  “What about that sword?” Snaray asks.

  “Say that I will bring it to her, if it exists. We keep the same story. Repeat it, as often as possible. Buy us enough time to figure things out.” I say.

  “I do not know if you are aware of your actions, my dear friend. You have somehow managed to figure out the entire process of faction politics.” Sylvar chuckles, much to Tiaj’s amusement.

  “I am going to need an explanation of exactly how politics work. After we get to safety.” I say.

  “See you soon.” Snaray says, running away.

  “We do not have a lot of time before the night is upon us.” Sylvar says, finally helping me lift Meuko.

  “Of all the times to drop unconscious.” I sneer.

  “She suffered the brunt of my magic. As amazed as I am that she pulled something like that off, one does not walk unscathed from an encounter such as that.” Tiaj says, walking alongside us.

  “She got stabbed by so many weapons, without her powers protecting her. I cannot believe she stayed alive as long as she did.” Julie says.

  “Are we going to talk about you healing people from a distance? Since when can you do that?” I ask.

  “I cannot. I guess an effect of this wizard’s magic.” Julie explains.

  “I can only imagine what you all can achieve with proper guidance. My guidance.” Tiaj says.

  We collectively sigh and focus on getting home.

  The trek is long and slow, given the extra weight.

  We reach the forest, looking for the nearest path to follow towards our Village. We remain silent, preserving strength. It is not as if this situation we are in is safe. After a long delay, I find myself unable to contain my question.

  “How long has it been?” I ask.

  “As if you were never gone.” Sylvar chuckles. “About two hours.”

  “What happened, Volt? Where were you?” Julie finally asks.

  Where do I begin? How do I keep my composure?

  “I want nothing more than to talk about this, but I think we should wait. Meuko should hear this as well.” I say.

  “Right.” Julie responds.

  “Which means I safely assume you were Volter’s party before he was abducted by the goblins? A newly adopted strategy of theirs, one which they have quickly perfected.” Tiaj says.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “We should keep our ears pricked, not make it harder to pick up sounds by talking loud.” Sylvar says.

  The next few hours somehow pass even slower than the rest.

  While finding a path made things easier, the constant vigilance proved exhausting. Thankfully, no reinforcements appeared. With Zamayular’s death, the ability to communicate was taken away from them. There was no one to organize a hunt while following us.

  This land is familiar. I can tell that in a few minutes, we are going to reach the Village. I cannot believe it. The mere thought of it makes me want to cry. At least, it is too dark for anyone to tell that I am crying.

  “Are you alright, my friend?” Sylvar asks.

  Come on. Give a man his privacy.

  “I would ask for a break, but we have already stopped like, what, five times?” I ask.

  “Seven.” Tiaj responds.

  “You, shut up. I find you exhausting already.” I say.

  “I can give some light if you want. Surely, the goblins will not follow us here.” Julie says.

  “I believe you are quite right.” Sylvar says.

  Julie charges her staff with magic, light emanating off the top of it. The forest responds to the light, bugs running away and birds cawing in surprise.

  “I think you are upsetting nature.” I laugh.

  “Where am I?” Meuko asks.

  “Finally.” I say, nodding at Sylvar to let her down slowly.

  “You carried me away?” Meuko asks.

  “We thought about leaving you but I need somebody to carry me around when I am tired.” I chuckle.

  She hits me, in a more powerful way than I would like.

  “Just a few steps now.” Sylvar says.

  “Let me check on you again. Just to make sure.” Julie says, inspecting Meuko.

  “Fine, fine.” Meuko grunts, raising her hands. “You already healed me.”

  “Shut up.” Julie responds.

  After a careful body inspection, Julie nods her head, allowing her sister to walk by herself.

  “I can only imagine how everyone will act when they see me.” I say.

  “About that… We did not tell them about your messages. Just so you know.” Julie says.

  “Oh. Well, this is going to be awkward.” I say.

  “Are you finally back? We were worried.” A voice from the Village.

  I did not even realize we reached the boundaries. The talking distracted me.

  “We brought visitors.” Meuko shouts.

  “A lot of them?” Hollis finally reveals herself, wearing armor, carrying a spear and a shield. “Is that-”

  “Good to see you, too.” I say, tears building up.

  I am not about to cry.

  “What? I am waking up the whole place.” Hollis runs down the road, pulling on a chord.

  A bell goes off repeatedly. She actually means the whole place.

  “It is going to be one long night.” I chuckle.

  “We deserve it.” Julie says.

  “We are so having a feast.” Meuko laughs.

  The Hunters are the first to greet us.

  “Volter.” Eadwald says.

  “The kid is back. Unbelievable. Who is this one in ropes?” Modesta says.

  “Modesta, do me a favour. Grab this wizard. Put him into chains that can suppress his magic. He is incredibly strong.” I say.

  A certain Blight Dog runs towards Sylvar, only to then realize that a long lost friend is back. Two snouts turn to me, then proceed to smell all over my legs and waist.

  “I missed you, disgusting creature.” I say, running my hands all over the fur.

  Smooth as always.

  “Welcome back, Volter.” Alayne says, the expression cold, as if I was gone for five minutes.

  I ignore the cold welcome, focusing on Sylvie instead.

  “So. Who is this?” Modesta asks.

  “A prisoner. A vital one.” I say.

  “The Old Guard. In the flesh.” Tiaj says.

  “Who?” Alayne asks.

  “You followed Edvath into battle.” Tiaj exclaims, his face almost euphoric.

  “Take him away. Now.” Alayne nods at Modesta.

  With a flick of his fingers, the dwarf conjures handcuffs from the earth, locking them around Tiaj’s hands. Runes burn into the handcuffs. I can feel that Tiaj’s magic is suppressed as soon as the handcuffs lock on him. Modesta is one handy sorcerer.

  Eadwald puts a hand on my shoulder, showing me a more compassionate expression than when we trained together.

  “It is so good to see you again, Volter. If only I could show you how much.” Eadwald says.

  “We will have plenty of time for that. Where are-”

  “Kid.” Dariy shouts, accompanied by Ean and Brinout.

  “Dads.” The tears only intensify at the sight of my parents.

  Ean and Dariy rush me, giving the tightest hug I could ever imagine.

  “I am so glad Julie healed my arm. Means I can enjoy this embrace all night.” I say.

  “We thought- We thought…” Ean mumbles.

  “Oh, kid. We missed you.” Dariy says.

  “No more than I missed you. You have no idea.” I say.

  More and more Villagers gather around us. Some are crying at the sight of a family reunited. Others are embracing each other, mimicking our happiness. Whispers fill the background. Questions are thrown around.

  “Volter.” Ana shouts, grabbing my leg.

  “I could not keep the kids inside. Bell woke them up.” Murat says.

  “Wait, you mean all-”

  The horde of kids interrupt me, all grabbing and hugging me. Under the collective weight, I buckle and drop on the ground. Sylvie gets even more agitated, ferociously licking my head.

  “Wait. This is too much.” I laugh.

  “We were all waiting for you.” Julie says, tears in her eyes as well.

  “Yeah.” Meuko adds.

  “I concur.” Sylvar says.

  “There- I- Just-”

  Turns out, I am crying without end.

  The emotions are overwhelming. Forming full sentences is quite hard, focusing on everyone. All the Villagers must be here. Even the ones I do not interact with that much.

  “Take him out of here.” Alayne grunts.

  Modesta removes Tiaj from the gathering, heading for Alayne’s home. Eadwald follows them. That seems like a stressful situation I will have to worry about. Tomorrow.

  “Tomorrow night, we are having a feast. The entire village.” Alayne declares.

  “Where are you going to fit the lot of us?” A random voice in the background asks.

  “Do not worry about that. Modesta and I will figure something out.” Alayne chuckles.

  I finally realize why Alayne was cold earlier. For a split second, the moment before he turns his back to me, walking away… His expression is that of frustration, almost anger.

  What happened to me was Alayne’s best scenario. I got killed before being a threat as an Empty One, but he did not have a hand in it. And now I am back. His problem came back.

  “I thank you all for being here, for your heartfelt joy. Please, let us go home. Tomorrow, we can all enjoy the feast. I am sure our Hunters need their rest.” Ean says.

  “No.” Ana nags.

  “Come on, girl.” Murat picks her up. “You will see him in the morning. You too, Angzod.”

  “I… I am glad you are back.” Angzod says, with a big smile on his face.

  “Me too. Me too.” I say, urging him back to his mother.

  “All of you, get back here.” Brinout’s scolding voice scares the rest of the kids into saying goodbye, returning to their beds.

  As my group, my parents and I walk to my home, I listen to the various people talking.

  “Where was he the whole time?”

  “Did you see all the scars?”

  “That armor is not Blago’s.”

  For a moment, my mind feels cloudy.

  “I really need to sleep.” I say.

  “No worries.” Meuko says, in front of my house.

  “We are all coming with you.” Julie follows.

  “Of course you are.” Ean says.

  “Guess we need more food.” Dariy chuckles.

  “I can ask Hollis.” Sylvar says.

  “Wait, you are all planning on sleeping here?” I ask.

  “Quite slow on the uptake there.” Sylvar says, followed by Sylvie’s excited bark.

  All of us walk in, preparing the table and deciding the topic of discussion. That last one is pretty easy to decide. Where I was, how I am back, that sort of thing.

  We spend hours talking to each other. First we talk while eating, then do the same while staying in my room. I tell them specific things. I talk about the chains but not about the torture. The running away but not the pain that followed me that night. I tell them about things of goblin culture, of the fight between me and the four gray goblins.

  But, I hide the fear I felt. I do not mention the ways in which my thoughts have changed. The way I feel colder.

  “You went through all that and still found your way back to us. Thank you, son.” Ean says.

  “I think we should probably go to bed, love.” Dariy says.

  “I do not mind having you here.” I say.

  “We will be right next door, you know that. But, you should probably all catch up in a more private way. You all are family, after all.” Dariy says.

  I hug them both, knowing they are doing this for my sake.

  “Thank you.” I say.

  “Goodnight.” Both of them say, walking out of the room.

  “Hey… Think I can-” I take a deep breath, still finding it hard to control my conflicting thoughts about being home.

  I am glad. But there is also something scary in confronting everyone. In explaining things over and over. What about the kids? How do I hide the fear? How do-

  “Think I can help in the fields tomorrow?” I ask.

  I should not lose the opportunity to be with my parents, while I still can.

  “Of course. Love to have you there.” Ean says.

  “What he said.” Dariy chuckles, finally closing the door.

  The room is silent for a bit, except for the noises coming from my parents’ room. Well, there is also the huffing and puffing of one creature demanding never-ending scratches.

  “She really missed me.” I chuckle, running hands all over Sylvie’s face.

  I have not seen her in so long. I missed her so much, that her drooling does not even annoy me.

  “We all did. We really did.” Julie says.

  “Still.” I say, moving around the room and taking off my armor. “This place seems clean.”

  “I dust it every morning. Your parents even let me crash here a few times.” Meuko says.

  “I kept your equipment functional, Julie took over your administrative duty. Each one dealt with your loss as best we could.” Sylvar explains.

  “I see. Thank you.” I say, resting next to them again, this time in more comfortable clothes.

  “I am sorry about those.” Julie says.

  “What do you mean?” I ask.

  “Your scars.” She points at my more recent ones, the ones made during my capture. “I could not heal them, even with all that power you gave me.”

  “What are you talking about? I never expected you to make them go away. I always had the scars from the wounds you heal.” I chuckle.

  “I know.” Julie says, tears in her eyes.

  “Thank you. All of you. For being so close to me when I needed you.” I say. “Out there… I would have died without you.”

  “Your messages saved you. We were there on your orders.” Sylvar says.

  “And those screams, they did the job guiding us.” Meuko chuckles.

  We all laugh again.

  “So many things to talk about. Where do we start?” Julie asks.

  “How about we let Volt rest and talk about stuff tomorrow?” Meuko says.

  “That sounds great. I really need the sleep.” I say.

  “Wonderful.” Sylvar says, placing his coat on the floor and resting.

  “Go on. You deserve the bed.” Meuko chuckles, putting one hand behind her head and closing her eyes.

  She does not even need a coat.

  “Goodnight.” Julie says, dragging the Blight Dog away from my bed. “Come on, Sylvie, you can lick him tomorrow. First thing, I promise.”

  “I do not think she will let you keep her away from me.” I respond, urging Sylvie to follow me.

  Julie sighs, choosing to sleep on a chair. I do not know how that is more comfortable than the floor, but she uses her coat like a blanket.

  While I want to spend time and think about how good seeing everyone felt, I simply crawl on my bed, sighing in exhaustion. Tonight, I get to sleep free.

  Tonight… I am home.

  “Can you go change clothes at least, Meuko? These are tattered. What if they tear apart while you are moving?” I ask.

  “Fine.” Meuko drags her response.

  We all laugh.