Any thoughts Halius had of the boar's death and its surprising words fell away when he entered the boar's cave. Korax had the idea to check it out for anything of note. They went with Cyrene and Mantes to investigate and were constantly surrounded by a foul stench. Halius grew up on a farm and was no stranger to the smells of animals but the boar's was far worse than any animal he encountered before. Although the others made no comment, there was a clear sign of disgust on their faces with scrunched up faces.

Scavenging through the filth found some gold coins. While Halius questioned how a boar had coins to begin with, those thoughts were put to rest when they found the corpses. Although the two hunters they had discovered were the first to discover the boar's cave, they paid the price with their lives. One of them carried a dory like Korax wielded, only that it was outlined with a silver edge. Cyrene took it from the fallen hunter and examined it.

"Why's it silver?" Halius asked.

"Silvered weapons can be more effective when fighting some monsters," Cyrene explained, tracing her hand over the silver. "These fallen hunters certainly had an idea of what to expect."

"It's too bad it wasn't enough," Halius bowed his head.

Cyrene nodded, then held the weapon towards Korax. "It would be a shame to let such a weapon go to rest."

Korax took the spear and examined it. "It'll need some maintenance but I can see what I can do."

"I'll see what I can do," Mantes muttered while looking at the corpses. "Help me get them out of the cave."

Halius needed no excuse to get out of the foul cave, even if the task of carrying corpses was morbid. He grabbed one hunter by the arms while Mantes grabbed him from the legs to carry; Cyrene and Korax followed through with the second corpse. The group carried the corpses outside, where Halius took in a deep breath of fresh air. Mantes led the way to the side where they set down the corpses.

Afterwards, Korax and Cyrene walked to join where most of the group was gathered, although Halius wasn't sure of much of a group they were. By now, Halius knew the names but he wasn't sure if they shared the same purpose. They worked to bring down the boar but there was the question of what happened next in the back of his mind. While Halius enjoyed traveling with Korax and Cyrene, he wasn't sure what to make of a larger group.

By now, most of the group was gathered making a pyre around the boar's corpse, intending to sacrifice it at Kyrah's suggestion. Semestra led the effort in collecting the wood to construct the pyre. Halius never had to worry about conducting sacrifices, although he did raise animals to sell to clerics for sacrifice. He wasn't sure how else he could help other than to collect wood, and already, there was plenty to gather wood.

"We're going to have more wood than we need for the boar," Mantes noted, staying with Halius. "Good. We'll just borrow some of the wood."

"Borrow it for what?" Halius asked.

"Funeral pyres," Mantes answered simply. "Someone has to put the dead to rest."

"I guess so," Halius nodded slowly. "I thought the dead were typically buried."

"Cremation is an acceptable practice and I do not carry a shovel on me," Mantes explained. "I can handle it by myself, unless you want to help."

"Well, it's the right thing to do," Halius said. "I'll get some wood then."

Even though most of the group were strangers to him, Halius thought it would be best to at least try to get to know them while he could. Mantes was quiet and a little eccentric, but he was young, just like Halius. While he was glad to be friends with Korax and Cyrene, they were older than him by several years, and often spoke of experiences Halius never had. Halius thought that he would be able to relate to someone who was closer to him in age.

Mantes prepared the bodies for the pyres while Halius collected wood from some nearby trees. Although some of the others were looking at him to bring the wood for the sacrificial pyre, Halius made it clear that he was helping Mantes with the funeral for the hunters. Semestra decided that it was a good action to give them final rites and lent some wood to aid them, although the others would remain focused on preparing for the sacrifice. The extra wood was enough for the funeral.

Halius and Mantes worked together to construct makeshift pyres around the two hunters. It wasn't anything too special but it was enough to get the job done. Halius ignited a torch he carried and Mantes placed a gold coin on each of the hunter's eyes to take with them to the afterlife. With a nod of approval from the half-elf, Halius lit the funeral pyre aflame.

Mantes glanced off to the side. "You may rest now."

Halius looked to Mantes and blinked. "Huh? But I don't need any rest."

"Oh, I wasn't talking to you," Mantes chuckled and turned back to Halius. "I was talking to the hunters."

"You were?" Halius said, even more confused than before.

"It's a long story," Mantes reached into his pocket and pulled out a flask. "But that story isn't for today."

Mantes took a sip from his flask and then held it to Halius. Although the half-elf's claims were confusing, Halius saw no reason not to believe him. He took the flask and took a quick sip of the wine before holding it back. Mantes took a final sip from the flask, then poured its contents onto the ground in front of the funeral pyre. The two bowed their heads together out of respect for the dead.

"I'm just saying that there's nothing stopping us from eating the boar," Valros said with a shrug, glancing at the boar on the pyre. "This is enough to feed all of us and still enough for a small village. We're just putting it to waste by sacrificing it to the gods."

Valros was quick to note that everyone was looking at him in shock. Yesleth was quick to address them. "Please, do not mind him. He's still new to Thylea."

"Of course," Kyrah nodded. "I take it from where you come from, people do not believe in higher beings?"

"Oh, we do," Valros answered. "We just don't make sacrifices. Well, maybe the temples, but I don't really align with any of the churches myself."

"Here in Thylea, the Five Gods and even the Twin Titans walk the same land as you do," Kyrah explained. "Mortals offer sacrifices to them for their power is real and can shape the land and the people within it in many ways. It would be disrespectful for the gods and the mortals to not sacrifice such a powerful beast."

"Sure," Valros shrugged again. "Whatever you say."

Valros tried to be respectful of the customs of Thylea, but in his mind, the claims of gods walking the land were doubtful. Where he came from, the gods existed, as shown through the powers gifted to their followers. Yet, they never took mortal form and walked the land. In his mind, anyone who claimed to be a god and had a 'mortal' form were just powerful sorcerers with a superiority complex. They were to be respected because their power could kill a normal man but they were no gods.

Although they were strangers, Duris at least made the attempt to get the group together. He let Semestra take charge of preparing the sacrifice given her experience, although Valros was quick to notice some hesitancy from him when speaking. The pyre was constructed so Duris called everyone over so that they could make the sacrifice. Valros stood next to Yesleth, not really caring about the sacrifice itself. At the very least, it was an opportunity to learn more about this strange land he found himself in.

"Let's make this quick so we can move on," Korax started. "We can make a quick sacrifice to Pythor and be on our way."

"Aye," Ranri nodded. "It was a mighty battle an' th' spoils should go te th' God of Battle."

Phoebe chuckled. "Don't bother sacrificing to my father. He is no longer worth the praise of great warriors."

Korax and Ranri both frowned in disappointment, although they didn't object. It was Valros who spoke up. "You're not the child of any god."

"It's true, my good sir," Zyfon said, stepping up to be in front of Phoebe. "I serve the daughter of the God of Battle."

"Don't address me like that," Phoebe grunted. "I will be known for my deeds before I am known for my lineage."

Valros looked around, hoping that someone else would object, but everyone was silent. "Are we just going to accept that she's descended from a god?"

There was muttering of agreements and Yesleth leaned in to whisper to Valros. "Pythor is known for being the father of numerous demigod children. It wouldn't surprise me if Phoebe was one such child."

Valros sighed and shook his head in disappointment. The people of Thylea's beliefs in gods that walked alongside the mortals were so strong they believed that they had children. Phoebe was likely the result of a one-night stand where her mother wasn't able to find the father, and as such, came up with the lie for the daughter. Of course, if anyone looked like a warrior, it'd be Phoebe. He could definitely see how people would come to see her as the daughter of the God of Battle. Valros just wasn't ready to believe she was who she claimed to be.

"If Phoebe stands against a sacrifice to Pythor, then we will consider other options," Thella said. "Does anyone else have someone in mind?"

"Lutheria," Mantes said, and when the others gasped, he chuckled. "What's wrong?"

"You would want to sacrifice to one of the Twin Titans, the Lady of Dreams herself," Duris explained, shocked. "Why would we want that?"

"Although her followers are rare, her lessons are ones that I follow," Mantes slowly grinned. "To live each day as if it were my last, with drink and feasting and dancing and whatever else I find joy in."

"We shouldn't overrule sacrifices to the Twin Titans just because of their reputation," Argades chimed in. "Rather than Lutheria, we should sacrifice the boar to Sydon, the Lord of Storms."

"Sydon was the one who cursed this boar to begin with," Duris said with a hint of anger.

"It's true," Leira nodded in agreement. "Kyrah told us herself. The poet, not the goddess."

"All the more reason to sacrifice the boar to him," Argades reasoned. "Sydon will continue to find ways to harm mortals unless he is appeased. By sacrificing the boar to him, he may be willing to offer mercy."

"If we offer an enemy a gift and they are still our enemy, then we shouldn't offer the gift," Korax countered. "We will not be sacrificing to Sydon."

Argades and Korax glared at each other with Argades reluctantly nodding. "So be it. But if Sydon lashes out again, the consequences will be on you, Korax."

"When Sydon lashes out, I will be there to stop his minions."

Valros decided not to laugh at the absurdity of the situation he found himself in. He figured that any joking at the ridiculous conflict between Argades and Korax would turn their anger at each other on himself. Valros couldn't help but think of their feud as another senseless rivalry between temples of gods. Religious debates can get hostile very quickly, just as Korax and Argades did with their short debate. Of course, Valros' thoughts were sure to start a debate, so he held his tongue for now. He was far from a pious man and had no business telling others what to think, no matter how wrong they were.

"Who does that leave us with then?" Duris asked.

"We could make a sacrifice to Thylea," Thella offered. "That may be fitting."

While the others briefly discussed the idea among themselves, Valros whispered to Yesleth. "Isn't Thylea the name of the land?"

"The land was named after the Great Mother of All," Yesleth whispered back.

"So the land is named after a goddess, the poet is named after another goddess, and the queen of Mytros is named after a third goddess," Valros sighed.

"Actually, the queen isn't named after Vallus, but is Vallus," Yesleth whispered with a smirk.

"If Kyrah ever claims to be a goddess, I may go mad," Valros shook his head.

"While my tribe may be followers of Thylea, I'd like to offer a different idea," Tellek motioned to Ferrous; the construct was repaired from the fight but silent. "I have yet to offer thanks to Volkan for creating Ferrous. I would like to propose sacrificing the boar to do that."

"Now that's an idea I could get behind," Ranri nodded. "Th' God o' Forges has always been a friend te th' dwarves."

"Yes, but does this really have anything to do with forges?" Cyrene pointed out. "Might we sacrifice it to Mytros? I feel as though if we are to face the Twin Titans, we should sacrifice the boar to their biggest enemy."

"That's how you anger Sydon and get him to attack mortals," Argades shook his head.

Valros rolled his eyes, becoming tired of the constant back and forth. "We've named so many gods at this point. How about we just sacrifice the damn boar to Kyrah and call it a day!"

"Really, now?" Kyrah the poet asked. "Do you have a reason?"

"Not really but I'm sick and tired of this nonsense!" Valros crossed his arms. "You all take this too seriously. I don't even know any of these gods. I don't even know what Kyrah is the goddess of, but I just want to get on with my life."

"I am for sacrificing the boar to Kyrah," Zyfon spoke up. "Think of it. This is the start of an amazing story. We are heroes who will protect the dear people of Thylea from the forces that threaten them."

"It's a good idea," Halius agreed. "I mean, we're here because of one Kyrah, so why not give thanks to another Kyrah?"

"I'm not seeing any objections," Semestra noted and glanced over at everyone. "Unless someone does, I say we sacrifice the boar and light the pyre.

Everyone was silent. Valros blinked his eyes in honest surprise, unable to figure out why his suggestion worked out. He didn't even care for the gods of this land as much as they did, and yet, no one seemed to care at his near-blasphemous words and actions. Valros wanted to roll his eyes but resisted the urge out of just wanting the sacrifice to be over.

At Semestra's direction, they stood in rows in front of the pyre, with Valros in the back row. Semestra stood at the pyre and with a quick chant, produced a ball of flame in the palm of her hand. She set the flame gently on the pyre, immolating it. The flames quickly consumed the boar. Semestra led the way in a minor prayer to dedicate the sacrifice to Kyrah, although Valros was distracted by the smell of the burning boar. They really wasted perfectly good meat to the gods of all things.

Kyrah stepped before the group. "Thank you, Semestra. This was a lot of hard work."

"I'm just doing my duty to the gods of Thylea," Semestra bowed her head.

"You know, I wouldn't think that you would sacrifice the boar to me," Kyrah faced the group to a grin. "But it means so much to me that you would pick me."

"Huh?" Valros blinked in shock.

"Wait, you're THE Kyrah?" Halius gasped.

"Yes, I am," Kyrah giggled. "I apologize for my deception but I didn't want to have you feel like I was forcing you to hunt the boar. This made for a much better story."

Zyfon fell down onto his knees. "Oh, forgive me, Goddess of Music! Clearly, there was a reason you've read bad poetry!"

Valros took a quick look around to see how the others were taking in the news. For the most part, only Halius and Zyfon were shocked. The others were simply nodding, accepting the development. Valros scoffed. Were they really just going to accept her claim of godhood? The tiefling just held his head which was starting to hurt from overthinking everything that happened.

"Are we really just going to accept what Kyrah is telling us?" Valros asked the group, which had everyone turn to face him. "Look at her! She's just some human woman."

Zyfon shot up to his feet with a glare. "How dare you speak ill of the Goddess of Music?!"

"Let's just say for a moment that the gods really do walk around the world," Valros said. "Why do you think she's one of them?"

"Her name is Kyrah," Korax answered.

"And she's a poet too," Yesleth added.

"I am who I say I am, and to you heroes today, I swear an oath of protection," Kyrah turned to Valros with a smile. "I'd be happy to share some poetry with you to prove who I am if you do not believe me."

Valros waved a dismissive hand. "No. No. No. I have enough of a headache as is. I'm just going to take a walk… I don't know."

"You can do that," Duris said with a shrug.

"Just be sure to come back here when you're ready," Yesleth told him. "We'll be setting up camp here."

"I'll think about it," Valros sighed. "And if you hear me screaming, I'm not in danger."

Valros walked off, shaking his head. He could feel the odd looks on him from the others. It didn't matter to him. He just needed to unwind after a stressful battle and a strange aftermath.

When the sun started to set, the group made camp. The camp they set up was unorganized with groups splitting off onto their own. Although Yesleth made the choice to join Korax's group alongside Valros, the others were by themselves. Mantes even made the choice to camp by himself, even after Iraster offered him to join his camp. Duris didn't want to look like he preferred one group over the other and instead set up camp for himself, Leira, and Thella. He hoped that one day, the group would be united as one, but for now, that wouldn't be the case for today.

Thankfully, there was some mixing of the groups around the center of the camping ground. Iraster had set it up and helped cook a stew. Cyrene was able to provide the meat for the meal after an hour of hunting. Although the meal was now over and some of the others were off on their own, Duris still sat by the campfire, joined by Thella, Korax, Iraster, Ranri, Phoebe, and Kyrah. The group was silent for the most part, enjoying the warmth of the fire as the night settled in.

It was Thella who broke the silence after so long. "We all heard what the boar said when it died, right?"

There were a series of nods with Phoebe turning to Kyrah. "You know more than you're letting on. What is the meaning of this?"

"Five hundred years ago, the Oath of Peace was created, ending the war between the titans and the settlers," Kyrah explained, gazing into the fire. "I had hoped that during this time, the titans would become more tolerant of mortals, or for mortals to be able to stand their ground when the oath ended. While the boar shows that the Twin Titans will stop at nothing to destroy the kingdoms of Thylea, there is still hope for the people. The Oracle has seen that a group of heroes may be able to stop Sydon and Lutheria. By slaying the cursed boar, you have proven that you are the ones chosen to save Thylea."

"This is a lot to take in," Iraster muttered out loud. "I don't think I'm strong enough to save anyone."

"Then get stronger," Phoebe grunted. "Better we die trying to do good than to give up now."

"I suppose you have a point," Iraster nodded. "And I take it that we're going to work together for this."

"That's right," Duris answered. "The only way we will be able to defeat the Twin Titans is together."

"It's going to be a lot of work," Thella took a quick glance around the camp. "We're hardly a unified fellowship."

"Just give it time," Korax shrugged, then looked at Kyrah. "What's our next move?"

"I do not know how the story will go, but the Oracle does," Kyrah said. "It's time we've paid her a visit."

Duris tensed up at the mention of the Oracle. There was always a part of his mind that there was going to be a time that he would have to return to her, which was a thought he dreaded. Although he wasn't used to the world of Thylea as it was now, being free and being able to make his own choices were what mattered. While he could make his own choices with the Oracle, she always held a certain sway over him. If she had asked him to do something, that thought would be in his mind.

"Yesleth and I have been searching for the Oracle separately and had no luck so far," Korax informed the group. "How are we to find her?"

"We'll keep searchin', that's how," Ranri grinned. "A meetin' with th' Oracle could be th' chance fer her te ordain me, Argades, an' Semestra as th' new Dragonlords."

Korax rolled his eyes. "I'm sure the Oracle is more worried about the end of Thylea."

"It was th' Dragonlords that first fought the Twin Titans," Ranri explained. "It should be th' Dragonlords that end th' fight."

"You can save your debates for later," Phoebe shook her head. "If we can't find her, then what's the point?"

"Even the Academy of Mytros doesn't have records on where the Oracle is," Iraster noted. "Is there anyone that does?"

"I… I know," Duris muttered but his words were enough to draw everyone to look at him.

"Do you really?" Phoebe asked in disbelief. "How?"

"It's a long story," Duris couldn't bring himself to look at anyone, instead clasping his hands together. "We're near her though. Two days of traveling, maybe three."

"And why should we trust you?" Phoebe questioned. "I don't like it when someone keeps a secret from me. You are keeping secrets from us now."

"I don't want to talk about it," Duris said, his body slightly trembling. "I can guide us there."

"Can you even walk in your condition?" Phoebe challenged with her arms crossed. "Did I catch you in a lie?"

Duris shook his head. "There are… There are reasons I'd rather not go back. And I'm not ready to talk about it."

Korax spoke before Phoebe could get another word in. "That's enough, Phoebe. Leave him in peace. We'll follow your lead, Duris."

"Don't ever interrupt me again," Phoebe said. She stood up and walked to her bedroll, shouting out one last warning. "If we do not make it to the Oracle by the time he says that we'll be there, Zyfon and I will leave."

"Is everything alright, Duris?" Kyrah asked, concerned. "You don't have to tell us why, but if there's any way we can help, we can."

"Honestly, I'd rather not go, but if it's Thylea at stake, then I'll lead the way," Duris declared, although his voice was quiet. "I think I want to get some sleep."

Thella placed her hand on Duris' shoulder. "Whatever happens, we'll be there for you."

"Aye," Ranri agreed, with Iraster and Korax nodding. "We're in this fer th' good o' Thylea. Whatever comes next, we're here fer ye."

Duris sighed. "Thank you, but right now, I just want to get some sleep."

The campfire dimmed down at Duris' words and everyone grew silent. He stood up, shrugging Thella's hand off his shoulder, and made his way to his bedroll. If it was his destiny to return to the Oracle, then he would do so. If he could guarantee the safety of the people of Thylea, he would risk his freedom by returning to the Oracle, and hope to forget who he was if he had to stay again.

Yet, there was still some hope for Duris to be free. They could never fight the Oracle, who was in no doubt an ally. Yet, it seemed as though some of his new companions would stand up for him. Even when keeping secrets of who he actually was, they would defend him if given the chance. He wasn't sure how those feelings would change once the truth came out but he was glad to have their support.

Duris tried hard to rest that night but he couldn't stop thinking of what the future held for him with his return to the Oracle's temple. He had to believe that it, just like meeting these heroes, happened for a good reason.

A/N: Another shorter chapter but things are moving on. I am still behind on the NaNoWriMo word count but am making significant progress over the weekend. I believe I will be able to post one more chapter over the weekend, which will be longer as it details several character interactions. The chapter that comes out after the 15th will be important, as in the author note's, I will make a decision on if I made enough progress to continue NaNoWriMo or if I should move on due to falling behind.

If you've enjoyed the story so far, feel free to like, follow, and leave a review.

Until next time.