The fight resolved quickly enough without any casualties, minus some minor easily patched-up cuts and wounds. Vlad thought for a moment he could have simply stayed in the tent, still pretending to be unconscious.

The fact that he didn't wasn't doing him any favors.

"So, let me get this straight," Ethelwulf started with crossed arms while his eyes bore into Vlad, keeping their march towards the mountains. "All of this fuss just so you could have a moment of privacy, and then decide to go all out on just a few stray Corrupted?"

"You couldn't have put it more curtly, could you?" Vlad retorted, his head turned away. "I'm trying to get the hang of things, Ethelwulf."

A long sigh escaped his lips. "Vladimir, there's a difference between getting the hang of things and rushing it. Don't misuse the Emblem Ring at your leisure. I'm pretty sure Sir Sigurd has already filled you in on its responsibility."

"That he did, but that doesn't mean getting used to this… power is prohibited. I'd even say using it more often can come in very handy."

Ethelwulf could only shake his head. "And here I thought you were the careful one."

"I could say the same to you," Vlad shot back, his gaze finally landing on Ethelwulf. Each step they made prolonged the staring contest until both of them let out amused huffs at the same time.

"I guess none of us are fit to lecture one another, huh?" Ethelwulf remarked and Vlad nodded.

"I can't disagree."

Switching his attention back to the road they were taking, Vlad looked up at the mountains still quite far away but getting ever-so closer. His eyes narrowed before he looked around the marching band, already noticing some wary gazes sent his way. He understood why, but to think his near death still rewarded him with this kind of treatment was annoying him.

"So, when do you think we'll reach the place?" Vlad asked.

"Shouldn't be more than a week or two, I'd reckon — if we maintain our speed. The road ahead seems mostly free from the Corrupted, so let's hope it'll stay that way."

Ethelwulf then gave Vlad a look. "And hopefully you won't resort to turning yourself into a show-off."

"I wasn't showing off," Vlad said with a groan before lowering his voice. "Just because I have this ring doesn't mean I'm going to use it all willy-nilly. I did it with a purpose in mind."

"While admirable, not many people will understand your intentions," Ethelwulf's eyes narrowed. "Vladimir, having that Emblem Ring is basically a badge of honour from the Divine Dragon herself. Think of what kind of example you gave everyone around here with that stunt of yours."

Instead of continuing, Ethelwulf looked over to his left side before turning back to the people marching behind them. "We've walked far enough! Make camp!"

Several relieved sighs reached their ears before the sprawling horde dispersed into a field of activity. Tents began to pop up left and right while Ethelwulf and Vlad stayed glued in their spot, overlooking them.

"I'll see you in my tent shortly, Vladimir," Ethelwulf said. "This issue will need a longer conversation in a more private setting."

Vlad only crossed his arms as he watched Ethelwulf slowly leave his side before he clicked his tongue. "Talk about an image. Like I haven't done that enough already in the past."

With a bitter taste in his mouth, he walked towards one of the caravans and acquired one of the few tents left inside. Once he found a spot at the edge of the camp, he quickly put it up, sprawled out an old ragged piece of cloth that was his mat and wrapped up dried hay as his pillow.

Just the look of his makeshift bed made him groan. "This isn't going to be comfortable."

After putting his weapon and armour away, he sat down on the mat and crossed his arms, allowing himself to finally catch a break. He was no stranger to strolls across a large city or a forest, but never one this long. If Ethelwulf hadn't been there to keep him company, he could have fallen asleep with how boring it was.

Vlad closed his eyes and took a long deep breath as he sorted through his thoughts like sheets of paper, ready to be put in their designated drawers. So many things kept happening that he always found himself wanting to have a moment alone and take it all in. He needed a new metaphorical chest for this world, but thought one wouldn't be enough.

When Alear came to his mind, his eyes slowly opened and looked through the small opening of his tent. He stood up, put his armour back on and decided to look for her. While Vlad knew Alear would be fine on her own, the fact she was surrounded by people probably wouldn't sit well with her.

But as much as Vlad tried to find her, he couldn't.

He looked around and found a trio of soldiers around a small campfire, sitting and sipping away at their waterskins. Once he reached them, they turned their heads towards him and—almost instantly—neutral frowns replaced their rough but warm smiles.

Vlad decided to ignore the expressions and coughed into his hand. "Excuse me, have you seen a girl with red hair around here? I'm looking for her."

At first, none responded. They all glanced at Vlad with lazy eyes as if he wasn't worth their time before switching their attention back to the fire or their sloshing water skins.

"No," one of the soldiers said with a gruff and dismissive tone, but Vlad couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

"She's kind of hard to miss. Are you sure you haven't seen her?"

"When I say no, I mean no," he answered harshly, finally meeting Vlad eye to eye but still sitting. "Read the room and scram, cocky brat."

B-brat!?

While Vlad didn't voice it, his balled-up fists and a popped vein on his forehead spoke for him anyway.

"Don't you know how to show respe—" he stopped himself by covering his mouth. The soldiers looked at him funny before one of them began to chuckle with a lop-sided grin.

"Show what?" he asked mockingly. "Acting all high and mighty just because you can, are you? Tell you what, the only ones who can do that here are Sir Ethelwulf and Queen Lumera. You're just a lucky bystander, kiddo."

His grin was replaced by a snarl. "Now, get out of our sight."

Vlad wanted to retort and shut the soldier up, but when he opened his mouth to speak, he suddenly remembered his voice having a higher pitch. He clicked his tongue and quickly left the soldiers alone. Once he was out of earshot and back inside his tent, he facepalmed.

"Fuck," he mumbled into his hand, gritting his teeth. "Fuck."

When the realization hit, he was disappointed in himself for not figuring it out sooner. Each word he spoke made him progressively madder and eventually punched the ground with a dull thud.

"Of course things just couldn't be simple for once."

Then, a rustle of his tent made him snap his gaze to the exit. He slowly bent over to pick up his sword, but then a gentle gauntleted hand stopped him in his tracks. When he glanced up, he didn't see Sigurd's form, only the gauntlet before it slowly fizzled away into nothingness.

The sight made Vlad take a deep breath. Right, just need to calm down.

"Who is it?" Vlad called out and through the small hole peeked a familiar face. The cleric that was tending to him back in the settlement nudged her head in a particular direction, urging Vlad to come with her.

He nodded and followed the cleric through the camp, catching the eyes of many similarly outfitted soldiers just like the ones he met earlier. Not all of them stared, but some were easily picked up among the crowd, their judging eyes stabbing Vlad from every direction.

Vlad willfully ignored them and focused on following the cleric to their destination.

Which turned out to be another tent. It was slightly bigger than the rest, but it didn't have any distinct features. No ornaments, no fancy cloth, it was just that, a bigger tent.

The cleric prompted him to enter with a slight bow and a guiding hand. Vlad didn't say anything, only pushed aside the tent flap and found Ethelwulf sitting on a chair with a small table next to him. With a glass in one hand and a bottle in the other, it didn't take much for Vlad to get the full picture of what was going on.

Ethelwulf turned his head before a small huff escaped his lips. "You're here."

"Was sooner than expected," Vlad admitted while using the table as an impromptu chair. He heard Ethelwulf sip away the wine in his glass until it was empty before a sigh escaped his lips.

"So, you finally noticed it?"

"Yeah." Vlad pinched the bridge of his nose. "You've got some rude soldiers, I tell you. Can't even show some respect for the elderly."

A snort escaped Ethelwulf's lips. "You do realize you can't call yourself that while looking like this, right?"

"Not at first," Vlad remarked. "Do you know how weird it is to be stuck in this body? Having to live a whole life and then just randomly become young again?" He shook his head. "Not to mention proving it to someone, that's an entirely different can of worms."

"'Can of worms'?" Ethelwulf parroted, touching his chin. Vlad only waved his hand dismissively. "An idiom, I'd wager? Can't say it doesn't fit the situation. It really is something that shouldn't be opened." He poured himself a new glass. "But you know we have to. For your and Alear's sake."

Vlad could only sigh. "Let's just not mince words. Your soldiers think both of us are just freeloaders because we have Lumera's metaphorical and literal blessings and you decided to comply with it. What do we do about that?"

"I wish I knew," Ethelwulf admitted. "Not only can't I change their opinion, it would also bring an even bigger wedge between us if I tried to. Some of these people I know come from ruined towns and homes, swearing revenge against the Fell Dragons." His eyes glanced directly at Vlad. "And then you two showed up, an unlikely pair that checks most if not all the boxes my people and soldiers hate. Selfishly used power that only benefits the bearer and a child of Fell."

Vlad looked away, leaning his head on his arm. "You know that wasn't my intention to make your soldiers jealous."

Ethelwulf couldn't help but mirthlessly chuckle before downing his drink. "Honestly, if it was just that then we wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place." He then pinched the bridge of his nose. "If only they knew what happened back there, maybe it would change their mind, but announcing it outright is out of the question. In fact, I would argue it would only make the situation worse."

"I'd imagine," Vlad said, glancing at the already emptied glass cup. "Honestly, it might just be better for us to bear through it until we get to the mountains."

"But I can't accept that," Ethelwulf stated. "You two were so close to dying because of my decision, and I'm not even able to give you a secure place to recuperate. But at the same time, I can't blame my people for the way they act."

He tried to pour himself one more glass, but the bottle was empty. With a swish, Ethelwulf threw the bottle behind him, landing on the ground with a dull thud. "The bad blood runs thick, and I was naive to think I would be able to make an exception for you two."

"Then it all comes down to us to make everyone understand, right?" Ethelwulf nodded and made Vlad lazily rub the back of his neck. "I think this is something we need to discuss with Alear as well. She shouldn't be left in the dark."

Ethelwulf blinked before curiously tilting his head away from Vlad for a moment. He then pointed in said direction. "She's right here."

Vlad perked up and his gaze snapped to where Ethelwulf was pointing, only to see Alear in the corner of the tent staring anywhere but at the two of them. She had her arms crossed and a deeper-than-usual frown on her face.

Once the two met eye-to-eye, Alear clicked her tongue and jolted her head away, making Vlad sigh.

"Alright, I'm sorry for lying about my condition," he said with raised arms. "I swear I had no ill intent."

Only a huff escaped Alear's lips before she mumbled, "Whatever."

Vlad looked at her with a flat look before shaking his head. "Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Since she is here, how do we go about this?"

"I would take any idea at this point because doing nothing wouldn't resolve anything," Ethelwulf said. "But like I said, we have very few options, if any at all."

A hum escaped Vlad, and he put a hand on his chin. "Say, what do your people think actually happened back in the settlement?"

"Lumera came down, delivered the killing blow on that last Fell Dragon and rescued both of you from that hellfire," Ethelwulf explained curtly. "It was what they saw from the distance, so naturally, why would they need to give you the credit? If anything, when both Lumera's chosen aren't competent enough and require her aid, it only brews more doubt."

"Two teenagers in dire need of help, huh?" Vlad remarked while glancing in Alear's direction. Her gaze wasn't fixated on them but rather the barely see-through fabric. She huffed and the disinterested look on her face was palpable.

Eventually, Vlad groaned. "Ethelwulf, I'll be honest with you that the more I try to find an answer, the less I'm keen on actually solving this issue. Squashing rumors is already difficult as is, but to change their mind too?" He shook his head. "No. I don't care about your soldiers enough to remedy that."

Ethelwulf's grip on his glass tightened as veins started to appear on his forearm. His teeth were clenched, and he was ready to speak up, but eventually realised his arguments had little ground to stand on.

"Then what do you wish to do when this isn't what you want to deal with?" he eventually asked once he calmed down.

"The answer is surprisingly simple," Vlad remarked. "We leave."

"What!?" Ethelwulf stood up from his seat and glared. "Do you realize how dangerous it is to travel right now!? Not only that, you two have the Emblem Rings! What do you think would happen if you were killed!?"

"We won't get killed," Alear suddenly spoke, already keen on Vlad's idea. "It would take a lot more than just a few Corrupted."

"That isn't the issue! What if the Fell Dragons attack again!? What are we supposed to do then!?"

Alear only gave him a side glance. "They won't."

"And what makes you so sure!? It could happen at any—" a sudden glowing blue hand wrapped with a cloth bracer gently touched Ethelwulf's shoulder. He snapped his head behind him, and the edge of his voice and quivering hands slowly left him. His shoulders sagged and took a deep breath.

"Right. Thank you, Lady Celica," he murmured. "What do you mean by that, Alear?"

"It took three rings and Mother for them to come, and it was just a pack of three," she said. "I don't know what Father is planning, but… apparently we aren't interesting enough to warrant a full assault."

Ethelwulf hummed. "So what you're saying is, he is waiting for us to collect the rings and then kill us in one fell swoop." He shook his head. "No, that kind of conclusion just doesn't make sense."

"It doesn't, especially with him having those soulless husks, but we'll discuss that another time. Right now, our issues have priority." Vlad stood up from his seat before reaching Alear's side. "I don't think I have to ask if you're fine with leaving."

She shook her head, and Vlad nodded back.

"We'll head north and let meet up at the hideout. That should give all of us some time to… well, take in what's happening right now."

Ethelwulf rubbed his eyes before eventually letting out a sigh. "Very well, but please, promise me you two won't do anything reckless out there, alright? Losing any of the rings right now would be a huge blow to morale and our forces. I don't even know how I could explain that to Lumera."

"This is our decision, Ethelwulf," Vlad stated. "If anybody should be held responsible, it's me."

He switched his gaze back to Alear, while she only glanced at him. "Grab your stuff and meet me at the north end of the camp. We'll leave as soon as you're ready."

Alear only let out a huff before leaving the tent. Vlad was about to follow her, but Ethelwulf stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Vladimir, do you know what you're doing?" he asked seriously, his grip getting tighter with each moment.

"Honestly, I'm not sure if I do," he admitted. "I won't know if it's brilliant or stupid until I reap what I sow. Although, a part of me knows I'm doing this for Alear."

Ethelwulf raised an eyebrow while hand fell limp. "But is that wise? I hope you still remember what I said about the Fell Dragons and their nature."

"Of course I do," Vlad lightly snapped. "But not until she can prove others wrong, I'll be by her side to help her out. And right now, this isn't possible. She needs more time."

While Ethelwulf wished he had heard a more concrete answer, he let go of Vlad anyway. "Then let's hope it won't bite you in the end."

"Like hell it will."

{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}

Vlad and Alear didn't waste any time preparing. They were so quick that once Ethelwulf gave them some necessary supplies for the journey ahead, they immediately left. It wasn't

completely dark yet, so Hoof helped them cover some necessary distance to be as far away from the camp as they possibly could.

Even when the night came in, they still pressed forward until they reached the mountainous region, passing through a damaged stone bridge and eventually making camp inside a forest.

The campfire was lit, a tent was erected, and now they were waiting for a piece of meat to get cooked. The only issue Vlad had was how unbelievably quiet the entire journey was. Alear didn't respond to any question Vlad prompted and he was at his wits end with the silent treatment.

He gave the slab of meat a quick poke before sitting back down on the ground. "Alright, what is with you today?"

Alear, once again, didn't respond. She silently gazed at the fire like it was the most tantalizing wonder of nature.

Vlad frowned. "I thought I told you voicing your complaints is the only way for me to know what's wrong. Or have you already forgotten?"

…nothing.

"Hello? Earth to Alear?" he called out. "Even a quick answer would suffice right… now."

Narrowing his eyes, he approached Alear, but her steady breaths and closed eyes already gave him an answer.

"Fast asleep already," he remarked before sighing. "At least you could've told me you were going to hit the hay."

Vlad carefully picked her up and nestled her inside the tent before refocusing his attention back on his meal. Without checking for its doneness, he took a big bite and was somewhat satisfied with the taste.

"Too bad Ethelwulf didn't give us some salt," Vlad said before tilting his head to the side. "Sigurd, you mind keeping me some company?"

The knight in question gently appeared next to him and nodded. "Of course I don't mind. Although I don't know what you want to talk about."

"Anything that'll help pass the time," Vlad admitted, tearing away a small morsel before popping it inside his mouth. He turned around to check on Hoof and he was sleeping like a rock as well. "And I don't feel like sleeping in unknown territory."

"We're off the road and we've yet to meet a single Corrupted. Some levity wouldn't hurt."

"That's precisely what irks me right now," Vlad said, momentarily glancing in every direction the forest spanned. "It's too quiet for my liking, and I don't like the idea of dropping my guard only to be attacked all of a sudden."

To his surprise, the knight chuckled. "I think you're taking things a little too far right now. Has the situation back there really thrown you off-guard that much?"

Vlad took a deep breath. "I would be lying if I said it didn't. I'd grown used to this body until it showed its ugly head again. Ethelwulf's soldiers certainly didn't make it any easier." He took another bite of his dinner. "But maybe you're right, I'm a little on edge."

"That's putting it lightly—"

A rustle interrupted their conversation and they both immediately perked. Sigurd quickly disappeared and Vlad's hand shot towards his sheath while his head snapped in the sound's direction.

No red eyes, he thought, but still hadn't let go of the sword's handle. "Who's there?"

The steps were rhythmic and got louder with each moment, until the light of the campfire revealed a simple black and white dress. Once they were near enough to be illuminated completely, a woman, adorning a simple crown that couldn't hide the long flowy silver hair reaching her legs, stepped forward.

Vlad was surprised to see someone inside the forest that wasn't a Corrupted, but he still refused to relax.

"Who are you?" he asked, his hand not leaving the sword's handle.

She didn't respond and kept her stride until she was only a few feet away from the fire. Kneeling down, she found a random stick on the ground and threw it into the campfire. The twig snapped from the heat, but she had no visible reaction.

Vlad took a step forward while pulling his sword from his sheath. "I'll ask one more time. Who are you?"

As if finally realizing she wasn't alone, she stood up and glanced in Vlad's way, but her attention was still fixated on the burning wood. "I could ask the same question."

"Don't be smart with me," Vlad hissed. "Either answer my question or leave."

"Can't I at least stay here for now? I can't remember the last time I had a warm night," she answered, her voice almost drowned by the crackling flame. "If I tried to make a fire, I'd probably burn the whole forest down."

A groan escaped Vlad's lips. "I don't know how you could."

He eventually relented, put his sword away, but close enough to be within arm's reach, and sat down. "Fine, but under on one condition: answer my questions."

She slowly nodded. "My name is Mayla."

AN: Another chapter done.

I don't really have much to add to this one, other than the fact that I want to thank Cavik for beta reading today's chapter. He is of great help.

Thank you for reading today's chapter.

God's speed.