A Reunion

I was awoken in the morning alongside Alice by Lucille (Sofia’s watch was right after Alice’s, so Alice took her sleeping spot). It was already about an hour after dawn, and we weren’t attacked in the night. We had a small breakfast before breaking camp and setting off again. I decided to sit in the front of the wagon next to Flora so I could keep watch on the road as we traveled.

Eventually, we came to a familiar portion of the road, with an uprooted tree lying on the ground. Recognizing the area, we took a detour, heading back to Minerva’s cabin to fulfill the promise we made in exchange for the wagon.

“Everyone! Look out! A cyclops!” shouted Alice, pointing at Gor, who was eagerly following us towards Minerva’s home.

“Relax,” said Lucille. “We know him. He’s friendly.”

“Really? How quaint,” Alice said, sounding delighted. We arrived at Minerva’s cabin, getting out of the wagon. While Alice talked to Gor and the others stretched their legs, I went to meet with Minerva. Before I could knock on her cabin door, she stepped outside.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” she said, her hand outstretched.

“I met with Gideon,” I said, handing her the onyx pendant. “He said this thing is cursed, but he doesn’t know what the curse does.”

“A curse, eh? How crafty...” she said, thinking to herself while staring into the pendant’s gemstone. She abruptly handed it back to me. “Keep it. Do as you wish with it. It may be useful to you, who knows. I’ve lost interest.”

“Huh!? Just like that?” I asked, shoving the cursed pendant back into my pocket. “Anyway, you should be careful. There are bandits operating along the road to the capital. You shouldn’t mess with them, they’ve already killed two adventurers.”

“How cute, you’re genuinely concerned for me,” she teased. “This house is hidden with magic to all but advanced mages and those I choose to let in. Mere bandits are of no concern to me.”

“Well that’s good to know,” I said, relieved.

“So what is your plan for them?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“The bandits. They’ve already killed some adventurers. I assume you’re going to go after them, no?” she said.

“Yeah. We’re heading back to the capital to get more reinforcements before we help hunt them down,” I said.

“Is that so...wait here a moment,” she said, heading inside her cabin for a bit before returning with some crimson herb in hand, giving it to me. “Use this if you end up needing my help. Simply burn the herb and it will release a pillar of crimson smoke. I shall see it and come to aid you. Naturally, this offer only pertains to the forest, as if I cannot see the smoke, I cannot come to your aid.”

“Why? Helping me isn’t in your interests is it?” I asked, suspicious.

“I may not look it, but I am a normal person too. Just because I live in the woods doesn’t mean I am evil. I can help out a friend every once in a while too, no?” she said.

“I guess that’s true,” I said.

“Plus, I can’t let the investment I’ve already put into you all go to waste because of some bandits,” she added.

“Investment? What do you mean by that?” I asked, confused.

“After I gave you that ring and wagon, I’ll expect you all to do a favor for me when I need it. You didn’t think that little trip to Gideon was going to be all I needed, did you?” she chuckled.

“Fine,” I sighed. “As long as it’s within reason, we can help you out.”

“Very good,” she said, about to head back inside.

“Oh, before we go, where’d you get that cursed necklace?” I asked.

“From an old acquaintance of mine. I won’t say who, though. A lady must keep some secrets after all,” she teased, going back inside. Left with more questions than answers, I went back to the party and got back onto the wagon, cutting Alice’s conversation with Gor short. She said a quick goodbye to the cyclops as we boarded the wagon and left once more.