Forward Thoughts

You were staying quiet during this late breakfast. The food was scarce, but Kelara managed to track something, and Layla hunted it down. You could only hope it was some unintelligent, normally edible creature. Carmen made sure to properly prepare it for before the cooking phase, Salahea had fire under control thanks to her near draconic abilities, and Doris managed to conjure or gather some spices which made it all taste almost like a barbeque chicken. Not bad at all, the girls were working together, exchanging smiles and pleasantries. You stayed quiet during the breakfast preparations and the eating part. And you felt useless during all that. Not needed. Like an extra on a movie set.

Like an intruder. An alien.

After all, you were basically that. And more. You were fairly sure you must have violated some peace treaty by destroying whatever Khaj was, you killed dozens of demons which were at this point the defenders in these lands. Your path was full of corpses, blood, destruction and as far as you knew, you weren't getting close at all to your target. To the entire reason you were in this world in the first place. To him.

Oh, stop feeling bad for yourself and enjoy their company!

Ishtar's voice emanated in your mind.

You know that if you asked, all of them would spread their legs for you, instantly. So go there and enjoy them!

"Shut up."

You answered, and took another bite of the meat, chewing it slowly. You noticed the silence coming from everyone, and all the girls eyes were on you. Looks like you said that out loud.

"Sorry, it wasn't... To you, girls."

None of them dared to comment. Each of them either already knew, or suspected that he might be carrying some passenger, a parasite of sorts. Each of them realized that it's not the only burden he is carrying. So they just returned to their own, small conversations.

Meanwhile you picked up a stick, and began to something in the sandy part of the terrain.

"Hubby dearest, what are you up to?" Layla directed a question to you, sticking her head and two of her feet right in front of you.

"I'm calculating. Can you move? You're blocking the sunlight."

You asked, wanting able to see properly what you were writing. Several numbers later, you reached to wipe away the sweat from your forehead, and cursed.

"Fuck."

"What's going on? Is something wrong"

You heard Kelara's voice this time and looked up. Everyone's eyes were on your human self.

"Just... Math."

You said, looking back to your work.

Layla however quickly jumped behind you and looked around, ready to battle with her blade like legs.

"Where is this Math? Show me! I'll shred it to pieces, I'll beat it to a pulp!"

You let out a small, tired chuckle.

"Stand down, don't worry. I'm just... Just figuring out how long can it take to reach my target. Or if it's even possible. He can be anywhere really, so probabilities wise, I'm not catching him. Like ever. Which makes this entire journey moot."

Everyone stayed quiet for a while after what you said until the green eyed redhead, the Chimera that turned into a human spoke up.

"The most logical way to figure out the probability of finding your target would include taking an advice of a seer. An oracle. Of course, a large percentage of them are charlatans, but some of those individuals do carry the talent to see the glimpses of the future and can determine whether it is or not your fate to locate your person of interest."

"Oh!"

Salahea's watery blue eyes lit up, but she didn't speak immediately, instead just raised her hand, waiting for you.

"You can speak freely, Salahea. No need to ask anyone for permission."

You told the wyvern.

"Sorry. It's just, I know these parts. I know where the seer lives. I can guide us to them."

"Them?"

"Umm... It's complicated." She said, unsure of how to answer your question.

"Everything always is. All right, girls, anyone wants to jump off the crazy wagon and just go home?"

You asked, looking at the party. Nobody dared to answer, not even Ishtar.

"Well, seems like I'm stuck with you all." You said, smiling. "Let's gather our stuff and move on. Salahea, lead the way, I want you to keep telling Layla where we will go. Layla, you are on the scout duty, go forward, make sure we don't step in an ambush or something."

"Of course, dear! I'll sniff and snuff out all ambushes!"

She said eagerly, already running around with a happy face.

"Kelara, if you don't mind, could you carry Carmen? She isn't used to her human feet yet, and she doesn't have shoes."

"Oh, yes, of course." She said, and looked at the smiling ex-chimera, happy that you remembered about her current condition.

"Doris, you're with Layla. Scan the forward areas for hostile magic. If you sense something overwhelming or suspicious, retreat together to the group. We'll figure out what to do together. Don't take any unnecessary risks."

"Yes, sir!"

The fairy stood in salute, and then joined Layla on her shoulder.

"Salahea, I want you nearby.

Commanding like a true Leader.

"Shush. You keep your eyes-senses-whatevers open too. We're in the enemy territory after all."

You said, looking past the clearing, into the dark, murky woods.