Chapter 16: Liz.
Two days later, Iceberry’s massive caravan returned to Nightdew Valley, facing the ceaselessly churning black fog barrier.
While local officials and church clergy bustled like ants, Blackstar Mercenary acted like seasoned hikers. They carved a clearing at the valley forest edge, pitching an orderly small camp.
Most free mercenary bands centered on at least one Lantern Bearer, surrounded by support—fighters, cooks, grooms, laborers. Small: dozen; large: scores, hundreds.
Blackstar was tiny—fifteen total—but core strength outclassed peers: three Lantern Bearers.
At camp’s corner, Renat helped Cary and Maren pack.
After the grove’s awkward intimacy two nights ago, both teens were distracted. Maren head down, twisting hem. Cary stole glances, quickly averting.
“Remember: one day max. No Godtear Oasis—exit. Half-month total… Don’t stress; uncomfortable, drink holy water. Maren, leave your weapon; take this bronze shortsword.”
Renat handed Maren a dull-gleaming blade. “Iron won’t last in Black Domain. Your task: search, not fight. You can’t beat anything in there yet.”
“Inside, you’ll hear weird voices—heh, plugging ears useless!”
Gaunt black-haired youth eyed them, smirking. “Don’t try understanding—or they’ll pulp your brains, make you mad…”
“Mr. Enar, speak properly. Scaring them gives you no edge!” Renat frowned, soft rebuke.
Enar shrugged, grabbed long dagger, sauntered off.
“Besides holy oil fuel, no outside ignition—trouble, danger. Told you many times.”
Renat gave Cary a worn spherical lantern. “My old Black Domain lamp. Guard its flame; don’t extinguish unless critical.”
To Maren, stern: “First time—stay close to Cary.”
Renat fussed over details, repeated endlessly past three days.
“First mother-son Lantern duo I’ve met. Sura must’ve whispered your names in sleep… Right, Rich, remember your trial?”
Linnea’s bright laugh. She and scarface approached with a cloaked stranger girl.
Scarface Rich: stoic. Linnea: beaming. Behind: hooded girl, face hidden.
“But Renat, you seem…” Linnea eyed her youthful face. “Hee, like Cary’s sister, not mom.”
“Cary and Maren exempt first two corruption tests. Direct Black Domain—find Godtear Oasis.” Renat ignored tease, smiled. “Captain Rich, Miss Linnea—watch them.”
Eyes on silent cloaked girl: “Understood. This is Lys. Temporary squire from now.”
Rich concise, stepped aside. “Important items aside, give her the rest. She scouts, finds Godtear fast.”
Lys stepped forward, deep bow, pushed back hood.
Gray hair cascaded like streams; emerald eyes sparkled; face exquisitely perfect. Dark-green hunting garb, unique copper badge on chest.
Subwoman?!
Cary and Maren froze, looked to Renat. Half-month ago’s brutal Nightdew sabotage flashed.
Cary less fazed; Mocus’s sacrifice made Maren wary—adults right: no knowing what twisted hearts hid in beautiful shells.
Their submission matched hidden hate.
“Church ‘Piety Medal’—quite disciplined subwoman. Home?”
Renat scanned badge, paused on branded hand back, cautious smile.
“Holy Lord forgive—I grew in Hulda Monastery, Schofiel. Sixteen.”
Lys bowed deeper, quick triangular sign, humble, soft. “Honor serving Captain Rich. I’ll try.”
“Fine. Bigger tasks elsewhere—I leave this to Lys.”
Renat nodded, kissed Cary and Maren’s foreheads and cheeks, reluctant care.
“Cary.” Eye to eye, grave. “You’re a brave man now. Whatever result—protect Maren. Your duty.”
She turned to gathering villagers.
Elders gone, mood lightened. Watching Lys quietly pack and check, Maren’s brow furrowed.
“Don’t touch my sword!”
Lys reached for bronze blade; Maren snapped, flustered—subwoman touching weapon felt wrong.
“Yes, miss.” Lys yanked hand back, head lower, voice meek.
“Food—I’ll carry!” Maren clutched ration bag.
“Yes, miss…” Lys obeyed, no argument, sorted miscellany, posture servile.
Cary paid Lys little mind. Gaze past camp, fixed on fellow rare black-haired Lantern Enar.
Cold, pained, cruel aura—Cary instinctively recoiled.