The journey to Whiteheaven proved to be a grueling trial for Hans and his group. There was no other choice; they had to embark on a long and perilous sea voyage, even though their resources were limited. Hans knew that staying temporarily in Migase was a high-risk decision. The ruthless Balevad people were unpredictable, and there was no telling whether they would continue through the Kavusi Highlands above the Migase valley. Their presence there could mean disaster, and they would be wiped out with only a few soldiers left.
Hans gazed at the weary faces of his men. The decision to set sail back to Whiteheaven was not easy, but he could not bear to see his men become casualties again. "It's better to fight to the death at sea than wait for death to come to Migase," he thought. With limited provisions, they prepared for the five-week journey that would take them across an unforgiving ocean.
On the night before departure, Hans gathered the entire crew on the deck of the ship. The cold air enveloped them, but the fiery determination in Hans's eyes brought a flicker of warmth. "Make sure everyone can endure until we reach Patisia. I don't want this journey to be in vain," he said firmly, distributing the dwindling food rations.
Lora, one of the women who had been by Hans's side throughout the journey, spoke with unwavering confidence. "This is an unexpected situation, but no matter what, we must be strong and endure. Whiteheaven, as you've described, is our hope, and we cannot give up."
The remaining soldiers nodded with resolve. "Understood, Commander! We'll do our best," they responded in unison, though exhaustion and hunger were evident in their faces.
However, the journey was not without its obstacles. The sea they traversed seemed hostile, with towering waves and fierce winds constantly testing their strength. Hans knew that taking unnecessary risks to speed up the journey could be fatal. He did not want to lose any more lives. They had to move cautiously, balancing speed with safety.
Midway through the journey, Hans faced another challenge. Balaraniyan, a young child they had saved—the sole living witness to the massacre of the Migase people—fell ill. His fragile body struggled to survive the harsh conditions of the sea. Hans checked on Balaraniyan repeatedly, ensuring he received proper care. Yet, in his heart, he felt desperate. How could he maintain the morale of the entire crew when a child's life was constantly at risk?
"We must stick together, no matter what happens," Hans told the crew. "Every step forward is a hope for all of us. Don't give up!" His words were met with weak cheers, but it was enough to rekindle the dwindling spirit.
Days passed, and challenges continued to come without pause. Yet, with unwavering determination and Hans's steadfast leadership, they managed to endure. When the fifth week finally arrived, the land of Patisia appeared on the horizon. A faint cheer rose among them, though it was mixed with ragged breaths and weary bodies.
When the ship finally docked at the port of Patisia, Hans let out a long breath. Many of the crew had fallen ill and were powerless, while others looked gaunt and weak. But they had made it. Hans knew this journey was just the beginning of even greater challenges in Whiteheaven, but he was grateful that he had brought his group this far.
"You are all heroes," Hans said in a heavy but proud voice. "We've weathered the storm together. Now, it's time to recover and prepare for the next step."
Under the clear skies of Patisia, the group began a new chapter, finding new life. Though the long journey had drained their energy, the will to survive still burned in the heart of each person.
_._
Four Weeks Ago
After over a month at sea, Rogg and his crew finally approached the waters of Patisia. Despite several instances where their ship lost control due to fierce winds and towering waves, the skill and experience of the crew were commendable. They managed to regain their course and stay on track towards their main destination, Patisia.
On the gently swaying deck, Robb sat with a pale face. He hugged his knees tightly and stared out at the ocean with a despondent expression.
"How much farther is this place? I'm about to give up on this entire voyage," Robb groaned, clutching his queasy stomach.
Rogg, who was studying a map in his hands, sighed deeply. "I don't know how much farther, little brother. If you're curious, just ask Sam, the captain."
Robb rolled his eyes. "Ask Sam? He'll probably just say, 'Oh, just a little further!' But that 'little further' has been going on for two weeks!"
At this, Brisena, who was sitting not far away sharpening her sword, smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Robb. If my instincts are right, we might only have three more days of sailing."
"Three more days?" Robb almost cried. "I don't think I'll survive another three days. The sea feels like my sworn enemy!"
"Stop complaining, Robb. Maybe you should learn from Yara, your sister-in-law," Rogg said, gesturing toward Yara, who was standing at the ship's stern. The moonlight reflected off Yara's long, reddish hair, making her seem like a part of the ocean itself. She seemed to be enjoying the night breeze, her bow resting in her hands.
Robb glared at Yara with envy. "How can she be so relaxed? I can't even stand upright on this ship without wanting to throw up!"
Brisena chuckled. "Maybe it's because Yara has an adventurous spirit, unlike you, who gets dizzy after being on a ship for too long."
"Hey! That's not fair. It's our first time dealing with a ship. This thing sways non-stop, like it's dancing with the waves," Robb retorted, furrowing his brow.
Rogg cut in with a serious tone. "You can keep complaining later, Robb. Right now, we've got a bigger problem. Our food supply is almost gone. We need to make sure we reach Patisia before we run out entirely."
"Let's hope the weather stays on our side for the next three days," Brisena said, her voice slightly trembling with the evening breeze. "If not, we might have to fish more to survive."
Robb stared at her with a blank expression. "Fish again? I don't want to see another fish. Every time I smell one, my stomach rebels."
Brisena and Rogg chuckled softly. Their laughter blended with the sound of crashing waves and the whistling wind. Amidst the hardships of the journey, that small laughter felt like an oasis, refreshing the spirit. Meanwhile, Yara glanced toward them with a faint smile on her lips before returning her gaze to the endless ocean.
Robb took a deep breath. "Alright, if that's the case. Three more days, huh? I'll try to survive. But if I die from seasickness before we arrive, remember my struggle!"
"Of course, Robb," Brisena said, jokingly. "If you die, we'll build a monument for you in Patisia. A monument shaped like a vomit bucket."
Everyone who heard it laughed. Even Robb, though initially scowling, ended up chuckling. In the midst of the challenging voyage, their camaraderie and humor became the lifeline that kept their spirits alive.
Magnoli sat calmly on the ship's deck, enjoying the long days they had endured. Despite losing one of his legs and relying on a cane to stand or walk, he appeared at peace, as if the pain had never existed. The cool sea breeze caressed his face, while the crashing waves became the background music for his wandering thoughts.
The group was no longer as large as when they first set sail for the eastern lands of the Megido continent. In fact, now, less than a quarter of them remained to return to Patisia. The journey and battles had left deep scars and losses.
"This journey," Magnoli said, breaking the silence as he gazed at the horizon, "will one day become a legendary tale for all of us. I have no regrets, even if I had to lose one of my legs."
Beside him, Brisena was attentively dressing Magnoli's wound. "You say that because you're the only one who doesn't think about the survival of the palace and the empire," she replied with a long sigh.
Magnoli chuckled softly, his voice hoarse but warm. "Isn't that what makes me your most realistic brother? Your other brothers only care about power, fame, or strengthening alliances for their own gain. They rely on the wealth of the palace for personal purposes, always clashing with the various factions at court for control of their territories."
Brisena shot Magnoli a sharp look. "You're no different, brother. You've used much of the palace's money to establish gambling dens, brothels, and other illicit businesses." Her tone carried a slight irritation. "Even though you chose to step away from the power map in Whiteheaven, you're still indirectly using the empire's wealth and influence."
Magnoli fell silent for a moment, letting the waves speak in the stillness between them. Then he spoke, "You're too clever for me to deceive, little sister. I won't deny it. Everything you say is true. But the corrupt role of the rulers in our people's lives made me choose this path. I established brothels to protect women who were treated cruelly. In Blacksand, rape was rampant without any clear law. At least, with the brothels, they receive payment and protection. I set up gambling houses to ensure the wealth of the regional rulers wasn't concentrated solely in their hands. Through gambling, they lose part of their wealth, which I then redirect to help the poor in Blacksand and Patisia, even the slaves. But it all remains futile if the rulers don't change. They continue to view the poor as nothing more than garbage."
Brisena fell silent, contemplating her brother's words. Then a thought crossed her mind. "So, could it be that all this time, you were the one behind the 'People's Rain'?" she asked, surprised.
Magnoli smiled faintly. "Correct. I hope this secret stays between us. Don't ever breathe a word of it to your brother, Prince Damma Lorexius."
Tears flowed down Brisena's cheeks. She embraced her brother tightly. All this time, she thought she knew Magnoli well, but it turned out there was another side to him she never expected.
"There are many things you shouldn't have to know, my dear sister. Someday, you must be strong and understand that there are things in this world that cannot stand alone without support. And right now, I need you. Not to continue all my efforts, but for something more important: Rogg. He's the only one I can trust to change many things that are happening."
Brisena looked at Magnoli, full of questions. "You mean, you joined me not to protect me, but to bring Rogg back?"
Magnoli chuckled softly. "You always know how to trap me with your questions. But this time, I won't answer."
"Alright, then. I'll let you rot here," Brisena replied, a wry laugh escaping her.
Their laughter blended with the sound of the waves, creating a warmth in the midst of a journey full of hardships.
Meanwhile, on another part of the ship, Rogg and Vuuxi were sparring intensely. Throughout the month at sea, they had spent every day dueling. The result? A draw: 18 wins for Rogg and 18 wins for Vuuxi. Their battles became a source of entertainment for the remaining crew, a distraction in the midst of the long journey.
The group was now small. Of the 15 Doliex warriors who had joined, only five remained. Five others chose to stay in the Mozkdu forest, while the rest perished in the battle at Lagosh. From the forces given by Damerius and those led by Magnoli, only 12 remained. The ship now felt empty, yet their spirits remained lit.
For Naira, Ophelia, and Ellie, this journey had been an extraordinary experience. Despite the challenges, they felt relieved to escape Rhazab Gush and see a broader world. Finally, after the long and tiring journey, they arrived safely in Patisia, bringing with them stories, wounds, and invaluable lessons that would stay with them, with a new world ahead of them.