After eating breakfast and completing the send off for the last carriage full of bandits, I called for my three apprentices to focus on completing my crash course to getting a beginner healer’s certification. I decided to us the rest of the day as a learning day for the three of them. I gave them a hint that this day may end with a certification exam or maybe, if I am on a good mood, I will have it done by tomorrow morning. Our lesson for today will be more of a practical exam and imrsion in botany since they have already done the "alchemy" and the "administering cures" part during the last two days.
After telling my apprentices of the agenda today, I also called on to the chief to ask if he is available to check on the new path I have created. He look confused as to why I am bringing him so suddenly outside the village. When I cleared up that I have already completed the path that crosses the forest that leads straight to the lake, he was imdiately overjoyed.
He ran back to his residence and started calling for a few number of people. It took barely 5 minutes before he ca back with a bunch of people following him. It turns out that he called for so experienced hunters, woodcutters, fishern and also foragers to accompany us. I guess he was thinking that with my protection, why not harvest as much as they can from one visit to the lake and the forests
No wonder he beca a chief though he looked cowardly. He is very smart indeed.
Just when we were about to leave the western gates of the town, I saw a tall, buff, tan-skinned and rugged looking man, walking briskly towards the town from the direction of the southern gates. He was carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows on his back together with a huge sack. He also seems to have a dium sized axe on his right hip and a dagger on his left thigh. Honestly, he looked like he was ready to go to war.
I used my powers to suddenly close not only the southern gate but also the gates in the other three directions with a loud thud which scared the hell out of the townspeople. The chief looked at in confusion as to why the gates were closed all of a sudden. I told him that I had great eyesight and saw a tall and rough looking man briskly walking towards the town and he may be one of the surviving mbers of the bandit group.
Hearing what I just said, the townspeople hurriedly went inside their hos seemingly to hide. But after a few minutes, everybody went out with each person holding a weapon of their choice. Most were using farming tools, kitchen knives, wooden sticks, axes and rocks. There were even people holding onto so fishing nets. I guess my stay here was not futile as it instilled to people that sotis, one has to fight to gain peace.
After about a quarter of an hour, a loud knock echoed at the south gates of the town. But before we could even open the gates to start our attack, a deep and worried voice ca from the other side of the door as he shouted, "Father, are you there? It’s , Quinlan! Please open up! Is everything alright here?! I got your letter about the bandits and ca back as fast as I can!"
After hearing the pleading voice, the chief sudden ran in front and spread his arms to stop us. He scread, "Everybody stop! It’s Quinn! He’s back! Ms. Luna, open the gate! Hurry! It is my son. He’s a high ranking rcenary and adventurer. I wrote a letter asking for help from him about a month ago. I thought he won’t be able to co."
I stared at the pleading face of the chief and then towards the gate that is still being knocked on by the man with a pleading voice outside. He has indeed told the story about his son who is braving the world to earn money to support the town and that he has not seen him for about half a year. I nodded my head and told the chief that I will be leaving with my apprentices then and whoever wants to go. As for him, he can welco his son back since they have not seen each other for quite a while.
I started walking back toward the eastern gates again. Once I was only a few ters away from the gate, I used my mana to open all gates in all directions at the sa ti. I let the father and son spend so ti alone as I went straight through the forest with a huge entourage of people.
I heard running footsteps once the gates were opened. I heard Bert sobbing as he saw his son for the first ti in almost half a year. As for , I focused on guiding my followers to the forest. Although I only had three healer apprentices, since I have a larger audience, I opted to teach everyone basic plant identification. It was focused on the ones that are readily available in these areas.
Since lectures and foraging are being done at the sa ti, the pace of moving towards the lake was slower. Half an hour into our exploration, I heard two pairs of distinct footsteps coming from the direction of the town. I was familiar with the other, it was definitely the chief. As for the other heavier one, who else can it be. I am quite sure that son of his will never let the chief cross the forests all alone to follow us.
After a few minutes, two people indeed appeared at the back of the group. I continued busying myself on my apprentices and teaching. The chief tried to introduce his son to but I nodded to the guy’s direction in passing but kept my eye on the plants that I was explaining about.
Realizing that it was not the appropriate ti for such formalities, the chief did not push it further. I then heard him scold his son in a low voice, "No wonder she thought you were a bandit! When did you last shave your mustache and beard? Your hair is long and disheveled. You are earning money but why are you wearing such shabby clothes. I told you not to send all your money here and always look presentable! Did you even take a bath before coming here?"
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