Chapter 5 - A Much Needed Break

“Malacoda!” a man called out, his voice brimming with excitement as he glanced over. “You found anything good to eat this time?” Malacoda raised a hand, proudly displaying four rabbits dangling from his snares. “Wonderful!” the man exclaimed. “I’ve already got the stew started.”

As Malacoda stepped aside, he gestured toward me. “Brother, I found this wizard in the woods. She hasn’t shared much about why she’s here, but I figured we could use the company.”

The man shot to his feet, his eyes flaring with intensity, his chest puffing out like a cockatrice ready to strike. “Brother, you know why we’re out here. We can’t take on any travel mates!”

Malacoda shrugged. “I know, but when I saw she had a staff, I thought maybe this skirmish of ours might be easier. She looks scrawny, sure, but I can tell she’s got a spark.” He paused, then turned to me. “Oh, sorry—Sondra, this is Bokur.”

Bokur stepped forward, sizing me up. The man was a giant, easily six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. His brother wasn’t much shorter. Oddly, they wore matching outfits—rugged tunics and helmets his though with horns curving above their ears. Bokur approached with arms outstretched, and I flinched, bracing myself. Suddenly, an intense pressure enveloped my body as he lifted me off the ground in a bear-like hug. My breath faltered, and I let out a startled screech.

“Please, put me down!”

“Oh, sorry!” he boomed, setting me back on solid ground. “That’s how we greet folks in our village. I’m Bokur Jackhammer of the Havens #8708. Come, sit—tell me what you’re doing in a place like this.”

We settled by the fire as Malacoda busied himself preparing the rabbits for the stew. Bokur handed me a cup of shimmering golden liquid. “Drink,” he urged. “It’s popular in our village—invigorates you, puts a little pep in your step.” I took a sip, and a warm, tingling sensation spread through me, like drinking one of Hestia’s fabled potions.

“Wow,” I breathed, “I feel wonderful.” My mana surged back, my energy swelling.

“We call it Brief Resprite,” Bokur explained. “Actually, we’re transporting some to a nearby village. They’ve been hit hard by famine, and our mother insisted we help.” He leaned in conspiratorially, shielding his mouth from Malacoda. “If you ask me, she’s just trying to get on their good side. See, my brother’s without wife and not much of a ladies’ man—he freezes up at the sight of a woman.” He grinned at me. “Oh, don’t worry, you’re fine. He likes women more like us—strong, independent.”

I dropped my gaze, a flickering look and I saw ever so softly: Way to make a woman feel special. Bokur chuckled. “Oh, my apologies. Tell me again why you’re here.” I launched into my tale, recounting the endeavors that had led me to these woods, my home, and the trials I’d faced. Just as I reached a dramatic pause, Malacoda interrupted. “Dinner’s ready.” He handed me a steaming bowl of stew with a roasted rabbit leg nestled inside. The aroma wafted up—divine, with subtle hints of pine, florals, and flax. Chunks of bamboo bobbed in the broth, and my mouth watered. For two brawny men, I hadn’t expected such a refined meal.

As I lifted the spoon to dive in, a blur streaked past me. My bowl flew from my hands, and in the distance, a hawk tore into my rabbit leg, thrashing its claws and scarfing it down. Bokur erupted into a hearty laugh. “Sorry, little lady—that’s my companion, Aether. He’s a fast little sucker, the best scout in the village. I sent him to deliver a letter to my mother, and his timing’s impeccable, as always. Looks like you’re ready to strangle him for stealing your food!”

Malacoda handed me another portion with a sympathetic smile, then tossed a rabbit leg quarter to his own companion—Gary. We all sat around the fire, savoring the meal. Despite the hawk’s thievery, I couldn’t have been happier—though a quiet worry for Tad lingered in the back of my mind, wondering if he was okay.

The night deepened as we swapped stories over the crackling flames. Eventually, Bokur stretched and yawned. “Well, it’s getting late. We should head to bed. Sondra, there’s a tent over there—don’t worry about us, we’ll pitch up right here. See you bright and early.”

I made my way to the tent, kneeling to crawl inside. The floor was lined with soft, warm furs that enveloped almost like they were expecting me. As I settled in, my mind drifted, the day’s events still on my mind tad and hope he’s okay. My eyes fluttered shut, and I slipped into a deep, sleep.

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