The weary group finally arrived at the remains of what once was a village. Exhaustion was evident on every face. Minato and Mathias, assisting Yoru, were visibly struggling, their bodies drenched in sweat from the effort. Bjorn, remarkably, seemed undeterred by the burden of carrying Akalune. Shikuro, despite his injury, moved with a sense of purpose. Elena, though lagging behind, pushed herself through the pain and fatigue. Shikihime herself felt the weight of their journey – her body ached, her feet throbbed, and sweat covered her skin. The day's fight and the long trek had taken a considerable toll on them all.

  Shikuro, scanning the dilapidated buildings, announced his intention to find a suitable shelter for the night, one with a fireplace if possible. As he prepared to set off alone to scout the area, Shikihime stepped forward. "I'll watch your back. We also need to have a private discussion," she declared firmly.

  Bjorn and Minato started to object, but a single stern look from Shikihime silenced them. Shikuro, visibly conflicted, tried to dissuade her, emphasizing the need for her rest. However, Shikihime was resolute. "No. I am going with you, like it or not."

  Shikuro's distress was clear, but Shikihime's next move caught him off guard. She embraced him, kissing his cheek, and whispered quietly, "I know about the dream, we need to talk." The revelation seemed to resonate with Shikuro, who gave a resigned nod.

  "Alright, I can't say no to my beloved," he conceded. Turning to Bjorn, he added, "I'm leaving them in your care."

  Bjorn nodded in understanding, and with that, Shikihime and Shikuro set off together. They walked through the desolate streets of the village, side by side.

  As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of deep red and orange, Shikihime and Shikuro continued their search through the remnants of the village. They were looking for a building that was still structurally sound, had a roof, and ideally contained a fireplace. However, their search had yet to yield a suitable shelter.

  As they walked, their conversation turned intimate and quiet. Shikihime broached the subject of their mysterious benefactor. "So, I guess you're the one who made a deal with the boy about our safety, right?" she asked in a hushed tone.

  Shikuro, caught off guard, looked at her curiously. "How do you know about that?" he inquired.

  "I asked for the same thing, only to be told that someone had already made that request," Shikihime revealed, her voice low. "But that wasn't all we talked about. He asked me for a different wish, so I made one in jest."

  Shikuro's expression shifted to one of concern as he listened to her. "What did you wish for?" he asked, apprehension in his voice.

  "Oh, it's nothing too serious," Shikihime reassured him with a slight smile. "I wished for the alliance to last longer than our lifespans. I wanted good relations between our nations for a very long time."

  Shikuro, visibly relieved, replied with a touch of humor, "That's surprisingly not so bad. I half expected you to request a threesome or something of that sort in your jesting."

  Shikihime's laughter filled the air, genuine and hearty. After a moment, she said, "I don't know if I should be honored or terrified by your opinion of me. But it does make me wonder – if you think this about me and still married me, risking so much, what does that say about you?"

  Shikuro shrugged nonchalantly, a hint of a smile on his face. "I just know your jests and jokes are often about something a bit perverse."

  Shikihime's smile broadened. "You're being a bad boy," she teased.

  As they meandered through the deserted village, Shikuro, with a hint of curiosity in his voice, asked Shikihime about the terms of her agreement with the mysterious boy. "So, Shikihime, what did the boy ask for in return?"

  "He told me that he might call on me in the future for help. I should then return and help him, or die trying," Shikihime replied, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and seriousness.

  Shikuro initially laughed at her response, thinking it a joke, but the earnest look on Shikihime's face quickly sobered him. "You're not joking, are you?" he asked, his expression turning grave as he realized the truth in her words.

  "No," Shikihime shook her head, confirming the seriousness of her promise.

  Shikuro frowned, concern etching his features. "Why did you agree to that? Why would you make such a promise in a dream?" he asked, struggling to understand her reasoning.

  "I was dreaming, and a small boy was offering me something impossible. Why wouldn't I make a promise in return?" Shikihime explained, her voice reflecting the surreal nature of the encounter.

  "And why didn't you ask for proof that it wasn't just a dream?" Shikuro pressed.

  "What kind of proof? What do you mean?" Shikihime responded, puzzled by his line of questioning.

  Shikuro revealed his own experience. "The boy told me that the next morning one of our group would be eaten by a giant snake and another bitten by a poisonous one. I checked, and one of the guys had a snake bite on his neck. I had proof!"

  Shikihime, taken aback, asked, "What did you expect me to do? Make deals and seek proof from my dreams?" The conversation was taking a turn, with both of them struggling to make sense of the surreal situation.

  Shikuro, visibly annoyed, retorted, "I can't believe you committed yourself to return here."

  "How was I supposed to know it was true?!" Shikihime shot back, equally frustrated. "Think about it!"

  Shikuro raised his voice, his frustration evident. "No, you think! What was going through your mind? Voices in your head, strange dreams, and deals? How could you not be more cautious?"

  "I know! I totally messed up. I can't change it now. But it's worth it. The alliance will work, and it will outlive our grandchildren," Shikihime confessed, her voice a mix of regret and hope.

  Shikuro stopped in his tracks at her mention of grandchildren. "Grandchildren, you said?" he inquired, a hint of surprise in his tone.

  Shikihime blushed slightly, "Yes, that's what the voice said... our grandchildren..."

  For a moment, they stood there, looking into each other's eyes, an array of emotions swirling between them – sadness, fear, happiness, and something deeper, perhaps a newfound understanding and connection.

  Shikihime, breaking the silence, suggested, "Let's continue."

  As Shikihime and Shikuro continued their conversation about their uncertain future and the potential challenges that might arise, their search led them to a house that was in relatively good shape, complete with a fireplace. Shikihime's curiosity piqued as she stepped inside the dark interior. Suddenly, she exclaimed in astonishment, "HOLY SHIT!"

  Shikuro, intrigued by her reaction, asked, "What's there?" Shikihime quickly returned and handed him a lantern to light. "There's a small fortune in there, Shikuro. Light this up and see for yourself."

  With the lantern lit, Shikuro followed her back into the house. The sight that greeted him left him in awe. There, laid out as if waiting for them, were items made of blacksteel – a shield, a longsword, a shortsword, and three daggers. Additionally, there were two rings adorned with bull panther motifs and ruby eyes. The value and rarity of these items were such that kingdoms could go to war over them.

  "What do you think? This can't be a coincidence, right?" Shikihime pondered aloud, her voice filled with disbelief.

  "Definitely not," Shikuro agreed, equally baffled. "But how?"

  Shikihime began a meticulous search of the area around the table, checking the floor and looking for any possible traps. It appeared as though these priceless items were simply left there, waiting for someone to claim them.

  Shikuro's hand trembled slightly as he eyed the blacksteel shield. The significance of what lay before them was not lost on either of them. The method for creating blacksteel had been lost for centuries. Although the base materials – bluesteel, purplesteel, and redsteel – were known, no one had been able to recreate blacksteel for over four hundred years.

  With cautious steps, they approached the table. Shikihime was the first to touch one of the short swords, picking it up and examining it closely. After a moment's hesitation, she replaced her bluesteel sword with the blacksteel one. She also took a dagger and one of the rings.

  Shikuro followed suit, swapping his bluesteel sword for a blacksteel one and equipping the blacksteel shield. They looked at each other, a mix of excitement and disbelief in their eyes. This discovery was something beyond their wildest dreams, something they knew they would never be able to fully explain to anyone else.

  "We'll explain this to the others later," Shikihime said, sensing Shikuro's thoughts.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  As Shikihime and Shikuro stepped out of the house, the unexpected sound of a man's voice pierced the quiet of the evening, "Who are you?!" Instantly, they both drew their weapons, ready for any threat. However, Shikuro soon relaxed and sheathed his weapon, prompting a questioning look from Shikihime.

  Shikuro explained, "I was given a task in the dream to save a man who served the boy for 200 years. He asked me to take him home. I think it must be him." He then called out into the dimming light, "I am not your enemy. Can you show yourself?"

  Shikihime scanned the surroundings and noticed a figure hiding in a nearby bush. She gently nudged Shikuro and pointed in the direction of the bush. "I have no ill intentions. Let's talk face to face," Shikuro said, trying to reassure the hidden figure.

  The sky was now dark, and they could see the torchlights from their group flickering about 300 meters away. Shikuro attempted to build a bridge of trust. "Is there anything I can do to earn your trust? The boy in my dream told me to find you."

  From the bush emerged a man of imposing stature, almost two meters tall, with long brown hair and a beard. He was clad in archaic Realm armor, an unusual combination of leather, steel, and bluesteel, designed to protect vital organs. Shikihime studied the man curiously, trying to make sense of his appearance and attire.

  The man spoke in a hushed voice, filled with a sense of loss and duty. "The boy? He saved, me couldn't save King Astre's son. Myself not strong enough. Me told to serve the boy and seek vengeance. So me did."

  Shikihime struggled to comprehend his words. King Astre had reigned 400 years ago, and four kings had succeeded him since then. How could this man have known Astre's son? Shikuro seemed to be pondering the same question. "Can you come with us? I'll take you to the Realm. I want to bring you home," he offered.

  The man appeared confused at the mention of 'home'. "Home? My home? But I don't have a home. My home was there," he said, pointing towards the house they had just exited.

  Shikuro studied the man thoughtfully, trying to gauge the depth of his disorientation. "Do you know how long you have been here?" he asked gently.

  The man's gaze drifted around his surroundings, his expression one of wariness. "Not long," he replied. "Me finished a job. Myslef killed it. I killed it and its master. I fulfilled my promise. Me can continue to serve."

  Shikihime's heart ached at the man's words. It was evident that he had lost touch with reality, yet his physique remained robust and well-maintained, a stark contrast to his confused mental state.

  Seeking to establish a connection, Shikihime spoke softly, "Can you tell us your name? I'm Shikihime, and this is my husband, Shikuro." She gestured toward the distant lights where their friends were. "And those are our friends. We're returning to the Iskaldt Rike Realm."

  The man's eyes flickered between Shikihime, Shikuro, and the direction of the group. After a moment, he said, "I am... Me don't remember what I am, but they called me Goliath. The boy did as well."

  Taking a chance, Shikihime stepped forward and extended her hand in a gesture of friendship. "It's nice to meet you, Goliath. Can we enter your house with my friends?"

  Goliath moved quickly towards her, causing Shikuro to react with alarm, "Careful!" But Goliath's intentions were benign. He grasped Shikihime's hand firmly, perhaps a bit too strongly, but she managed to maintain her smile.

  "Yes, come," Goliath responded, looking around. "It looks different and strange, so myself sleep outside."

  Turning back to Shikuro, Shikihime said, "Please help me here with him. I'll get the others and explain the situation." Shikuro nodded, understanding the need for delicacy in handling the situation with Goliath.

  Shikihime's return to the group with Goliath was met with visible trepidation and many unanswered questions. She addressed them with a grave but determined demeanor. "We're not leaving this man behind. He's a bit disoriented, but we have a responsibility to take him home. We've found a suitable house; we can start a fire there and keep Akalune warm. Let's rest for tomorrow."

  Minato, reflecting the group's concerns, voiced his unease. "How can we trust an unknown, possibly unstable man?"

  Shikihime replied firmly, "If it convinces you of my trust in him, I'm willing to kneel for him. Is that sufficient?"

  Yoru, sensing that there was more to the story, prodded gently, "You're holding something back, aren't you?"

  Shikihime confirmed with a nod. "Yes, there's more to it, but I can't share it at the moment. It's something only Shikuro and I know. Please trust us." She prepared to bow in a gesture of earnestness, but Minato intervened, simply saying, "Let's move."

  The group proceeded to the house, where they kindled a fire in the fireplace, the warmth a welcome respite from the night's chill. Goliath's formidable presence and erratic conversation pattern drew curious and cautious glances from the group. Shikihime and Shikuro could feel the unease their decision had brought upon their companions.

  Sensing the need to alleviate their concerns, Shikuro finally spoke up. "I owe you all a full explanation, and you shall have it. For now, I ask for your patience and trust."

  Akalune's faint awakening was a moment of both hope and concern. "Am I dying?" she whispered weakly.

  Yoru, sitting beside her, offered reassurance as she gently held Akalune's hand. "Not on my watch, my friend. You're going to make it home. So don't you dare give up. We're all here for you."

  Akalune's consciousness faded once again, leaving the group in a somber mood. Shikihime turned to Yoru, her concern evident. "How are you holding up?"

  Yoru, exhausted and in pain, responded with a tired smile. "I've had better days. My leg hurts like hell. I just hope our allies are at the outpost when we get there."

  In the midst of their conversation, Goliath re-entered the room, his hands filled with grass. Approaching Akalune and Yoru, he offered the grass, speaking slowly but with a certain conviction. "Put this on. It helps. No scars. You'll remain beautiful, even without a hand."

  Shikihime eyed the grass warily. "Do you know what this is?" she asked Yoru.

  Before Yoru could respond, Goliath interjected, "Medicine. It helps."

  Yoru admitted her uncertainty. "I don't know what it is."

  Shikuro, sensing the gravity of the situation, closed his eyes, seeking guidance from the mysterious boy in his dream. After a moment, the boy's voice echoed in his mind, confirming the safety of the grass. "Yes, it will save the dying girl."

  Shikuro stepped forward with newfound confidence. "This is indeed medicine. I remember reading about it. It will help. Apply it to Akalune's injured arm and a bit on Yoru's leg."

  Yoru and Minato exchanged glances with Shikihime, who promptly urged them to proceed. "What are you waiting for? Do it."

  Minato began to carefully apply the leaves to Akalune's and Yoru's wounds, his expression a mix of skepticism and resignation.

  As the first light of dawn filtered through the windows, Shikuro stirred, waking Shikihime in the process. "Did I wake you?" he inquired softly.

  "No, I've been awake for a bit," Shikihime replied, her attention quickly turning to Akalune. Her swift movement towards Akalune roused the rest of the group from their slumber.

  Shikihime gently examined Akalune's arm, her eyes widening in amazement. The wound, which had been severe just hours before, was now remarkably healed. The skin was almost normal, with no signs of redness or infection, and Akalune's breathing was steady and calm.

  As Shikihime conducted her examination, Akalune opened her eyes, a look of deep sadness etched on her face. "I failed as a guardian. Now I have no job," she murmured despondently.

  Shikihime enveloped her in a reassuring embrace. "Shush, you silly girl. I'm so grateful you're okay. So, so grateful. Thank you." She continued to check Akalune's eyes and pulse, finding everything to be normal. "Can you try to stand?" Shikihime encouraged.

  To everyone's astonishment, Akalune stood up unaided, her strength seemingly restored. The group was speechless, their eyes wide in disbelief.

  Yoru, too, rose to her feet, moving confidently without any help. The group's astonishment grew as they all turned their gaze towards Goliath, who was shifting his eyes nervously under their collective scrutiny.

  Yoru approached Goliath with a question. "Do you know where we can find more of this medicine?"

  Goliath shook his head. "The boy. The lady. She gives if worthy. I asked. She gave. I don't know."

  The air was thick with anticipation as Shikihime's eyes fell upon Elena. "How far are we from the outpost?" she inquired, a sense of urgency in her voice.

  Elena, assessing their situation, responded cautiously. "If we were in full health, we could probably reach it by evening." This estimate brought a slight uplift to the group's spirits, hinting at a reachable goal. "So, at most two days," Shikihime concluded, her mind calculating the possibilities.

  Akalune, despite her miraculous recovery and newfound physical capability, was visibly struggling with an inner turmoil. Shikihime noticed her friend's quiet contemplation over the pills in her hand, recognizing the weight of the decision Akalune was grappling with. Silently, Shikihime offered a prayer for her friend's wellbeing, hoping she wouldn't make a rash decision.

  Yoru, on the other hand, showed a determined resilience. Though her injury restricted her movement, she attempted some stretches, refusing to give in to her physical limitations. Bjorn stepped in, offering to carry her, but Yoru's frustration at her dependence was evident in her reaction.

  Shikuro approached Shikihime with a knowing look. "It was him," he stated softly. Shikihime simply nodded in agreement, her thoughts heavy with the implications of their recent encounters and the mysterious assistance they had received.

  Resolute to lift the group's morale, Shikihime took a few steps forward and announced with newfound vigor, "Let's get home!" Her voice resonated with a blend of determination and hope, a stark contrast to the despair that had enveloped them the day before.

  Interlude: Elena Grieve

  Elena stood silently, her gaze lost in the distance, her mind wandering through memories and emotions too deep for words. The world around her seemed distant, her thoughts consumed by the loss that weighed heavily on her heart.

  Minato approached her, breaking the silence with a gentle, albeit unexpected, acknowledgment of her pain. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said softly. "Henrik was your husband, correct?"

  Elena turned to face him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "How did you know?" she queried, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Minato's response was straightforward, tinged with a hint of regret. "I overheard your conversation," he admitted, meeting her gaze.

  Elena's suspicion was palpable as she challenged his claim. "You were spying on us to check us, weren't you?" Her accusation hung in the air, a testament to the trust they still needed to build.

  Minato didn't deny her accusation. "If you already know, then why ask?" he responded, his expression unreadable.

  He continued, his voice carrying a note of empathy. "I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for your loss. I may be pragmatic and guided by cold logic, but I'm not unfamiliar with the pain of losing someone."

  Elena, curious despite her grief, asked softly, "Who did you lose?"

  Minato's gaze drifted back to the horizon, and he began to list names – eleven in total. Elena's heart ached at the gravity of his loss. "Were they close to you?" she asked gently.

  "Wife, daughter, brother, father, friends..." Minato's voice trailed off, each name a reminder of the void left in his life.

  Elena looked into his eyes for the first time, seeking to understand the depth of his sorrow. "How can you bear it?" she asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and compassion.

  Minato's response was raw and honest. "I didn't bear it. I left it behind me. And sometimes, when I feel strong enough, I look back and grieve for them."

  Elena observed a rare smile flicker across Minato's face. "You're strong," she commented, her voice soft.

  But Minato's smile faded as quickly as it had appeared. "I'm not strong. I'm a coward. I avoid looking back because I'm afraid of facing my regrets. The emptiness and the regrets... that's what's left behind. That's why I keep moving forward."

  Elena understood the pain reflected in his eyes, a mirror of her own grief. Minato's admission revealed a vulnerability she hadn't expected.

  "What are you afraid to face?" Elena pressed gently, sensing a shared bond in their mutual sorrow.

  Minato met her gaze squarely, his eyes a window to his grieving soul. "I'm afraid to face my regrets. To confront the emptiness that they left behind. That's why I don't look back unless I absolutely have to."

  With those words, he left Elena to her own thoughts, giving her the space to process her grief and the unexpected connection they had just shared. In their shared loss, they found a moment of understanding, a brief respite in a world that had been unkind to both of them.