The leaders of the expedition were ordered to return back to the battlefield in a few days. They were not provided with any additional man-power, even though, the guards of Belarit were just wasting away. Although, many were dissatisfied by the new instructions, they had not been given any room to negotiate.

  Before proceeding forward, it was decided amongst the tops guys that they would hold a referendum amongst all the adventurers. It was basically to give a chance to anyone who wished to leave.

  The leaders, rather the adventurer's council, had decided that many had already lost their lives without being properly compensated, so there was no need for anymore sacrifices. Although, they had allowed their men to leave, they themselves had decided otherwise. It was the only way that their underlings could have escaped without facing any dire consequences.

  Surprisingly, not a single person wanted to abandon their groups. The reasoning was simple: too many of their comrades had fallen for them to cower away now. Even the ones who had been mutilated in the recent battles, volunteered to be on the frontlines as scapegoats. It was a noble sight that only added to the resolves of their leaders.

  Harwin's group especially were willing to die at his commands now. Coming to his group, Lyam had finally woken up after two full days of resting. He was annoyed at seeing his former student — Harwin — in the position of his former companion. He could not do anything, though. After all, his party had earned quite the infamous reputation after their wicked scheme.

  The young mage still respected his former master. He even returned back the sword and other items of Kaith as a sign of respect. For all that mattered, Lyam still decided to accompany the group till the end of the expedition. Clearly a way to wash away some of the stains on their party's name.

  The days past quickly. To force the adventurers to leave for the final hunt, the masters of Belarit began to limit food and other supplies. They were already not allowed to enter the town which meant they could not purchase any necessities on their own. However, the small-folk would sneak out as much as they could from time to time. This was the second reason that they had not abandoned the quest till now.

  Seeing that there was not much choice left, they finally decided to depart to their possible deaths. Aside from the handicapped, only three hundred men remained standing. This number would have sounded great for a simple hunt, but their prey was Qareen — a titan of the ashen lands. Even after the defeat of the ten commanders, his army was more than a thousand strong. Imourte, telpish, gogliath and many other monstrosity filled the rank of the necromancer.

  As the grand adventurering army were about to leave, a trumpet was blown. The sound was not from the town, though. It came from the opposite direction. Everyone stopped in their trek, trying to catch a glimpse of the situation.

  Soon they sighted three horsemen riding towards Belarit. It was a rather small group considering they were coming from the shadown ruins. The council were disappointed at first. They had expected a miracle, a grand reinforcement to be precise. However, their eyes were left wide open once they finally saw who were these men.

  At the front of this party was a black feathered horse gaiting elegantly towards the group. The rider was a man covered in a dark-crimson armour. Most notably, his helm shone brightly with a shade of emerald. His appearance was similar to a knight. The temperature was unforgiving in these lands, yet this person wore the attire without seeming uncomfortable. None found it odd either. The other two were clothed according to the environment — modest and minimal.

  As soon as the party finally stopped in front of the adventurers, every single one of the grand army knelt. Harwin followed the action, thinking it might be another descendant of the saint. He could not have been more wrong.

  Immediately few men came rushing out from the gates of Belarit. The guild-master, high ranking men and even the representative of the saint followed the action of the rest — kneeling immediately.

  The crimson knight did not speak. He signalled for one of the others to do so.

  "I am Zain. You are in the presence of Ser Roland, head-guardian of the cardinal of Guilmeshan, the slayer of Arartagan the dragon emperor, the strongest man of Khalezkat. Which one you is the leader of this expedition?" The older of the two companions of the knight asked.

  "It is my honour to recieve Ser Roland. Will you be so kind to accept my humble invitation to meet the saint of Belarit? I am sure he will be rejoiced to entertain such a guest as well." The old man who had confronted Harwin earlier spoke first. His tongue was as sweet as honey, yet the young mage knew it was just as poisonous.

  "This is not the time to address such foolery! Ser Roland asked about the leaders of the expedition. He is not here to feast! Now, who ever is incharge, step forward!" Zain replied, rather berated the representative.

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  The adventurer's council, including Harwin, got up. They had elected Quirth as their spokesman, so he replied in the stead of all:

  "We are. I have been selected by my counterparts to speak at their behest."

  "What is the current situation of the hunt?" The old companion asked.

  "We have successfully eliminated the ten commanders and were about to leave for the titan." Quirth replied.

  The man looked towards Roland who just nodded in response.

  "Very well, you lot can rest now. The head-guardian will take it up from here. Do not worry, all of you shall be rewarded regardless." Zain stated.

  A sudden wave of joy was felt by the adventurers. However, some were a bit disgruntled, especially the ones in the leadership.

  "Ser Roland, if you would be so kind to let us accompany you in this hunt. We shall be eternally grateful, ser." Ricard requested.

  "No need. You should rest now. You have done enough already, or do you have doubts regarding the abilities of the man standing in front of you." As usual, Zain responded instead. It was as if he was a translator for the knight.

  "No, no, never! We just—" Ricard was inturrupted immediately.

  "Do not waste our time, lad. If you are after renown, then you will have to go look for some place else. This hunt is necessary for the survival of this town not to earn glory." The companion of the crimson guard scolded him.

  Ricard did not argue anymore. He was a boisterous fellow, yes, but even he knew his limits. Seeing the expressions of the fellow and many other, Roland signalled Zain once again. The latter immediately understood and spoke once more:

  "Worry not. Ser Roland acknowledges your resolve. He just does not want to risk the lives of capable men. It is already quite saddening that you lot have lost many comrades due to our late arrival. If we require reinforcements then you will be the first one on our list."

  Ricard knelt once more. Ser Roland was a legendary figure for any adventurer, acknowledgement from such an individual meant the greatest honour.

  The three departed after this while the masters of Belarit were left with their mouths hanging and words stuck in their throats. Of course, they could not have said or done anything. Even the blood of the saint held their tongues in front of the crimson knight.

  The expedition group was disbanded. They were still to remain near Belairt, but as separate parties. The vetern adventurers negotiated furiously with the guild of Belarit, and earned the right to enter the town. From then on they were able to sell their harvest (items harvested from the monsters of the ashen lands), get supplies and even stay in the inns.

  A great sum was shared amongst all the members of the grand army. They could have lived comfortably for months on it. This was not even including the rewards which they were bound to receive soon enough from their respective settlements.

  Harwin with his original party decided to rent a room as well. They had at least the right to this much indulgence. Having finally gathered in one place after a few days, the five got a chance to speak freely.

  "It was quite the journey, but I am glad that we are all in one piece." Winston said.

  "Well, you were almost dead. If not for myself, we would have one less stomach to feed." Eiza joked.

  "Oh please! if it were not for me, Stein and Harwin you lot would not have been sitting here munching on this great feast." Winston replied playfully.

  "It took the efforts of everyone. It is true however that it was impossible to win without the distraction provided by Wins and Stein. Of course, the two would not be here without the efforts of our healers, either." Harwin commented. His tone was serious which was quickly picked up by the others.

  "No need to be so stern, oh Valiant one!" Winston replied with sarcasm.

  It earned a laugh from the rest including Harwin who was slightly embarrassed by the title as well.

  "What is the next plan? Should we get back on the road to Yugsolvia tomorrow?" Eiza asked.

  "Not yet. It would be best to take everyone else going back in confidence. The shadow ruins are still dangerous, we can not afford to be careless. Besides, Ser Roland might need our help." Harwin claimed.

  The whole room guffawed at the last statment. The young mage knew that it was well deserved as well. After-all, he had already heard about the exploits of the legend that was Roland.

  The bunch bantered and ate for the rest of the day. Stein was given a great amount of meat as a reward as well.

  They slept like logs in the night. The beds were much more comfortable than the ones they had to sleep for the past few days. Harwin remained awake, however.

  He was busy examining the item he had acquired from the remains of S'kaal: the white pearl. It was as enticing to look at as menacing. Something made it irresistible to take your eyes off from.

  Harwin also thought about the knight in the crimson armour. He was almost sure that this was his target — the man he had been charged by Tlov to look for. There were still doubts in his mind of whether to pursue this quest or not. He could return back to his friends if he completed it, but he also did not have any idea of the consequences that would follow in these lands. It was a conflict that was similar to the one he already had in his heart — return home or stay in this mystical world.

  In the morrow of the second day, the three men return back. All the adventurers and a great many citizens of Belarit gathered around, trying to be the first one to see their ideal. Roland was still covered in his armour which was unscathed. His companions did not even look like they had stepped down from their rides much less fought.

  There was confusion amongst everyone as to the results of the great hunt. Noticing it, Zain announced:

  "The great Ser Roland has earned another title: 'The Slayer Of Qareen'."

  He then proceeded to lift a staff in the air. It was of the necromancer and was well recognized by many veterns. The crowd roared with cheers. The townsfolk rejoiced at having been saved from a great danger.

  Once again, the masters of the town tried to invite the crimson knight but were promptly rejected. Instead, the three began to ride away almost immediately.

  Just before leaving, the slayer of Qareen looked towards the crowd. Trying to find a single person, to be precise. For the slightest of moments Harwin met the gaze of the legend. The latter stared briefly before leaving. The young mage was left anxious at this gesture......