As the journey to Milaria continued, Cedric couldn't help but think about Ciara and Orin. His thoughts often drifted to them, especially on long stretches of the road where the landscape seemed to stretch on endlessly.
He remembered their faces clearly—Ciara's kindness and determination, and Orin's quiet strength and sharp mind. They had helped him in ways he couldn't fully put into words. The bond they shared wasn't just about the present, it was about everything that had happened before, all the moments they had been there for each other. It wasn't just friendship; it felt like family.
But the path they were on now, separated by distance and circumstance, was a reminder of how much things had changed.
Milaria was his first priority. If it was as safe as they said, then he could rest, he could figure out his next steps. And once he was sure Milaria was everything they claimed it to be, he would return for Ciara and Orin. They would be safe there. He could make sure of that.
The thought gave him a sense of purpose, something to focus on. He had never been good at staying still, and the idea of Milaria as a potential place of refuge made him more determined than ever to reach it. But there was still so much to do before that. There were still demons to face, and dangers to avoid.
As they continued down the road, the group stopped for a break. They had been traveling for several days now, and the need to rest was becoming more urgent. Jorin pulled the horses to a halt at a small clearing along the side of the road, near a creek.
"We'll stop here for a while," Jorin said as he dismounted. "It's a good place to catch our breath and gather some food. We'll need it for the journey ahead."
Cedric nodded and helped Lila set up a small camp. The children, now a little more accustomed to the journey, busied themselves by collecting firewood. The weather was calm, and the day was still young, so they had plenty of time to relax.
"I'll go see if I can find something for us to eat," Cedric said, looking around. The area was surrounded by trees, and he could hear the sound of birds in the distance.
Lila gave him a small smile. "Be careful out there. You never know what might be hiding in the woods."
Cedric didn't respond immediately, just gave a small nod as he made his way into the trees. His mind was still on Milaria, on the people waiting there, on the safety they promised. But there was something about being in the woods, surrounded by nature, that allowed him to focus on the immediate. The quiet was calming. The leaves rustling in the wind felt like a brief escape from the rest of the world.
He moved quietly, scanning the area for anything that could be used for food. A small bird caught his eye, and he crouched low, preparing to strike. He moved quickly, his hands steady as he reached for a nearby branch, using it to launch himself forward. The bird didn't stand a chance, and within moments, Cedric had caught it.
His stomach growled as he examined the bird. It wasn't much, but it would have to do. He quickly removed the feathers and prepared it over a small fire. As he worked, his thoughts once again drifted to his friends.
Ciara's face filled his mind. He could still picture her as she had been in Sky City—the way she had stood beside him, offering her support, even when things seemed impossible. He had always admired her strength. And Orin, too. He didn't know much about Orin's past, but he had always felt a connection with her. There was something about her calm demeanor and quiet intelligence that made Cedric feel less alone in the world.
He wondered how they were doing now, what their lives were like without him. They had been caught up in the chaos of Sky City, just as he had. But they were survivors. He knew they would find a way to keep going, even if it meant facing challenges alone.
But once Milaria was safe, once he could be sure of it, he would go back for them. He had to. He couldn't just leave them behind.
The bird was ready. Cedric ate quickly, the simple meal satisfying his hunger. He finished up, then returned to the camp where Lila and Jorin were waiting. The children had started a small game, trying to entertain themselves as best they could.
"Got something to eat," Cedric said, handing the bird to Lila. "It's not much, but it should be enough."
Lila took the bird and started preparing it, grateful for the meal. "Thank you. We were starting to run low on supplies."
Cedric sat down beside the fire, feeling the warmth from the flames. The day had been peaceful, and the road ahead felt less daunting now that he had a chance to rest. The journey to Milaria seemed within reach, and he allowed himself a small moment of peace.
Jorin eventually returned with a small sack of herbs and wild vegetables. "I found some greens," he said, smiling slightly. "They'll make for a good stew."
Lila nodded and started adding the vegetables to the fire, mixing them with the bird Cedric had caught. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make a filling meal for the group. They ate together in silence for a while, savoring the food and the calm of the evening.
As the night wore on, Cedric's thoughts returned to Milaria. They would reach it soon, he hoped. The road had been long, but it was nothing compared to the uncertainty of what awaited beyond it.
The idea of going back for Ciara and Orin filled him with a renewed sense of purpose. Once he knew Milaria was safe, he would return. They would be together again. They had to be.
The fire crackled softly as the group finished their meal. The stars above twinkled, and for the first time in a while, Cedric felt something like hope. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep moving forward.
The journey would continue. But now, Cedric had a plan. And a reason to keep going.