The sparring sessions between Rogg and Vuuxi aboard the ship returning them to Patisia had become an extraordinary spectacle. Throughout the long voyage, they clashed relentlessly, matching each other blow for blow until both had secured twenty victories apiece. Though weariness weighed on their bodies, their spirits remained unbroken.
But as the ship finally neared its destination, the satisfaction from their intense training faded, replaced by awe at the sight of the majestic city emerging in the distance.
On the deck, Robb stood frozen, his eyes wide with wonder as he gazed upon Patisia for the first time. He looked like a skeleton, thin and pale from relentless seasickness, but his joy was unmistakable."This is a miracle, brother," he said to Rogg, who stood beside him. "I never imagined I'd see a place this magnificent."
Rogg smiled, patting his younger brother's shoulder."I felt the same the first time I saw it. Patisia truly is remarkable, isn't it?"
Yara, carrying baby Rex Aryyn in her arms, stepped beside them. The soft golden glow of the setting sun lit up her gentle face."Incredible, Rogg," she whispered. "I never imagined a place this vast even existed. I used to think Migase was the busiest and most crowded village—but this… this is beyond anything I could've dreamed."
Vuuxi, still wiping sweat from his brow after his last bout with Rogg, joined the moment."If you thought Migase was busy—and I haven't even been there—then Patisia must seem like another world. Just wait until you see Whitesand and Larfex. Those places never sleep—they're like ant colonies on fire!"
Laughter rippled through the group at Vuuxi's comment—except Robb, who remained fixated on the city."I wonder… is the food here as amazing as the buildings? I've spent a whole month surviving on stale bread and bland soup. Any longer and I'll turn into a shadow myself."
"Robb, you already look like a shadow," Brisena teased with a chuckle. "But don't worry—Patisia is famous for its delicious cuisine. As long as you've got money, of course."
"Money?" Robb sighed dramatically. "After this trip, I'm not even sure I remember what money is. Is it some kind of food, Vuuxi?"
"Hey! I've never eaten money!" Vuuxi protested, feigning offense before bursting into laughter. "Everything I need is always handled by my Lady Brisena."
"Don't worry, Robb. Dinner's on me. But there's one condition—you have to win a duel against a giant roast chicken."
"A roast chicken?" Robb's eyes lit up. "I'd slay a dragon if it meant a full belly tonight."
Robb's presence had changed Vuuxi. The once-solitary warrior had grown more open, more human, since becoming friends with the spirited younger brother.
Despite the laughter and jokes aboard the ship, the view ahead was serene and breathtaking.Patisia rose proudly from the hills, its architecture elegant and carefully designed. Though not as grand in scale as cities like Blacksand, Whitesand, or Larfex, it had a charm all its own. A rare balance of urban life, farmlands, and livestock pastures gave Patisia a distinct character—yet ironically, most of its produce was shipped off to other cities, leaving its own people with little to enjoy.
When the ship finally docked, they were greeted by the bustling chaos of the harbor. Traders and workers moved in every direction, shouting over the crash of waves against the docks, hauling goods from far and wide.
"Welcome to Patisia," Rogg said as he lifted Rex Aryyn into his arms. "Time for a new adventure."
"And time for me to find a real meal!" Robb exclaimed, hurrying ahead as the others laughed at his boundless enthusiasm.
Yara shook her head, smiling softly."I don't know what's bigger—his hunger or his curiosity."
Brisena replied in a teasing tone,"I'd say his stomach—though it's empty now."
The lighthearted atmosphere stayed with them as they stepped into the city. But they all knew—beneath Patisia's beauty and vibrant streets, challenges awaited.
For Naira, Ophelia, and Ellie, this journey wasn't just about discovering a new place. It was about something far more wondrous—friendship, and perhaps, uncovering secrets hidden deep within the heart of this grand city.
The ship's arrival quickly became the talk of the entire city of Patisia.Its grand size and the flag fluttering from the main mast led many to believe it was an imperial vessel. But Damerius already knew it carried Magnoli and Brisena. Wasting no time, he dispatched his personal guards to secure the entire port. He didn't want anyone discovering their true identities.
Meanwhile, Prince Dorges—lord of the region and rarely present in Patisia—had received no such information. As a result, his camp made no move to interfere.
As the ship docked, Brisena was the first to leap off and sprint toward Damerius."Brother!" she cried, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.
Damerius stood frozen for a moment before returning the hug. But his eyes immediately noticed something was off."Are you alright, Brisena? Why have you let your braid down? What happened to you—where did all these scars come from? And why do you look so thin?" he asked in rapid succession, clearly worried.
Behind her, Magnoli appeared, leaning heavily on a sturdy wooden cane. Though nearly healed, the loss of one leg made every step a burden. Damerius looked at him with a mixture of shock and anger.
"Brother? What happened to you? Who dared hurt you like this?" His voice rose, laced with fury.
Magnoli raised a hand to calm him."It's a long story—and I'm home now, aren't I? Besides, we're starving. Shouldn't you feed us first before interrogating us?" he said with a chuckle, though fatigue clouded his expression.
Damerius gave a reluctant nod, his mind buzzing with unanswered questions. His gaze then fell on two nearly identical young men—Rogg and Robb—and his confusion deepened. He couldn't even tell which one was his old friend.
"Arkael," he called out to his trusted aide, "tell the staff to prepare food and quarters for our guests at my mansion."
"With pleasure, my lord. Everything has been arranged as per your previous instructions," Arkael replied calmly.
Damerius offered a faint smile. "You never miss a beat, Arkael."
Once the ship had been unloaded and preparations were complete, the group gathered for dinner at Damerius's grand estate. Though the dinner was warm and welcoming, weariness was etched deep into their faces. Damerius chose to hold back his questions—for now.
Later that night, Brisena slipped away from the mansion and made her way to a small villa at the edge of the garden. Inside, her foster mother, Lady Triana, was resting. Though she knew Triana was already asleep, Brisena quietly entered the room, carrying a cup of herbal tea.
"Mother... I missed you," she whispered, gently pulling the blanket up over the sleeping woman. "I brought herbal tea from Eastern Megido... it should help with your chill." She kissed Triana's forehead before quietly stepping out.
Back at the mansion, Damerius paced restlessly on the balcony, his thoughts a storm of unanswered questions. Rogg noticed and approached.
"I can tell you've got a lot on your mind," Rogg said, leaning against the balcony railing.
Damerius turned, studying him intently. "You're Rogg, right? You look a bit different. Sit." He handed him a drink, then continued, "Where have you been? What happened that cost Magnoli his leg? And who is that young man who looks just like you?"
Rogg chuckled. "A lot of questions—but just because you have them all doesn't mean you can fire them at once, Damerius. If I were to explain everything, we'd need seven months... the same time I've been away from Patisia."
Damerius raised an eyebrow. "Try me. I'm listening." He sat opposite Rogg.
So Rogg began to recount his tale—how he had returned to Migase after leaving Patisia, only to find that Yara, his wife, was no longer there. Instead, she had gone to her old village, Naavi. Determined to find her, he sailed to Eastern Megido in search of clues. Along the way, he crossed paths with a ship carrying Magnoli and Brisena, and they decided to journey together toward the Eastern lands—toward Lagosh's territory. There, they fought a brutal battle and lost many soldiers.
"You actually faced Lagosh?" Damerius asked, tension gripping his face.
Rogg nodded. "Yes, and it was no easy battle. Lagosh is a savage, cunning giant—merciless in every way. But somehow... it all felt like destiny. Like a path we were meant to walk."
Damerius exhaled deeply, struggling to process it all. He sensed this was only the beginning of something much larger.
"And Robb?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.
Rogg laughed. "Robb's my little brother. We do look alike—but obviously, I'm the better-looking one."
Their laughter echoed into the cold night, lifting—for a brief moment—the weight that rested on their shoulders.
That night, a cold breeze drifted in from the Patisia harbor, gently swaying the curtains on the balcony of Damerius's mansion. There, under the dim glow of a lantern, Rogg and Damerius sat in quiet conversation. Damerius's face was tense, his mind burdened with questions that still lacked answers.
"Brother, so this is where you are," came Brisena's soft voice, breaking the silence. She stepped closer, her face still bearing traces of deep fatigue, yet her eyes shone with undiminished spirit.
Damerius turned, a faint but relieved smile appearing on his lips. "Yes. I've been eager to hear your story. It's been nearly seven months since you left with Rogg, and I needed to make sure you're truly safe," he replied, watching her closely, almost as if to reassure himself that she was real and not some fragile illusion.
Brisena offered a small smile, though it couldn't hide the shadow of sorrow lingering behind it. "We went through things, Brother—things no one could ever imagine, let alone believe. I'm sure Rogg has told you everything by now, hasn't he?"
Damerius gave a slow nod. "He has, but that doesn't ease my worry for you," he said gently, his voice both tender and firm. He looked at Brisena as though trying to memorize every detail of her presence.
Brisena exhaled deeply, her gaze drifting out toward the harbor, now growing quiet. "That's why, Brother... tomorrow, I'm leaving for Smokeland. I want to see Mother—together with Rogg."
The words struck Damerius silent for a moment. "Very well," he said at last, though his heart sank at the thought of her departure so soon after her return. "I'll make the necessary preparations for your journey."
Brisena shook her head gently, a faint smile on her lips. "There's no need for that. I don't want any fanfare or attention. It's all been too exhausting. I just want a quiet trip."
Damerius studied her in silence, as if trying to read her thoughts. Finally, he nodded, though with visible reluctance. "All right, then. But you must promise to stay careful. If anything happens, you must tell me immediately—understood?"
Brisena smiled warmly. "Of course, Brother. I've always listened to your advice."
Rogg, who had remained quiet all this time, finally spoke. "Damerius, don't worry too much. I'll keep her safe. You know I've never broken a promise, don't you?" he said with a relaxed tone, trying to ease the weight in the air.
Damerius glanced at him, then let out a small smile. "I know, Rogg. I trust you. It's just that... Brisena means everything to me. If something were to happen to her, I—" He stopped, unable to finish the thought.
Brisena gently patted his shoulder. "Brother, don't worry so much. I'm old enough to take care of myself. And besides, Rogg will be with me. I'll be just fine."
The three of them fell silent for a moment, letting the night wind carry the distant sound of waves to their ears. The lantern's light swayed softly, casting gentle shadows across their faces.