บท 24: Into the Port
The horse-drawn carriage where Vincent and his team were seated finally left the main entrance of the city. There were citizens out there, cheering and waving their hands as they watched the saviors of the city depart. Vincent leaned out slightly, smiling and waving back at the crowd.
As the city grew smaller behind them, Vincent turned his attention back to his team.
"Okay, Captain Vandar is only going to escort us to the Port of Felaria where there will be a boat that will take us to Akarios Island. So that means I won't be able to return to the house that I built somewhere in the forest. It was ten thousand gold coins…I wasn't sure."
"What a waste sir," Alpha 3 said, feeling bad for Vincent's story.
"I know, but it's okay. At least I have gotten a lot of experience points and rewards," Vincent said. "Now the estimated time of arrival to the Port of Felaria is twelve hours without stopping. So with breaks, it'll take us around fourteen hours to get there. We'll need to be prepared for anything along the way."
Alpha 1 nodded. "Understood, sir. We'll keep our guard up during the journey."
Alpha 3 joined. "Sir…what about Cyclops's skin? We have forgotten to cash it."
When Alpha 3 mentioned that, Vincent suddenly realized the oversight. He ran a hand over his face frustratingly.
"Oh my god…yeah that one too. That was such a significant bounty we missed out on."
Alpha 4 tried to lighten the mood. "Well, at least we know we can take down a Cyclops using conventional weapons and without magic."
Vincent managed a small smile. "Yeah…but there'd be no next time as we are settling on Akarios island now. I wonder what it looked like."
Alpha 2 chuckled. "From what we've heard, it's a paradise... if you ignore the monsters."
The team laughed, the light-hearted moment lifting their spirits. The carriage continued its journey through the night, the landscape gradually shifting from dense forests to open fields.
Twelve hours into the journey the sun was already setting, casting long shadows across the open fields. The carriage made a brief stop to allow the horses to rest and for the team to stretch their legs. The night air was cool and refreshing, providing a welcome respite from the long ride.
The coachman approached the group who were gathering around a campfire and spoke.
"Sir Vincent…we will arrive at the Port of Felaria in two hours. Please take this opportunity to rest as I am sure the trip starting from Eldoria has not been an easy one."
"You could say that," Vincent chuckled. "The ride was stiff due to the bumpy terrain." Vincent stretched his arms and looked around, appreciating the brief moment of calm.
As they settled around the campfire, Captain Vandar approached them, his heavy boots crunching on the gravel path.
"How are you holding up, Vincent?"
"We're doing okay, Captain," Vincent replied, nodding appreciatively. "Just a bit tired from the long journey. I was wondering, is there any chance of monsters lurking around here?"
Vandar shook his head, a reassuring smile on his face. "This area is a monster-free zone. You have nothing to worry about on that front. However," he added, his expression turning serious, "there have been reports of bandits in the region. They sometimes ambush travelers but rest assured, my men and I are well-equipped to handle them. We'll keep you safe."
Vincent nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Captain. It's good to know we have your support."
Vandar clapped him on the shoulder. "It's the least we can do for the saviors of Eldoria. Get some rest while you can. We'll keep watch."
The team settled down, their trust in Vandar and his men allowing them to relax. They ate a quick meal and took turns resting by the fire, ensuring they were ready for whatever lay ahead.
As the final hours of their journey passed, the group stayed vigilant, but no threats emerged. Soon, the lights of the Port of Felaria came into view, twinkling in the dead of the night.
The carriage rolled into the port, and they were welcomed by the portmaster, who was already informed of their arrival. As the carriage approached the checkpoint, an official stepped forward, raising his hand to halt their progress.
Captain Vandar stepped out of the carriage, producing an official document. The official scrutinized the paper, his serious expression gradually transforming into a welcoming smile.
"Ah, Captain Vandar," the official said, bowing slightly. "I apologize for the delay. Please, proceed."
Vandar nodded, returning the bow before signaling the carriage to continue. "Thank you," he replied.
The convoy moved past the checkpoint smoothly. The was still teeming with people, even at this late hour, with sailors loading and unloading goods, and ships anchored at the docks.
As they reached the end of the pier, a large medieval ship named 'Sea Hawk' awaited them. Captain Vandar gestured towards it. "This is your vessel, Vincent. Captain Bartholomew is expecting you."
Vincent and his team disembarked from the carriage, gathering their belongings. As they approached the gangplank, a tall man with a weathered face and a commanding presence stepped forward.
"Welcome aboard the Sea Hawk. I'm Captain Bartholomew. We'll set sail for Akarios Island immediately. I will spoil you gentlemen, Akarios village is not a place you'd want to settle in. And judging by your numbers, I don't think you will last long."
"Stop saying that, Bartholomew, they are more than capable of handling any threats as they were the ones who forced Demon King General Telus to flee from the battlefield," Vandar interjected.
Captain Bartholomew raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Is that so? Well then, I stand corrected. Welcome aboard, and may your journey be swift and uneventful."
Vincent shook Bartholomew's hand firmly. "Thank you, Captain. We appreciate your assistance."
The crew quickly got to work, preparing the ship for departure. Vincent and his team found a spot on the deck, and they settled there.
Captain Vandar approached Vincent one last time. "Well, this is where we part ways. It has been an honor to assist you and your team. I hope we can meet again in the future under more relaxed circumstances."
Vincent shook Vandar's hand warmly. "Thank you, Captain. We couldn't have done this without your help. I hope our paths cross again."
Vandar nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Safe travels, Vincent. Take care of yourselves out there."
With that, Vandar turned and made his way back down the gangplank, leaving Vincent and his team to watch as he disappeared into the port.
"Alright, men," Captain Bartholomew called out, his voice carrying over the deck. "Prepare to set sail!"
The crew sprang into action, and soon the Sea Hawk was gliding smoothly out of the harbor, leaving the port of Felaria behind. Vincent and his team stood at the rail, watching the lights of the city fade into the distance.
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