"Well, it’s nothing big, I just wanted to ask for a favor," I said. "Could you lend us a pair of Khools again?"
They nodded in understanding, glancing between me and Cassandra. "Are you gonna go to the Eclipse Keep again, benefactor?"
"Yeah, you got it right." I nodded. "I need to escort this young lady to the keep. And of course I’m also returning there."
"Of course, benefactor." The first guard replied without hesitation. "In that case, why don’t you visit the chief while we prepare the Khools? You left while he was unconscious after all." His expression grew serious. "He’s been regretting the chance to express his gratitude properly."
The second guard nodded in agreement. "Yes, Keth’mar has been asking about you every day since he woke up. He feels dishonored that he couldn’t thank you face to face."
"O-Oh, is that so..." I replied awkwardly. We were a bit short on time at that time, so we left early in the morning. The chief must have woken up around noon or evening, given his condition. "Alright, take us to the chief, then. It won’t hurt to stay for a bit, right?"
"Mm..." Cassandra hummed softly, expressing her agreement.
"Good, then Torvix will take you to the chief, while I will take care of the Khools." The second guard patted me on the shoulder. Thankfully, my physical strength was high, or else I would have buckled right then and there. "Don’t worry, I will pick the best ones for you two."
"I really appreciate it, brother Borix." I nodded gratefully and turned to the first guard. "Please, lead the way, brother Torvix."
"Let’s go." Torvix smiled and gestured for us to follow him deeper into the settlement.
As we walked through the village, I couldn’t help but notice how the Keth’al people went about their daily lives. Children with the same pale blue skin and white hair played between yurts, some shooting snowballs at each other, while some made snowmen, and some practiced with sticks. Their laughter created small puffs of crystalline mist in the cold air.
"So," Cassandra said quietly, clearly unable to hide her curiosity. "You’ve been here before?"
"Just recently," I replied, keeping my voice low. "A few friends and I helped them out back then."
"Oh, it must have been a huge help then," Cassandra murmured.
"No, not that much." I smiled faintly.
Well, I wasn’t lying.
I mostly did the healing and labor parts while Zephyr, Aeron, and Professor Harken did the rest. But I guess healers are rare in their clan, so my contribution was valued a bit more highly, especially someone like me who can mend the mental ones. Then again, it’s not actually healing.
"Here we are," Torix announced after a while, stopping in front of a large yurt that stood apart from the rest.
It was easily twice the size of the surrounding dwellings, with intricate frost blue patterns etched along its edges.
Another two guards flanked the doorway, both straightening as they saw Torix and spotted me.
"The benefactor returned!" one of them called out in their native tongue, then quickly switched to common. "Keth’mar will be overjoyed. Please, wait one moment."
The guard disappeared into the tent, and we could hear muffled voices speaking rapidly in their language. The excitement in their tone was easily distinguishable, even if I couldn’t understand most of their words.
A few moments later, a deeper and colder voice boomed from the yurt.
The guard came out soon after, opening the door for us.
"I’ll return to the gate, benefactor," Torix said and quickly took his leave.
I thanked him and led Cassandra inside.
As we stepped through the entrance flap, the warm air of the yurt immediately hit our faces. It was a stark contrast to the cold outside. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, with thick furs covering the ground and ornate tapestries hanging from the curved walls.
A central fire pit cast dancing shadows across everything, filling the surprisingly vast space with a comforting glow.
And there, seated on a raised platform, was the Keth’mar, or the chief.
He was an imposing figure even while seated—tall and broad-shouldered, embodying the traits of his people. Although his white hair and beard were longer than those I’ve seen, he braided them to avoid any inconvenience.
Despite his intimidating appearance, his eyes lit up with genuine joy when he looked at me.
"Theron velneth ka’lar!" he boomed, rising to his feet, his almost 7 feet height making him even more imposing. "Welcome, benefactor!"
We both walked toward each other, and seeing his fist rising, I smiled inwardly. I raised my own in response. But the chief’s strength was clearly on another level; I had to brace myself to avoid being knocked back. Thankfully, he could control his strength well.
He didn’t forget to give a nod to Cassandra.
"It truly warms my spirit to see you well, brother," he rumbled, his voice still deep. "The Keth’al remember those who stand with us. You saved my life, and that of many others. How can we ever repay such a debt?"
He then gestured to a space near the fire. "Please, sit! Share our warmth, and tell us your journey. Have you been well?"
"As you can see, I’m whole and hearty," I replied, returning his warm smile. "But, Keth’mar, why don’t we take a look at your condition first?"
The chief nodded approvingly, and we both sat down on the thick fur mattresses, facing each other.
I took his wrist, closing my eyes to focus as I felt his pulse. I also used the Mender’s Paradox for more clarity.
"Your internal injuries healed well," I commented, opening my eyes. "The damage to your organs is almost gone. However, your pathways still need some recovery time." I looked up to meet his eyes. "You are in good health, but you should still refrain from using aura for a while longer to avoid any complications."
The chief’s expressions grew solemn. "How much longer, benefactor?"
"At least another week," I said, raising my palm to his wide forehead. "Please, lean forward a bit."
The chief complied without hesitation, bending slightly so I could reach him easily without trouble. I placed my palm against his forehead and closed my eyes again. Then, I activated Mender’s Paradox once more.