Romi had Austin spend several more days under her care before she would release him. The Malis running through his arm had done considerable damage, and Romi wanted to make sure it did not spread or damage him further. During that time, he learned that Drugos had forced himself to Steel rank. While he was able to wake up from the backlash, it caused considerable damage to his Essence. After his initial boost in power, he had settled with strength barely at Iron. He also needed specialized treatment, or he would not be able to continue his growth or even be able to use the branches he forced open. Romi had informed Austin that the resources needed for Drugos’s treatment were rare, and his best bet was to join Austin on his journey.

  The pair were released from Romi around the same time, and they took the time to walk together. Neither was sure what they should do. They had spent so much time training that it felt odd they were not allowed to.

  Austin looked over the town that the orcs had made for themselves as he walked. They lived a much different life from humans. While the population was around the same, the area they lived in was much smaller. They lived in makeshift huts and tents. Children ran around the town as adults worked. Unlike in Austin’s town, the adults did not keep a close eye on the children as they ran free.

  “I think our people are close enough now that you could join our town,” Austin suggested to Drugos. “We have plenty of room, and the houses could protect everyone from the elements.”

  “It might be a good idea since we have settled here,” Drugos considered. “It would take a lot of adjusting, though. We are used to our independence, and I’m not sure how I feel about those houses of yours. They are so sturdy and strange.”

  “It’s a place of stability and safety,” Austin chuckled.

  “There are other clans that do it, but I still find staying in one place so strange,” Drugos said. “I enjoy the freedom of traveling to new places.”

  “You can still travel. It just gives you a place that you can come back to,” Austin said. “Not to mention, both our people could be safer if we combine our forces in one spot.”

  “You definitely make a good argument. Maybe it could have prevented the attack,” Drugos’s voice grew quiet as he considered Austin’s suggestion. Then he nodded his head, and his voice returned to its regular volume. “I would like to run it by my people, but I think you have me convinced.”

  “Good to hear,” Austin smiled. “I think it will be good for the children too. They don’t get to interact often.”

  “I agree. Speaking of, what is your plan for Elliot while we look for the materials we need?” Drugos asked.

  “Honestly, I was thinking of taking him with me,” Austin said. “I know it might be dangerous, but I’m not sure how long we will be away. I planned for Maya to join us, as well.”

  “Well, that makes me feel better about my decision. I was planning on taking Astenk for the same reasons,” Drugos said. “At least this means they’ll have another kid around.”

  “I’m thankful for that. Could you imagine trying to keep those two calm as we traveled?” Austin laughed. “It would be constant ‘I’m bored.’”

  “You’re right, but now we have to ring them both in,” Drugos laughed.

  “We’ll figure it out,” Austin shrugged. “If anything, we’ll tie them up and strap them to our backs.”

  “We might have to. They both have grown into even crazier balls of energy,” Drugos said.

  “I must admit, I had a lot more energy in my younger days. So, it does not shock me,” Austin chuckled.

  “Oh, me too. I was a crazy guy. No one ever thought I would be able to lead us,” Drugos nodded. “You should have seen me. I was getting into trouble even when I was an adult.”

  “Somehow, that does not shock me,” Austin said flatly.

  “Come on, at least act a little surprised,” Drugos groaned.

  The pair continued to talk a little more before Austin decided to start his journey back to town. Romi still suggested that Austin not use his Essence for the time being. Unlike Drugos, she thought he would heal to a better condition, but she did not want Austin pushing his limits too much in case it caused the Malis to act up. So, Austin started to realize the real distance between the two towns. His enhanced physique always allowed him to traverse between the two at relatively quick speeds. It became strange to actually have to walk slowly.

  The sun began to set as Austin reached the gate of the town. He was still in disbelief at how long it took for him to reach the town. Standing at the entrance of the town was Maya with Elliot at her side. She had a worried look on her face that quickly moved to annoyance at seeing Austin.

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  “There you are!” Maya said angrily as Austin approached. “Why did you leave to come here by yourself?”

  “I wanted to make it home to you two,” Austin shrugged with a smile.

  “Did you not think how dangerous it was to go alone? I almost sent someone to look for you,” Maya said as she folded her arms.

  “Sorry, I guess I did not think about it. I’m used to being able to travel freely without worry,” Austin admitted.

  “It’s fine. You just are going to have to think about those things for now,” Maya said. “Now, let’s go home.”

  Austin nodded and picked up Elliot. As he lifted the boy, Austin struggled a bit. His right arm felt weaker than before he even had Essence. He winced slightly as he transferred Elliot’s weight to his left arm. It definitely seemed like the effects on his arm would be an adjustment. He was so used to using his dominant arm, and it felt strange to use his left arm instead.

  “You okay, daddy?” Elliot asked as he noticed Austin wince.

  “Yep, no worries,” Austin replied as he forced a smile. Then he lifted up Elliot and placed him on his back. Elliot firmly wrapped his arms around Austin’s neck as they walked back to their home.

  The family arrived at their home, and Austin was hit with the lingering scent of Maya’s cooking. The savory smell of meat hit him, and his stomach instantly growled. He had eaten under Romi’s care, but the food was bland so as not upset his stomach. He craved the flavors of Maya’s food.

  “I left a plate on the table for you,” Maya informed Austin. “I got fresh veggies and herbs from Grayson. I was also able to get fresh boar. Everyone was more than willing to give us the spoils of that hunt for you.”

  “Oh wow,” Austin was almost speechless. “That was very kind of everyone.”

  “They were all very worried about you when they heard the news,” Maya said. “And they were very thankful you went to such lengths for everyone.”

  “They give me too much credit,” Austin said as he sat Elliot down and took a seat at the dining room table. He had to stop his mouth from watering when he saw the collection of well-seasoned meat and vegetables.

  “What makes you say that?” Maya asked as she took a seat next to Austin. She did not have any food in front of her. Austin assumed that she must have already eaten with Elliot.

  “My main goal was Elliot. Everything else was extra,” Austin said before he took a bite of a carrot.

  The sweetness of the cooked carrot was complimented perfectly by the herbs it was cooked in. Austin thought back to the time when he first met Artas. Back then, he was in a similar situation where he did not get to eat anything good for a while. Both times, the situation greatly enhanced the flavors of the food. He quickly took a bite of the slab of meat in front of him next. He desperately wanted to shove all the food into his mouth as quickly as possible.

  “I don’t know why you always say stuff like that,” Maya sighed as she leaned her face against one of her hands. “You would have run off with Elliot the moment we rescued him if that was the case.”

  Austin took several more bites before he replied. He knew that he was in the middle of a conversation, but he just could not help himself. The food he ate, while he was being taken care of, never felt like it restored all the energy he expended from fighting.

  “I guess you were hungry,” Maya giggled as Austin swallowed a piece of meat.

  Austin lifted his chin up and swallowed the bite of food in his mouth. “Yeah, sorry about that. It’s just so good. As for our conversation, I think people see me as a better person than I am. I think you see me as a better person than I am. I went to the gnoll camp to cause pain and destruction.”

  “I guess I can’t really speak for what was in your heart during it,” Maya sighed as she placed a hand on Austin’s shoulder. “But I believe that rage came from a place of caring. You and Drugos fought off a whole army of gnolls to ensure we could escape. I think it took a little more determination than just wanting to cause pain to do that.”

  “Maybe you’re right,” Austin shrugged. “I just know what my central feeling was at the time.”

  “I don’t know why you resist. You always end up saying I’m right,” Maya smiled as she stood up. “Now, finish your food. I think Elliot is getting restless.”

  Austin looked towards Elliot as Maya stood up. The boy was standing next to Maya’s chair and looked towards her with anticipation. Austin realized that he probably wanted to play a little more before he had to go to bed.

  “Go ahead and spend time with him,” Austin smiled. “I’ll be there when I’m finished.”

  It did not take long for Austin to finish his food. He already ate plenty when he talked with Maya. Now that he was no longer speaking with her, he could eat as quickly as he wanted. He quickly stabbed his fork into each piece and threw them into his mouth. While he did enjoy the flavor, he started to eat so quickly that he could not make out specific flavors anymore.

  Once he finished, he placed his plate in the kitchen sink and joined Maya and Elliot. Elliott’s eyes lit up as he saw his dad. Before Austin could even fully kneel down, Elliot jumped on him. Maya played with Elliot, but she was less likely to wrestle him. Elliot was excited to finally get the chance to wrestle with his dad.

  Elliot climbed onto Austin’s back and wrapped his arms around Austin’s neck. Elliot’s arms firmly gripped and started to lightly choke Austin. Austin bucked upward and sent Elliot’s body flying upward, but the boy was still able to keep hold of Austin’s neck. Austin did it several more times until Elliot’s grip grew weak. Then he threw Elliot to the ground. The moment Elliot hit the ground, Austin buried his face into Elliot’s stomach and shook his head back and forth. Elliot let out a high-pitched laugh in response.

  The two continued this for several minutes until Elliot started to rub his eyes. Austin figured that Elliot had a long day because he usually did not get tired so quickly. He picked up Elliot and placed him in his bed. He then browsed a nearby shelf and grabbed a storybook to read. Austin was not even halfway through the book before Elliot fell asleep. A gentle smile came across Austin’s face as he watched his son sleep peacefully. He hoped that they could still enjoy moments like this one on their journey.