Chapter 70: A Plan to Leave

**Market Morning**

It was a crisp, clear morning in the village, and the marketplace was bustling with life. Stalls were filled with a variety of delicious foods, and villagers moved about, chatting and conducting their daily business. Alex moved through the crowd, selecting fresh produce and meats, the sights and sounds a comforting reminder of the peaceful life they had carved out here.

With his bags full, he decided it was time to head home and face the conversation he had been dreading. As he stepped into the cabin, Thrain was waiting for him by the doorway, his expression solemn. Thrain placed a hand on Alex's left shoulder, offering silent support.

"My dear boy, I will be in there with you so that you don't have a hard time telling them," Thrain said softly. "And also, maybe at some point, tell Lyra about Yuki."

Alex nodded, appreciating his friend's support. "Thanks, dear friend."

**Breaking the News**

Alex walked towards the kitchen area and placed the bag of food onto the counter. He turned slightly towards Lyra, Joan, and his mother Samantha, who were gathered around the table. Thrain stood by his side, ready to support him.

"Can I have my family's attention, please?" Alex began, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.

Joan looked up, curiosity in his eyes. "What is it, Dad?"

Alex took a deep breath. "I don't know how to tell you this, but I have been here for a few months, and with Shona heading to the new world, I must tell you that I have to leave soon. I originally planned to come here and bring Lyra to the city of Nothra, west and then north from here, on the other side of the continent to regroup with my allies. But with such a big family, I must say I need you all to start packing. And I know this is so sudden, but I plan on moving us to the new world."

Joan's face fell, shock and sadness filling his eyes. "No, Dad, I don't want to leave. This is my home."

Alex knelt down beside his son, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Life is like this sometimes, Joan. People have a destiny that they cannot run away from."

Lyra, ever the pillar of strength, spoke up. "Me and your mother will try and protect Joan on the journey."

Samantha nodded in agreement. "We'll make sure he's safe."

**A New Path**

Lyra continued, her voice thoughtful. "Alex, there is one issue. We can't go through Jonest to get to Nothra from the original path you had taken. I heard from people in the dwarven city that Shona completely destroyed Jonest and Aeloria, so there is no way to go there."

Thrain stepped forward, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I have a tip that might help. If we go through the Forgotten Lands, there is an old trail road from hundreds of years ago that will lead past just through away from Jonest. It might be a longer trip, but if we go in cart and horse, we might get to Nothra in just under a year at most. But the Forgotten Lands is known for dangerous beasts and creatures from long ago, from ruins of forgotten life. They do have rumors of the Artifact of Immortality lying in those lands."

Alex considered Thrain's words carefully. "Agreed then. Everyone, start packing. We leave tomorrow at first dawn."

**Father and Son**

After the plan was set, Alex walked over to Joan, who was crying softly, upset at the thought of leaving his home. Alex knelt down again, looking into his son's eyes.

"My dear son, I get that moving sounds scary, but think about the adventure you get to go on. The sights you will be able to see, and the chance to start a life in the new world. New lands to be explored. The new world is a place to start anew, a place man has not touched, a place where rules can't define us, my dear son."

Joan sniffled, wiping his tears away. "Thank you, Dad. I'll try to be brave."

Alex hugged him tightly. "That's my boy. We'll face this together."

The family began to pack their belongings, preparing for the journey ahead. Despite the uncertainty, there was a sense of resolve among them. They were united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

This concludes Chapter Seventy.