Chapter 63: Exploration

Dawn was just breaking when the exploration group gathered at the foot of the Mother Tree. The atmosphere was heavy, charged with contradictory emotions. The excitement of departure mingled with the anxiety of the unknown. For today, they were about to cross a frontier that none of them had dared to cross except for a very short time to gather food.

Foster looked slowly at his companions. Fifteen elves, half of their people. Half of them were venturing towards an uncertain goal, while the other half would stay behind to protect Vollua.

Köflik adjusted his sword in its scabbard, a serious expression on his face. Kassandra silently readjusted her reinforced gloves. Lorie and Giovanni exchanged a few words in hushed tones, but their tension was palpable. Yähn was tense, his bow firmly clutched to his back.