The next morning, everyone woke up refreshed. They had a good night’s sleep; there were no interruptions, and everyone remained warm.
Gildaryn had already woken up and was waiting for them. He asked, seeing their relaxed faces.
"Had a good sleep?"
"Best in a while," Faris answered, raising his arms and yawning.
After they finished their morning routines, they had breakfast. During the morning meal, they all introduced themselves to the dragon and told him about their different powers. The dragon was very intrigued, especially by Aiko’s power and wondered about the origin. The portal opening was unique, only a handful of people possessed it.
After finishing eating, they were ready to head out.
"We appreciate everything you did for us, Gildaryn, except fighting my mate," Cassandra said jokingly, putting a small smile on Gildaryn’s face, the best a dragon could come closer to smiling.
"I had to test you people. These lands are nothing but difficult challenges one after the other. Faint of heart can’t survive here."
"That’s true," Siroos answered, adjusting the strap of his satchel.
"Before you people leave I would like you to have this." Gildaryn pointed with his claw towards a gold treasure chest with an ample amount of rubies studded on it. "There is something for everyone inside it and extra you will need during your visit to the Underworld.
"You didn’t have to, Gildaryn. We are not here looking for treasure, it’s yours to keep," Cassandra insisted. It felt wrong to accept the treasure he had been guarding with his life.
"It’s my wish to share it. Please, accept it. I hope once you reach the tree and unlock your full potential, more love will spread in this world. We all need it, instead of lust and greed. So I wish you good luck and blessings on your endeavours and journey ahead."
Gildaryn was adamant that they accepted his gift so Razial and Faris opened the heavy chest.
It had several coloured jewels in it.
"The golden jewel is meant for Siroos. One day he will wear it in his crown. It will help guide his spirits better and strengthen their powers.
The blue sapphire is for the commander, it will enhance his ice abilities.
The pink amethyst is for Lotus. It will perfectly fit in a tiara for her.
The red ruby is for Faris. His axe needs adornment and it will become even mightier.
The white diamond is for Aiko. I know she loved shiny objects as a lady must. She can easily transfer her powers to it. Won’t need to be charmed.
The Purple jade stone is for our goddess of love. It will help you channel your powers better and guide you when needed.
And there is an extra emerald in it and gold coins. You might need them if you will have to cross the River of Pain," Gildaryn explained.
Everyone picked up their gemstones and let their energy soak into their skins.
Gemstones hold a special aura and only the right one connects with each individual. Gildaryn had smartly chosen for them what he believed suited their tastes best.
"It’s so beautiful, and I didn’t even have to steal it," Aiko giddily whispered to her mate, and he let out a small laugh. His mate was cute and naughty.
Appreciating the gifts they placed them back in the chest. Locking it, they put it in Lotus’s satchel.
"Your magic will be unlocked with their help as well. It will no longer be restricted," Gildaryn further revealed.
"Thank you, generous dragon." Lotus liked this quirky beast, he matched her spirit.
Gildaryn offered a quick nod.
Saying their final goodbyes, the CAFLRS left his cave and continued their journey after climbing down from the mountain.
"I wonder what lies ahead for us," Faris wandered loudly, as he walked in a relaxed fashion with his hands behind his head, like taking a stroll in the park and not in lands where dangers lurked on every corner.
"Marshy areas; Gildaryn said that spider-like creatures dwell there as big as we can imagine and deadlier than a viper," Cassandra reminded them, and a shiver went through Aiko and Lotus.
"So many legs, they gross me out." Lotus made a retching sound.
"It would be better to cross these marshlands riding on Duskborn. They sound dangerous and it will make our journey easy as well," Siroos suggested as he shielded Cassandra from being exposed to the direct sun using his body.
"He can carry us all at the same time? We will draw a lot of attention," They had been trying to avoid riding on Duskborn because of becoming easily visible in the sky and the advantage of quietly moving ahead would be lost.
"I think we lost that when we had to fight those serpents. Whatever gods own this place or guard the Underworld already know we are here," Siroos answered; he knew his dragon could handle any crisis.
The rest of the journey in these dry lands passed without much commotion. Not many creatures tried to attack them.
By nightfall, the landscape began to change again. The soil became more saline and waterlogged. Random vegetation could be seen sprouting out and they even found a stream with very clear water. The round stones at the bottom of the stream could easily be seen.
"We should fill up our water skins; they are almost empty. Not sure if we will get fresh water reserves anywhere else," Commander Razial pointed out.
"Is this water even drinkable?" Lotus asked; she was sceptical.
"It is. I can’t smell any toxic elements in it." Siroos had taken a deep whiff and knew this was safe.
They paused near the lake’s shore, which was covered in reeds and herbaceous plants. Taking out the waterskins, Razial and Faris began to fill them with water.
"At least we have water now. How are our food reserves?" Siroos questioned.
"We have enough for at least a week but we should be hunting and utilising the animals here," Aiko answered. She was the one in charge of rationing the food.
"Tonight, we will hunt and eat."
Siroos’s words made Cassandra question. "What if animals here are poisonous?"
Most of the animals and creatures they encountered differed from their world. They were much larger and had different appearances, and at times, they couldn’t even figure out what they were.
"Well, fish are mostly a safe choice, and I can see some fish in the stream. Let’s get them." Faris’s hand turned into his wolf’s claw as he kneeled near the river and tried to snatch a fish.
It squirmed and swam away.
"Uggh!" Faris replied in frustration when Razial placed his hand on his shoulder and said with a wink.
"Watch and learn."
Razial wanted to test his powers, Gildaryn had said they would work now.
Letting his powers flow, Razial formed a long ice spear in his hand; angling it, he took a perfect shot and speared the fish with it.
"Here!" He presented it to Faris who let out a snort.
"I can do it too."
Others were watching them with interest and began to place bets on who could bag more fish.
Now that their magic had returned, Cassandra had let down her shield.
Something instantly pierced her neck, and her head spun; before she knew it, the darkness took over, and she stumbled towards the ground.