Although everything that needed to be done was done, and everything that needed to be said had been said, it seemed like there was nothing more to worry about.

However, someone was still dissatisfied.

Garrett frowned as he looked at the cramped underground refuge before him.

A week later, from the North Downs to the Sarn Ford area, many spacious underground shelters had been added. These shelters were fully stocked with emergency supplies, had comfortable living conditions, discreet ventilation, and each contained a small plot of farmland growing common crops like potatoes, lit by glowstones that emitted both light and warmth.

Now, these places truly felt like proper refuges, not just makeshift shelters.

It was only then that the Rangers finally understood just how remarkable Garrett’s rumored construction magic really was.

“I’m actually a bit curious.”

On the way back to Wayfort, Garrett asked Halbarad, “Do all your people live like this? I mean, wandering around, hunting orcs and wargs, and constantly moving between different bases?”

“No, we do have a few permanent settlements, with houses and farmland too.”

Halbarad had only just regained his composure and replied, “No one knows where our people truly dwell, except the Eldar.”

“Yes, the Elves.”

Just as they returned to Wayfort, Wade came looking for Garrett.

“An elf claiming to be from Rivendell says he has a letter for you, and he insists on delivering it into your hands personally.”

“Where is he?”

“In the fields.”

“The fields?”

“Yes, he’s helping with the farming.”

Following Wade’s directions, Garrett headed over. When he reached the vegetable garden, he paused.

“Erestor?” he called out.

The elf planting potatoes quickly stood up and greeted Garrett.

A short while later, Erestor, now cleaned up and dressed neatly, met with Garrett inside the castle, with Halbarad present as a witness.

The Ranger and the elf greeted each other cordially, then turned to Garrett and got down to business.

Erestor began, “A few days ago, Lord Elrond wrote you a letter. I was curious about what this place of yours looked like, so I volunteered to deliver it myself.”

“When I discovered you weren’t here, I tried to find an inn but couldn’t. A local resident arranged free lodging for me.”

“I heard that everyone here contributes daily labor, so I joined in.”

“It’s remarkable, your crops grow so quickly, as if under some kind of spell.”

“You could say that…”

Garrett couldn’t be bothered to explain anymore.

Erestor took out a well-preserved letter and handed it to him.

Halbarad stole a glance and confirmed that it truly was from the Lord of Rivendell, the seal was unmistakable.

This also confirmed what Garrett had said earlier: He was, without a doubt, one of their allies.

As Garrett opened the envelope, silence fell inside the castle.

A moment later, he gave a slightly awkward smile.

Oh no, he’d completely forgotten about that horse from Rivendell.

Though the letter was polite and only mentioned it once or twice, he could still clearly see the main point.

That horse really was an excellent one, swift and strong, but Wayfort had plenty of such horses…

Missing one hadn’t stood out at all, which was why he hadn’t even remembered it.

“All right, I have to admit I did forget something. This reminder came at just the right time.”

He put the letter away, and with that, official business was concluded.

Now he formally said, “Welcome, Erestor. As you can see, this is my stronghold.”

“Though, when I invited you before, it wasn’t nearly this large, back then, Wayfort really was just a simple fortress.”

“And a few walls that weren’t very tall or long,” Halbarad added from the side.

“Back then, there was neither this scale nor that tower outside, it looks like it just materialized from thin air.”

Even though he had seen it many times, he still couldn’t help marveling every time he looked that way.

It was simply a miracle.

He sneaked a glance at Erestor beside him. Elves really did have that steady composure. But then again, he had only lived a little over a hundred years, how could his experiences compare to those of an elf?

It was just… from what Garrett said, it sounded like this was Erestor’s first time here?

Wait a second, could this fellow really believe it had always been like this?

“It really has been that long,” Garrett said with a sigh, “Time flies, it all passed in the blink of an eye.”

“Has it been long?” Halbarad leaned back in his chair.

“The memory of meeting you feels like just yesterday,” Erestor added with a gentle smile.

Garrett blinked, his mouth opening but no words coming out for a long moment.

Well, wonderful.

A Dúnadan and an elf.

Two long-lived folk.

There was just no keeping up a conversation with these two about the passage of time.

“If I may ask something…” Erestor suddenly spoke. “That object over there…?”

He pointed at the radiant beacon glowing behind Garrett.

“I can sense a strong life force from it, and power. It even made me work more efficiently while I was in the fields.”

“It’s a magical artifact I created. You can call it a ‘beacon.'”

“Beacon?” Halbarad perked up as well. In fact, ever since he stepped in, he hadn’t been able to take his eyes off the thing, even from his peripheral vision.

That glowing object was simply too fascinating. From the moment he laid eyes on it, countless long-buried legends floated to the surface of his mind, yet none matched what he saw.

If Halbarad was curious, then Erestor, an elf naturally drawn to beautiful things, had been captivated even earlier. He’d only held back from asking due to the importance of Elrond’s letter. Otherwise, he would’ve spoken up the moment he saw the beacon.

“Yes, the beacon.”

“The life force and energy you feel flowing through your body all come from it.”

Garrett stood up and tapped the beacon’s glass pyramid with his finger, saying, “Anyone within its range receives this blessing.”

Because of the beacon, it had become a daily ritual for residents to rest for a while in the plaza. This had made the plaza bustling with people at certain times of day.

If it kept up like this, the small space would soon be too crowded. In light of that, Garrett was already planning to defeat another Wither to craft a dedicated “Healing Plaza.”

He also considered building a hospital near the beacon.

That way, injured people could recover simply by staying there. Those with severe wounds or terminal illnesses might even be able to hang on long enough to find a complete cure.

“Truly magnificent and beautiful,” Erestor said, not holding back his praise.

“To create something so close to perfection, your craftsmanship rivals the greatest artisans in history, whether they were noble or fell.”

In ancient times, Fëanor crafted the Silmarils. In the Second Age, Sauron forged the One Ring.

And now, Garrett made a beacon.

“Time always brings new wonders. I’m glad I got to witness something so beautiful.”

“Well then, you’d better look forward to what’s next, we’ve got plenty of time ahead,” Garrett said, then changed the subject:

“Since it’s rare for both of you to be here, why don’t I give you a tour of the territory? There’s still a lot I haven’t shown you.”

“By the way, have either of you seen Wormi?”

“I’ve heard the name mentioned by the residents,” Erestor said. “But I haven’t encountered it yet.”

“This is my first time hearing of it,” Halbarad said, finally pulling his eyes away from the beacon.

Garrett waved them along. “Then let’s go take a look. It lives in the mallorn tree right next to the castle.”

“It? I’m guessing it’s some kind of winged creature, perhaps with feathers,” Halbarad commented, chatting with Erestor as they followed.

Erestor thought for a moment and added, “But it certainly isn’t just a normal animal.”

“Perhaps it’s a magical bird, or some sort of great eagle?”

“I can’t really think of anything else that would warrant such attention.”

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