Endurance, this sort of thing always ends up affecting the journey. But as it happened, the three present weren’t exactly lacking in it.

They ran for a full day and night.

“Whew…”

On an open patch of ground near the main road, seeing that there were no pursuers in sight behind them, the three finally had a chance to rest.

“It’s time you explained exactly what happened.”

Garrett lit a campfire and set up an iron pot. As he boiled some stew, he said, “I mean the part about your clash with Sauron, and being corrupted.”

“I think before that, you should explain the rings on your hand. From what I know, most rings with strange powers in this world aren’t exactly good news. The last time I saw a ring like that was thousands of years ago. There was a Man named Khamûl. He used a ring to become the most powerful warrior in the East. He gained great wealth and power, and even mastered some dark arts. Some called him the ‘Shadow of the East.'”

Hmm?

Before Garrett could respond, Halbarad was already intrigued by what he heard.

A powerful warrior, master of sorcery, eventually known by a dark title… Why did that sound so familiar?

“But in the end, he was corrupted by that ring and became a servant of the Enemy, a Nazgûl. I’ve already explained how serious this could be, Garrett. If what you’re wearing is that kind of ring, it’s still not too late to remove it. I can help you, even if it puts me in a worse situation.”

“You’re overthinking it. I forged both of these rings myself. They only contain pure protective power. They have no connection to Sauron’s One Ring.”

“Oh… I see… That’s for the best…”

“Now it’s your turn. What exactly happened to you?”

As Garrett spoke, he took out three wooden bowls and ladled out some freshly cooked stew for the other two.

Alatar took a sip and immediately felt like every sense in his body was rejoicing at the taste of that broth.

“You want to know what happened?”

Garrett nodded.

“Very well.”

As if afraid he might never get another chance, Alatar finished the entire bowl before slowly setting it down and stepping away. The moment he raised his hands, the clear sky above suddenly dimmed.

His sea-blue robe fluttered despite the still air. Shadow surged from within him. The light of wisdom in the wizard’s eyes vanished, replaced by coldness and malice.

“Like this.”

His voice was muffled and unclear, almost painful to the ears.

Boom!

Everything vanished in an instant, as if it had never occurred.

Halbarad snapped out of his daze, while Garrett remained completely unfazed the entire time.

“That’s a pretty serious condition. Maybe milk will help you feel a bit better.”

Hearing this, Alatar didn’t hesitate to take the offered cup and drank it down in one gulp.

“Thanks, that did help somewhat.”

A moment later, he added, “Though it only lasts a little while.”

Yep, classic case of beacon-level permanent corruption.

“A very effective milk-based remedy… But it only works for a short time.”

“That evil power is constantly affecting my mind. There’s only one way to deal with it, solve it at the source.”

He shook his head helplessly. “But I’ve grown accustomed to it. Before that happens, I’ll do my best to set things in order…”

Clang.

Just then, a different kind of sound came from the road.

Halbarad immediately doused the campfire and covered the stew pot.

Alatar quickly shielded his wooden bowl.

The three hid and looked toward the road, where they saw an ornate carriage speeding along. From time to time, it bounced over small stones, making clattering noises.

A small squad of guards surrounded the carriage, riding armored horses.

“A royal noble’s carriage. Those around it are the elite of the king’s personal guard.”

Alatar recognized them at a glance.

The three exchanged a look.

Moments later, three masked bandits brazenly leapt out onto the road. One wore dark armor and possessed immense strength, so much so that even charging mounted guards couldn’t budge him in the slightest.

Another wore a tattered, ill-fitting coat and wielded a wooden staff. With a single swing, he could knock someone unconscious through their helmet. He appeared to be a veteran with years of battlefield experience.

The third moved with exceptional agility, nearly impossible to catch. His deft use of both daggers and longbow hinted at lethal skill, and the untouched sword at his waist suggested that his blade-work might be just as formidable.

When more than half of the royal guards had fallen, while the three bandits remained completely unharmed, the remaining guards hastily pulled the noble from the carriage, mounted him on a horse, and fled.

The noble glared at the carriage, mouth open to shout something, but a guard quickly clamped a hand over his mouth, his eyes burned with fury.

The three bandits didn’t chase after them or attempt to silence them. Instead, they clumsily rifled through the carriage, making sure they hadn’t missed anything before leaving the scene.

—

Far off the main road, on a barren stretch of land, Alatar took out what he’d retrieved earlier. “I found a letter sealed with the royal crest.”

Halbarad laid down his own haul. “I found a gilded dagger of fine craftsmanship, and a few gold coins. These might prove useful.”

Garrett brought out a plate with several uniquely shaped small cakes on it. “I found some food, pastries I’ve never seen before.”

“…”

“Don’t look at me like that. You two already took everything useful, what, I’m not allowed to grab a few snacks?”

“…Fair enough.”

Alatar picked up a small cake, chewing on it as he unfolded the letter and began reading.

But the more he read, the more serious his expression became.

“It’s a mobilization order. It mentions three main regions.”

“The winding northern seaport. The southern pass city. And a chain of fortified towns along the eastern highway.”

“Each of these holds significant power.”

“If they manage to unite with the capital’s forces, I fear there won’t be a single power in the East capable of resisting them.”

He furrowed his brows deeply, no longer in the mood for cake.

Halbarad offered some comfort: “At least there’s good news, the messenger didn’t make it through, right?”

“No.”

“That was just one of them. Possibly even the least important.”

“There are three other groups already on their way to those three regions.”

Alatar shook his head. “It’s already too late…”

“I don’t think so.”

Garrett finished his cake, set the plate aside, and leaned over to look at the letter. “Doesn’t this say those three groups only just set out? That means, just like this one, they’re all still on the road. I think we still have time to catch them.”

Halbarad thought for a moment. “At most, we can only catch up to one group.”

“Still, even stopping just one of them would make a difference. So, which way do we go?”

No one answered.

“We do have three people…” Garrett said this while staring at the letter.

“Yes, three people.” Alatar agreed enthusiastically.

“Two of whom are clearly insane.” Halbarad looked around nervously and took a step back.

Two pairs of eyes slowly turned toward him.

—

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