Turned out the Alkonost was killed miles away from my location, and thanks to my messages, all 3 of us missed out on the kill.
My messages were caught by Pelit, Rimel, who were paired up, and Fulem, they were happened to be the closest.
" What did you mistake for an Alkonost? "
" I got .. confused Fulem. Mistook the signature of a sheep. " I muttered awkwardly.
My explanation was nonsense, but there happened to be farm close, so Fulem just probably booked it as me being stupid and incompetent.
" Fine .. the hunt is over. Let's head back to the Portal. " said Fulem, turning around.
As he took the lead, we walked a few feet behind him.
" You mistook a sheep? .. riiight. What actually happened? "
" Later Rim .. " I said quietly.
They understood why we couldn't talk, despite him feigning indifference. Fulem was very much listening, not for any particular reason .. just because.
" You think they are willing to share.. I mean, it's a big catch .. " said Pelit with a hopeful expression.
He was optimistic.. almost naive.
" Sorry for the payday, boys .. " I apologised.
I did feel bad .. as things turned out, me sending that message achieved nothing whatsoever.
It would've turned out the same, but to be fair, I sent it before I knew what was waiting for me in the woods.
" Don't sweat it .. the school has like a meal plan or .. ? " asked Pelit hopefully.
That made us chuckle a little.
" Lyceeys is a school for magicans mate, they obviously have meals and such covered, it's built inside a hollowed out mountain, built by dwarf masters of the age around 6 century or so ..
" Please, Rim .. " I asked, almost begging.
Pelit touched his shoulder. " Please .. "
With that, he was defeated .. and that was the last piece of trivia we ever heard from him about the Lyceeys forever and ever and ever .. Sigh ..
———
The time we stepped through the Portal and arrived inside the Taj, I was exhausted.
Not only mentally, since we been treated to mocking mixed with celebration of those 5 who took down the Alkonost all the way back here ..
But physically as well .. the adrenaline kept me high as kite for a while, but now it drained away and left me feeling like I took a beating. Magic exhaustion was a hell of a thing.
The party after a successful kill will last for hours, and it was usually a good time we would never miss, but I needed to talk and make some sense of what happened.
~
Inside our room, the silence prevailed. After listening to my tale, the boys were lost for words.
" Any .. umm .. I got nothing. " Pelit gave up first.
Rimel didn't do any better. No trivia he knew helped with this.
" .. I bet your uncle would know something. Did you tell him about the letter and the warning? "
" No .. I didn't have the chance. " I lied seamlessly.
To be honest, I was thinking along the same lines. If anyone, he should know something, the girl clearly knew him as well.
She knew me .. where I was, and even when we would conduct hunts with the Border Control.
Not like any of this information was public knowledge.
There were multiple ways to do surveillance on someone even without magic, but what was the use watching me? Is it really just the wand thing?
She even knew about Leonard and called him my pet .. meaning she's been watching at least for 2 months now, if not longer.
But why?
All these unknowns made me irritated. Things are getting more murky the closer we get to that school.
" Well, there's nothing to be done then! Right? ..I mean, let us thank our lucky stars she didn't want to end your school career before it even had a chance to begin. "
As usual, Pelit way of seeing it simplified things quite a bit.
" He is right .. somewhat .. " Rim grabbed his wand and walked towards the window. " She might be listening to us as we speak. "
He did a few small circles around the window, and it was covered in a light blue hew that faded a second later.
" Now, at least we know she can't hear us. "
I give him a thumbs up for using his head because it didn't cross my mind to take precautions against further stalking.
"I have a feeling we will see her soon enough .. no point ponder what's her motivations are. " I said, standing up. " .. Now let's get good and drunk, we didn't do much in the hunt, but I'm sure they won't mind. "
We ended up getting into a fight with the kill squad, insulting each others heritage and educational knowledge. Someone started a fire, and we managed to destroy most furniture in the dining hall .. all in all, it was one of our mildest celebrations yet.
———
The last days on the mountain were spent in a nostalgic fog that had the power to draw tears even in the strongest, most resilient men's eyes.
On a more serious note, it was pretty sad leaving this place behind.
It was not only a safe haven for the oddballs in the world that somehow ended up in its vicinity, but it also the place that give me peace, confidence, friendship and a shield against the rest of the world's general foolishness.
But like all good things, our time here was at an end, and soon it was September 2nd, the day of our departure.
Those who couldn't be here already said their goodbyes, and the rest stood around us in front of the Portals.
As the destination was set by the ministry approved specialist sent just for the occasion, we said our goodbyes.
" Listen .. " Captain Roche pulled me aside as the others said their talked. " .. take this. You never know when you need it out there. "
He handed me a heavy envelope .. even a dull witted would understand it was filled with money.
" Captain ..
" Don't wanna hear it. " He shut down my attempts at refusal. " .. Take care of each other .. never forget .. this is home. "
Genuine real feelings reached even a cynical asshole like myself.
" Thank you .. for everything you have done for me.. "
We stood there awkwardly sharing a hug. I owe this man more than I will ever owe anyone.
" Alright, kid, gather yourself .. we good, we good. "
" Yeah .. " I chuckled, wiping my eyes. " We be back by Christmas Cap .. celebrate it as we always do. "
" Deal.. " he tapped my shoulder.
Pelit and Rimel wearing heavy backpacks filled with everything they owned joined my side.
" Look after each other .. as long you three stay together, it can never truly be a disaster, right? "
We nodded along and waived for all the guys who came out for us.
As I stepped through the Portal, I took one more look behind me .. I'm going to miss this place.. but the captain said it right .. this is home.
We'll be back.
~
We arrived in the God damn middle of nowhere.
I'm not kidding. It's an empty field.. a familiar one.. but only for me. A few miles away, I saw the mountain where the school should be.
" Where's the school? Did they mess up the coordinates? " asked Rim, looking around.
" No .. calm boys. We are in the right place. "
I put my backpack down the grass and took a seat.
" .. He is late as usual. Just take it easy until he arrives. " I said, tapping the grass.
They nodded along and took a seat themselves.
I used my pack as a makeshift pillow and enjoyed the warm breeze that ran through the hill.
" Damn .. even the air is sweeter here, no? " asked Pelit, enjoying the view.
" No .. " I answered immediately.
" Hmm .. for someone growing up here, maybe, but for what Pelit said does have some truth to it as in ..
Listening how the concentration of magic can unintentionally clear the air and somehow even make one more healthy .. it did put me to sleep.
Until the idiot started poking me.
" What, Pelit!? " I asked without opening my eyes.
" You think your uncle might decide to freeze us again? " his voice was full of concern.
" No .. I don't know .. the man is insufferable, egotistical ..
" Khmm .. "
Of corse he arrived now.
" .. but mostly brilliant and blah blah blah.. welcome, Professor. "
I sat up watching my uncle wearing a genuine smile and two more extras, I didn't know, giving me hostile looks from the start. He brought his fans .. goody.
" Welcome home, Ferith. "
My friends jumped up so fast that they almost tumbled again just for a handshake.
" Headmaster .. It's an honour to meet you in person. My name is Rimel Liuns, and this is our friend ..
" I can introduce myself .. " Pelit pushed him away. " Pelit Kowals, I wanted to thank you for giving us the opportunity to study at your school. "
My uncle gave me a look as in .. Seriously, them? .. but accepted their handshake.
" Please.. I should thank you for looking after my nephew. " He bowed his head a little, which visibly upset the duo coming with him.
" It's nothing .. really .. "
Pelit smiled ear to ear, and Rim seemed to be in a genuine shock that he talked to him directly.
I had my share of goofy comedy and gathered myself walking closer.
" Ahh yes .. let me introduce my nephew, Ferith .. these two prime examples of excellence in our school and the leading ...
" What are their names? " I cut him off.
" .. Umm, yes .. Milan and her sister Lor Orlean. " He finished it under his breath.
Yes, I had feeling looking in their eyes .. although they looked like they might drown me in a teaspoon .. we're going to be fast friends.
" Nice to meet you .. I'm Ferith Aslan. "
I haven't used my family's name in two years. It was strange saying out loud but might as well embrace it again.. after all, I'm here now.