Chapter 139: A Mole?

POV Eliza

“How have you been, Eliza? Tell me, what exactly happened back then?” <Kira>

On the way to the new hiding place, I walked ahead with Kira.

“I fell off the horse while fleeing. In the ravine where I landed, there were lots of rocks and also a cave. I was able to hide in it.” <Eliza>

“That explains the empty horse. I was afraid you had been hit by an arrow and died. Were you seriously injured?” <Kira>

“I was okay. Mainly bruises, but no broken bones. I was very lucky.” <Eliza>

“That's true. I looked for you when I finally managed to shake off my pursuers, but there was no sign of you. If you were hiding in a cave, I couldn't find you. I didn't find the cave itself.” <Kira>

“I don't know how long I spent there myself, because I lost consciousness. I fled in the middle of the night and hid from then on.” <Eliza>

“No offense, Eliza, but you're not very inconspicuous. Especially since you're quite tall for a woman. How did you manage to survive in the Empire?” <Kira>

“I can't answer that easily. I acquired and improved many skills to hide myself. That allowed me to avoid detection so far, but you're right. If I had been discovered, I would have been in big trouble. But I also had a lot of luck and significant help.” <Eliza>

"I'm glad you're okay. I won't ask any more questions so as not to jeopardize your cover. Your answers are enough for me." <Kira>

“Thank you, Kira. I really appreciate that. I'll tell you one day.” <Eliza>

After that, I helped Kira lead our people to their final destination. This camp was too close to the old one and therefore very likely known to the Empire. Will made the decision to move further west. The destination turned out to be a former charcoal burner's camp too. There were only four huts, all of which were dilapidated. It was clear that the place needed to be renovated and expanded. However, there was a stream nearby that was wide enough for fish to swim in. Will immediately took on his role as leader and organized the initial work. Kira and I were assigned to hunt.

When we returned from hunting, at least a few more tents had been erected. The huts had been provisionally repaired so that at least the children had a roof over their heads. A larger area had been cleared of plants and undergrowth. In the middle were two fires with pots hanging over them, already being used for cooking. Kira and I had brought back a deer and some plants. One of the children, an 11-year-old boy who was being trained as a hunter by Kira, was with us. So I held back and concentrated on gathering edible plants. I didn't have any ranged weapons anyway, except for my throwing knives.

As in the past, every woman and every younger child helped with the cooking according to their abilities. The men, on the other hand, continued to work on the huts in the meantime. That evening, we dined together and had a small celebration. Afterwards, we went to bed. I agreed to keep watch.

The next day, Will divided the community into different tasks. Two of the three adventurers formed a group with a few others to collect building materials from the old hideout. Kira went hunting with her apprentice. I was free to do whatever I wanted, so I helped with the construction work for the morning. After all, I was proficient in woodworking at an advanced level. Then Will approached me.

“Do you have a moment, Eliza?” <Will>

“What is it, Will? Is there a problem?” <Eliza>

“I want you to do us a favor. We can't be sure if anyone is already looking for us, so I want you to take a look around. I know it's a lot to ask, but will you do it?” <Will>

"Sure, no problem. As long as it's just scouting, I can do it. I'd better get going right away. I'll say goodbye to Mama, since I'll be gone for a few days. See you later." Eliza

“Thanks, Eliza. You're helping me a lot.” Will

I went to Mama, who was going through the clothing inventory.

“Oh, sweetie, what's up?” Mimi

“Will asked me to check around the old camp to see if there are any pursuers. That's why I'll be gone for a few days.” Eliza

“Be careful and come back safe.” Mimi

“I will, Mama. I have years of experience in not attracting attention. See you later.” Eliza

I hugged Mama, kissed her on the cheek, and gathered my things. Then, with the help of wind magic, I quickly made my way to the old camp. This allowed me to travel faster, and by evening I could already sense the auras of our group, who had set up camp there for the night. I decided not to join them, but to go around them the next day.

The next morning, the group moved on, but one person separated from them and headed south. Was he going to the road? Or was he just scouting the area? Following an intuition, I followed the person. I wondered who it was. Judging by their aura, this person was the strongest in the group, but they had no magic. I circled around them and lay in wait. As soon as their aura came close to me, I used Appraisal. It was Jared, the ex-soldier. What confused me was his status. According to my Sense Life skill, he should have about twice as many HP as his status indicated. Something wasn't right here.

I followed him for two days until we reached the road. There, he took a small staff out of his luggage and held it up in the air. A ball of light shot out of it and after a while it exploded high in the air in a small shower of sparks. It seemed like a signal, but why and for whom? It had to have something to do with the nearby town, so I circled around Jared and lay in wait within sight of the town. After about three hours, a small bird appeared at the end of the road, moving very quickly. Its aura indicated that it was a magical creature. A summoning? It had to be light magic, because my summoned creatures had a different aura. It carried a small container in its claws. It landed in front of Jared and dropped the container. Jared picked it up and unscrewed it. Inside was a piece of paper and a pen. Jared wrote something on the paper and placed it back in the container. The bird picked it up again and took off. Jared watched it briefly and then disappeared into the forest.

I would love to know what he had written and where he knew someone who could use light magic. I didn't think it meant anything good, so I had to get the note. I cast a wind cutter and shot it at the bird. It screeched briefly and then dropped the container. Then it flew away quickly. I stepped onto the road and picked up the container.

“Hey, what are you doing?” <Jared>

Jared must have come out of the forest behind me. He had obviously heard the screech and gone to investigate.