Mantle of the Gods

We still hadn’t found anything to eat.

After two hours and a single bramble skeleton, we hadn’t found anything that was edible. At least, not edible in the ‘fit for consumption’ sense. I had chewed on a few leaves, but those were bitter and not something I was going to suggest that the women make a meal out of.

We had traveled in relative silence, not wanting to draw the attention of monsters while we had empty stomachs. There was always the option to double back to camp and go to the berry patch from there, but I doubted that we would be able to pick nearly that many again tomorrow. As it stood, there hadn’t been enough to last the seven of us all day, and I was willing to bet the level fourteen crystal in my pocket that Edward had eaten all of the ones we’d picked.

I could see that the fatigue was starting to wear on Aelin, Justia, and Ether, but Rix seemed like her normal self. Not that I knew what her normal self was, but she wasn’t showing any signs of fatigue or hunger like the others.

“I want a burger…” Aelin leaned against a tree, “Aren’t Adventurers supposed to live extravagant lives?”

“The retired ones maybe.” I shrugged, “But the ones in the dungeon all live by what they can carry.”

“How much can they carry in that band thingy?” Aelin asked

“I don’t know.” I thought for a moment, “I’ve seen some Adventurers take a lot out of them though.”

“That’s what we need.” She decided, “We all need crystal bands, then we would have our rations.”

I should have prepared better and packed more ration bars, but I hadn’t wanted to carry the extra weight all day. I had trusted that we’d be going back that evening and I realized that was part of what Trent was trying to teach us. Even when we thought we were going on an easy trip, to plan as if we weren’t.

“You don’t get a crystal band until level ten.” Justia scowled, “No use complaining about something that’s over a year away.”

Aelin stuck out her tongue, “I can dream can’t I?”

Justia looked away and nodded.

“We need to focus on the problem at hand.” I looked at Rix, “Do you think you could climb one of these trees and see better?”

The redhead looked at me like I had just asked her to grow another head.

“I’ll take that as a no.” I looked around, “How far from the dungeon wall do you think we are?”

“Not far.” Rix pointed in the direction we had been moving, “It’s right over there.”

I looked in the direction she pointed and sighed. If we were that close to the dungeon wall, then we might as well start heading back.

I was about to propose we go to the berry patch when Rix took off in the direction she had pointed.

The other women looked at me, but I was just as lost as they were.

“Aelin you’re the only one who can keep anywhere close to her.” I nodded, “Try to make sure she’s safe. We’ll be right behind you.”

The blonde groaned, but took off after our Shooter, “RIX! WAIT UP!”

“She’s going to attract the entire forest,” Ether complained as I held out a hand to help her up. “Thanks.” She said as she got to her feet.

“IT’S FOOD!” Aeling screamed

We all ran through the woods towards them. When we reached the dungeon wall, there was a single fruit tree growing out of the side of the dungeon wall. On it were many different types of fruit. I saw at least oranges, apples, pears, and peaches.

“WE”RE GOING TO LIVE!” Aelin laughed.