Chapter 163: Trip to Home
The sun was nearing its zenith when the Apache roared over the ridge and began its descent toward the village. From above, the fields looked calmer now—no smoke, no fire, just rows of tilled land and tiny figures that turned skyward as the shadow of the helicopter loomed over them.
Lyra leaned forward in her seat, her braid blown slightly by the wind seeping in from the slightly ajar cockpit window. She watched as villagers emerged from their homes and the fields, pointing toward the sky, their hands shielding their eyes from the glare.
Inigo brought the Apache into a gentle hover, then slowly lowered it onto the same grassy clearing they’d departed from that morning. The landing skids touched earth with a soft jolt, and the thrum of the rotors began to wind down. Dust curled up around the chopper, prompting a few villagers to step back before cautiously approaching.
The elder was the first to arrive, supported by a young woman on one arm and a cane in the other. Her eyes scanned both of them, then the scorched tips of Lyra’s arrows and the tired but firm look in Inigo’s eyes.
"You’re back," she said with a mix of awe and relief. "And whole."
Inigo nodded as he stepped down from the cockpit, helping Lyra dismount as well. "Mission’s done. The goblin nest won’t be bothering anyone anymore."
A murmur ran through the gathering villagers—half disbelief, half overwhelming joy.
"They were hiding in a ravine east of here," Lyra added, brushing soot from her cloak. "We collapsed the tunnels. We saw no survivors."
The elder’s eyes welled. She bowed low, trembling slightly. "You’ve saved us again. Truly, we... we owe you more than we can ever repay."
A round of cheers erupted from the crowd. Children ran up, stopping just short of the giant helicopter, while men and women clapped or bowed in respect. Some wept. Others simply placed their hands over their hearts, mouths whispering blessings.
"We don’t need a reward," Inigo said, raising a hand. "Just knowing this village will sleep safely tonight is enough."
The elder smiled. "Even so, you must rest. Eat. You will not leave without one last meal under our roof."