Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Mohave said, "So I've been called Lucas ever since, though I've always lived in the tribal village, so nobody actually uses my Holtrien name. Captain Buzz and Chief Flintspire all call me Mohave."

Andrew nodded approvingly. "Mohave, your father actually went to elementary school—that's quite an impressive education level, especially that name he gave you, Lucas Mainse-it's incredibly cool!"

Mohave beamed with pride. "Of course! If my father hadn't had such a high education, my mother would never have fallen for him. And Mr. Lloyd, you might not know this, but our village of Gallow's End just got road access, so after the New Year, I'm going down the mountain to attend school!"

Seeing the boy's eager anticipation, Andrew felt a pang in his heart. These kids from remote mountain areas were just too innocent and trusting. This ancient village called Gallow's End had been isolated from the world and had only recently gotten road access.

When he returned to Blumedale, he would reach out to those wealthy contacts at the Chamber of Commerce to establish a foundation. The funds would specifically help mountain children like Mohave get out and see the wider world. Of course, that was a plan for later.

Andrew had struck up this conversation with the young man for another purpose entirely. "Mohave, let me ask you something-Chief Flintspire and Buzz seem really wary of that forbidden zone."

Trying to sound casual and conversational, Andrew chuckled. "Could you give me a little insight into what's so special about Gallow's End's forbidden area?"noveldrama

Mohave's expression immediately became guarded, and he fell silent. Andrew smiled. "No worries—if it involves your village's secrets, just pretend I never asked!"

After a long pause, Mohave spoke hesitantly. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lloyd, I shouldn't be suspicious of you. You just saved me, and I can tell you're a kind, good person- not like those other city folks who came before, pressuring our chief and randomly hitting our tribal people.

"Since you're curious about our village's forbidden zone, I'll share what I know, but only what I know. Captain Buzz and Chief Flintspire are the only ones who know the rest!"

Andrew nodded, though a chill ran through him. So, Kevin and his people arrived at this village first. It seemed that in their search for treasure, they had used some harsh methods against Mohave and the other tribal people.

Treasure hunting was one thing, but if they were intimidating or even physically harming the villagers, Andrew could not just stand by and

Andrew

watch. "Actually, our village wasn't always located where it is now."

Mohave spoke in hushed tones. "After the fall of the old dynasty and the establishment of New Holtrien, our village of Gallow's End lost many people in a massive natural disaster.

"From that point on, our entire village migrated out of the mountains to our current location. Mr. Lloyd, the forbidden zone you're asking about is actually the old site of Gallow's End village."

Andrew's heart skipped a beat as the puzzle pieces suddenly clicked into place. The treasure map showed

that the treasure's entrance wet

located in Gallow's End village. However, they found nothing when they arrived at this isolated ancient village during the day.

The Wrights' people had arrived first but found nothing. At the time, Andrew had been confused, wondering if the treasure map was wrong or if he had gotten the location wrong.

But now it was clear that the treasure map was correct, and he had not made a mistake either. The only error was assuming that the current Gallow's End village was the same one marked on the treasure map.

The real entrance to the treasure had to be at the original village site-the forbidden zone that Axel and the others feared so deeply.

That meant Andrew absolutely had to enter that forbidden area, no matter what. Just as he was lost in thought, the tribal warriors ahead suddenly became agitated.

Buzz's voice carried through the darkness, tense and suppressed. "Everyone, be careful-something's moving!"

Andrew stopped in his tracks and signaled for his people not to make any sudden moves. Ralph, however, strode forward arrogantly. "Bunch of cowards, get out of the way and let me see what we're dealing with!"

He pushed to the very front, raising his curved blade halfway before freezing completely. His face turned deathly pale with terror as he stammered, "W-What the hell is that thing? Run, everyone!"

He spun around and fled in panic, abandoning his blade and running for his life like his pants were on fire.