As the group traveled north along the road, they approached the spot where Irena had detected the magically hidden side road from before. Suddenly, Savean stopped and said, “I know someone who would be interested in buying the egg. Follow me.” With that, he turned and walked down the road that had been hidden by an illusion. Shortly, they approached a large estate, and Savean welcomed his friends to his family's home, House Azelhart.
As they passed through the front gates, Savean was met by the groundskeeper Tobin, who greeted him warmly.
“Welcome home, Master Savean,” Tobin said.
“Where is my mother today?” Savean replied.
“She's around back, Master Savean,” said Tobin. “She's tending to her flowering gradangers.”
Savean nodded and Tobin led the group around to the back of the house, where his mother was indeed feeding strips of meat to her flowering gradangers.
“Savean, my dear, what brings you and your friends here?” she asked as they approached.
“Mother, I've found something that I think you'll be very interested in,” Savean replied, pulling the cockatrice egg out of his bag.
His mother's eyes lit up as she saw the egg. “Oh, this IS a rare and valuable find, indeed. I've always wanted to add a cockatrice to my personal zoo. I'll give you 10 platinum for it.” The group shocked at the offer quickly agreed. Savean's mother sent Tobin to retrieve it from the households petty cash. Quickly returning he handed the coins over to the group with a smile.
“I'm glad we could do business, my dear. And please, do come visit again soon. You're always welcome at House Azelhart.” added Savean's Mother as they about to leave.
As they walked back to the road, Gilby and Ethan were both in disbelief. “I had no idea that Savean was actually from nobility,” Gilby said to Ethan. “I've known him for years, and he's always just been one of us.” Ethan nodded in agreement. “I know, right? It's crazy how we can know someone for so long and still not know everything about them. You never know what secrets or surprises people may have.” Gilby nodded thoughtfully. “That's for sure. But one thing's for certain – I'm glad to have Savean as a friend, no matter what his background is. He's always been there for us.” Ethan smiled and clapped Gilby on the back. “Agreed.
Once again, the group spent the night at Gilby's parents' home, relishing the chance to rest and recover from their recent adventure. As they sat around the fire, they told the story of their journey to Gilby's mother, who listened with wide eyes and a mixture of shock and relief.
“I'm so glad my son has such a good group to help him and keep him safe,” she said, giving Gilby a hug. “I know that being an adventurer can be dangerous, but I have faith in all of you. You've proven yourselves to be brave and capable.”
Gilby grinned and thanked his mother, feeling grateful to have such a supportive family. He knew that he could always count on them to have his back, no matter what challenges he faced.
As the night drew to a close, the group retired to their rooms, ready to get some well-deserved rest.
