KamiKowa: That Time I Got Transmigrated With A Broken Goddess-Chapter 121: [] Seven Stars, Four Found

Guards took up positions along the walls while travelers unloaded necessary supplies from the wagons. Xavier and Naomi tended to their horses, removing saddles and brushing them down before leading them into the stables.

"At least it’s much warmer in here," Naomi said, rubbing her hands together as they entered the waypoint’s main hall. A massive hearth dominated one wall, the fire within casting dancing shadows across stone floors worn smooth by generations of travelers.

Efler approached them, carrying two bowls of steaming stew. "Find a spot near the fire if you can. Nights get cold enough to freeze the blood in your veins."

"Charming imagery," Naomi muttered, but she accepted the bowl gratefully.

Xavier took his portion. "Any chance we could speak more about what we discussed earlier? Somewhere private?"

Efler’s golden eyes studied him for a long moment. "The watchtower. After the meal. But only you." She glanced at Naomi. "No offense, but I don’t know you."

"And you know him?" Naomi challenged.

"I know enough." Efler turned and walked away.

Xavier and Naomi found a spot near the hearth, settling on worn benches alongside other travelers. The stew was simple but hearty—root vegetables, barley, and some kind of game meat in a thick broth. It warmed Xavier from the inside, dulling the edge of his headache.

"I don’t like this," Naomi said, low enough for only him. "Something about her seems off."

"I know. But she has information we need."

"Or she’s setting a trap." Naomi’s eyes tracked Efler across the room. "What if she’s working for this Winter Court everyone’s so afraid of?"

Xavier considered this possibility. "Then I’ll deal with it. But my instincts say she’s not an enemy."

As the evening progressed, travelers shared stories around the fire—tales of successful journeys and narrow escapes, rumors of Winter Court movements and strange lights in the northern skies. Xavier listened carefully, gathering what information he could about Hearthome, the Heart of Winter, and the political landscape of Frostfall.

When most had settled into their bedrolls for the night, Xavier caught Efler’s eye across the room. She nodded toward a narrow staircase in the corner before disappearing up its steps.

"Be careful," Naomi warned, her hand briefly squeezing his. "If you’re not back in twenty minutes, I’m coming after you."

"I’ll be fine," Xavier assured her with a kiss to her forehead. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be harder than today."

The watchtower was cold despite the small brazier burning in its center. Windows on all four sides allowed a clear view of the surrounding landscape, now bathed in moonlight that transformed the snow into a sea of silver. Efler stood at the eastern window, her back to the door as Xavier entered.

"When you ask about the Heart of Winter," Efler said without turning, "what exactly are you hoping to learn?"

The brazier cast her shadow long across the floor, stretching toward Xavier like a dark hand. He moved to the opposite window, maintaining distance while positioning himself to see her face.

"Anything that might help us reach Hearthome safely." Xavier leaned against the cold stone wall. "Everyone speaks of it in whispers, but no one explains what it is."

Efler turned then, moonlight catching her profile. The sharp line of her jaw tightened. "Because speaking of it invites its attention."

"The Heart is sentient?"

"Perhaps." She crossed to the brazier, holding her hands over the flames. "Some say it’s a place—a fortress of ice where the Winter King dwells. Others claim it’s an artifact of power. The oldest stories describe it as a sliver of a dead god’s soul, trapped in ice."

"Which do you believe?" he asked.

"I believe asking too many questions gets people killed." She glanced up, golden eyes reflecting the flames. "Especially outsiders who don’t understand Frostfall’s dangers."

Her eyes narrowed slightly at the corner—the same expression Ashley made when she got serious during Phantom’s training.

"You speak as if you’ve traveled these roads before," Xavier said.

"Many times." Efler adjusted her sleeve. "My family traded between Vykengard and Hearthome for generations."

"Traded what?"

"Information, mostly." A small smile appeared. "Weapons, sometimes. Whatever people value."

Xavier moved closer to the brazier, the cold at his back pushing him toward the warmth. "And what do you value, Efler?"

"Survival."

"The Heart of Winter has grown stronger," she continued. "Winters longer, storms fiercer. The passes that once stayed open year-round now close for months. Beast attacks increase each season."

"And how does Hearthome fare?"

"The eternal flame keeps the worst of winter at bay. The High Burner maintains order." She glanced toward the eastern window. "But there are... political complexities."

"Such as?"

"The High Burner’s niece, Lady Selene, has suitors from several noble houses. Whoever wins her hand gains influence over succession. Some say the Winter Court has agents among the contenders."

Xavier kept his expression neutral despite the jolt of recognition. Selene—the name Lukas had mentioned in connection with Calypso.

"What rumors have you heard about the Heart?" Xavier asked.

Efler seemed to weigh her response. "They say it breathes with the storm. That it dreams of those with power." She shook her head. "But rumors are just that."

"Not always. Sometimes rumors carry fragments of truth."

"And sometimes they lead the curious to their deaths." She stepped away from the brazier.

"I’ll keep that in mind," Xavier said, processing the implications. If Efler was Ashley, and Nessa was Naomi, and Selene might be Calypso... the prophecy about seven stars wearing different faces was taking shape.

"One more question," he said. "Why did you agree to speak with me alone?"

Efler paused, her back to him again. "You remind me of someone." Her voice softened almost imperceptibly. "Someone I felt compelled to protect, though I never understood why."

Her Guardian Covenant.

"We should return before your companion comes looking for you," Efler said, her professional demeanor reasserting itself. "Dawn comes early, and tomorrow’s journey will be harder."

Back in the main hall, travelers slept in huddled groups around the diminished fire. Naomi sat against the wall near their packs, eyes alert despite her obvious fatigue.

"Everything okay?" she asked as Xavier settled beside her.

"Fine. Just gathering information." He kept his voice low. "I learned Lady Selene has suitors competing for her hand."

Naomi’s eyes widened slightly. "Calypso with suitors? That should be interesting."

"If it’s her." Xavier pulled his cloak tighter against the chill. "We won’t know until we reach Hearthome."

"What else did your guide share?"

Xavier glanced toward where Efler had stationed herself near the door. "Just rumors about the Heart of Winter. Nothing concrete."

"You were up there a while for ’nothing concrete.’" Naomi nudged his shoulder. "What aren’t you telling me?"

"I think she knows more than she’s saying," he said instead. "But don’t we all?"

Naomi studied his face in the dim light. "There’s something else. I can tell."

"Just thinking about what awaits us in Hearthome." Xavier stretched out on his bedroll. "And how many more surprises this world has in store."

"Hmm." Naomi didn’t sound convinced, but she settled beside him, her back against the wall. "I’ll take first watch."

"We’re in a guarded waypoint."

"And I still don’t trust half the people here." She pulled her knees to her chest.

Xavier closed his eyes, feigning relaxation while his mind continued working. If Efler was indeed Ashley, that made four of the seven "stars" accounted for. Alexander, Nolan, and Margaret were still missing. Professor Rousseau had mentioned that narrative gates could adapt to participants.

Was it possible the story was changing to accommodate their specific group?