Chapter 5: "An Unwanted Companion"

I woke up completely refreshed, with no knee pain or musclule fatigue. Nevertheless the burns on my arm had worsened.

If I don’t want to call the atention, I must hide that zone for the rest of my life.

As soon as the roosters crowed, I left the stable while Zera was still asleep and headed to the village, looking for a blacksmith who could forge me a sword. Yet, I got lost right away.

My God! What a mess! Who designed this place!?

The streets were not designed to lead one to a destination, but rather to defy whoever walked them: they twisted and meandered in every direction. Some ran straight through houses, while others vanished into the landscape, as if they were part of an endless game.

By the time I found the smithy, the sun had already reached its zenith.

“Traveler, in this village we don’t make swords.” Explained the seller. “ Since the Knights are responsibles for protecting us, we don’t need weapons except for hunting. This is a very tranquil place.”

Knights. To think they truly protect you is a wretched delusion.

“Do you know any other village or city nearby where I could get one?”

“An old legend says that on top of a mountain near Solaria Villa, lais The Garden of Thorns. There rests a sword that few dare to wield. If you believe you have the courage to wield it, you ought to go.”

Sounds like it’s cursed or tied to some element of Chaos, could be dangerous. But…a free sword is a free sword, isn’t it? Free stuff is always welcome.

Now that I think of it, The Eternal Whisper said that the creatures in this world are born from human beliefs. Is it the same with objects? Or does it not apply because they lack life?

While I was asking some villagers for directions, a girl of a familiar aspect approached. She walked happily, waving her hand at anyone she passed. Her long, red hair floated in the wind and smiled kindly at the children. It was Zera.

She had changed her servant clothes for a long dress—a good choice. That way she wouldn’t be recognized as being involved in the fire.

“Hi! You look ready for a long journey. Where are we headeding?”

“I’m going to The Garden of Thorns to get a sword. It was fun sleeping under the same roof as you—I hope to see you again soon.”

I moved toward the village exit. She placed her hand on my shoulder and made me turn around.

“I’ll go with you.” She commented, looking me in the eyes. “In the forest, you said you were a traveler seeking revenge, right?. I’m searching for something as well.

What is this girl saying!? I have no intention of having her as a companion. What if she dalays my journey, or if because of her, the Order finds me?

“When I was a child, I used to help my parents with their traveling fair. I want to met them again. Right now, they must be at some city, selling spices or performing shows.”

“Why do you think you’ll be able to find them by my side? Zera, it’s not the best idea.”

This kingdom is huge, there’s no way she could find them. She and I don’t share the same interests and it’s most likely we’ll take different paths.

“Last night, I thought a lot about my life and about the choices I’ve made. You saved me from Lodric. Now, I have the freedom to do as I please, to pusue my wishes.”

“Why do you say I freed you from Lodric?”

If she joins my trip , it’d be a burden. However, The Eternal whisper suggested that I accept every possible help…

“Due to a bad situation, my parents sold me to Sir Lodric and I ended up as her servant.”

I saw her sadden, almost cry.

That memory must hurt.

“I miss them” She admitted, surprising me.

What they did is unfirgivable! Doesn’t she hate them? Is she a masochist?

Zera sounded embarrased by her parents’ behavior, but was honest. She did not hold them grudges—more like a gentle melancholy.

“And what does that story have to do with the fact that I saved you?”

“You said: I’m a fugitive. Does it sound familiar? You have to make yourself responsible” She said, determined to convice me.

Damn it, she is right. On one hand, I don’t trust her,—she’s cheerful, and I can’t stand her happy attitude. On the other, my objective is too ambitious to achieve alone. What should I do?

I pulled out a gold coin out of my pocket and tossed it into the air.

If it lands heads, she comes with me.

Bet you don’t know what I got?

“Let’s make a deal: you can accompany me, but once you discover something about your parents, you’ll leave me in peace. Alright?”

“Alright! Also, I want…want…I want you to be my friend!”

Friends? What a useless word. Friendships is a concept. I haven’t had friends since I reicanated—they never last long. What’s more, she’ll probably abandom me when things get complicated.

She twisted her hair like an innocent child. Since I met her, haven’t noticed an ounce of evil or any ulterior motives in her. She is an honest person.

“You’d be my first friend…”

I’m going to accept just to content her. To me, we are just acquaintances.

“It’s fine. Be my friend, Zera.” I said with a false smile.

I’ll never be your true friend; I won’t share any bond with you beyond what I need.

“Yeeees! Finally!“ She jumped with exitement, bouncing from one place to another.

Starting an expedition and making friends were new and thrilling experiences for her.

I think, I haven’t seen anyone as happy as her. She radiates a bright aura in this sinister world.

We immediatly set off to The Garden of Thorns.