Chapter 56

The next morning, we left Fa’a, and the days blurred together as we travelled to Karadim and then headed North. I was too busy or tired to worry about what the future might bring, and only when the massive fortress of Zarion appeared on the horizon did I feel fear rising in my chest. We were going to war…

We had seen countless ships navigating the river as we travelled, carrying supplies or soldiers to and from. Karim reassured me that more would come and that troops from all the free lands would come to fight under the banner of their Goddess. There was no turning back…

I took hold of the railing, staring at the fortress drawing closer, and whispered,

With gentle smile

and sword in my hand,

with love, care,

and an open heart.

With courage, fire,

and strength of arms,

I don’t regret

walking this path.

“Are you okay?”

Selene came up and put an arm around me. I nodded.

“As fine as I can be”

I had to believe. Too much depended on me to doubt now. Too many lives were hanging by a thread and the future was still uncertain. A chance to make a difference… At least the cat hadn't lied. I could never have imagined what would come when I said yes to all of this without giving it a second thought. Yet despite it all, I didn’t regret it. No matter what would happen, I had gotten more than I could ever have hoped for. Friends, family and…somewhere I could call home…

Aki and Chaya ran over to us, holding hands. They spent most of their time together, and it seemed they complemented each other pretty well. Something I couldn’t say about me and Selene, so they had a nice head start. I smiled at the thought as we stood watching the river.

“You’ve done well, Rina”, Chaya said quietly.

I put my arms around her and sighed. I hoped they would be safe… This was the last travel of tranquillity and I knew that the moment we docked, it would all be gone, so I tried to cherish it for as long as I could.

Selene smiled, and we stood in the silence, watching the fortress of Zarion drawing closer.