Departure - Chapter 8

By the week’s end, everything was finally set. Father had made sure our travel satchels were filled with dried rations, fresh cloth, coins and tools for the road. Mother had fussed over me with spare blankets and a personal journal for letters. Luisa snuck in sweets when she thought no one was looking. Herring, of course, was ready as ever. His rugged spear he’d used during his training gleaming in the light by the doorway. Reginald on the other hand, looked proud to be a part of the journey. My outfit had been custom made for me. Comfortable overalls for travel, big boots so that I could trek even the more unstable roads easier, my trusty bag and journal of notes. And a brand-new travel belt, able to hold many small things in the pockets. I was happy to see so much thought had been put into my travel wear.

That afternoon, Gil and Lance came by. Their steps were hesitant, but their eyes were steady. Lance stood before me, trying hard to wear the confidence of a boy turned man. Though his ears betrayed him, being red all the way to their tips. “Next time you see me,” he said, balling his fists, ‘I’ll be stronger. Someone you can actually trust to protect you.” I couldn’t help but smile at him, touched by the earnestness in his voice. He then turned his gaze to Herring, squaring his shoulders as though facing down a fellow knight. “Take care of her, no matter what. You hear?” Herring shifted, the faintest movement towards a nod, firm and true was given, as if to say; “That was already the plan.”

Lance’s bravado cracked just enough for him to suddenly give me a quick, clumsy hug. Catching me completely by surprise. His face flushed crimson almost instantly. Before I got the chance to tease him, he bolted back a few steps, stammering something under his breath and ran off into the distance. Gil couldn’t help but laugh as he shook his head at him. Chuckling under his breath. He turned to me with a small smile and held out a small trinket. It was smooth sea glass that’d been bound in silver wire, strung on a thin cord. Somewhat resembling the prize Lance’d won me at the fair.

“Lance wanted you to have this, but…” He smirked to himself knowingly. “He lost his nerve. So here. Think of it as the both of us wishing you safe travels.” I cupped the charm in my hand, warmth rose in my chest as I gave him a small, sincere smile. “Thank you, Gil. I’ll treasure it.” He then bent and carefully presented something to Herring, who’d waited beside me. A long, and sturdy metal spear. It looked different than any I’d seen from this point of being in the world. He could’ve possibly had it custom made just for him. “This is for you,” he started. “In case your fists and feet aren’t enough.”

Herring tilted his head, surprisingly shy for once. Then, he gently grasped the weapon, testing the weight within his hands. His arms moved it seamlessly, even though it seemed heavy to even carry. He placed it on his weapon belt, carrying it seamlessly on his back. Reginald watched from my shoulder, clicking his claws as if he’d approved of the gifts. Gil then placed his hand on my free shoulder; his voice was steady. “Just make sure you come back from time to time. If your old man could do it, you can too.” We nodded in unison, understanding what was at stake, and who’d be waiting for us when we come back.

My Father slowly stepped forward, looking at me. Making sure not a thing was out of place. Before I thought to turn away to face the road, he’d stopped me.

“Chloe…”

“Yes, Father?”

“Close your eyes for your old man.”

“Huh? Uh…alright.”

I closed my eyes, hearing a small shuffle in front of me where my father had stood once. Before feeling a small weight sit on my head comfortably. It was a little big, but it seemed to fit fine. Before I opened my eyes and noticed the large cap that’d been placed atop my head. I looked towards my father, seeing he’d taken off his cap. “What’s this for?” I asked, curious to why he’d do such a thing. His face brimmed with happiness seeing me. “You’re starting to remind me of when I first started this work…young, curious, and hungry for more knowledge. It looks natural on you.

The others watched as their nods of approval flooded me, before I decided to look in the mirror to see myself. There was one thing I noticed especially when my eyes faced myself in the reflection.

I grew. Not only physically, but I could notice the change. I carried more weight; my skin was flush with color. I looked, happy. A far cry from when I first arrived in this world. I couldn’t help but feel emotional as my heart grew heavy seeing my progressing through this time. I could only want to make not only my family and friends proud of what I’ve done so far in this world. But I wanted to make the Chloe who’d passed on…my parents from before…and everyone else see that I could do great things. And this was the start of that journey.

I turned to the door, seeing that it was finally time to hit the road with my new travel group. Father had told me of his plans, of staying home and working primarily in the shop. Following his passion of creating new inventions and different items. He’d be home a lot more often, as his merchantry days began to dwindle, passing on his title of work to me, the girl who’d been ready to take on the world and its challenges with an iron fist. Mother supported the idea, since he’d be home much more often, and the shop could be more active within the town. Gil would go on to continue working as a Fisherman, strong and reliable, but he’d also found a love in teaching others how to hunt, thanks to his training with Herring. He’d technically found his first student but would welcome others. Luisa would continue teaching the children of town many different things, even expanding to them learning of the many different places around the town. Lance had finally gone on to progress toward his goal, wanting to become stronger as a ‘Protector’ so he’d eventually leave home to train to one day become a knight in the kingdom.

The thoughts of all of these events happening in the time frame of when we are gone filled me with hope. I could only wonder what’d be in store of us. But I faced the door with a newfound confidence and goal in mind.

“Let's go get that license!” I yelled out, proudly and determined. Reginald lifted his claw, excitedly mimicking my motion. Herring nodded, agreeing with my statement as I opened the door to reveal the road we’d be taking to our new goals. Looking back, Mother and Father stood. He’d held Mother by the waste and waved us off.

“And don’t come back until you’ve got your license, you hear me!?” Father yelled, with a large grin, I couldn’t help but smile back and respond with a loud yell. “Wouldn’t dream of it!” Luisa smiled as Gil held her for support, knowing she’d be emotional through our departure. His smile wide and acknowledging, hers pained but loving to the end. I promised to keep up with my studies and learn a lot more as I progressed to the kingdom. Before I knew it, our steps continued until soon. Our home had become a speck in the distance.

Herring looked over me, as I fumbled in my bag, reaching for my book and flipping to one of the pages. It contained a map of the region. Copied in extensive detail thanks to my appraisal ability. I traced my finger along the many trailway lines until I landed on the kingdom. Which was where the Merchant’s guild had been. This map stated that it’d take at least 2 weeks to reach the destination on foot. But we’d get time to see some of the sights along the way, towns to stay in, and possible materials to gather along the way. Father prepared me to the very end. And for the first time, I’d felt more confident in myself than ever before.

“This is where it all starts boys,” I started, before pressing my boots forward onto the road. “This is where our Merchant days begin!” Herring nodded with what could be described as a small smirk, his ears twitching faintly as ever. Reginald clacked his claws happily, seeming to be ready for whatever was coming our way. Our journey was officially starting.

This was the start of it all.