The ride back was silent, much silent than the ride to town this morning. The ambiance inside this restricted, confined space is bland. And my thoughts are clouded with what recently happened.
I put aside thoughts of the attack last night. A traumatic experience that happened so lately, but I force myself to look past it. There are still unanswered questions on my quest about my mother, that's still under progress. In conclusion, there's a lot to unlock with very little time to do so. And things keep adding up.
However, right now, I only focus on the safe journey to Thapabia to retrieve the medicine as well as Frida's memories. Blossom and I have not conversed about when I'll venture, nor anything about it after leaving the town. She isn't on board with this idea, but she can't turn back on her words.
The image of Jack's grateful expression flashes on my mind, "I am in debt to you, Rose, so I shall bring you the best weapon one can have- it's the only way I can repay you."
There was hope, relief, and a hint of joy in his eyes. Therefore, even though I was afraid to carry all the responsibility so suddenly, I gave him a reassuring smile, "I'll do my very best and return safely."
I swore an oath, and I can't back down now.
We're nearing the castle; I memorized the pond that will set as a signal on the right path. Through the reflection on the glass window, I see Blossom resting with her eyes closed. She sat with her hands on her lap, her head against the soft comfort of the velvet seat.
She stayed that way, and I kept silent until we reach the walls of the castle. As we take a detour on the large front yard, I see the progress of rebuilding from the mass destruction. It's no longer as chaotic as before.
We come to a complete stop, the wagon's door busted open, revealing Faye and Rhys. Bowing their heads, they follow a greeting as Blossom goes out, and I follow behind her.
She walks straight but halts halfway, "You three, there's something we must discuss. Meet me in my sitting room after Rose gets a change of clothes."
"We'll do so," Faye answers, and Blossom nods before proceeding. I stare at her walk away, fully aware of what we'll tackle during our discussion later on.
Rhys's stare bothers me, so I raise a brow at him, and his eyes only widen like an owl, "what have you done this time?"
I open my mouth to reply, but Faye shushes him, "let her get a change of clothes- and maybe a glass of water first."
Rhys scrunches his face, giving me an I-swear-did-you-cause-trouble-again look. But he lets this go, allowing Faye to take me by the arm, leading me inside of the castle.
I'm afraid the two of them won't take this lightly. The reaction I expect is disappointment and disagreement. Though, I'll have to keep my spirits high and hope that one of them would still accompany me on this mission.
---
"I object to this nonsense!" Rhys exclaims loudly, followed by a laugh of disbelief.
I send him a glare, irked that he's overreacting already when Blossom only started about me- going on a mission. No details yet on why, where, and how.
Faye slaps the back of Rhys's head for being so loud. He groans from this brutal act, rubbing his head to ease his pain. Faye clears her throat before speaking, "what would this mission be about?"
"Our dear Rose has taken the responsibility of saving her newfound friend. She'll venture to Thapabia, to restore the memory as well as obtain the medicine her friend needs."
I hold my breath, awaiting their response to that, flinching as they gasp in shock. Faye and Rhys simultaneously snap their heads toward my direction. Their eyes filled with horror.
"Are you mad?" I feel my blood freeze when Rhys burst out of anger, "you're undertrained, you barely know this place, and Thapabia sealed their gates. They won't allow anyone in."
"As much as I respect Rose's heroic behavior, Rhys is right. She's not prepared to partake in such extreme circumstances," Faye voiced out her opinion; she sends me an apologetic look before turning toward Blossom. They both wait for what she has to say.
The room went silent; my hands clasped the cup of hot water in my hands to warm my freezing hands. The sun is setting, and the atmosphere is getting colder. The intensity in this room is unfathomable.
I understand Faye and Rhys's concern toward me. Even if it's painful to accept, what Rhys said is right. I feel the same way, and I start questioning how I manage to get the strength to volunteer and ensure Jack of my success.
"Your concern is what I felt when Rose pleaded me to take on the task," Blossom sets down her cup of tea, crossing her leg as she plasters a half-smile on her face, "but let's not forget that she's the daughter of Rosetta, the bravest who fought the darkness that threatened our kingdom, and crowned Queen of Dazia."
"Rosetta's journey started because we allowed her to go beyond her capacity, and in the end, she surprised us with an ultimate power she possessed. I believe Rose inherited the same ability. We have to believe in her."
I, together with Faye and Rhys, stare at Blossom in bewilderment. That kind of speech was unexpected; however, it's enough to convince the three of us. Faye and I look convinced, while Rhys is still over the fence.
"I'm assigning both of you, Faye, and Rhys to accompany her on this journey. You'll leave in three days. In the meantime, Commander Rhys, please train her. Faye, educate her about Thapabia."
"I doubt two days will be enough," Rhys grumbles.
I rise from my seat, "I'll do my best, and I'll work twice harder," with beady eyes, I beg Rhys. He stares at me for a long second before looking away, "fine."
"Are you sure about this, Rose?" Faye asks, "chances are, things won't go the way you planned it to, but you might acquire something greater in that place."
I'll be lying if I ignore the uneasiness that's building inside me and force myself to say that I'm prepared. But, if this shall be the path I'm taking, then I'll face it. If my mother could do it, then I could too. The energy and her presence are surrounding me by this necklace she entrusted to me. I know that wherever I may be, she's always there, guiding and protecting me.
The journey to Thapabia for a friend's sake could be the purpose of why I ended up in this world that morning.
"I'm sure about it."