It was noon as Zack was addressing some comrades in the tavern. They were preparing to hop on the road to visit a potential ally. Going with them were Zack's companions, Emilia, and Cassandra. Cassandra was putting on the amulet preparing to walk out of the tavern as she collapsed. Zack managed to catch her putting her down carefully. He examined her thoroughly but found no injuries.
"It's the amulets doing meaning she was the successor. It's a delicate process that we cant intervene in." Valan announced.
"You guys get the wagon ready I'll be right there," Zack said while lifting her carefully.
Zack returned her to the room placing her down carefully. He covered her in the blanket returning to the others. When approaching the wagon he saw Dyna attaching her armor and sword.
"I thought you were staying behind. Your dad would get furious if he heard of this." Zack told Dyna as he walked up to help her fasten the armor.
"It's a diplomatic mission, and that is my purpose here originally so he can't complain. Plus I intend to live here." Dyna declared.
"That will be a fun conversation." Zack sighed dreading the scenario.
"She's an adult it's only right she chooses her own life," Lilith stated.
"You of all people should understand her duties," Kintaro said jumping into the wagon.
"I choose to leave that life, and my father understood. You're not going anywhere don't worry." Lilith smiled kissing Dyna passionately.
"Can you use that blade?" Zack asked.
Dyna sprung forward swiftly swinging down her sword as Zack caught it. A little blood trickled down the blade as he smiled. Her leg strength, allowed her to move at impressive speeds, and receiving a kick from her hoof could be lethal. Zack could see her closing in but had to react seriously to block in time. Dyna smirked releasing the blade as she sprang up throwing a heavy kick.
Zack dropped the blade crossing his arms to absorb the bow as he slid back. While he was sliding a few knives went flying his way, and were halted by a force of wind between them. The knives casually glided to the palm of his hands as he admired the efficiency of her combo. Dyna was smirking at him retrieving her shield in case he needed further convincing.
"You proved your point, but be careful. If you think my objection was because of your father you misunderstand. Any time one enters a battle the outcome is uncertain even with powerful allies at your side. I simply wanted to know if you should be at my side, or if you could stand among the others. My concern was at the chance of losing you understand?" Zack declared handing Dyna her throwing knives back.
Dyna blushed nodding her head. She returned the knives to her vest and sheathed her blade. Kintaro was surprised to see her display. It could use some work, but the foundation of her skills was solid.
Dyna never slacked off on her training and came from a long line of warriors. If her father wasn't so protective she would have more experience with combat. When she was younger Julius would train her. As he grew more protective Dyna was forced to train at night when she had a break from her other duties. If they were to find trouble it would be her first battle.
With everyone loaded into the wagon, they took off. Zack was handling the reins with Kaya at his side. She was sitting close to him for warmth. They had winter clothing on, but she had grown accustomed to the weather in Eden.
"Do you think they will trade with us?" Kaya asked.
"They probably need help with something. I've heard of their village but they were recluses so not much is known. Anyone who attempted to make contact was met with force. They weren't aggressive, but would simply deny entry to the valley. If they needed help defending the village something must have happened to their soldiers." Zack replied.
"You seem to know a lot of people. How far did you go in your adventures?" Kaya asked.
"I've been all around Ozen's territory but that's it. Lauren was always warning me to avoid the border since Lucifer could sense my powers, but now I should be fine." Zack replied.
"My father informed him long ago. Hiding something like that wouldn't have been wise after all. If he was interested in harming you we would know by now. Even the dark lord himself will be wary of the treaty. At least till his forces rebuild." Lilith declared hearing them from the back.
"Our sources say he hasn't left the palace in some time. I don't think he's interested in war right now." Kintaro stated.
"He is a hard one to read, but incurring his wrath is still unwise for now. There's a reason this war has lasted so long." Lilith cautioned.
"I've asked Naomi about him a few times, but she refused to utter his name," Zack said while glancing at the road.
"Not much is known about him, and approaching Lucifer is simply too risky." Kintaro stated.
"My mother said he tempted man long ago, and he is why we were cast from paradise," Emilia said as she clutched her necklace.
As they discussed the legends Zack listened carefully while watching the road. He was curious about the stories but wanted to ensure everyone's safety. He was concerned the news about Stormhaven would spread leading to an increase in highwayman.
Kaya saw the concern in his face retrieving her bow to be safe. After two hours on the road, they came upon the narrow passage into the valley. A group of people wearing straw hats, and carrying large baskets could be seen outside.
They were still cleaning up the debris scattered from the battle that occurred. All of them seemed cautious holding their tools as weapons. Upon seeing Kintaro exit they lowered them and began greeting him by bowing with polite smiles. A group of villagers ran off to inform the chief while the rest walked up greeting him.
They seemed wary of Lilith but said nothing in their wait. Within a few minutes of their arrival, a woman wearing a heavy fur cloak appeared with a handful of soldiers surrounding her. Each of the four soldiers wielded a pair of katanas on their hips as they gripped the hilt watching carefully.
"My name is Tamiko, and I'm the current chief. Which one of you is the leader Kintaro spoke of?" Tamiko asked glancing at those present.
"That would be me, and it's nice to meet you," Zack replied with a smile.
"If you wanna follow me we can speak inside. I'll have some people bring your wagon." Tamiko announced walking towards the valley.
"Don't forget to bring up the sake," Ren whispered.
"I brought supplies to trade just in case," Zack replied.
"Momma wanted more too if we can get enough," Yu said while clinging to Zack.
"Is anyone else getting some weird stares or is that just me?" Lilith asked.
"Pardon the rudeness. Our founder clashed with the demons long ago, and some are wary of the old tales. It's why we've lived secluded for centuries, but it seems it's no longer possible." Tamiko announced as they approached a large settlement.
Zack was captivated by his surroundings. He never witnessed buildings like this before. The structures seemed ancient but were well maintained throughout the years. Defenses around the city were solid, and he was puzzled what could've troubled them. As they entered the chief's home he witnessed women wearing the same clothing as Yuki.
All of them bowed respectively when seeing Tamiko appear. She offered everyone a seat, and the others were puzzled seeing no chairs. Seeing Kintaro sit politely by the table they followed his lead. A few of the women poured drinks and brought a few plates of food to their table.
"I wish to be blunt with you since we're pressed for time. We wish to ask for your assistance." Tamiko declared while ordering her men to retrieve a few chests.