"Goodbye Lara!" Marley clung on to her practically swinging from her neck. "Don't stay too long."
"Okay, okay," Lara put the smaller girl down.
"I'll look after her," Ronalt said firmly standing just behind. Unlike our small farewell before, a large amount of mounted knights and several carriages were waiting in the palace courtyard. Must be nice for the auxiliary staff to have so much help unlike one person doing all the work.
I shook Ronalt's hand, "All the best. Hopefully I'll see you on the return journey."
"You better," he gripped my hand in return. "It won't be the same without you."
The Queen stepped forward, "Though you are travelling as a representative of the Kingdom, you are still the Hero and her attendants. The Empire may be the dominant country on this continent but they are not all powerful. Hold your heads with pride."
"By your words your highness!" the knights bowed in unison expelling a loud resounding reply.
I approached Lara together with Taylor close behind, "Stay safe okay."
"You do the same," she replied with a smile and hugged me. "Taylor look after him."
"Oh I'll do more than just that," Taylor smirked.
Lara sighed, "Well at least I know you'll have fun with each other."
I patted her head as we separated, "Don't worry about us and focus on handling the Empire. If things go wrong remember, you're the most powerful being on this continent if not the world. Show them that's for a reason."
Ardent smiled beside her assured, "The Empire knows that but a demonstration wouldn't hurt. Either way, the Magicians guild will offer you their support."
"I'd really rather just talk to them and leave," Lara sighed.
The proceedings went quickly from there and before long I was watching Ronalt, Ardent and Lara leave the palace grounds. A stifling sense of loss overcame me as they disappeared into the city. My memories as Jane were stirring. They wanted to go where she was but the me now had family to see as well. It was difficult. Taylor pinched my cheek.
"Hey," I batted her hand away.
"Stop moping, we have to get a move on as well." She shook her head, "Despite me being your girlfriend you care about her way too much. Not that I mind though. I've accepted it."
I pinched her back, "Well good." I turned to Earnest, "Are you sure you want to come with us?"
He nodded earnestly, "Why of course. My apprentice can't be left alone and I don't have much better to do. Now that my debt to the Kingdom has been paid, I'm free again."
"You had a debt?" Marley asked.
The Queen approached us, "Yes, he built up quite the amount at the royal gambling parlour."
He laughed eyeing the Queen, "The drink there was awfully strong as well."
Her calm smile didn't fade, "It's a custom of the Kingdom."
Ignoring them I turned to Marley, "You can come with us as well if you'd like."
She shook her head, "I need to spend more time in the Temple. I have duties too you know. The adventurer's guild also have plenty of injured, they get some real nasty ones hehe."
I had to smile wryly. Though she was an incredible healer her love for gore was still disturbing especially when she smiled. Her superiors at the Temple must have a hard time….
I bowed to the Queen, "Then your highness with your blessing I shall return home."
"Before that, I have a reward for you," she waved her hand and from around the corner a happy pink bird trotted towards us, behind her a familiar carriage. "It seems Pina has grown attached to you and I do hope you'll use the carriage well."
Pina came right up to me and rubbed her head into mine.
I patted her feathers, "Thank you, I'll make sure to look after them both."
Taylor grinned, "Oh very nice. At least now we can still travel in comfort. Earnest we'll be changing the sleeping arrangements. On the plus side you'll have your own room."
"Of course," he nodded as if it was natural.
"Don't go making up things yourself," I shook my head at her. Once I got back to Axel I'd work on remodelling the inside. With my current knowledge of magic I could also improve the space a bit more, though I might die or pass out trying to.
The Queen's smile became more sincere, "As well there is one last thing I must show you. It should make your journey much faster." She faced her guards, "Leave us." They bowed and retreated.
We said our goodbyes to Marley as she was picked up by a group of older women wearing similar outfits to her. Together with Pina and the carriage, Taylor, Earnest and I followed the Queen. She led us to a quiet corner of the palace and into what looked like a warehouse. Inside was a single old man sweeping. From a single glance I could tell he was much more capable than an ordinary man and with a signal from the Queen he pulled a leaver revealing a hidden spiral ramp heading downwards. We descended slowly as the entrance closed. At the bottom two fully armoured knights were waiting and at the sight of the queen they stepped aside. Behind them was a medium sized room and a large circuit of magic. It was for some sort of transportation.
The Queen spoke, "This formation leads not far from Axel. I and the past royalty have used it as a way to get away from the city in times of trouble or stress. For your benefit you may use it but please keep it a secret, I can trust you all enough for that now."
I bowed to her again, "Thank you your highness. We will take this opportunity gratefully."
"Then stand within the circuit and my magicians will do the rest. You go with my blessing and well wishes." As we passed her and entered the room, she bent down and whispered in my ear, "Please tell Mattias I am well, not as Aunt Nera but the Queen."
"I will," I whispered back and entered the formation.
As the light around us filled the room, the Queen stayed to watch us leave. It only took a moment but as we vanished from sight I could see her expression tire. A lot had happened and seeing my Aunt like that, a small regret bloomed in my chest for not being able to do more. It was too late however as the world shifted and we found ourselves in a similar room but with entirely different people. They did not speak and pointed us to the exit.
I guided Pina outside. The morning sun greeted us and the view of the south eastern region of the Kingdom stretched around us. I recognized where we were. It was a large villa off the road from Axel to the Waltersea Port. It was only half a day's journey away from Axel and I had passed by several times before. So this is how Aunt Nera was able to visit Axel so regularly. Ordinarily the journey would be a two week round trip, an amount of time no Queen should spend away from her duties for a simple visit.
The villa was supported by numerous staff who greeted us as we passed by. As an additional gift they loaded the carriage with several trade goods before sending us on our way.
I looked towards Axel and breathed out, "I guess it's time to go home."