Chapter 28: My Fate
"Very nicely done," Earnest complimented me as the town children watched with wide eyes. "Though I feel you're still holding back."
"I'm really not," I huffed tiredly. Although my skills with the sword had risen dramatically after my fight with the Demon Lord, most of it was due to me being able to predict his movements. For better or worse Earnest wasn't trying to kill me.
"Get him Rain!" one of the children screamed.
"You can do it!" they all began to cheer.
"Knock his teeth in!" a distinctly adult voice joined them. One of my mother's, Lane, stood along with them. Didn't she have work to do? For a person who was so against me learning swordsmanship she certainly had taken a keen interest these past few days.
"Here I go," Earnest leaped towards me releasing a flurry of quick strikes and stabs. My eyes strained trying to follow their paths, barely allowing my body to react in time to dodge or parry them.
I charged my mana and skirted to the side as for a moment Earnest lost track of me. From experience I knew it wouldn't last long and I immediately swung. My sword came close but was deflected at the last moment causing a jarring sensation to spread through my arm. With a powerful flick he disarmed me. A smug smile of success came over his face.
"Not yet!" I didn't pull back and instead drew two daggers from my waist. Earnest stepped back calmly only for me to throw the first one. His sword knocked it aside as I let the mana run through my body, although it was painful I had to take this seriously. I crouched down and launched forward striking at his legs. Just in time he stepped to the side. This time however I wasn't just charging mana for no purpose. My free hand pointed towards him, drawn on my palm was a complicated circuit. It flashed and burnt into my skin as a burst of force expelled itself. Earnest caught off guard tumbled away.
He flipped himself back up with a powerful grin, "That's much better!"
"I'm out!" I put up my hand to stop him before he charged again. Anymore and my heart world give way and I'd cough out blood. Couldn't let the kids see that.
Earnest sighed, "Your constitution is truly a shame. If you were like Ardent or even at least Taylor or I, you'd be incredible."
"I'm struggling as much as it is so give me a break," I sat on the spot.
Six days had passed since we had arrived back in Axel. Earnest had taken it to be his mission to keep me training every day. As harsh as it could be, being a bit stronger didn't hurt anyone and I could protect Axel better if needed. Other than that I did as I usually did and helped throughout the town. Though when we arrived a huge party was thrown and when Taylor declared herself my girlfriend there was an uproar. Thankfully it had died down. Too many people had asked about them getting grandkids in the future. Even Taylor was alarmed at the prospect of us having children, thankfully we both still wanted to take our time. Most of all it was peaceful and something I had missed, though really it hadn't been all that long since I left home.
Taylor reached down and handed me a towel and potion to get my strength back, "You really are getting better. Though I wish you wouldn't use magic so much."
I laughed, "If I don't I wouldn't be able to keep up at all."
She sat down next to me as we watched Earnest play with the children. He was surprisingly good with them. Her head rested on my shoulder.
"Are you used to it yet?" I asked gently.
"I like it but it still feels so fragile. Without you I feel like everything would break."
I let her cuddle into my side, "So melodramatic."
She pinched my side, "I'm giving a serious answer here."
"Well I'm not going anywhere, not without you," I laughed and turning towards her, kissed her.
She smiled, "And I wouldn't let you."
Lane who was still nearby cleared her throat, "Sorry to disturb the moment but Rain, I did come here for a reason."
I brushed myself off as Taylor and I stood up, "What is it?"
"Mattias has mail for you. It's from the Capital."
"Oh," I was surprised. I didn't expect them to send a message so soon. "I'll go check it out."
"Please do, and Rain," she looked towards me softly.
"Yes?"
"You're much stronger than you were before, you'd probably win against me now," Lane chuckled, "but please don't take it too far."
I smiled to ease her, "I won't." I took Taylor's hand, "Let's go."
Earnest decided to stay with the children, though really he was forced to. Still I could tell he was enjoying their honest praise as he showed off his techniques and even taught them the basics. Taylor kept close to my side with a pleasant smile, her arm coiled around my own. The townspeople still let out smug expressions as we walked by. They didn't have much to do with us getting together but to them, as the town's child, to see me with such a beauty it was a merit to themselves.
Mattias was waiting outside his home. Perched next to him was a large reptilian bird like creature with a crest of feathers running around its neck and back. It was a Valtres, of all messenger creatures it was the fastest and could travel for days without rest, though the downside was they slept most their lives. The mark of Greytree was hung around its neck.
"A message for you Rain," Mattias petted the Valtres already used to being around them. "The fact that they sent a Valtres here must mean it's important. I wouldn't be surprised if it was first sent by magic to Greytree."
I took the envelope and opened it.
Dear Rain, Earnest and Taylor.
The Empire has requested that all of the Hero's companions attend their welcoming. They have gone so far as to even invite myself to the ball. While I cannot attend, I hope you can show them some good faith. However please do what you would like. This is not an order but a simple request, nothing more. If you choose to head to the Empire I have sent word for a ship to be prepared in the Waltersea Port town. It will take you all the way to the Imperial Capital. Please send word of your choice.
Kind Regards,
The Queen.
After reading the note I heaved out a sigh. We hadn't even been in Axel that long and we were already expected to head out once more. I let Taylor and Mattias read the note.
Mattias frowned, "As usual the Empire make requests of their own convenience. Will you go Rain?"
I nodded, "I already made a promise to visit the Magicians Guild. I did want to stay here longer but at least with this I'll have free and safe passage. Is that alright with you Taylor? I know the Empire holds some memories you might not want to revisit."
"True," she smiled wryly. "But I did have some good ones, and with you I think I'll make even more. Let's go. At least with me around you won't get lost even in the slums."
Mattias sighed, "The others won't like this. You only just came back."
"Sorry," I apologized. At least with this I could calm my anxiousness that Lara was doing alright.
"Then tonight we shall hold a grand celebration!" he clapped his hands.
"Wait!" I stopped him. "We already had one when we came. Axel can't afford so many parties."
"It's alright," he smirked evilly. "I'll charge it all to her majesty the Queen. I do have some pull with her."
There was no stopping him. That night we all had a bit too much to drink.