Sigrid shared with his mother the fragmented memories he'd received from a being that called itself Goal. He recounted the horrors: the purge of House Houndspire, the relentless demon invasion, and the nightmarish mass of flesh that roamed the lands unchecked.
Sigrid turned silence after finishing his tail.
Maria studied him for a moment, then stepped forward and wrapped him in a firm embrace.
[What's this?] she murmured, a gentle smile playing on her lips. [Are you worried I might see you differently now with you having memory of your past life?]
[Maybe...] Sigrid hesitated.
Maria pulled back slightly and flicked Sigrid's forehead.
[Ouch! What's that for, Mother?]
[How'd that feel? Did it feel real?]
[Of course, it's real.] Sigrid said, rubbing his forehead.
[So was the pain I felt bringing you into this world. You are my child so don't entertain such trivial thoughts.]
After a moment, Maria's expression turned thoughtful
[Hearing this… if Houndspire fell in that that timeline, I'm guessing the thing that bound me to keep Houndspire's secrets was still in place.]
Sigrid nodded.
Maria let out a sign.
[Help me pack things up, we need to reach Carlanes and stop this from turning into an all out civil war.]
As they gathered their belongings, Sigrid glanced toward the stable, where Oldoak, their house waited. [I'll go get Oldoak.]
[No need. He'd slow us down. I know a quicker way.] Maria grinned, tapping her shoulder. [You'll ride with me.]
Sigrid blinked in surprise. [Wait, you mean... I'm going to be... riding you?]
Maria smirked, lowering her back to him. [Unless you can keep up yourself but I doubt so, not yet anyway. Otherwise, hop on. I'll get use there faster than any horse.]
Sigrid scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed. Now that he thought about it, though, a memory surfaced. He remembered running through the streets as a young man, terrified as an angry mob chased him during the Houndspire Purge. Just as his strength gave out and darkness had claimed him, someone saved him. When he woke, he was safe, hidden away with his parents. *So it was mom.*
Sigrid carefully wrapped his arms around her shoulders. As soon as he was secure, Maria launched forward, her speed a blur as she bolted from the inn and out onto the open path, the wind rushing past them.
Oldoak sensing that his owner was leaving him behind started to stomp causing our the other horses to panic.
[Wait, Mother. Let me down for a bit.]
Maria let Sigrid down. Sigrid jogged over to Oldoak, who was still snorting and pawing at the ground, he reached up, placing a reassuring hand on the horse's neck.
[Hey, easy there, Oldoak,] Sigrid murmured, stroking his mane. [You stay here just for a little while. We'll be back soon. Take care of yourself till then, alright?]
With a final reluctant huff, Oldoak seemed to settle, lowering his head.
Sigrid returned to Maria's side, glancing back once to see Oldoak watching him quietly.
[Alright, Let's go.]
--------------------------------------------
Maria ran without resting.
It would have taken a week to travel from Draevenhall to Vitrollon, the town outside of Calimar castle on Oldoak but Maria and Sig managed to shorten the journey to 2 days and a half.
However, the journey proven to take quite a toll on Sig as it took him a day of resting.
Luckily, the preparation for Carlanes's army hadn't finished thanked to the disruption caused by Mercer's embargo on Carlanes slowing down their supply and many small rebellion groups among the populace of Vitrollon forcing the army to dealt with them.
In a dark alleyway.
Soldiers were chasing after a figure in hood.
[Get back here, you traitor.]
They had corned the figure.
[No where left to run now.] one of them spat out, drawing his sword with a metallic hiss.
The figure's eyes darting for an escape. But the soldiers blocked every path, their sneers growing wider as they raised their weapons.
When suddenly a shadow shifted behind the soldiers, and a tall figure stepped into the dim light. Silent and still, Maria stood, hands at her sides, eyes locked on the soldiers.
[This is none of your business,] of the soldiers snapped, turning to face Maria. [Move along, or---]
Before he could finish, Maria lunged forward, slamming a fist into the soldier's chest with a force that echoed through the alleyway. The soldier crashed into the wall, his sword clattered to the ground.
The others stared, momentarily frozen in shock before their face twisted into those of silent rage.
One of them charged at Maria, and unleashed his skill, Wind Gust Strike.
But Maria sidestepped effortlessly, dodging the Wind Blade and grabbing the soldier's wrist and twisting it until there was a sickening snap. The sword dropped from the soldier's dominant hand but he quickly grabbed it with his free hand, using the momentum to quickly cut off his captured hand free with another Wind Gust Strike.
Maria let go of the soldier's hand to dodge the Wind Gust Strike, before following up with a high kick into the soldier's face flinging him into the alley wall with bone-shattering force.
*That's strange. These guys give off a different feel now.*
The remaining five soldiers began to slowly close the distance between them and Maria.
Maria slipped into the Flowing Void Stance, lifting one leg slightly off the ground, her arms floating in a loose guard that obscured her body's center.
Her raised leg seemed relaxed but poised, and her stance appeared almost casual—until one looked closer and saw the coiled tension in her muscles. Her body swayed subtly, her weight centered, ready to react with impossible speed.
The soldiers glanced warily at each other, sensing a trap, but two of them broke from the pack and lunged forward, aiming to take advantage of the single grounded leg.
One of them struck low, targeting the leg that seemed like an exposed weakness. While the other focused mana into his sword, planning to thrust forward with his skill "Compact Thrust".
When suddenly, Maria kicked off her ground leg, sending a burst of dust into the two soldiers eyes. Blinded, they staggered, hands instinctively reaching up to shield their faces.
In that instant, Maria slapped her hand down on the soldier aiming for her leg, the impact reverberating through the alley as they crumpled beneath the force. And following up, with a hit to the other soldier abdomen, shattering his gut.
The remaining three dashed toward Maria who quickly got into another stance.
But to her surprise, they were aiming to escape, sensing fighting against the best candidate for the head of Houndspire was not possible with their number.
*Did they aim to do so from the start? The other two acted so that the rest could escape. These guys are troublesome. But you are fools to think you can run from me, Maria fucking Houndspire.*
Maria started to chase after the three soldiers who had splitted up to increase the chance of relaying information.
Back in the alleyway, Sig stood in front of the hood figure.
He had been shielding the girl since Maria gained the attention of the soldiers to protect her and stop her from running away.
[Are you okay? Can you walk?] Sig glancing over the faint bloodstains seeping through her torn leggings.
[I... I don't know] she murmured.
[Get on. We don't have much time.] Sig signed, turning around and lowing his back to the girl.
The girl hesitated, but another distant shout made her realize they had no choice.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and Sig lifted her.
[Hold tight.] Sig instructed, and swiftly they moved through the cobbledstone street, avoiding the soldiers running toward the direction where Maria had drawn their attention.
After a few moments of silence, she spoke, her voice barely audible over the breeze. [Why are you helping me?]
Sig didn't pause, his eyes scanning the path ahead.
[Because you possess a skill that I need.]
*And because you had saved me that time, Older Sister.* Sig recalling the memory of his past live.
[Oh.] Sig felt her grip loosen ever so slightly, her disappointment palpable. Her knight in shiny amour was not as selfless as she thought.
[And because I owe you a debt - a big one.]
[What are you talking about?] she asked, her voice wavering between confusion and curiosity.
Sig chuckled softly.
--------------------------------------------
They reached a modest inn tucked away on the edge of Carlanes.
The innkeeper looked up, a bit startled, but quickly composed himself and gave Sigrid a knowing nod, gesturing to a small room at the back.
Sigrid nudged the door open, stepping inside with the girl still on his back.
In the dimly lit room, a small gathering of figures murmured in low voices, casting glances at one another and then at the door as Sigrid and the girl entered.
These were the leader of townsfolks and minor nobility who had grown disillusioned with the current situation.
Using both Maria's knowledge of the old political landscape and Sigrid's past memory to filter out the name of rebel leaders who would have otherwise been crushed by Carlanes, they had managed to gather these trustworthy people.
*If only I had my old memory sooner, there would have been many more standing here.*
Sigrid carefully set the girl down on a chair. She straightened, casting a wary glance around the room at the gathered townsfolk and minor nobles, each wearing expressions of guarded hope.
A tall, wiry old man with a scarred face stepped forward.
[Oh Hero. I am Baldur. As per instructed, I have gathered everyone you listed here.]
Baldur bow before Sigrid [We've been waiting, Oh Hero.]
Sigrid glanced at the man, nodding in acknowledgment.
[Commander Baldur. I have heard many about you.]
[It's an honor. But I am now just a retired man who want to discipline his friend's grandchild.]
[And this is?] the man turned his graze to the girl on the chair.
[My name.. is.. Sarah.] Sarah shyly introduced herself.
[A pleasure to meet you, Sarah]
Sigrid cleared his throat and gestured to the girl.
[This is Sarah. With her help, we now have the key to access Calimar.]
[Is this boy really the one to lead us?] A voice broke through the crowd.
[Madam Rose. He is the Hero.]
[Hero, is it?] Madam Rose scoffed, casting an appraising look at Sigrid. [I'm not a religious person. I don't put my faith in fairy tales.]
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, and about three fourth of the people gathered here casted uncertain glances at Sigrid.
These were people who came here to see the person sending each of them a detailed letter about how their plans would failed and be crushed by Carlanes.
[You can either cooperate or find yourselves... detained until we're finished here.] Sigrid said with a cold voice.
A stunned silence filled the room as the meaning of his words sank in. Then, slowly, about a quarter of the crowd—the few who had come with loyal intentions—stepped forward, drawing their hidden daggers. They formed a ring around the remaining three-quarters, who looked at each other in shock and growing unease.
[What is the meaning of this?!] Madam Rose spat, her eyes narrowing at him. [You dare threaten the very people you're asking to help?]
[This isn't a request, Madam Rose. Too much is at stake to entertain doubts and delays. You will cooperate—whether you like it or not.]
Rose's eyes darted around the room, taking in the swords pointed toward her and the others. There was a flicker of defiance on her face, but she didn't move. The rest of the dissenters exchanged nervous looks, some stepping back, reluctantly realizing the seriousness in Sigrid's tone.
[Fine,] Rose muttered, eyes blazing. [But remember, boy, you're playing a dangerous game.]
[You aren't playing, Madam Rose?] Sigrid's lips tightened in a faint smile.
[Alright,] Rose said, voice just above a whisper. [I'll listen.]
[Good.] Sigrid replied.
The uncertain alliance sealed for now, with eyes turned toward the path ahead.
Suddenly Maria returned.
The room fell silent as Maria entered, her clothes spattered with blood. A ripple of unease spread among the gathered people, whispers passing between them as they took in the sight. But Maria moved through the murmurs unfazed, her gaze fixed on Sigrid.
[So, what do you think?] Maria asked.
[Most of them are not suitable to fight. Mother will lead the west gate. Baldur will take the east with those with combat Goal.]
Maria tilted her head, a faint smirk playing at her lips. [I'll train them hard, then. They'll be useful, even.]
Baldur, standing at the edge of the group, grunted his agreement.
[A little discipline will go a long way. Even the unskilled Non-combat Goals can become a force if they're drilled well enough.]
Sigrid stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the gathered allies.
[Here's what we'll do,] he began, his voice steady and measured.
[For now, we halt all activity. We go quiet.]
The room grew silent, all eyes fixed on Sigrid as he laid out the plan.
[Once the lord's army marches off. the castle will be left with only a handful of guards. That's our moment. We will split our force into two, a decoy in the west gate, and another to breach the east gate. Once inside, we will free the captive, save the lord, overwhelm the garrison and take over the castle.]
A murmur of agreement and approval spread through the room. The faces before him wore a mix of determination and relief as the simplicity of the plan took root.
Madam Rose crossed her arms, appraising him with a thoughtful look.
[But let's make one thing clear,] Sigrid said, his gaze sweeping over the leaders of each group. [For this plan to work, each of you will need to follow orders to the letter. That means no freelancing, no individual tactics, and no lone heroics. We move as one unit, no exceptions.]
Maria crossed her arms, reinforcing his words with a cool, steady gaze. [And to ensure our coordination, I'll be restricting the movement and access of each group's leader. Each of you leaders will remain here at this inn until the day of the assault. No coming and going on a whim. Anyone who tries to leave or act independently will be condemned as a spy for Carlanes.]
Sigrid turned to Sarah, his tone gentle.
[In the meantime, Sarah, you'll practice your skill with me.] he said.
Sarah glanced down, visibly nervous, but nodded.
Turning to the group, Sigrid spoke louder, addressing everyone.
[Rooms have been assigned, and you'll find your roommates listed by the door.]
The tension that had lingered in the air softened slightly, as though the promise of rest had finally set in.
Sarah, Sigrid ,and Maria moved down a narrow hall to a small room at the back of the inn, away from the others.
Maria stretched out with a sigh.
[It's been a long day. I'll go clean up now. You better sleep by the time I get back.]
Sarah settled onto her own bedding beside Sigrid.
As Maria left to wash off the blood and dirt.
An awkward silence settled between Sigrid and Sarah.
Sarah sat on the edge of her bedding, glancing at Sigrid out of the corner of her eye. After a few moments, she broke the silence.
[How old are you, anyway?]
[Twelve.] Sigrid replied, casually.
Sarah's eyes widened, her mouth dropping open slightly.
[Twelve?]
[What, did you expect me to be older?] Sigrid chuckled.
[I—well, yes!] he laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.
[I mean, you're leading this whole operation. Twelve! I thought maybe... fifteen, at least.]
[You're three years younger than me, yet... you seem older somehow. Like you've seen things most people haven't.] She studied him for a moment, her curiosity only growing.
[Usually, boys your age are still figuring out how to talk to girls, not planning revolts.]
[Having you here—it's a relief, then. I can figure out how to talk to girls while planning a revolt.] Sigrid chuckled.
[Well, you're off to a decent start, I guess.]
A soft knock at the door, Maria stepped back inside, now clean and refreshed. She looked between the two of them with a raised eyebrow.
[Why aren't you sleeping yet?] Maria asked.
[Tomorrow, we start training. Everyone needs to be ready, including you two.] Maria continued.
--------------------------------------------
A memory from another life surged back into his mind, vivid and unrelenting.
It was the night their stronghold fell. The relentless roar of a demonic beast echoed off the walls as it tore through their defenses, an unstoppable force of claws and fangs.
Sigrid had fought until the very end, determined to protect everyone he could. But in a final clash, the creature struck him down, leaving him in unbearable pain. When he tried to open his eyes, all he saw was darkness—the beast had taken his sight.
He remembered Sarah's voice in the chaos, faint yet fierce, calling out for a healer. She was barely holding on herself, grievously injured. Still, in her desperation, she ordered the doctor to do the impossible.
[Take my eyes,] she had whispered to the doctor. [Give them to him.]
When he awoke, his vision was sharper than it had ever been, and with it came a strange new clarity—an ability to sense and navigate between realms, to see beyond the ordinary. It was her gift, imprinted within him, forever binding their fates.
In that lifetime, he had escaped the ruined stronghold, her powers allowing him to survive where he might otherwise have fallen. But her sacrifice left an ache within him that never faded, even now.
--------------------------------------------
The next morning, Maria took charge, leading leaders one by one out to gather their people in small groups to avoid suspicion.
It took time and careful coordination, but soon she had everyone assembled, hidden away in a secluded clearing she'd scouted.
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the inn's cellar, Sig and Sarah sat cross-legged on the floor, preparing to hone her unique skill of phasing into the astral plane.
Sigrid leaned forward slightly, his expression focused as he looked at Sarah.
[Show me.]
Sarah closed her eyes, drawing in a slow breath. Then, in a quiet flash, her body shimmered briefly, becoming translucent before flickering back to normal, inside a barrel of wine not so far away from where she had been seated.
Her body trapped inside the closed wooden container. Her arms flailed, causing it to rattle in place.
Sigrid blinked in surprise, then immediately rushed to the barrel. He tugged at the lid with a grimace, finally prying it open and get Sarah out and performed CPR.
After a few chest compressions, Sarah's body lurched, and with a painful cough, she expelled a stream of wine from her mouth.
She gasped for air, her face turning a shade of pale.
Wine dripped down her chin, and she looked up at Sigrid with dazed, unfocused eyes.
[What... happened?] Her voice was sluggish, each word heavy with intoxication.
Sigrid sighed, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.
[You phased right into a barrel of wine.]
[Oh... yeah, that... wasn't... supposed to happen,] she muttered, her words slurring. [Sorry...]
Sigrid shook his head, helping her sit up straight.
[We'll need to wait until you sober up.]
Sigrid thought for a moment.
[No, actually... Being drunk might actually help your training.]
[Really?] Sarah asked, swaying a little, her cheeks already flushed.
[Yes,] Sigrid replied, nodding. [The key to using your ability is to let go, to flow with the world instead of gripping onto it. Think of it like a sail—if you hold it too tightly, the wind won't catch. Guide it as it guide you.]
Sarah closed her eyes, still processing his words through the haze of the wine.
[So, don't fight it… just let myself drift?]
[That's the first step.]
Sarah took a deep, unsteady breath and nodded, her eyelids fluttering as she tried to focus.
[Alright... I'll try.]
She closed her eyes and began to relax, releasing the tension in her shoulders. The room around her grew still, and she seemed to drift within herself, her breathing evening out. A faint shimmer appeared around her form, like a mirage shifting in and out of focus, almost like a ghost caught between worlds.
[That's it,] he encouraged in a calm voice. [Now phase to the next room.]
She took a tentative step forward, then another, moving as if in a trance.
[Good, keep going.]
Sarah reached out her hand toward the wall between the two rooms, her fingers slipping through the solid wood as though it were made of mist. She took a few more steps, she paused, half in the wall, almost as if waiting for some unseen current to pull her through.
For a few seconds, nothing happened—she seemed caught, suspended between the two spaces. Then, slowly, she faded out of sight entirely.
Sigrid waited, holding his breath, listening for any sign of her. After a tense moment, he heard a soft thump from the next room.
He moved quickly, finding Sarah slumped against the opposite wall, her face pale and a little dazed. She blinked up at him, her eyes wide with both wonder and a touch of dizziness.
[I… I did it.] she whispered, as if still unsure it was real.
[You did] Sigrid said, helping Sarah to her feet.