CHAPTER TEN
To the Horizon
A few days later, hammers and saws echoed through the fields as people rebuilt their homes. Rosetta stood at the end of the street, gazing at the charred remains of the houses. Burnt flesh overtook the smell of the burnt wood, as bodies remained under some of the rubble. Urision approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"It never gets easier, does it?" Urision said as he handed her a canteen of water. "You think you'd get used to it, but no, you just never do."
"All these people with destroyed homes, dead family members, and the military can't even know about this," Rosetta proclaimed.
"Yeah, another secret we take to our graves," Urision sighed.
Rosetta looked at her hands with doubt and frustration as she recalled the battle with The Dishonored. "I was useless."
"Why would you say that? You were right there fighting with us. I'm the one with the crushed hand. Remember?" Urision reassured her. "I should be the one beating myself up."
"Yeah, you were pretty pathetic," Rosetta laughed.
"Well, that didn't last long. Thought you were drowning in guilt."
Rosetta's smile turned fast. "I put Rosan in danger. He could've died trying to save me."
"Look, I've never been the best big brother, but you can't beat yourself up about this. Keep pressing on and get stronger. I know you. You're a fighter."
Rosetta smirked. "Thanks. You're getting better at this big brother thing." She embraced him tightly.
"Oh, watch the hand!" Urision said in pain.
Kaida walked through the remnants of the house she had known for so long. The smell of burnt wood filled the air. She stepped into Quinn's bedroom, which had been untouched by the fire. Imagining him lying in his bed, she settled into her usual chair—the one she had sat in while reading to him for the past few years. She opened the nightstand, pulled out her and Quinn's favorite book, and looked out the window at the fields.
Kaida reflected on a moment with Quinn when he asked her a straightforward question: "What do you want to be in life? A wife, a merchant, a scholar?" She recalled her response, "I'm right where I need to be." As she remembered Quinn placing his hand on hers, he said, "There's more to life than caring for a sick old man." She could still picture his smile.
Kaida looked at her hand and said, "Thank you, Papa, for everything. I've decided." She reflected on how she had healed Dison during the battle. "Could you have ever imagined me being the first half-elf healer?" she asked aloud.
"I think you could," Tina said, standing at the door of the room.
Kaida ran to Tina and hugged her tightly. "Where have you been? We've been searching for you for days," she said, tears of joy streaming down her face as she held Tina. "We feared the worst."
"I was in the forest. Dison was upset with me, too. There was something I needed to do."
"Don't scare us like that ever again," Kaida said with a firm tone, her brow furrowing in concern. She glanced at Tina, who was gripping a peculiar and unsightly book, its cover marred with strange symbols and worn edges. Seeing it sent a shiver down her spine and made her feel uneasy. Trying to shake off her apprehension, Kaida softened her expression and offered Tina a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's get you something to eat; you must be hungry after everything that's happened."
As Silvara stepped out of the town barracks, she took a deep breath. The town wasn't tranquil, but an unusual stillness was in the air. The sun shone brightly, lighting the cobblestone road. She glanced over at Rivera, who was helping Talbis with his boot. He moaned and complained as Rivera forced the boot on.
"Stop crying, you big baby. The healers have already healed your foot," Rivera said.
"It's still sore, you know," Talbis complained.
Silvara chuckled as she walked past them. Looking down the road, she noticed Kale entering a pub. A look of distaste crossed her face. She walked down the street, into the pub, and to the counter beside him. Looking at him, her attitude changed, and his eyes filled with sadness.
Silvara sighed and looked at the bartender. "You wouldn't have Elgris tea, would you?"
"Sure do, I'll get you some." The bartender said.
Kale noticed her looking at him. "Why don't you just order an ale like an ordinary person, elf?"
Silvara smirked. "Ale might work on you, but we need something more substantial for us elves."
The bartender poured some into a specially marked glass. "Here you go. Just remember not to leave it. Wouldn't want anyone to die. You know how drunks are?" He smirked and walked away.
"Why haven't you been helping with repairs around town? I've seen you in this bar every day since, well, you know," Silvara said impatiently.
"If you're going to run your mouth, you can leave me alone."
Silvara chugged the tea down and slammed the glass down on the counter. "You're not the only one who's lost people, you know. Look around you. This place is full of them. But they're still rebuilding and moving forward."
"You know if you're going to come bitch at me, why don't you take your spoiled rich ass back to the capital where you came from? Better yet, why not go further and return to Lisorin?" Kale took a drink, clearly frustrated. After swallowing, he added, "We all know how much you elves look down on us humans, anyway."
Silvara gave a stern look. "I've never looked down on humans, only on fools. Your brother and father would be so disappointed in you," she said as she walked away. But then she paused. "You can move on, you know. They would want that for you. Make them proud."
Kale pondered deeply before taking a swig of ale. "How could you know what they would want?" He turned to watch Silvara leave and took a deep breath as he contemplated.
When noon arrived, Dison stood quietly in front of Quinn's grave. The sound of footsteps broke the silence of the wind blowing through the high grass of the fields as it approached. He turned to see Rosan standing beside him. Dison watched as Rosan knelt, scooped a handful of dirt to the side, and made a small space to place a necklace before burying it.
Rosan raised back up. "So, what now, Dison Belloc?" He said, just staring down at the grave. "What path do you follow, his or yours?"
Dison looked at Rosan with first indecisiveness, but then turned to the field and looked at the town remains. "Quinn wanted what he thought was best for me, to stay here in this little town. To be safe."
"Does it matter what he wanted? I thought you wanted to be a soldier? A sworn sword of the people. You've seen battle now. Does it sway your decision?"
"No, this is my decision. I will go with you." Dison gazed at his sword, puzzled by its profound mystery. "What should I do with this? Is it wise to use a cursed sword? This blade, is it cursed, whether it is dark magic or the gods will?"
"Dison, every sword carries a curse. Taking a life is not a simple burden to carry. Only the strong can bear it. The question is, can you handle it? We must leave tomorrow, so get ready for departure." Rosan smirked as he walked away.
That night, Rosan stood on the balcony of his room, gazing at the stars. He heard the door opening and already knew who it was. Elayne walked over and leaned on the railing beside him. He glanced at her with a sigh as he contemplated, "I don't know how long we can keep this from the High Order."
"Do you think someone will inform the elves?" Elayne asked, her face reflecting suspense.
"Word will reach the capital before we arrive, I believe. We should prepare ourselves."
"I wonder if the elves will be satisfied with the threat eliminated." Elayne said.
"We can hope," Rosan said, turning to look at Elayne, uncertainty in his eyes. "Is there something you need?"
Elayne said uncertainly, "The girl, Kaida, she came to me and wants me to enlist her services."
"It's up to you. If you think she can be of service. But that's not why you're here, though, is it?"
"I'm concerned about you. You used a powerful magic skill out there. Are you sure you're recovered enough to travel?" She gazed into his tired eyes.
"I'll be fine," Rosan reassured her, his gaze locking onto hers, which shimmered with concern. Slowly, he leaned closer, feeling the warmth radiating from her skin, and pressed his lips against hers in a gentle, lingering kiss. "As long as you're by my side, I know I'll be alright," he added, his voice filled with quiet strength.
Elayne smirked playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she replied, "Always." With a rush of emotion, she kissed him back, her lips pressing against his warmly.
The next day came faster than Dison had expected. The thought of leaving his long-known home excited Kaida and Tina, but also saddened them. Dison gave them an unconvincing smile as they rode down the road to the east. "So, how long before we get to The Capitol?"
Urision, who rode in front of Dison, glanced back and said. "Well, if we were riding there, it would take a few weeks. But we're headed to the airship dock. It's about a three-day trip on horseback."
Dison thought of the airship. His excitement grew. "I read about those. I thought only the elves could use them."
"That was before we learned how to use the occult crystals to their full potential. Now, we can do much more than just create light with them; we are harnessing their power to its fullest extent," Urision said. "The world is changing, Dison, for the betterment of humanity."
"If we don't end up killing ourselves first," Talbis added sarcastically.
Rivera punched Talbis hard on the arm. "Do you always have to be so negative?"
"In my nature," Talbis said, rubbing his arm.
Dison looked up ahead at Rosetta, who was unusually quiet. He rode up to her to see what was wrong, and Kaida watched him with some anger. "Are you okay? You haven't talked to me in days?"
"I'm fine, Dison. I just don't feel like talking." Rosetta replayed the battle with Rosan and The Dishonored in her mind, reflecting on how useless she felt. "I need to grow stronger," she thought.
Dison gazed at her with concern. "You know you can talk to me anytime you need to."
"Thank you, Dison. But right now, I need some alone time." Rosetta said as she moved ahead of the others to create some distance, while she thought to herself.
Dison felt useless and remained quiet to avoid disturbing her. They rode until nightfall, and the group camped in the nearby woods along the road. The sound of the campfire crackling gave Dison a familiar feeling, reminiscent of being at home by his own fireplace with Kaida, Tina, and Quinn. The chirping of the crickets helped relax him.
He looked around and realized Rosetta was missing from the group. He asked Silvara, "Do you know where Rosetta went?"
Silvara thought to herself for a bit before answering. "You really like her, don't you?"
Dison felt a rush of anxiety and blushed. "That's not it," he said. "I'm just worried about her, that's all."
"Relax. I know she likes you, too. She's looking for firewood. Why don't you go assist her?" Silvara giggled.
"Okay, I will." Dison looked in all directions. "Uh, which way did she go?"
Silvara smiled widely and pointed, saying, "That way."
"Okay, thanks," Dison said as he walked in the direction she had pointed.
"If I don't see you again, it was nice to know you," Silvara laughed out loud.
Dison strolled through the forest, hearing the crickets chirp until a massive crash caught his attention. He wandered to where the crash had come from and looked from a distance. Rosetta was taking her frustration out on a tree. She punched and kicked it until it fell over, then moved to another. Her hands dripped with blood, as she had been doing it for a while. He heard her talking to herself. Saying things like she was worthless. He got closer, hearing her talking more.
With each punch and kick, Rosetta grew angrier. "Why didn't you pay attention to the enemy? He could have killed you!" With each punch, she recalled every mistake in the battle. "Why are you so weak?" With every strike, she spoke. "Rosan needed you to help, not to be a burden." She huffed as she stared into the air. "You let a recruit show you up!" She hit the tree one last time.
Dison approached, looking at her with pity. "I think you did great."
Rosetta turned in surprise. "Did you hear everything I said?"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to check on you," Dison said. "You did great out there. Why do you keep beating yourself up? I can only imagine how frustrating it must feel to think you lost to a newcomer like me."
"Dison, I didn't mean to..."
"But I just got lucky. I was terrified of dying, but also scared of failing. You were the brave one."
"I just..."
"No, you are a terrific fighter," Dison said, glancing at the tree with a smirk. "I mean, you took down the tree." He leaned in and said in a low tone, "The mightiest of foes."
Rosetta rolled her eyes with a smile. "Asshole." She giggled.
"Maybe you can teach me some moves while we're out here?" Dison said, walking to Rosetta. "You never know when I need to take down a tree."
Rosetta pushed him playfully. "Alright, I get it. You sure about this?"
"Yeah, I mean, what if I lose my sword? I need to know some good strikes, right?"
"Okay. But I won't go easy on you."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Dison laughed as they fought playfully, trying to gain the upper hand.
From a distance, Kaida observed the scene unfolding before her, a tight knot of jealousy forming in her chest. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the laughter and warmth between them, starkly contrasting the chill creeping into her heart. As anger flared within her, it swiftly melted into a deep sorrow, prompting her to turn away. Her emotions hung heavily on her shoulders as she strolled. Anger turned to sorrow as she walked away.
They wrestled briefly before Dison finally pinned Rosetta to the ground. For a moment, they became lost in each other's eyes. The smiles they exchanged were inviting.
"I suppose I can let you win this time," Rosetta said as they leaned their lips into each other, kissing passionately under the moonlight and embracing one another.
The following day, Dison and the others got ready for departure. He picked up his bag and mounted it on his horse. While securing it, Dison felt a dreadful presence behind him. He turned to see Urision right in his face, a sinister smile on his face.
"So are you ready for this?" Urision said with vigor.
Dison looked confused. "Ugh. Yeah." He drawled.
Urision tightened his hand on Dison's shoulder. "Are you sure? Did you have a pleasant time with my sister last night?"
Dison looked with a bit of fear in his eyes. "Yeah."
"Just remember one thing, Dison." Urision said, leaning in with squinted eyes.
Dison's eyes wandered as if he were looking for a way to leave. "What's that?"
"I'd do anything for my sister." He pulled Dison close, "Anything. So proceed with caution."
"Noted," Dison said.
Urision released Dison and mounted his horse. "Now onward to the capitol," he laughed as he rode back on the road.
Dison rubbed his shoulder with a smirk and glanced at Rosetta, who smiled back at him. He returned her smile with wide eyes as she rode up to him.
"Let me guess. Urision threatened you?" Kaida said with a chuckle.
"Why do you say that?" Dison asked sarcastically.
"No reason," Kaida laughed as she continued to ride on.
While Tina was before her, Kaida rode by and shot Dison an angry look. He wondered what her problem was before mounting his horse. Talbis rode up beside him with a smirk.
"You've done it now," Talbis remarked, continuing, followed by Rivera and Silvara, who laughed and carried on."
Rosan, the last to ride by him, shook his head with a smirk. "No turning back now."
Dison looked confused and sighed, thinking, "It's going to be a long trip." They all rode toward the port, leaving the forest behind and entering the grasslands on the third day. In the distance, he noticed a lone mountain with a vast crystal emerging from its peak, glowing a bright jade. Its beauty mesmerized Dison. "That must be the port," he thought as he spotted a ship flying in the distance, preparing to dock at it. His fascination continued to grow. This was the first time he had seen something like this. A smile spread across his face as he rode toward his destination, joining the others excitedly.
As Dison and his companions rode through the grand port gates, he felt an overwhelming sense of wonder. The massive crystal towered above, radiating a dazzling jade aura that cast a shimmering, celestial light across the buildings, enveloping them in an enchanting shade of jade. Each of the horses' hooves struck the cobblestone road with a rhythmic echo resounding through the air, enhancing the magical atmosphere. Dison's eyes remained fixed on the magnificent crystal, its glow illuminating their path that led to the stables, each corner alive with the sounds and sights of port life.
As they placed their horses in the stables, Rosetta approached Dison. "We have a day before we can fly. Do you want to go look at the ship?"
"Of course," Dison said quickly.
They walked into the street, where Dison saw Rosan and Elayne talking to the stable owner and a crying woman.
Rosetta halted, a sorrowful expression overtaking her face. "The three men we lost in the forest shouldn't have been with us. They were port guards who insisted on escorting us to the town." She turned to Dison, trying to muster an unconvincing smirk. "Let's go. There's nothing more we can do here." She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the colossal ramp that spiraled around the crystal.
"Dison!" Kaida called out to him as she and Tina approached.
Dison halted and chuckled. "Do you want to go with us? Can they come?" he asked Rosetta.
"I don't see why not. Come on." Rosetta said as she pulled him along.
Kaida looked at Tina disapprovingly and shook her head. "I'll race you," she said with a smile. Tina glanced back at Kaida before taking off, running ahead. "Hey, you're supposed to wait for me to yell 'go!'" Kaida laughed.
Talbis and the others watched as everyone ran toward the ramp. "Look at them acting like a bunch of kids," he said, laughing. "I guess it's the first time they've ever seen an airship."
"They are young, unlike us old men," Urision stated. "Let them enjoy their youth. With all the talk of war with Driac, they may have to grow up faster than we did." He looked on with sorrow.
"That's true. How about a drink?" Talbis said as he and Rivera walked toward a nearby pub.
"I could drink a whole barrel!" Rivera blurted.
Silvara walked out of the stable, watched them walk off, and then turned to Urision. "You're not going with them?"
"Not right now," Urision replied as he approached Rosan and Elayne. "I'm not really feeling it."
"Maybe later?"
"Maybe."
Silvara walked toward a port shop and peered through a shop window. She saw a wooden airship model. Remembering pointing one out to her mother when she was young, she placed her hand on the glass. The vivid image of her mother's emerald-colored hair remained in her memory. Her face turned cold as she sneered, pulled her hand away, and walked off.
Rosetta, Dison, Kaida, and Tina reached the top of the dock where the ship was anchored. Rosetta glanced at Dison, recognizing his astonishment. "Let me take you on a tour," she said, leading him up a small ramp to the ship's side.
The narrow passages forced Dison to weave between the crew as Rosetta pulled him along. "Sorry." She said apologetically, bumping into people. Finally, they went upstairs and out onto the ship's deck. Dison looked out over the fields in awe. "This is so..." he began, turning to Rosetta, whose hair blew in the wind. Her skin glowed jade thanks to the crystal's aura. He finished his sentence, "Gorgeous." Looking at Rosetta's smile, he smiled back.
Kaida and Tina walked up beside them. "Wow, this is amazing!" Tina exclaimed. Kaida smiled excitedly, closing her eyes to feel the wind on her skin.
Dison smiled as he placed his hand on Kaida's shoulder. "This marks our new beginning. I think Dad would be happy for us."
Kaida smiled and nodded as she looked over the fields of grass swaying in the wind. The sky was a brilliant blue, and a sense of peace and prosperity washed over her, widening her smile. The sound of the airship's horn echoed across the grasslands.