{THE NEXT DAY}
The elderly man had gone out earlier than normal to cut down the giant tree and Bell had helped him in exchange for a ride to the next town. It wasn't much, but that way, he'll be able to save some money.
"Bell, please take care of yourself and your sister"
"I will, and I'll send you a letter as soon as I get to the capital" Bell assured his mother as he helped Ryu to the carriage. "And don't worry about Ryu, I'll make sure she stay safe"
"Are you sure you want me to keep it?" His mother asked, obviously referring to the money he gave her the previous night. "it'll take days for you to get there"
"Don't worry about me, just take care of yourself" Bell replied as he jumped onto the carriage and kept his bag beside him.
His mother walked to Ryu and hugged her before patting her head, Ryu eyes brighten but he couldn't tell why.
"Always stay by your brother side and make sure you listen to him, okay?"
Ryu nodded.
"Ma'am, I assured you that there will be safe in my arms" The old man said, trying to calm Bell's mother. She wasn't feeling too sure if she was doing the right thing. "I'll make sure they get to the next town safely, you don't have to worry, and I'm sure Bell can take care of himself"
"Thank you for everything sir, May the goodness Hilda be with you on your journey"
The man nodded and whipped his horses. Bell's mother stood by the dusty road and watched them move slowly, Ryu finally turned back and waved at her.
"I'll see you soon!"
That was an unexpected thing for a blind girl to say, but that was Ryu trying to considerate. Bell gently patted her head and she blushed shyly before shaking her head furiously for him to stop.
"I see you took my advice kid" the old man said. "Good for you"
"Yeah" Bell whispered and nodded slowly before relaxing on the back. He stretched his hand towards the sky and pretended to catch a bird that was flying by. "I'm going to make sure I and my family live a better life"
.
.
.
"Are you sure you want to leave now?" The old man asked again. He seemed a bit worried as he counted some coins and handed to the shopkeeper, the lady received it with a gentle nod. "You could stay with me and leave the next morning"
They've reached Aria, the town next to their village, a little bit earlier than expected and the old man had took his time to buy some supplies for Bell, which were mostly food and some water.
Bell followed the old man to his carriage before informing him of his plan
"I think we can walk to the next town before nightfall then find a carriage to the capital, or as far as the money can take us"
"I understand what you're getting at, Drakenforge is an industrial city and most of their products go to the capital, but you should consider your sister" The man said, pointing at Ryu who just stood beside her brother, motionlessly. "She's blind!, You're putting her in more danger by pulling her through the forest!
Bell paused, his mind had been set on getting to the capital that he almost forgot the promise he made to his mother. He was going to protect her. Besides Ryu condition, they was a also a possibility of them getting attacked by bandits.
Bell thought about it for a while, there was no need for him to be in a hurry, after all, the old man had bought some food that will be enough for both of them for the next five be days.
He had no choice but to stay.
"I guess... We can stay till–"
Bell eyes suddenly widened as he felt a Ryu grip tighten.
"Don't worry about me big brother, I can still walk" Ryu voiced out silently, but the old man was still able to hear her.
"A–are you sure? You don't have to push yourself because of me"
"Hmm" Ryu replied with a simple nod.
Ryu had always maintained an expressionless look on her face which made her impossible to read, so, Bell couldn't tell if she was encouraging him or she was just trying not to be a burden to him.
"Okay then, let's..."
"Wait boy!" The old man stopped Bell before he could finish and gave him a piece of paper. Bell collected it an opened it, it was a rough drawing of what seems to be a map. "This is the path that will take you through the lost wood. I'm sure you know why it's called the lost wood?"
Bell nodded.
"Then take this" The old handed his hatchet to Bell. "I don't think you'll need it if you stay on the path but just in case, I'm sure you know how to use it, just don't use it on anyone"
"Thank you, I'll remember all that you did for me" Bell said and held his sister arm.
"No need kid, just make sure you stay on the path. Get going if you want to get there early!"
"Sure. Thanks for everything" Bell waved and continued walking to the next town, gently pulling Ryu beside him.