46 Sunrise Departure
For the next remaining days, I started with the necessary actions toward preparing for the journey. I knew it would be tough. My everyday duties would be thrice firmer than before. There was barely enough time to rest in the day, with deprived sleep at night caused by overthinking.
Bright and early in the morning, I would train with Rhys. This man held a grudge on me for pulling something so idiotic and insane. We spent a good hour arguing about it at first, and apparently, this caused him to develop hatred toward me. The hatred that accompanied concern, so I come to understand his feelings.
He trained me physically and emotionally, mostly developing patience as my annoyance grow toward his dramatic nature for emotional. But his physical training became more painful now. He forgets that I'm only a girl with a petite body or, he chooses to ignore that.
Though, thanks to his harshness, I manage to improve better endurance, precision, and strength, as I finally could push him off of me when he tackles me down unexpectedly. My archery skills only became better, shooting-continuous arrows in just seconds and shooting two at once, which I'm still working on to perfect.
I also trained how to handle the dagger that I have. That part was deadly, as the blade holds some type of power like Rhys's sword. However, unlike Rhys's, mine is always activated.
It was a close call when my blade almost touched Rhys' skin. The blame is on him for patronizing me, causing me to act out of aggravation, and accidentally cutting the fabric of his tunic.
But all been said, our training pushed me to my limits. Therefore, physical combat is no longer a worry for me. Archery became my favorite hobby- that I can't wait to have my very own bow.
After rough morning training, I get changed, preparing myself for the next task of the day. That is, studying. It never became a problem for me with Faye as my teacher. There is plenty of reading, but that's my specialty.
Most importantly, I learned about the Kingdom of Thapabia. The underwater kingdom. The thought of how we'll survive underwater keeps bothering me until I popped the question.
"Okay, if the kingdom is underwater and we're not mermaids, how do we get there, but more importantly, breathe and survive?"
Faye shuts her book, "there's a particular fruit that only grows underwater, and it transforms your legs into a tail for a day. The same fruit that merpeople take when they want to step in the land."
"I heard it takes days to get there," I utter.
"Yes, the road to the ocean is a very long way. Shortcuts would be dangerous; it'll only lead you closer to Beorene. Therefore we're taking the safer road, to reach the sea. Then, we'll sail towards the Island of Thapabia- a small island, guarded by Sea nymphs."
The idea that we'll be venturing underwater sparks excitement in me. Except that excitement disappears almost instantly when Faye mentions the dangers of Thapabia, "they are gentle creatures known to be the healers, following after Thapabia who masters the magic of healing. However, like Thapabia, they also have the power to destroy."
Faye went through every bit of information that I must know from the royalties of Thapabia, creatures I may encounter, and briefing me on an escape plan to be ready.
Three days is a short period, yet it felt so long in my perspective. At first, we thought it wasn't going to be enough. And now it's the third day, the day finally came, and I'm more than ready.
---
"Wasn't he supposed to arrive yesterday?" Rhys questions as he munches on a loaf of bread. Jack has yet to deliver my bow, and it's been three days. I wonder what went wrong; I'm also worried that he won't make it in time.
I glance out out the window of the dining hall, seeing the cold, gray sky with stars brightly shining. The three of us woke up before dawn to get everything ready and in the wagon. It's going to be a long ride, so it's best to leave as early as possible. The plan is to leave at sunrise.
Sadness and disappointment consume me. Thoughts of Jack not making it on time clouds my mind. Then Faye barges inside the dining room, catching our attention.
"If he doesn't arrive by sunrise, you'll have to use these instead," Faye carries with her the same weapon I wield during the attack days ago, "this will have to do, right?" she gives me a half-hearted smile.
I nod, thanking her. My eyes are barely cooperating to keep me awake. Last night was rough, and my anxiety kept me awake the entire time. I had to think of every possible way this will play out.
A knock startled the three of us after a long period of silence. Then enters one of the knights that became my guard. I'd remember that shaggy red hair anywhere.
"Apologies, but a dwarf with the name Jeffery Flintstone is at the gate in a wagon. He seems to carry a package for Rhys?"
Rhys chokes on his drink, he breaks into fits of laughter, and I follow after him, "Hey Ezra, when you come to report to us; make sure you have the right information!"
The poor knight, Ezra, turns pale. I stand from my seat, excusing myself to meet with Jack. My eagerness can't wait any longer. I slow down when I approach Ezra, "please lead me to Mr. Jack Flinttank," I request with a reassuring smile.
"Y-yes," he stutters but pushes the door open for me.
"We'll bring your things in the wagon so we can get going as soon as the sun goes up," Faye reminds me before the doors are closed.
I walk past the dark, empty hallways of the castle. Only some are awake at this timing, and even Blossom's still asleep. Though, she acknowledges our departure time. She already gave us her best wishes the night before.
I'm nearing the large entrance, the cold morning air biting my cheeks. My dress comfortably covers my figure, providing me heat. This dress specifically made for this journey with thick fabric that will be comfortable and flexible for anything that we'll encounter.
Then I see it, the dim lamp that shines by the gates of the castle. I stop in my tracks as the wagon makes its way inside, permitted by the knights.
The horses halt, down jump a familiar dwarf who looked exhausted. He shows me a toothy grin the instance we come face to face. Our appearances quite unclear as our surrounding is dark.
"Good morning Mr. Flinttank!" cheerfully, I greeted.
He nods, "good morning- I heard that you're leaving early this day. So, I came as fast as I could, a little delayed because of some complications. But it's here," he leads me toward the wooden crate, the knights helped brought down.
Jack rubs his eyes, taking second glances at my face, "Am I remembering a different person? Your face looks unfamiliar to me."
I let out a nervous laugh and nodded, "The protection spell that conceals my actual face has faded, but you still remember my voice, don't you? It's me, Rose."
He seems hesitant but accepts it and proceeds to open the crate for me, and I gasp at what I'm seeing. My trembling hands reach to touch it, eyeing Jack for permission at which he nods.
I lift the bow on an eye-level near the light that's emitting from inside the castle. I scanned through every detail of this beautiful bow.
The bow is light in weight- just how I wanted it to be. Made of white oak wood with delicate flower carvings, it's also shiny and soft to the touch. Though what I'm much keen on seeing are the blades I asked for, and as if Jack read my mind, he flicks a tiny switch on the hidden middle part of the limb.
Blades shoots out on both ends of the limb, startling me- and the knights that surrounded us. With wide eyes, I stare at the shining, deadly sharp blades. It miraculously works!
"It's beautiful, thank you so much," my eyes glisten from the amount of happiness I felt. It's everything that I expected it to be.
"That's not all," he exclaims, "you'll need this too," and he hands me a white quiver full of arrows.
The sky is brightening as the sun is awakening; at the same time, Faye and Rhys appear outside carrying their necessities, including mine.
"I wish you a safe trip on the way there and back," Jack takes my hand. His hands are rough and skillful, "I can't thank you enough for doing this."
I send him a reassuring smile, "don't worry, your wife is my mother's friend and therefore is my friend as well."
Faye approaches us, introducing herself before jack. We spend a few minutes of conversation as we watch the sunrise, brightening the place a golden color. This morning is calming, a perfect feeling to start our journey.
It transitioned so fast as we said our last goodbyes. The door to our carriage closes, I look out at the castle for the last time. I don't know how long this will take, but I'll miss the comfort provided to me. The carriage starts moving; there's no turning back now.
A shiver ran down my spine, and I instantly look back at the glass window above our seat. I glanced at the castle as we're gaining the distance; the window at the side of the balcony stood a figure that watched us but instantly disappeared.
I don't know who that could be- it couldn't have been Blossom. Whoever it was, carried eerie energy, enough to send my heart rising in fear.
