「✦ Reflection of Memories ✦」

Chapter 9: Taipis Empire - Kingdom of Rebirth

[Isla's POV]

The amulet jingled as it fell to the floor suddenly.

I know I do, Isla. But do pay more attention to the immediate surroundings.

I turned around, to find the village we had landed in deserted.

"Where is everyone? And what do you mean?" I demanded.

I cannot help you much here, Isla. Sure, my magic is limited, but most of all, this is territory of my sister's power, not mine. I can't do anything here but fly around and talk in your mind.

I looked beyond the village's houses.

I gasped as I saw the grand castle, standing in all its glory.

And flying past was...an arrow?

I looked back at Ariella slowly, understanding what had happened.

"We've...landed in the middle of battle..." I breathed.

The amulet hummed. That's correct. The war of...actually, it's best you don't know now. It'll affect your focus.

"C'mon, Ariella! The worst would be dying! I don't think it's that...bad," I demanded weakly.

She ignored me.

The Tunnel of Light doesn't guarantee where it'll drop you, even if it means going to a different time. This is bad. You could really mess up the future...It's best if you stay away from the battlefield.

"But why did it bring me to this time if I was made to do nothing?" I asked, not really wanting to know the answer.

I don't know. The Tunnel of Light has endless rules...no one knows all of them. Except...

Silence.

Either way, you don't need to know. Best way to not die? Stay near the village and leave the battle alone.

I didn't know whether to feel relieved or scared.

I stared at the castle, wondering if I should ignore Ariella and just go for it.

"Ariella...where is this 'Sword of Light' that I need to find?" I asked.

Oh, the Sword of Light? Don't worry about that now. You'll find that in the workspace where they created this amulet...But that's beyond your reach right now.

That didn't help.

"Firstly, why am I here if I'm not looking for the Sword of Light?" I asked as I clipped the necklace back onto my neck.

You'll see your target when you get there.

"Again, not helpful. Anyway, second, there are swords clashing, arrows flying. Or otherwise worded, All out war. What makes you think I won't get hurt either way?"

Ariella was silent for a moment.

Isla, stop asking questions. Stay within the boundaries of the village - that's the line of trees there. You'll find what you need in the center.

And with that, Ariella's voice was gone.

Wow, talk about being dramatic.

I recalled what she had said about her sister's territory, wondering what it meant. I mean, I know she had a sister who was also trapped somewhere, but not where. If her sister is the only one who can conjure magic here, I had a feeling finding her sister would increase my odds in living.

Speaking of impossible...I set off to find the 'target'.

I ran to the town center, swerving this way and that through empty allies of houses. The silence only made the battle cries more clear.