Valtava: Dragon Sword

Chapter 25

Tony sat outside the tent, observing the soldiers eating their breakfast and dressing themselves in their armour. Although he was quiet and still, his mind was bustling with thoughts of the events to come, doubting whether he would be able to return from his mission safely. His worries were mingled with unanswered questions about Ada - how she spent her previous half year with the Hollow Men and whether it was true that she would be able to return to her normal self.

He was so lost in his own world that he didn't notice Katerlina walking up to him, holding a piece of bread out. "Here, have some bread. You've been up all night and haven't eaten a single thing."

Tony looked up to her and accepted the bread into his hand. "Thank you, Katerlina." She sat down in the grass next to him, accompanying him as he ate the bread. "Oh, how is Jackie doing now?" Tony asked.

"He's fully recovered, don't worry," Katerlina replied with a smile.

"That's good."

Katerlina saw the uneasiness in his eyes and could predict what he was thinking about. "That girl you brought back today...is that the same girl you once told me about? The girl you were about to get married to?"

Tony stopped chewing his bread, looking at Katerlina in the eyes. He responded with a simple "Yes."

"You must be feeling many emotions at once. Happy to see her again, but sad that she's not the same she used to be."

Tony fell silent as she spoke, not knowing what else to say. He recalled the last time he talked to her about Ada, it only made her upset. However, she could guess what was going on his mind and tried to lighten up the air by laughing at him gently. "I don't blame you for your feelings. Over the past few months, I've also come to experience what affection is like. It's not something you can easily control." She placed a hand on his shoulder, then stood up and let him finish his breakfast in peace.

After eating the remainder of his bread, he went back inside the tent and picked up the Dragon Sword that was sitting atop a table. He brushed his fingers over the carvings on its blade and closed his eyes, steadying his breathing and preparing himself for the journey ahead of him. When he had calmed himself down, he strapped the sword over his back and exited the tent, where everyone was beginning to gather.

"Tony, we're all ready when you are!" Turbo said, his hand clutching onto his own sword that hung from his waist.

Tony scanned the scene, taking a good look at Janice, Fennie, Katerlina, Jackie, and the other soldiers of Emeradia. He cupped his fist and announced, "Thank you all for offering your assistance in today's mission. Remember, our goal is to restore peace to Valtava by returning the stolen hearts of the Hollow Men. Today, we will only fight in defence - do not harm any Hollow Men unless they attack us first."

"Yes, Tony!" everyone responded.

"I will take half of the soldiers with me to the Northern Lands. The other half can stay behind and protect the camp if danger arises." Tony paused, then added, "Those who remain here, please also keep an eye on Ada and make sure she doesn't get into danger either."

"Yes, Tony!"

"Now we are ready to set foot. To the Northern Lands!"

The group got on their horses and began their journey northward. The sun made its way above their heads as they traveled, sending rays of hope and optimism. The scene ahead of them gradually transitioned from the flat, empty plains of Emeradia to the richly vegetated woods of the Northern Lands. They soon noticed another group of travelers coming from the east side, seemingly heading for the same destination as them. They were also riding horses, and Tony could vaguely make out their pastel coloured attire that he recalled seeing once before.