When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 36 - Distress Signals (Battle Pt. 7)

Rosetta's POV

Two days have passed since our return to the island. I was joyful to hear that Zachary had returned to the forest. Sadly, though, my joy was short lived.

The moment we arrived back past the gate, Jason was there awaiting us. "Welcome back, Rosetta. You must be weary," he declared. "You would do well to rest up. Both you and Commander Oiamh toiled hard for this victory. You both deserve a reprieve."

"No rest for the weary," I jokingly replied. "But it won't be amiss to take you up on that offer. But first I must away to report our mission's results to our majesties."

"Allow me," Jason insisted. "I've learned all I need to learn to give a proper report."

"Very well," I said. "By the way, I heard some talk that my uncle returned to the forest clan."

"Your... uncle?" he said to me with a puzzled disposition.

"Perhaps I should explain. I'm speaking of Commander Zachary. He and Trodaí both were a part of my life since my grandmother brought me to this land and trained me in the ways of the sword. Both were integral in my growth. Zachary became akin to an uncle to me, so I call him as much."

"Ah, I see," he said with a smile. "I've heard as well that he has returned, but that's all I know."

"Very well, I'll head to see him myself. Besides, you have a report to give, correct?" I said with a smile and flicked the reins and rushed off toward the forest clan. It didn't take long for me to arrive at the gates of the forest clan.

A few people there recognized me as I rode in, and they came up to greet me. When I mentioned I was here to see Zachary, their faces dropped, and they beckoned me to follow. I got off my horse and followed them into Zachary's house. They brought me to his bedroom and left afterward. When I opened the door, I quietly called out Zachary's name, but when I looked at his bed, my world was crushed. Lying there was his body, visibly injured, but breathing. His chest was covered in bandages. At the side of his bed, I noticed his sister watching over him. She gestured to me with a finger over her mouth to keep my voice down. "What happened?" I asked quietly.

"I'll explain in detail, but you just returned from the mainland. Get some rest first and I'll explain when you're refreshed. Don't worry, I'll keep watch over my brother," she told me with a smile. A moment later, Shino nearly shrieked as she felt a hand on hers. We both looked and saw Zachary starting to stir.

"Zach?!" Shino gasped then knelt by her brother's side.

"Shi...no? Rose...etta?" Zachary muttered as he struggled to focus his eyes.

"Yeah, it's us Zach. Rosetta and Shino," I said smiling. My eyes began to tear up.

Zachary tried to sit up but both Shino and I stopped him as to not worsen his injuries.

Shino's POV

"What...even happened?" Zachary said weakly. He shook his head, attempting to clear the cobwebs. "Last thing I remember was being in a forest... And then I woke up here?" Zachary asked, then laid back down on his pillow.

I sat back down on my stool and sighed, then looked up at Rosetta. "Well, I did suggest that you rest first, but now's a good a time as any. Here's what happened." I closed my eyes for a moment to recall the details of the event.

~~~~~Flashback in Shino's POV~~~~~

"Zach!? Zachary!? Zachary! Wake up! Wake up, please!" I cried out as I shook my unconscious brother. There was a gaping wound on his chest and a pool of blood began to form under him. I was relieved to see he was still breathing.