A Paladin's Promise

Chapter 4: Fabul's Crystal Lost

With our mission in mind, we climb into the hovercraft and start off for Antlion's lair. A soft mist sprays our faces as we ride across the shallows. Edward drives; he knows exactly where to go. I decide to make conversation with the others.

"It's beautiful out here, warm and sunny."

"Yes, it is," Edward says.

"Must be nice to live out in the desert. Although, I imagine you become lonely all by yourself."

"At times it can be. However, I do spend quite a bit of time traveling."

"Have you been to Baron before?"

"Yes. I've also been to Kaipo, Mysidia, Fabul, and Toroia."

"Very nice."

"How about you? Have you ever been traveling?"

"I've been to Baron already, but that's it other than my hometown, Ashbourne."

"I've never heard of that place."

"It's... not one you would be familiar with."

"Ah, I see."

We continue our ride in silence, taking in the scenery around us. We soon reach the entrance to the cave. I'm not ready to traverse a cold, dark space again, but Rosa's life hangs in the balance, and that is more than enough motivation for me. Edward lowers the hovercraft and we step out of it.

"Here we are!" Edward says. "Everyone ready?"

"Just a moment," I say. I open the menu again and save the game, then check Edward's stats. He's a Level 5 bard with 60 health points but no magic. His harp is his weapon. Although a bit cowardly, he will prove an excellent addition to our party. We drank from a healing pot and a restoration pot before we left Damcyan, so our health and magic points are all at max. Good thing, too. We're about to face off against yet another hoard of monsters and a new, equally strong boss. "Okay. I'm ready now."

"Very well. Shall we proceed?" Edward asks. I nod and we enter the darkness. My pupils expand to capture what little light there is. Making our way through the cave, we find several chests containing gold pieces, potions, or a tent. Out of nowhere, a basilisk and a couple of imps jump out at us. Ready for battle, we raise our weapons. Cecil is first in the turn order. Gripping his sword in his right hand, he attacks the basilisk. Just then, it occurs to me that he often battles the strongest enemy we face which is the same strategy I have him follow when I play the game.

Such a sweetheart! Cecil defends all of us with everything he has.

My turn is next. I already miss having Tellah on our side. Sure, he only knows a couple of spells, but having three magic users in one party is quite the challenge against any foes that might arise.

I select Ice 1 and target the basilisk. Cecil's attack combined with mine manages to kill the beast. Rydia finishes the battle with a lightning spell targeting all three imps at once. We collect our winnings and continue wandering through the shadows, opening more chests full of potions. Along the way, we fight all sorts of wild creatures, such as weepers, turtles, basilisks, sandworms, and imps. Soon, we come across another save point. Cecil and Edward set up the tent while I create a fire with my magic.

Rydia goes to sleep quickly, so Edward, Cecil, and I sit around the fire and ponder our next moves.

"I'm sorry about Anna, Edward. She seemed like a very sweet person," I say.

"She was. And much more courageous than I am. She sacrificed her life for me, and now... I have to repay her. Honor her memory."

"Well, joining our party and our cause is a noble way to do so. I really am glad you're here. We'll need all the help we can get."