A Paladin's Promise

Chapter 10: The Prince of Eblan

Once morning breaks, we head for Baron Castle. Cid's workers are having a chat when we find them.

"Cecil! Boss ordered us to attach this hook to the Enterprise," one of them says.

"How long will that take?"

"Oh, not long at all! Come with us!" Both workers lead us to the Enterprise. We watch from the sidelines as they install the new hook to the airship.

"Wow, they sure are fast," I say.

"Indeed. Cid and his crew are the best of the best," Cecil says. Once the men finish their construction, they report back to us.

"Now you can hook and carry the Hovercraft! Also, now you can go to the Cave of Eblan by the Tower of Bab-il. Bring the Hovercraft to the shore and detach it there, then use it to get to the cave." My head spins as I sense guilt wash over me and the rest of the party.

"Cid is..." Cecil looks at the floor, unable to finish his sentence.

"Oh, I can tell you are having trouble handling him, but I won't blame you. Good luck!"

He doesn't know. Maybe it's better that way.

"We should go," I say. "Thank you for your assistance."

"Stay safe out there!" the workers say in unison. They depart, leaving us to our own devices.

With Cecil at the controls, we rise into the sky and fly northeast to where we had last left the Hovercraft. The hook works like a charm and we pick up the Hovercraft. We then fly over to the Tower of Bab-il. Nearby is the kingdom of Eblan. We drop the Hovercraft on the shallows and land the airship on the sand. We approach the abandoned castle which has been heavily damaged, likely in an attack by the Red Wings. As we wander the halls, we loot the remaining chests and pots for gold and potions. Once we finish, we return to the hovercraft.

"Adrienne?" Rosa asks.

"Yeah?"

"Would you like to drive the Hovercraft?"

"Sure!" I climb into the front seat and pilot us towards the Cave of Eblan. Gentle mist sprays our faces. I set us down at the mouth of the cave and save the game. We then enter the cavern, collecting items from chests and fighting monsters along the way. Later, we find a massive opening that houses the entire populace of the kingdom. Stopping by the weapon and armor shop, we purchase black robes for Rydia and me. I change into my new outfit and feel magic sparking in my blood. Of course, I still want to keep the paladin armor for sentimental reasons.

"You look lovely, Adrienne," Rosa says. "You as well, Rydia."

"Thank you," I say. We buy a bow and some arrows for Rosa and Rydia. I sell what we no longer need, then continue onward. Bats and skeletons attack us as we walk. Luckily, we're able to dispatch them all. We pass by many fallen soldiers.

"A great battle must have taken place down here," Kain says.

"Yeah..." I say. Seeing the soldiers' corpses triggers something in my mind. I try not to look at them too closely.

"Adrienne? Are you okay?" Cecil asks. I don't realize that I've stopped until he says that.

"Huh? Oh, uh... y-yeah." I disconnect my gaze from the bodies and instead look into his deep blue eyes. "Let's keep going."

We continue until we reach a save point. Cecil and Kain set up a tent and I build a fire. I sit outside and gaze into the reddish-orange flames while the others sleep. Letting my mind wander, I almost don't hear the footsteps behind me.

"Hello, Adrienne," Rosa says.

"Oh, hey," I say, turning around to face her.

"Can't sleep?"