The Sword Maiden

Leaving Time's Tale

After Redwar's and I's second match, which neither of us won, Redwar gestured to Valeria and invited her out to the sword play.  With a saucy toss of her hair that made the crowd laugh, she drew her sword and they sparred.  Then, she and I faced off.  This time, I was faced with someone closer to my skill level, and I managed to win one round.  She won the second.

The crowd loved the entertainment, oohing and ahhing, cheering either me or Valeria on.  I don't know how he managed it, but Redwar even coaxed Daxton to take a turn with him.  I enjoyed watching them, as they both had Ravagerian blood that made them quick and their swords flew in controlled blurs of fury.  Redwar won that match, but Daxton didn't seem angry about it.

I nudged Derrek.  "Bet I can beat you."  Derrek hadn't quite caught up to the skill level I'd acquired in my time with Redwar, though he was progressing.

He grinned.  "Sure you can.  But I'd still like to take a turn anyway."

I held back a little for Derrek, slowing my reflexes consciously, but he was still enough of a challenge for me in my tired state.  Our sparring ended in a draw, and that was it for me.  I was exhausted, my body aching, but utterly exhilarated with the fun we were having.  

Redwar had been whispering to Valeria, and she nodded.  Redwar shouted out "Everyone, Valeria would like to demonstrate her prowess with the bow, as that is where her true skill lies."

The crowd eagerly agreed and I winked at Valeria she passed me.  "You got this."

She grinned and gave another saucy toss of her hair.  "You bet."

She demonstrated her prowess beautifully, taking down three cups from a distance in three concise and smooth shots.  The crowd loved it, cheering and clapping, and laughing as she swept her arm out to bow.

That was it for the evening.  It was late, and everyone was tired, but filled with warm happiness.  Everyone descended on the banquet tables for a midnight snack before trickling back to their homes.  It was just as a feast  of Thanksgiving should be.

Just before I walked into Valeria and I's room, Redwar reached out and touched my arm.  "Ravine."

I looked back.

"Thank you."

I gave him a tired smile, relieved to see the dark shadow banished from his eyes for now, though I wondered if it would last.  "You're welcome, Redwar."

I woke up the next day strangely happy and satisfied.  There was still the distant ache in the background that whispered longing for my parents, for my village, for the way things had been.  But at the same time, I didn't regret yesterday.  I didn't regret spending it with this village, even though it wasn't mine.  I didn't regret having fun with my friends and brother.  I didn't regret helping Redwar or sparring with him, or putting on a little show to wind down the night.

No.  Things were not as they should be.  But they weren't bad, either. 

 Today, we were leaving Time's Tale.  We had a destination at the end of this journey, and after I'd made my report to King Barkon, I had a mission to complete.  A vow to fulfill to my parents.  I hoped to appeal for aid to King Barkon and the Council, but even if it wasn't given,  I was still going after my family.

A small crowd gathered around us as we prepared to leave Time's Tale.  Most people were still asleep since the late night.  But Mr. Lotcin and his brothers were up to wish us farewell, along with several others, including Father Mullincay.

"We just wanted to thank ya for all ya've done for us."  Mr. Lotcin held his hat in his hands.  "It's been a long time since the pleasure of havin' people with blade skills has come to our town.  We're grateful ya came when ya did."

"So are we, Mr. Lotcin.  So are we."  Redwar held out his hand and Mr. Lotcin, then each of his brothers, shook it.  Then Mr. Lotcin turned to me.

"I have to thank ya again, Sword Maiden, for ya help in saving my sister and her daughter."

I tilted my head down in a nod.  "I'm glad I was able to do so, Mr. Lotcin.  It was an honor."  And I meant it.  To me, it was an honor to prevent what happened to me from happening to someone else.  More than just getting my own family back, that was becoming more of the reason why I carried Bound.

There were more threats than Ravagers in the world, as Redwar had told me, and as I'd come to see.

"I must thank you, too."  A softer, more refined voice came from the right of Mr. Lotcin.  I looked up to see Mr. Lotcin's sister standing to the side with her hands on her daughter's shoulders, who peeked shyly up at me.  And for a moment, I couldn't say anything as tears clogged my throat.

If loosing my family had brought me to the saving of another... then there was good that could come out of that tragedy, somehow.  Maybe there was something to thank the Life-Giver for.

I worked my tongue loose.  "You're welcome.  But please, thank the Life-Giver.  I- I wouldn't have been there otherwise."

She nodded and another voice spoke, this time to the left of Mr. Lotcin. 

"Well spoken, Sword Maiden."  Father Mullincay winked at me and I grinned back at him.  Somehow, I already missed the priest despite not having known him long.  He also must have talked to Daxton, or Redwar.  They were the only ones that called me that.

"I hope we meet again, Father. " I tipped my head to him, then to the Lotcins' before turning around and grabbing a hunk of Axe's black mane.

With a hop, I vaulted upward and swung my leg over.  As I settled into the familiar feel of Axe's back, fresh morning sunlight stabbed me in the eyes, as fresh as the morning air across my face.

My time here in Time's Tale had not been wasted.  But I was ready to move on.