Belford's Heart

Chapter 29: Last Road

Evelyn followed the long fingers of Kressida as they carved another symbol into the stone beneath them. They were halfway onto the final road, less than four days from standing before the everlasting flame of the Eternal Peak. Each morning since accepting her at her side, Kressida had spoken about her true purpose. She spoke of all the stories that led her back to Evelyn, or in that case, what she had done in waiting for her return.

The symbol was one Evelyn had not yet seen. It had two feline faces, similar to foxes, and they held blades between their teeth. Their tails formed a circle around them and had the shape of blowing wind. Evelyn felt something as she traced the lines. There was a familiarity to it even though she had never seen it before. Kressida's eyes shined violet toward her, and she could feel a smile beneath them.

"I like this one," Evelyn said, unable to move her gaze away until a stronger allure pulled her up to Kressida's eyes. "What is it called?"

"These are your greatest ancestors," Kressida said in her intoxicating voice. Every syllable held caring and sincerity. Evelyn had never felt anything like it before. Every one of her worries, even the grief of Belford dying before her eyes, were washed away in every moment as Kressida's side. "They claimed the wind of the world. Used it to master the blade, and conquer the Southern Sea. Much like you, my child, they only knew the power within them as it was taught."

"Will I ever see that place again?" Evelyn asked. "Where you found me?"

"You shall bear witness to all of the world, and the many that lie beyond this one," Kressida said, her smile as beautiful as the sun that remained hidden from them. "You alone shall cure this land of Malice, and cure all of creation along with it."

Evelyn smiled. Her purpose was taught to her more every day, and every day it grew greater and greater. She could not wait to cure the world. The waste that surrounded them depended on her, and Kressida believed that she could save everyone from their worry just as she had been saved. All, but Belford. The thought was quick, but the pain shot doubt throughout her mind. The glow of her beating heart shot pain through every limb. It was not meant to be there, she was not meant to be there. This woman sitting beside her, she was not meant to guide her forward.

"Calm," Kressida said, gently tracing Evelyn's face with her long-fingered hand. Evelyn's heart slowed, the glow calming and evening with the violet emanating from her eyes once again. "You are at peace now, my child. Your worries were left at my father's resting. Leave your doubts with them, as you trust your heart with me."

Again, she felt a crashing wave of comfort envelope her. It was the bright sun upon the plains that carried her to that place, the pretty flowers upon Grimbo's head, and the beautiful sacrifice of a brave goliath. All for her, and all to guide her forward. She smiled, her eyes glowing back toward Kressida, and said, "My heart shall be yours, my lady."

"Beautiful child," Kressida said. "Come. We must ready our company for the day."

They stood from their place in camp that had been built within another cave. This was more narrow, and many of the carts and supplies had been left on the surface. In Kressida's presence, however, the Westworm was far less threatening. She even showed the caravan how she could guide its path one morning as it barreled toward them. She moved it hundreds of yards away as it crashed into the barrier to shift the land to second light. Evelyn thought it was beautiful, as most things Kressida did were beautiful.

They watched as the workers loaded the tents into the carts. Evelyn searched the moving crowd of bodies for Philip and Grifford, finding them standing beside Colonel Grant as they had been inseparable since the night in the clearing. Evelyn jumped as she saw the handsome minister speaking with Grant, and Kressida gave her an allowing nod for her to join them. She skipped her way toward them, watching as Grifford huffed three times in excitement and moved his beak to embrace her for the morning. He purred, nuzzling into her shoulder and accepting her affection. Philip watched with a cautious smile, but she could still see the pain in his eyes since leaving Belford behind.