King of the Tempest

Chapter 7

The journey begins

Bitter hatred and conflict

The ocean awaits

The four allies didn't talk much over the next few weeks. The only reason they hadn't moved out was because Jiao needed time to heal. Tenshi used the time to train, rebuilding his strength and speed. He kept to himself, trying to avoid talking to people. He didn't want to talk to people. He never did.

Tenshi sighed. He glanced up at the mirror. His skin was lighter than it was several weeks ago. He ran his finger along the scar on his brow. How did this happen? I've done everything in my power to be forgotten, but they never let me be... They've never let me be since I was twenty-three, fifteen long years ago... His mind wandered to thoughts of a woman he used to know. He could still see her eyes, the color of the most beautiful evergreens, and he could feel the soft, pale skin... Skin he hadn't felt in thirteen years, eyes he would never see again.

He looked back into the mirror. He saw a man, hopeless, and hiding behind his secrets. He saw a man surrounded by sadness. He watched as his tears fell, slowly streaking down his face. "Ailla..." He muttered.

A knock on the door brought him back to the present. It was probably one of Cain's servants, there to guide him to the small party. He'd received a message several days ago informing him of the incoming departure. He looked around the room. Everything was empty, as if he'd never been there. Soon, he'd be forgotten, as he always was. He pulled on his kimono over his armor. He tied the sash, and fitted his katana in the loop.

The man knocked again. Tenshi threw his hair up, tying it with his hairstick. He scooped up his small bag of belongings and opened the door. It was the same female servant as last time, the one who was afraid of him. He exhaled through his nose.

The small party waited at the edge of the gates to the city, about half a mile off. The servant girl bowed, leaving quickly. Tenshi looked around, at the group. Bjorn sat on a stump, sharpening his axe, ignoring everything around him. Jiao casually slept up in the tree, his hood pulled over his face. A man he assumed was Edward sat on the other side of the stump, with Bjorn. He wore a blue tunic and brown leggings, along with knee high boots. He was muscular, possibly from rigorous training, and simply wearing the armor he was in last time. He wore his long sword on his back. Behind the tree stood a little mule, weighed down by three little bags and one larger.

"So this is it? We depart from here? Do we even have an official order?" Tenshi asked.

Jiao, who evidently was not asleep, dropped from the tree, landing lightly on his feet. "We move to Port Grancel. There is a ship that we will take to Arainat, fitted with a crew and everything. Lucky us." He walked towards the road. "Come on guys."

Tenshi scowled. It's too late to do anything about this. I'm stuck doing in this quest to the end. He sighed. I never wanted to do this again... I am sorry, if you are listening to my prayers. He stepped towards Jiao and the others.

They adopted a formation with Jiao in the lead followed by Edward, who was guiding the mule. Tenshi and Bjorn followed, side by side. They each wore a bell tied to their arms, courtesy of Jiao. The noise was nerve-racking, but no one questioned it. They continued for hours, silently marching down the road. There was a brief break when Edward handed out sticks of dried meat, but they shortly continued, the bells on their arms the only sound.