Sword of Flames [Book I] - {#Wattys2017}

Chapter 29 - Weight

Chapter 29 - Weight

She had never thought that choosing her own destiny would be so horrifying.

The Earthian kept looking at each possibility, trying to think of what would happen if she went through each one. If she went to the Sword of Earth immediately, she knew she had to face something difficult that the average person could not pass. Although getting a free sword without as much work was tempting, she did not even have a weapon to defend herself with anymore. Plus, after she would have to rush to find the other swords before that one fled from her grasp. And without the pouch, it would happen very quickly.

Then there was Zikarith; Levana remembered Itbek, Matanda, Ixantra, Devina, and Elanine. All of them prayed for Levana to take care of their brother with all costs. And considering the amount of things he did for her, she could only look at him with sympathetic eyes. But, who knew where he even was at that point? Going to him would bring her back to square one. Confused, scared, and far away from the first possible sword.

But then there was her family. Although it wasn't too long since she last saw them, they all looked different; older, more mature. Staring at Davina let her remember what she herself looked like, seeing that they were identical twins. However, Dalia likely looked more beautiful than her, especially after the lack of sleep and scars she had gone through during her journey. The girl missed the English language, the comfort of her own home, and even the family that was not fully supportive at all times. Would she have to go back to the mental hospital? But even if she didn't, she would return to her family the same way she was before, or even in a worse condition of uselessness and craze.

Levana pondered what she should do, her mind taking out choices but implementing them once again after more thought. The Earthian finally stood up and looked into the mismatched pupils of the wizard.

"Retgrof. I have two choices now," she revealed.

"Oh?"

"Yes. And I need you to answer one question to help me reach my final decision." Levana gulped. "As I am standing here, what am I to you?"

The man took a better look at her, and Levana winced, scared for the answer she would receive. Never had she asked someone such a question before, but it had to be done. As his lips parted, Levana took a deep breath in, getting ready for his response.

"You are an Earthian," Retgrof confided. Levana was befuddled by the anticlimactic answer.

"That's it?" Levana made sure. "I am just an Earthian?"

"Yes," he replied. "You are an Earthian. Nothing more, and nothing less."

Nothing more, and nothing less, huh? Levana repeated in her mind. I think that's exactly what I needed.

"Thank you," Levana stated. "I have chosen my path." Levana slowly walked towards the portals, then standing still right in front of them. She watched the sword continue to sparkle, Zikarith's body fight against the winds and sand, and her mother continue to cry for her missing daughter. However, there was only one she would face in real life.

"Put your hand through whichever one you wish to enter. You will be transported to that one immediately." Levana nodded and lifted her hand, but stopped before she extended it to her choice.

"Wait."

The girl turned around and faced Retgrof, who stared back in confusion. "Before I leave Dagalda," she began, "I want to ask you one more thing."

With gentle patience, Retgrof asked what such a question was. "How did you make Dagalda?" Levana blurted out. For once, a hint of shock could be seen on the elder's usually-stolid face.