I want to rest comfortably at the local inn before leaving. Who knows how long and dangerous the trip is going to be precisely. I didn’t sleep comfortably that night. I tossed and turned in bed as I tried keeping my mind off this uncomfortable chest plate and the weird sword that won’t speak to me anymore. As soon as the sun starts to rise, I get up from the bed. I have to travel by day.

When I’m about to leave Moon Valley, Titan stops me.

Why can’t I ever avoid him? He’s got some eagle eyes. Although at the moment, I am a vulnerable target.

“I see you have on the chest plate still.” Titan frowns, noticing the obvious, and begins to nibble his lower lip unconsciously.

“Harold says there’s some kind of spell on the plate. I have to go back to Wellspring to see the alchemist before heading to the kingdom.”

“Would you like me to take a break from my duties and join you?” It seems as though he was hesitant to ask but even more desperate to not ask.

I don't answer right away, but he could already tell what I’m thinking. He bites on his lower lip again. “You know I can’t let you do that. I wish I could but I can’t,” I answer. “I’ve always traveled alone. It’s safer that.”

“Alright. Well good luck,” he says. Then I turn away to leave. I pause trying to force down the tears. It would be nice to have a friend at this time, but I can’t put him in danger like that.

“Wait. Don’t leave just yet. I’ve purchased something for you,” he says.

I gather a deep breath before facing him. “What’s that?” I smile. Then Titan supplies a few things to me for my journey. In case I never see him again. Being stuck with this chest plate I’m dead meat to any Freymoor knights that aren’t looking to talk things out. Hopefully, you find the queen before she finds you.

After he hands me the gift, he says, “Hey I almost forgot to tell you that you need to avoid Oakheart. It’s been completely destroyed overnight. It happened a few days ago, but I don’t think that the news has spread to Wellspring yet.”

“Wow. No, it hasn’t. Have any idea what happened? Any survivors?”

“I have no idea. I don’t think there have been any survivors. The Kingdom is still investigating it. It was most likely the Hetha Kingdom”

“I’ll stay away from there,” I promise.

I wouldn’t be passing by there to get to Wellspring, but I might have to go by there to get to the kingdom. Titan provided me with an old scabbard of his and bag with a blanket, water pouch and a purse with a few coins. I sheath my sword in the scabbard.

“Goodbye and have a safe trip.” He gives me a hug goodbye and shifts me up a bit. When I’m set down I set his bag into my backpack.

By Cristina Collazo