Chapter 14: To Runaway and Recapture a Missing Piece of Heart
In the heavens of a ghostly portal, the shimmering white clouds were soft. Each cloud beautifully stretched out through the light blue pleasant sky. The wind breezes steadily across the clear calm atmosphere. It was very spacious for any man or beast to tread on.
An older but wiser man, Abbot Francisco, accompanied the young man, Alistair, were sitting on a bench together facing outwards overlooking the peaceful clouds that danced. Alistair wore his usual attire: turquoise armour and a helmet. Abbott Francisco the same: with the purple sage like robe, which the sleeves drape over his soft wrinkly hands.
Together, they hear footsteps that rustle along the soft grass. Abbott Francisco turns to see who or what the noise was. Another wise man enters and stand tall and proud. Indeed he is one of the greatest sorcerers who ever lived before his murder, it was none other than Master Rylus.
"Master Rylus! It has been a while. What brings you here?" The Abbot welcomed the wise man with compassion.
"Indeed it has been a while Abbott Francisco. Indeed it has… I have learnt another fascinating spell."
"Splendid! Why don't you sit down and tell us about it. I'm sure we would like to hear about it your success in mastering sorcery…"
Rylus was a talkative man: both calculative and sophisticated. He constructed a story of how he learnt a new spell by following the footsteps of Gozo, one of the seven sages who sealed away the Lord of Darkness. The obsessed sorcerer spent hours to days to months and even years to compose a range of magical items, armour and weapons in order to build up his experience in sparring against other magicians (who had long departed just like himself).
The Abbott was a good listener for he had recited the words from the descendent. He, in return, would orchestrate how he became the Abbot of Maella Abbey by adopting a young child and showing him a new path. The young child grew and became master of the staves with the ability to summon magic. However, the story sadly ended when the potential, ambitious stave master became corrupted by ark magic, causing his mind and body to go astray as far as to burn the Abbey into an old ruin.
Alistair sighed silently but gravely. He had already been accused for his magic being child like in demonstration purposes. He didn't wish to be humiliated again. It was unusual for him to remain quiet throughout Rylus' explanation and the Abbott's tale. Among them, the three of them had a hole in their chest from whence Dhoulmagus, the profane jester, had stabbed them. Aside from the hideous wound, they rested peacefully in another dimension.
It was until a strange discordant cry that disturbed the harmonious moment. It echoed violently across the landscape. This startled the young male, Alistair, causing him to rise from his sit. The old man gracefully turns to meet him but speaks with anxiety. "My dear child. Is something the matter?"
"I-I know someone is out there beyond the gates... I must seek to it!" Alistair confessed.
"Who? Who could possible have arrived here? Surely no one has... passed away so quickly?" Abbot Francisco questioned.
"Well, whatever it is I'm going to investigate..." The young figure begins to march ahead not caring about anything of the matter. However, the wise man, Master Rylus used some sort of teleportation spell and moves quickly to position himself in front of Alistair. The Master had now blocked Alistair's path. Frustrated, the young soldier begins to square his shoulders sizing up the magician. "I will ask you once to let me pass!"
"I am sorry but I simply cannot permit you to go out to the gates alone. That is how you ended up here in this realm."
"Get out of the way unless you want to feel the wrath of my blade!" Alistair challenged as he presses himself closer to Master Rylus. The magician in return begins to snarl. "Your swordsmanship may be impressive but rest assure your magic abilities are immune and too weak to overthrow my sorcery skills!"
"Please! We don't want to cause any confrontations." The Abbot stepped in to diffuse the argument. "Master Rylus. Allow the boy to reason. There is more than meets the eye."
"I see..." Master Rylus allowed as he lowers his magic staff, turning to face the swordsman and begins to prompt him. "Why must you be so hasty? Why are you acting so persistent?"
"Because... the strange noise we heard earlier. It was a cry that is too familiar. I-I know who it is..." Alistair spoke.
"Who?" The Abbot queried.
"The person who is standing out there right now is... My little sister..." Alistair confessed.
The bridge did not crash down but majority of the stonework had been severely damaged form the recent catastrophic event. The citizens from Arcadia may have been spared for now… Still, Dominico, acting as obnoxious as ever, laughs at his own comment regarding to the evil girl's defeat that there will no financial rewards in result of her death. He then felt the need, wanting to pet his dog until he realises that he is nowhere to be seen.
"Wait! Where's Sir Leopold? He's gone! He must have been scared off by all of the disturbance!" He cried. He then turns to face his servant, who stands nearby, ordering him to find him. Yes, order no one but the poor servant who ate dog food. "David! Go and find Sir Leopold at once!"
"Y-Yes Master!" David simply nods as he darts over to the destroyed dog cage to find the big black dog. He too was still stunned from the events that took place. The Master leaves to return back to his mansion leaving the rest of Arcadian citizens to clear up their mess in their beloved town.
"I could 'ave sworn that I saw that big black dog chase Jessica 'ver the cliff!" Yangus mumbled.
"Really? Well, I'm sure he is in town somewhere. Must be one determined dog to do such a thing if it did!" Eight remarked.
"Better not tell that David bloke or else he'll go flyin' off the cliff. So the sceptre is the one possessin' Jessica to do evil things 'nd all. Rhapthorne, is it? They're both gone now... Cor, they must 'ave fell into the sea or somethin'!" Yangus pointed out. He was expecting Eight to make a comment but he said nothing. Nevertheless, he proceeded on to his question. "So what will we do now, guv?"
"Well, if you want it in simple terms, we will get the ship and start sailing!" Eight ordered as he pulls the world map from his bag, examining it with caution. "If she's fallen into the ocean then we got to sail under the bridge to find her. Them sea dragons might eat her alive if we aren't quick enough."
"That's all well and good but ain't you worried 'bout somethin'?"
"What do you mean, Yangus?" Eight quipped.
"Of course Jessica is our first priority but that Dominico did order us to be bodyguards for 'im, right?"
"Yeah true but not anymore! I already informed him about that! He instructed us to go and find Jessica and then bring her back to him personally!"
"Blimmy! Never thought I'd hear words from the likes of 'im… But wot 'bout that David, bloke? Isn't he the heir of the sage?" Yangus mutters eerily.
"Leave that to that fat bastard Dominico! Finding Jessica is all that matters now!" Angelo growls unsteadily, still shaken from the events of him hurting Jessica. Angelo turns on his heel and begins to walk away. Yangus gestures to the guv asking a 'wot wrong wiv 'im?' kind of question but Eight places a hand on the bandit's shoulder reassuring him that he will handle this alone as he marches after the templar knight.
Angelo folds his arms for warmth and comfort. He was heading for the inn to rest. Just before he head to the door.
"Hey..." A soft voice calls.
Angelo stops and sighs harshly. He whirls his head and looks back to see the Trodain guardsman looking weary. The templar was expecting the leader of the group to tell him off at him for scowling at Yangus and leaving unexpectedly. Instead, Eight sighs wearily. "Look... I know you want to go and retire after all that's happened... I know this isn't the time to bring this up but I'm sorry for what I said... Before, I mean argument we had before we got back to Arcadia..."
Angelo faces away as he glances at the wooden door. He took a few minutes to compose himself before answering. "No! I should be the one apologising, to you, Yangus the King and Princess. I started it all with my off comment rants. I thank you for putting me in my place before things got out of hand..."
Eight's shoulders relax in relief upon hearing that little phrase. Angelo then turns the side of his head with his silver hair covering his distort face. "Still, there is no point crying over spilt milk. I already overheard the plan set for tomorrows search. So then, I'm going to retire for the night now. Sleep well."
"You too..." Eight nodded, watching him go into the inn safely.
The night draws near...
She wonders alone in confusion, limping her way, through the light pink pale like scenery. She was exhausted. Her hair was in a mess, tangled and wild but not caring a single bit as she was determined to return to the real world. Her left arm weakened that was covered in the deep dried red blood dangles by her side. Although it was unknown for the red haired girl, her left ankle swells in pain. Both of her knees were ripped open almost ready to collapse at any moment. She was tired of fighting. She wished that she were home again in Alexandria.
"Jessica..."
The red haired girl stops walking. She thought she heard something but ignored it believing that she imagined it. She uses her right palm, lightly hits her head to get rid of her imaginary thoughts. The red haired girl sighs heavily and proceeds through the wondrous never-ending land. Despite of her injuries, she was willing to go on fighting.
"Jessica..."
"Who's there?" Jessica, spinning on her right heel, whirls round almost falling over. She was desperate to find the voice. It felt real to her but yet she seemed unsure of her own intentions.
"Jessica!" It calls again.
"Just leave me alone!" Jessica yelled as she turns away trying to walk quickly. "I know this is a trick! You are the same fiend who haunted me in my nightmare! I'm not fooling for that one again!"
"Please wait!" It calls out for her.
"Leave me alone!" She screamed back echoing through the unknown place. Her voice trembles in anger, rage and hurt. "Whoever you are just leave... please..."
"Jessica! It's me! Don't you recognise my voice?" It cries.
She stops. That voice defiantly sounds too familiar. Wait. Is she back at the Tower of Alexandria again? No. It must be a dream. Or worse. Another Nightmare.
"You have to listen to me! Follow your heart, remember?"
Follow your heart...
Of course, how she had forgotten after all this time? The reason she left Alexandria. The reason why she asked to join King Trode, Princess Medea, Eight and Yangus, and later Angelo. The reason why she believed that she could avenge her brother and even go beyond, to take the sceptre in hand and to use her ability to revive him from the dead. The reason she is here.
"Look over your shoulder..." The voice passively persuaded.
She looked up slowly staring at the blank isolated area. She slowly turns round 180 degree. A figure comes to view. It wears turquoise armour, armed with a power shield and a steel broadsword. A handsome looking figure emerges from the white dust. The only dark side that stood was the black nasty hole that stained in his chest. The mage gasps. Her heart aches. Her whole body froze. She swallowed the lump in her throat. More tears began to form in her hazel eyes. The kind man stands tall smiling at her.
"Hello, Jessica..."
Down south...
The wise pirate shakes his head, disappointed. "Since the storm has risen in the Western Continent, we haven't seen a single ship since we've left Pickham to go on this hap-hazardous voyage."
"You wot!? I don't get it!" The breaded man quipped as he combed his hair.
"No ships! No battles! No hoes equals no money!" The lanky pirate simplified.
"Don't worry lads! We'll find somethin' soon enough." The short shirtless man encouraged, looking into his telescope, determined to find something. Something made him cheer with delight. "Ah! Speak of the devil!"
"Wot is it?" The breaded pirate quips again, now willingly to know why the shirtless pirate was so amused.
He says nothing for the briefest of moments. He sees something small that floats in the distance far away, which appears to be a ship. Now there is something to loot and boot. The shirtless man closes his telescope and turns to face his comrades. "We need to change direction and head north now! Right then chaps! Get to it! We haven't got all day! Don't ask questions! Just do! Now move it!"
They didn't need to be told again as they set foot to change the sails and do the usual routine. They also gathered some tools ready to continue with the daily chores once they have set course.
"C'mon! Shake a leg!" The lanky pirate hollered.
"You wot?!" The breaded man looked back.
"Move you lazy bum!"
"Oy! Don't you go bossin' me around, you skinny little wretch!"
"Shut up! I ain't little 'nd tubby as you are"
"Stop arguing and do what needs to be done!" The shirtless man ordered. The two pirates snarl at each other as they exchange insults before walking in the other direction. The shirtless man then smiles with glee.
"You seem rather pleased..." The wise pirate folded his arms as he quietly approaches the shirtless man. He just chuckles. "I know… He! He! He! I think we've just hit the jackpot!"
"Hello, Jessica..."
She stands still not even flinching an inch. Her body trembles even though she tries to resist her emotion. Her head drops, eyes shut tight as small tears begin to cascade down her worn face. Alistair knew something wasn't right. Normally she is the one, screaming for him and practically clinging onto him. But this was different. She stands solitude with her head down as the fringes of her hair cover her eyes. She was tired, worn and torn left, right and centre, haggard and defeated.
"Hmmm... What's wrong?" He asked. His heart ached to see her like this. He then walks over to her, opening his arms and wrapping them around her. She doesn't answer or resist but lets herself fall into his arms. She buries her face into his shoulder still sobbing quietly. "Oh Alistair... I'm so sorry... for everything!"
"Its alright... Everything is going to be all right, you'll see…"
"I've... I've missed you... so much..." She whispered soulfully as she wrapped her arms tight. It was hard to tell if she were angry, confused, upset or happy. Her entire body trembled heavily. Luckily she didn't drop to the floor as Alistair hugs her tight to stop her from falling.
He, in return, smiles with pride and joy. "We are together again... Finally my little sister is here..."
"So this is what the fuss was all about?" Master Rylus folds his arms.
"Indeed, brother and sister are inseparable. Lets leave them to it, shall we?" Abbot Francisco suggested as he signals for the magician to leave. The two of them float high and drifted away in direction of the smooth breeze.
They were now alone. The brother and sister were reunited. They were like this for a while. They stood embracing each other tightly neither of them willing to let go. She wiped a tear away giving a little sniff before looking at him again. She composed herself before she said his name again. "Alistair... A-Am I dead?"
"No..." He shakes his head.
"No? Then how is it that I am here?"
"Because you wished yourself to be here. Your selfish acts and reckless behaviour caused you to do this. That is your weakness. The Lord of Darkness is playing mind tricks and you are only deceiving yourself."
"I see... W-Where are we?" Jessica asked looking around at the empty space.
"We are in your subconsciousness. In your mind..." Alistair points his finger at her.
"My mind!?" Jessica looks at her hand dumbstruck.
"Yes. This is your subconsciousness? Who knows? You could be anywhere..."
"Oh..." She turns, looking away rather hurt.
"What's wrong? You seem afraid... Scared of you own shadow, I presume?"
"This isn't funny, brother. Rhapthorne has tainted my memory, my soul. How can I not face anyone without hurting anyone? I can't go back..."
"Then let me take away those bad memories away and let them remember the good girl you once use to be..."
Her face burrowed in confusion. He walks over to her, clasping his hands round her face and pressed his lips against her. For a moment she stands petrified trying to work out what just happened. However, when he goes in for the second time, she works her hands up, catching the back of his neck and pulled him deep, passionately kissing him. Alistair exhales his breath as his hands run over her bare shoulders. The bruises, the scars, the dried blood and the throbbing pain gradually disappear and the horror of Rhapthorne's cursed memories fading away. She breathes tasting pure spring full of life and essence. Alistair was pleased to she her refreshed and healed both physically and mentally. He steps back to give her space but she refuses and flies for him by wrapping her legs round his waist, pushing her frontal part into his. He gasps with the heat flaring up rapidly in his pants. She moans his name, clinging to him and kissing down his neck and then to work back up to lips again.
Together they were for a lost of words but found pride in their little paradise...
Back on the sturdy ship...
"We will show no mercy, sir!" The guards saluted military and firmly.
"Very good! Very good! You are dismissed!" Marcello claps and waves his hand, signaling the guards to leave. As they left, the taller templar knight, with long blonde hair, walks in. He is acting the role of the templar captain. Marcello notices him. "Ah! There you are! I trust that you are well. You're men have proven great determination and have shown clear understanding in the march routine that you have prepared. I'm sure the Lord High Priest would approve."
"Thank you, Abbott Marcello sir!"
"Oh please! Save the pleasantries." He laughed lightheartedly as he take his place beside the desk. "Aside from your men's outstanding display, there is something else that I would like to discuss with you. What are these rumours that I hear about a sudden storm?"
"Oh, about that..." The captain of the templar knight grins, scratching at the back of his head. "There is an unexpected storm that surges over the Western Continent at present. I don't know when it will stop but it is best to keep away until it dies down. For as long as the weather doesn't clash with the event taken place at Savella, everything should go smoothly according to plan."
"Yes..." Marcello nods, admiring the positive news. "But isn't that just typical? For this unexpected weather to crash down on a Holy place at this very moment and time? Perhaps it is that jester's doing!"
Just as he mentioned the jester, an image of his half-brother stands tall smiling at him.
"Angelo... I'm certain that he is not taking the task seriously. Maybe when things settle between me and the Lord High Priest, I'll have no choice but to hunt him down and to take this 'melodrama' in a personal matter..."
He is lost in deep thought. The captain of the templar knight stands nervously. It wasn't long until a smaller man appears from the door to deliver a scroll to the captain, before closing the door. The templar opens the scroll, reads it, then immediately informs Marcello. "Abbott Marcello! I just received the message from the Captain of the ship. I am pleased to announce that we've arrived at Savella Cathedral on schedule! We are now ready to deport and to make way to the Cathedral!"
A smile creeps on Marcello's lips as he presses his fingers together. "Excellent..."
On the outskirts of a small shaken town...
"Mind if I join you?" A shrilling voice startled the large bandit, who sits alone in the dark, munching something to eat in privacy.
"Oh, it you, granddad... Never thought I'd see your face here." Yangus half turns his head.
"Why I never... It is so unlike you to be out here all by yourself, stuffing your face! What really is the matter, then?"
"N-Nothin'! I ain't upset!" He protested, trying to hide the peach behind his rounded back, attempting to avoid the conversation. "W-Why would I b-be upset?"
"So why are you upset?" The King pleasantly asks once again.
A wise man could tell that something was bothering him. Yangus sighs in defeat (for he should have known better). Just before he could open his mouth, King Trode perched himself next to the reformed bandit. "It's not like you to act miserable. You seem to be acting awfully soft tonight, Yangus…"
"Its funny 'ow a bird can make you all soft..." He grumbled solemnly.
"So it seems..." Trode looked down, twiddling his toes. The bandit reminisces the events in Arcadia: the dreadful battle. "Its 'hem visions, you know. I bloomin' lost it. Me temper. I kept hittin' her again and again. I'm surprised that her head didn't fly off. She may act tough but she's a real delicate thing an' all. She reminds me of-this friend that I know of... It still hurts an' I feel guilty..."
"You did what you had to do, my friend!" A voice reassures as it emerges form the darkness. It was Eight, who crossed over to where Yangus and Trode were sitting, looking weary. Regardless, he was strolling strong as he now stands towering his two fellow companions.
King Trode looks up. "Ah! Eight, my boy! What are you doing?"
"Do I need a reason in wanting to help out a friend?" Eight interjected as his hand settles on the bandit's shoulder.
"Thanks, guv..." Yangus nodded when he looked at him, smiling at him widely. He stares into his friend's eyes full of trust. "I knew I could rely on you…"
"It's no problem, really... Just want to be sure that my friends are okay... And family of course." He exchanged glances to King Trode and Yangus.
"Your wise words are the key to success!" King Trode now stands up, with his eyes and smile wide and strong, fill with excitement and confidence. "This is why you are the leader of this merry little band. You're courageous and quick thinking aids us all in battle, travelling and even in the most circumstances like this. Already you are here to cheer us up in the most difficult situation..."
"Oy guv! Is choirboy awright?" Yangus quickly asked Eight upon hearing Trode's up-tempo comment. He hoped that he was in better spirits.
Eight glares into the soil that lies deep within the ground. "He seems to have settled in for the night but cant say for sure. He vowed a promise... No! We all vowed a promise to Alexandra to save Jessica, the last life in continuing the Albert family..."
They fell in silence as the moon shines brightly.
She didn't care where she was at this time or place. She was in rapture with such delight with her beloved brother. Her overwhelming ecstasy made her sensitive flesh warm. She strangely feels provocative especially with her legs that wraps round his waist feeling, warm as well as wet and damped all round. The young shining figure was hesitant at first, seeing how obsessive she was, but soon snatches the rhythm of her breathing. He bucks his hips, pulling her backside into him, for comfort and security. The magic washed over her making her feel pure and innocent once again.
They sit under a tree resting against the base of it. Neither of their clothing had been disarrayed. Both of them felt at peace for the briefs of moments. Jessica sighs as she opens her eyes staring at the heavenly clouds that surround her.
"Do you remember the first time you learned a magic spell and set my clothes a light?" Alistair chuckled light heartily.
Jessica half smiled at his comment, happily reciting where she cast 'Frizz' for the first time. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. It happened there and then. Her mind replays the horrid vision in Arcadia: from the beginning right until the moment where she nearly executed Eight. Everything else past that memory all seems a blur. They may be flashbacks in brief but to her they were considered real. She has to go back. She has to face the darkness that surrounds her. Jessica stands up and begins to walk over to the edge of the floating island.
Alistair sees this and begins to address her. "Time is short. You must go back."
Jessica sank her shoulder sighing heavily. She had her back to him shaking her head before confessing. "I can't... They now I am under Rhapthorne's control. And Arcadia... I've killed too many innocent people!"
"Injured. You only injured them." Alistair reassured. He climbs to his feet and walks towards his sister. He then rests his hand on her bare shoulder. "Your threats were severe enough to traumatise them but I can assure you that you didn't kill anyone, even the Goddess knows herself."
"If that's true then I am not guilty..." Jessica looked up in realisation. "But that's not all. There is more to see and I must seek from you."
"From me!? What are you saying? Are you asking me to do something against the Goddess' will?"
"No! Nothing of a kind I can assure you!" She spoke in a low voice. Alistair appeared confused by her answer. She then turns to face her brother. "The Lord of Darkness only killed you... But yet, he never killed anyone else. Even after we had defeated Dhoulmagus. He chose me... Why did he choose me? Was I the only one who was valuable to him?"
"Because, as you know, we both inherited the bloodlines from one of the legendary sages... Alexandra..."
Her eyes widen for a moment. Shocked but not appalled.
"Yes..." He nodded and then begins to pace round his sister. He circles her carefully as he continues on. "The Lord of Darkness only focuses on pessimistic activity. Negativity is his bread and butter. Your anger caused you to become reckless and defenseless, which made it easy for him to manipulate you and your mind. Also, you have the potential to surge great power as a magician and that is what Rhapthorne wishes to reside within him..."
"But I don't hold any powers aside from my basic abilities and magic!" Jessica raised her voice in need to protest. Alistair raises his eyebrow at her. Jessica sighs lightly giving in. "Okay, maybe my magic has grown but still it is not enough to make me a full-fledge magician! How could he possibly desire to want more power from me?"
"It is a shame that you don't know to learn to put yourself first, Jessica. Perhaps you have forgotten or rather your memories are yet needed to be revisited..." He then pauses in his footsteps, looking up at the endless sky, ready to tell her the truth about their heritage. "I heard this story from my great-grandmother. She told me how her own great-grandmother was a renowned sage who came from the western continent."
"A-A sage. What do you mean?"
"I really don't understand it either. But apparently, even though she is a woman, is was a master of sword fighting and magic."
"Really? So... Maybe that's why you're so good at them. Maybe it came from her too. The sword wielding side of it I mean. The reason why you are so talented..."
"If only but I am not under any illusions. I'm sure that there room for improvement from my sword work and any magician would think my magic's just child's play!" He laughed at his own standards.
"You think? Well I can't do either. If you ask me your magic's amazing!" She cheered displaying optimism and strength.
"Thanks but it really isn't. In fact if you ask me I wasn't the one in inherited our ancestor's magic. I... I think it was you, Jessica."
"Alistair..." She gasps in disbelief.
"Yes... I'm sure there are magical abilities that haven't yet been awakening in you but one day they will be. And I can't wait to see you when that day comes..."
"Wait. What do you mean 'that day comes?' What are you-" She stops in mid sentence as she notices that her brother begins to float. This was strange at first but it instantly she knew what was happening. She drops her tone of voice. "No... Oh no! No! No! No!"
"Indeed it is..." Alistair half nodded. He didn't want to see her go but there was no choice or any other way for them to meet again. "Your time has yet to come but not now unfortunately... It is time, however, for you to wake from your passing..."
There has not been a single tear in her eyes. She violently shakes her head just like the time in the Tower of Alexandria. "No! NO! ALISTAIR! DON'T LEAVE ME!"
His image begins to fade away starting from the feet and working its way up. "You must live your life..."
Jessica was chasing him like a wild animal. She craved for his attention once more. She needed him. "STOP! COME BACK! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME AGAIN!"
"You can scream and shout all you want but you will never get your own way. I smile because you are my sister. I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it. This is a farewell to remember. Goodbye, Jessica..."
"But we were so close... We can be like that again!" Jessica's voice cracked as she slows down into a halt. She had given up chasing after him and crying for him to return. All she could do was watch him ascend into the clouds that guide him into the blinding light.
He smiles at her gracefully. "I love you, my little sister..."
"I... I love you too..." Jessica finished, glancing down.
There were no clouds to guide her. As she falls, spiralling down and down she closes her eyes upon seeing a black void that opens its beastly mouth and swallows her up.
"Alistair..."
[A/N: Aw! So sweet. However, it all doesn't end here for there are still potholes to be filled. Well, our party seems to be getting their act together to go searching for their missing friend? Speaking of which, Jessica may seem in good spirits but when she does wake up in reality, what will she do? Onwards to the next chapter…]