Approaching the tower, Saito noted a window on the ground level. "Alright, the coast is clear, but we don't know if any guards stayed behind," he whispered. "Illococoo, Kirche, you're with me. Tiffa, you keep an eye on Louise. Guiche, you and Mon-Mon keep watch with Malicone. And get ready to bring the wagon." Everyone nodded and the trio rushed quickly to the window. Peering into the window, he could see Tabitha collapsed onto the bed in a deep sleep. Her mother also lay silently. Saito pushed the window open.
"Tabitha?" He whispered at her. "Big Sis!!" Illococoo called out, breaking the silence. The blue haired mage finally stirred, looking up towards the window. "Hi Tabitha," said Kirche quietly. "Everything's going to be alright now," Saito added. Tabitha's eyes immediately watered up and tears streamed down her face. Kirche reached out a hand, and Tabitha slowly took it. "Yay!!! We saved you, Big Sis!!" Illococoo jumped on top of the two, knocking them both to the ground. Tabitha smiled in spite of herself.
"Hey, keep it down, Illococoo!" Saito scolded, "We still don't know if someone's-" He stopped suddenly as he noticed on the opposite window, a peculiar looking butterfly. It's wings glowed purple, showing the same mark as Sheffield's gargoyles. Slipping out his knife, Saito whipped it through the air, piercing through the insect and breaking the glass window. The others looked up at the noise and Saito rushed over to inspect his target. "Yeah, it's definitely Sheffield's mark," he said. "We've gotta move, now!"
Kirche nodded, noting the seriousness in his tone. "Let's go, Illococoo." The red haired mage pulled the girl off of Tabitha. Sticking his head out the window, Saito blew a short whistle and Malicone brought the wagon over. Turning back, Saito hurried over to the bed. "I'll need Guiche's help once they get over here, but we're taking your mother with us " he said to Tabitha. She looked up as Saito offered his hand, taking it as he helped her to her feet. "Thank you," she said quietly.
After about two hours of walking along the path, it was decided that the group needed to rest. Moving the wagon off into the woods, Saito kept watch with Louise as the others slept. Decided to whittle a stick, he walked further into the trees to find a dead branch. Instead, he found Tabitha, sitting on a log and reading her book. "You should rest, there's still a long walk ahead," Saito said. Tabitha shook her head, "Rested plenty."
"Fair enough," he agreed. She had been through a lot recently. "Is that a new book?" "Old one. 'The Hero, Ivaldi'," she replied. "It's a book of memories." "I see," he said, sitting down. "You think maybe I could borrow it sometime? I've started reading a few books at the Academy library ever since you used that spell to help me read languages." Tabitha nodded, "Of course. I owe you a great deal."
Saito smiled, "Not at all, this is just what friends do." "Not that," she became more solemn. "That fight. The maid..." "Oh," Saito understood now, his smile disappearing. "Look, you were nowhere near Sheffield when that happened. From what was pieced together, it was before you and I even fought." "Doesn't matter," Tabitha said. "There is a debt to be paid. Life for a life." Getting off the log, she knelt before the boy. "Until such a time when I save your life, I pledge from this moment onwards to be your Knight."
Naturally, Saito's very much taken aback by this declaration. "Whoa, you don't need to go that far!" He said. "Besides, I'm no slouch in a fight myself." "Not the point," she said. "A matter of Honor." He'd never heard Tabitha talk about her own sense of honor before, it seemed she had similar mindset on the subject as Louise. "Fine," he sighed. "But only until Sheffield is dead. Once that happens, will you consider us square?" She nodded at this, "Have my reasons to fight too."
"Your mom's resting peacefully," Saito said, hoping to change the subject. "Was given a sleeping draft before you came," Tabitha replied. "Kirche filled me in on your... history. Why you really became a Chevalier," he continued. "With any luck, once we're back in Tristain, there's a healer or someone associated with the castle who might be able to help her." "Specific poison," said Tabitha. "Don't know what it was." "If there's one thing I've learned since being on this world," said the boy. "It's not to count out Henrietta. I'm sure she'd want to help you as much as I do."
Tabitha smiled, "Sylphid was right to trust you, Gandálfr." Saito turned quickly, "You know about that?" She nodded, "My family is well versed in ancient histories." "Guess that makes sense, coming from a Royal Family and all," he smiled. "Speaking of Slyphid, what's with the other name Illococoo?" Tabitha shrugged, "She picked it, wanted to be called different when transformed." "Saito? Tabitha?" Louise came over. "It's been an hour, I've woken the others and we're ready to move. Guiche said he can buy a couple of horses to pull the wagon in the next town." Saito nodded, "Perfect. You ready Tabitha." She nodded, "Always, my Lord." Louise looked thunderstruck, "'M-My Lord'!?" Saito sighed, "I'll explain later. Let's get moving."
True to his word, Guiche had purchased a pair of horses and by morning the wagon was traveling at a brisk pace. Within a few short hours, they had crossed safely into the county's border. Louise sat close to Saito as he whittled a stick. "Tabitha looks to be in good spirits," she said. "Yeah, as well as she can be, given her situation," Saito replied. "You think she's serious about the whole, 'being your Knight' thing?" Louise asked. Saito shrugged, "Who knows? Tabitha's hard enough to read as it is. But if she sticks with us, we'll have a better chance against Sheffield. And let's be honest, we'll need all the help we can get."
Louise nodded, "That makes sense. And if Sheffield is working with Tabitha's Uncle, then she's as much of a target as I am." "I'm just glad we made it without getting attacked," Saito sighed with relief. "Good eye on seeing that butterfly, Saito," said Kirche. "Who knows what might've happened if it reported back to its Master." "Big Sis," Illococoo chimed in. "I wanna fly for a little bit! Will you come with me??" "Not now," said Tabitha. "Still not safe." "Awww," Illococoo pouted, folding her arms.
"Look! Up above!" Guiche yelled, pointing to the sky. Saito moved to the front of the wagon and looked up. There was the Ostland, heading straight towards them. "Hey Tabitha? Now might be a good time to fly after all!" Said Saito, happily. She came over and looked, eyes shining. From up on deck, he could see Mr. Colbert and the other former Undine Knights waving down to them. Guiche and Kirche waved back. "So, how about it? I'm sure they'd love to see you," Saito continued. Tabitha just smiled softly, "You go. Sylphid?" "Right!" The girl leapt out the back of the wagon and with a puff of smoke, became the dragon Sylphid once more.
Landing behind, she allowed Saito to climb up. "Louise?" He held out his hand to her. The girl was taken aback at first, then smiled as the took it and climbed up behind the boy. "Hold on tight," he said, as the dragon arched her back and shot up into the sky. Louise screamed in terror, the speed was so great, gripping around Saito's waist for dear life as for the first time in so long, the boy laughed uproariously.
