Navigation 3: Sara
Night had already fallen over Arlia. After the strange events of the day, everyone was tired. However, Claude remained awake, talking with Westa.
"No, Claude, I have not seem Rena in a while. I fear that something has happened," Westa said.
"Don't worry, Westa. I'm looking for her. Rena's safe with our child, I am sure," Claude replied.
"Ah, have you heard anything about your missing daughter?"
"I pray Rena has taken care of her. She was only two years old when we all were separated…"
"Sounds like your child and Sara share a similar fate."
"What do you mean, Westa?"
"I found Sara in the Shingo Forest when she was two. No sign of her parents at all."
Claude's eyes widened. His daughter had also been named Sara, but that was a very popular name at the time on Earth. However, it still ran through his mind since Sara was most likely half Nedian. He would keep an eye on her.
"I should go and visit the king and queen of Cross as soon as possible…"
While Claude and Westa were talking, Sara had plans of her own. Quickly, she packed a small bag with herbs and sheathed her small rapier. The evil that attacked the village would return eventually, so the three youths had decided to investigate the cause. However, in order to do so, they would have to gain the King's permission. So Sara decided to meet Celes and Chris at Cross. Crawling out of the window, after scribbling a note, Sara left her home and headed towards the exit.
As she approached the exit, a tall figure met her there. Right away Sara knew who it was. The moonlight softly lit up his tall, mysterious form and long blue hair. Placing a hand on the hilt of his sword, the man turned to Sara.
"Master Dias…"
"Sara, do you honestly think you can travel alone with that practice sword?"
Sara looked down at her sword and then back to Dias. He then tossed a better rapier towards Sara, who caught it.
"This is better suited for you," he replied. "Where are you off to now, Sara? Cross?"
"Yes, with the permission of the King, my friends and I want to find out the source of the evil that attacked here earlier. I fear that the balance has tipped. Surely you have felt it as well, Master Dias?"
Dias nodded a sage like nod. "Yes, but these are very high expectations. You may end up never seeing Expel again. Can you accept that?"
"My friends and I must find out no matter what! Expel and all life is too precious!"
Again, Dias gave Sara a sage-like nod. "Do not get yourselves killed. In any case, for now, I will accompany you to Cross."
~*~*
"So Sara does not have many memories of her parents?" Claude asked.
"No. At least she has not said anything. But, the pendant around her neck is peculiar. It resembles Rena's hair pin…"
"Strange. She looks Nedian, yet she is not fully Nedian…"
"Do you think she...?"
"I don't know, Westa. I want to believe that my child…mine and Rena's child…but…how could Rena and my daughter have been separated?"
Westa placed a hand on Claude's shoulder. "I believe that Sara has an important destiny, Claude. Even if she is not who you seek, perhaps her determination will lead you to the ones you seek."
Claude nodded. Tomorrow, he would travel to Cross Kingdom to visit Celine and ask his dear friend questions. How much did Expel change since his last visit? And did Celine also feel the slight tip in the balance?