Bell sat atop the wall shuffling his cards while his brain ran on autopilot. He was just enjoying a nightly breeze and wasting time.
He didn't know how much time had passed. But he knew he should head down soon. Else Asfi would come looking for him again.
With a sigh, Bell stopped shuffling and pulled a card off the top of his deck. He chuckled seeing a joker looking back at him.
With another sigh, Bell put the card back before putting the deck in his pocket. He then stood up and climbed down the watchtower.
It was very high up and one wrong move would lead to Bell's death. But with years of climbing experience, Bell was easily able to descend down the tower.
Once his feet touched the ground Bell began to walk toward the market district and back to the tavern. He made sure to keep an eye on where he was going.
Once he got back to the city square it was a straight shot south. He passed by belligerents and drunks on his way back. Some tried to get some money from him but he pushed them aside.
As he walked the streets however he noticed more elven slaves being dragged around the city. He wanted nothing more than to free them.
But right now his quest took priority. His mother took priority. It was just something he would have to live with for the time being.
Even if he hated himself for it.
Finally, after a few minutes, he arrived back at the tavern and waved to the owner. The owner waved back and Bell began to walk up the stairs.
He knew his Grandpa would be waiting for him and so got ready to talk with him once more. Bell pushed the door open and saw Zeus sitting on his bed with a book in his hands.
The old god didn't even need to look up to see who it was. "You got everything out of your system?" He asked.
Bell nodded. "I have."
Zeus closed the book and set it down. "Good." He then stood up and walked over to Bell. "Next time don't bottle everything up for so long. Else you'll explode like that."
Bell nodded. "Ok, Grandpa. I'm sorry for how I acted." He mumbled.
Zeus patted him on the shoulder. "It's fine, you just had a moment of weakness. Everyone does, just don't let it control you."
Bell nodded again and then to Zeus's surprise hugged him. The god was caught off guard for a second before patting Bell on the back.
"It's alright Bell. It's alright."
"But it's not." The boy whimpered. "We're going to be gone for a long time, and Mom will be trapped like that until we succeed."
"I know boy. I know. But we will succeed and we will bring her back. I know you wanted this over quickly. I did too, but we know where we need to go and what we need to do. That will speed things up tremendously." Zeus comforted.
Bell sniffled as Zeus continued to pat him on the back. Bell had been holding everything back for two months. Only to find out he'd have to go through a lot more before he saved his mother.
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The next morning came and the group packed up a carriage. It was lent to them by the royal family to help with their quest. It had enough room for provisions and camping equipment as well as room for riders.
Zeus and Bell were up front while Hermes and Asfi were in the back. The group set out from the royal capital and began their journey to Beltane. By Zeus's estimates, it would take them around a month to reach it.
Bell wished there was a faster way but knew this was what he had to do. No matter how long it took he would save his mother.
Even if he tore his body apart doing so.
"Ah Beltane, it's been a while since I've been there. Nice people with a wonderful community of people who take care of each other." Hermes blissfully sighed.
"Lord Hermes you forget they're very distrusting of outsiders because of their condition," Asfi added.
"Their condition? What condition?" Bell asked. He turned around so he could face Asfi and Hermes.
Asfi faced Bell and began to explain. "Back during ancient times when the first settlers arrived in Beltane, they lived very short lives. The reason why was because of a hereditary disease. When they discovered the spring of life and its magical healing properties they decided to set up there."
Bell nodded. "That makes sense. What's Beltane like?" He asked.
"Misty, very misty! It's also known as the Land of the Mist. But as long as you know where you're going it's hard to get lost!" Hermes cheerfully answered.
Bell nodded as he digested the information. A land of mist made of people who had short life spans and settled next to the spring of life to combat their disease. But one question still plagued Bell's mind.
"What's the Swamp King? I heard Ares and Asfi mention it?"
To Bell's surprise, it was Zeus that spoke. The old god had remained quiet during the ride. Wondering when their extra passenger would make himself known.
"The Swamp King is a monster that has terrorized the nation of Beltane for hundreds of years. It's polluting the spring of life making its water dirty. However, the people of Beltane can still use it by a special means of purification."
"So that's what we have to kill? A monster that's hundreds of years old?" Bell asked.
"Yes, and we could always use the extra help. Isn't that right stowaway?"
The group then heard a groan from under the sheet that protected their supplies. To Bell's shock, the same red-headed boy he had met in the castle scurried out from under it.
Welf was his name if Bell remembered correctly.
"Aw, how long did you know I was under there?" Welf asked.
"Since I saw you sneak in," Zeus answered.
Welf muttered under his breath as he pushed himself out of his hiding spot and took a seat next to Hermes. The blonde god looked at the boy before looking back at Zeus.
"You do realize who this is right?" Hermes asked.
"Yup." Was Zeus's answer.
"And you realize how angry they'll be once they find out we have them? Right?"
"Doesn't bother me in the slightest."
Bell shook his head. "What is going on?" He asked.
Hermes sighed and fiddled with his hat. "Our little stowaway here is the only one who can recreate the Crozzo magic swords. Ya know since the elves prayed to the spirits and begged for them to destroy the Rakian's magic swords and their abilities to forge them."
Bell's face scrunched up in confusion. "So that's why they went to war? Because they lost a weapon?"
Welf let out a sardonic chuckle. "Yeah, that and all the border skirmishes. Plus the thousands of years of hatred between us. Oh, and you can't forget all the other crimes we did to each other."
"So the war was bound to happen no matter what?"
Asfi spoke up. "That's correct Bell. Sometimes you just can't reason with somebody. Or there's so much hatred built up that's it ingrained inside their very being."
The boy huffed and turned back around. Looking around the countryside wishing the carriage would go faster.
"So you guys are fine with me tagging along?" Welf asked.
Mutters of agreement were let out as no one really minded. If Zeus trusted him enough to allow him to sneak on he shouldn't be a problem. Besides it was an extra helping hand on their journey.
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After hours of riding the group set up camp near the side of the road. They were far enough away to where either Zeus or Hermes could alert everyone quickly if needed, and so they were out of the way of the main road.
A campfire was lit in the middle of the group and leftovers of a stew were seen inside a pot. Bell had his back propped against the cart as he shuffled his deck of cards.
Welf came over and sat next to him attempting small talk. "So, you know any magic tricks with those cards?"
Bell looked at Welf with a raised eyebrow. "That's not magic that's sleight of hand."
"Sleight of hand? How so?" Welf asked.
Bell sighed and turned to where he was facing Welf. He stopped shuffling and spread the cards in his hand. "Alright pick a card any card. I'm sure you've heard that before."
Welf's finger hovered over the cards until he picked one. He hid it from Bell but looked at it and saw it was a five of hearts.
Welf put the card back into the spread as Bell closed it. However, as he was closing it Bell flicked the card into his sleeve.
Welf was none the wiser as Bell began to shuffle the cards. Right before he finished he placed the card back on top and flipped it up.
"Let me guess this was your card?" Bell deadpanned.
Welf's eyes widened in shock seeing the five of hearts. "How did you-
"I flicked the card into my sleeve before I closed the spread. Then placed it on top when I finished shuffling. No magic just sleight of hand." Bell explained.
Welf oh'd and nodded. "I see, hmm very interesting."
The two boys began to chat for a few hours. The adults meanwhile stayed closer to the campfire and spoke.
"So why'd you let him stay? Again you know how mad they'll be when they find out he's gone." Hermes pointed out.
Welf was an important asset to Rakia as a whole. He was the only one left who could create powerful magic swords.
Such swords hadn't been seen for nearly forty years. Ever since the elves convinced the spirits to take that ability away from the Rakians.
"I'm aware," Zeus answered prodding the fire. "But then again I don't really care. We didn't kidnap him and the lads old enough to make his own decisions."
"Why do I feel like it's more than that Lord Zeus." Asfi inquired.
Zeus sighed as he pulled the poker back. "Look over there." He said.
The two looked over by the cart where Bell and Welf were talking. Nothing more just talking. It was innocent, and Asfi could've sworn she saw a smile from Bell.
"He's talking. He's acting a bit like his old self. He has a boy close to his age with him. Welf is giving him something none of us can't. A friend, and that's what Bell needs right now."
"What about Lefiya? They're friends and Bell didn't hesitate to leave her behind." Hermes pointed out.
Zeus sighed again and looked over to his son. "He did hesitate. Hermes you remember how Bell awakened his powers?"
Hermes slowly nodded. "Yeah his mom got hit by an orc and the stress and anger of that caused them to awaken."
Zeus nodded. "Correct, but it also scared and scarred him. He might not know it but deep down he's still that same kid from that day. Scared for his family and those around him, and since Lefiya is an elf he's scared of what would've happened to her in Rakia."
"But Lefiya can shapeshift? They wouldn't know she's an elf?" Asfi pointed out. Her face was scrunched up in confusion.
Zeus pointed at her. "I know, Bell does too. But to him if there's even the smallest possible chance she would've gotten exposed as an elf. It was a chance too high for him. He thinks that's a valid reason to leave her behind. But in reality, he's acting like that because he's scared. He's still that scared little boy from that day on the farm."
"That's a stupid reason for leaving her behind," Asfi muttered.
Zeus let out a small chuckle. "I know. But fear makes you act stupid. No matter how brave you are."
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Bell slept soundly that night. The nightmares that would sometimes plague his sleep were absent that night. However on some nights. When the nightmares were really bad. Zeus would hold Bell to provide him comfort.
When morning arrived the group had breakfast and continued their journey. Bell and Welf kept talking, however. The two seemed to get along easily which Zeus was hoping for.
The journey of course did become repetitive very soon. Ride down the road all day. Stop for the night and pick up again in the morning.
However, the journey wasn't without its ups though. Despite Bell not really liking the country and mostly hating his time within it he had to admit the countryside was simply beautiful.
Miles upon miles of endless green plains broken up between wineries and villas. Throw in a military fort or fifty and you had the heartland of Rakia.
Of course, getting past those checkpoints was easy thanks to Zeus's coin. Made hiding Welf as they left the country very easy.
Around their second week or so of riding, they had finally left Rakian territory. Now they were in open territory and a week away from Orario. After that, it would be another week and they would finally arrive at Beltane.
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"Man, it's so nice not having to hide anymore." Welf sighed. He was relieved to finally be away from Rakian territory.
"Welf I mean this is the nicest way possible. But I hate your country." Bell said. While he enjoyed the natural beauty of it what he saw will haunt Bell for the rest of his life.
Especially the pit full of bones. That would be something that would really stick with him.
"I don't blame you. I've hated that place for almost as long as I've been there. You know how annoying it is to only be seen as a tool to make magic swords. I'm not making one ever again I'll tell ya."
Hermes was quick to sputter in his seat. "You're what?! Lad take a moment to think about this. You're the only one who can do this. If you don't you'd just be wasting your talent."
"But I hate magic swords! They tarnish everything a blacksmith is supposed to be. They break and leave their owners behind! That's not a weapon but a tool."
Hermes threw his head back. "Ugh you silly boy you don't realize how useful these so-called "tools" are. These can save so many lives and your unwillingness to make them could lead to preventable deaths."
Bell turned around and faced Hermes. "That's what has you bothered? I'd thought you'd care more about the monetary aspect of things."
Hermes scoffed. "I'm thinking about more my familia than anyone else's. Besides not everything is about money to me. I'm not Dian Chect." Hermes spat that last part out. Venom dripped from his voice at the name.
That part surprised Bell. He hadn't seen his uncle Hermes angry before. Just a goofy uncle who always came by every few months.
Welf sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Alright you bring up some good points. But I just don't want to be seen as the guy who can make magic swords. Would feel like that's all I'm good for."
Hermes patted the boy on the knee and leaned forward. "Then how about this lad? Once you get to Orario and join a smithing familia come look me up. I'll make a contract with you with terms quite agreeable to you I might add plus any material you want. That way you'll have some other decent creations besides magic swords."
"I'd take the deal boy. There's nothing that Hermes can't get his hands on." Zeus added.
Welf was quiet for a second as he thought it over. Access to any material he wanted while being fairly new to Orario didn't sound bad. But he'd be stuck in a contract producing magic swords, and he didn't know how benevolent Hermes truly was as a god.
"I'll think about it." Was Welf's answer.
Hermes nodded and leaned back. "Very well. Just remember my offer. Any material you want in any quantity you want."
Welf nodded and began to think the offer over some more. Asfi had remained silent during the talk. Slightly taken aback by the rather relaxed Hermes getting all serious.
She hadn't seen it happen many times but it always was a surprise when he did. She was also shocked he cared so much about the familia. Hermes normally went off and did something leaving her to manage everything.
"Well can't manage anything if we're dead." Asfi thought.
As the back of the carriage was quiet the front was abuzz with conversation between Bell and Zeus.
"Do you agree with what Uncle Hermes said about saving lives with the magic swords?" Bell asked. He hadn't seen once in action but he knew what they could do.
Zeus nodded. "I do, Welf has the ability to make magic swords better than the ones the original Crozzo made. Such a weapon could save so many lives in the dungeon from massive monster hordes."
"But can't they also be used to hurt people?" The boy asked.
"Yes, but that's the same with any invention really. Someone will use it for good while another will use it for evil. It's the same with mutants and their powers."
Bell's brow furrowed in confusion. "Hmm I guess that makes sense. Grandpa, why do people do bad things?"
Zeus sighed. "Not really an answer for that Bell. Sometimes it's because they were raised in a poor environment. Others it's because they're messed up in the head. But for a select few they do it just because they can."
"And are those the people that can't be reasoned with?" Bell asked.
"Yeah, those are the ones who can't be reasoned with."
Silence filled the air as now Bell had a lot to think about. He wanted to be a hero. But how can he be a hero if he can't save everyone? That's what a hero was supposed to do.
It was something he had trouble figuring out.
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After another week of traveling the Tower of Babel was visible for miles. While not going to the city itself Bell brightened up seeing the tower in the distance. Watching as it shot up into the sky and disappeared into the clouds. Being unable to see the top thanks to its sheer size.
"If you're this excited seeing it from afar wait til you see it up close." Zeus chuckled.
Neither Welf nor Bell responded, however. Too enthralled by the wonder to say anything. Asfi giggled at the two while Hermes let out a delighted sigh.
"Ah, Orario. The place that always feels like home." The blonde god gave a small wave to the city as they drove past it.
The next week was rather uneventful. After passing Orario the group knew they only had one week left until they reached their destination.
Beltane.
Bell began to feel a pit of nervousness in his stomach. What if he failed? Would his mother be like that for the rest of her natural life?
What about Lefiya? How was she doing? Did she hate him or not care for him anymore? Did he make a mistake in not bringing her along?
All these questions began running through his head as he had now finally settled down. He had time to think properly. But one question ran through his mind a lot.
What else would he be willing to sacrifice to make sure his mother would be healed?
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Dear Bell
It's been three months since you left. I still hate you for leaving me but I brought up that point in my last letter. No, this letter is me wondering why you haven't sent any news to us.
I mean it wouldn't kill you to send a letter, would it? Let us know that you're alive and safe. Or is the reason you haven't because you're too busy thinking about yourself and nobody else?
Or perhaps you've taken a few hits to the head and turned stupid? Or maybe you were that dumb to begin with. I mean all you ever read were hero stories.
You know every time I think of you I'm angry. I'm angry that you left without saying anything to me. You made me cry Bell. You weren't supposed to do that.
I guess you're my second heartbreak now. Here I thought you'd never hurt me. Here I thought that we'd-
Never mind that part doesn't matter. Nothing about our relationship matters anymore. Maybe you feel the same way.
But if you do come back. Just know I'll be doing my best to surpass you and leave you behind. Maybe then you'll know how much you hurt me.
Yours truly
Lefiya
Lefiya set her pen down and read the letter over. She sighed and set the paper down as her mind ran wild with thoughts and memories.
She remembered when she first arrived on the farm. That day when Bell and her sat out on the porch. How he called one of his dogs over to help comfort her.
Lefiya wondered where that Bell went. The one who was always by her side no matter what. Just as she was for him.
She recalled the time when Zeus first took them to the Elsos Ruins. How seeing a forest again after being banished from her home forest made her nervous. How Bell comforted her that night as well.
Lefiya always admired Bell's bravery. To her, he never seemed afraid of anything. He was almost always the first one to jump into a situation.
Like when he saved her from those weird scorpion monsters. He didn't even hesitate after she screamed.
Lefiya wished she had that kind of courage. Instead, she was still afraid of her heritage. Afraid of what it would entail if anyone ever found out what she was.
With a sigh, Lefiya stood up and exited her room. She walked down the hall to Meteria's room and opened the door. Hera wasn't there and the room was empty minus Meteria.
The woman slept peacefully in her bed. The steady rise and fall of her chest almost made it look as if nothing was wrong.
Oh, how Lefiya wished that were true.
She took a seat next to Meteria and grabbed her hand. The woman was like a second mother to her. But Lefiya never told her. What she would give to tell her now.
"Hey, Miss Meteria. I'm just coming by to check on you." Lefiya's eyes welled with tears. "We're uh all doing fine I guess. Sorry that was a lie and I know you hate those."
Silence. Nothing was said and Meteria didn't even stir. Whether Lefiya's words were getting to her or not the girl didn't know.
"Uh, Bell and Zeus are still gone. Still on a quest to save you." More tears welled in Lefiya's eyes. She grabbed Meteria's hand as her body trembled. "So uh...just hang in there ok. I'm sure they'll be back soon."
Tears started to stream down Lefiya's cheeks as seeing Meteria in this state broke her heart. She hated how she was stuck here helpless to do anything but wait.
The time could go by faster if Bell sent her a letter. It only needed to have two words. 'Still alive' was all it needed to say for Lefiya to have at least some peace.
Lefiya placed her head down on the sheets and cried into them. Because Lefiya was just a girl who was losing her mother once more.
The woman who helped tended to her injuries. The woman who first accepted her as a mutant. The woman who read her stories every night so she could sleep.
The woman who loved her like a daughter.
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The group finally arrived to Beltane after a week of traveling. A thick mist surrounded the area and it got even thicker the deeper it led into the forest. What made this journey even tricker was that it was nestled comfortably inside a mountain range.
"Well, here we are! The Land of Mist also known as Beltane!" Hermes exclaimed.
"This place looks sketchy," Welf said. Bell nodded in agreement. The mist itself put him on edge.
"Oh, it's not that bad. Just watch out for traps." Hermes added.
"You're not helping," Zeus muttered. He turned to face the group. "Alright, we can't get the carriage safely through here. So someone needs to stay behind and watch the carriage."
Welf was quick to raise his hand. "I'll do it. That place gives me the creeps."
"Alright." Zeus shrugged. "Just keep an eye out for any monsters. If locals approach don't attack them unless they attack you."
Welf nodded as he got back on the carriage and began to guard it. The group consisting of Bell, Asfi, Hermes, and Zeus then began to make their way deeper into the mist.
Hermes of course knew where to go so he was their guide. The three followed in a straight line. Making sure to stay close to each other so they didn't get lost.
Around them, crickets and frogs chirped as the forest around them began to become more swampy. Vines and moss littered the trees and water around them.
The group was walking on a muddy path surrounded on both sides by swamp water. The smell of which made Bell's nose cringe.
"So how far is it to the village Hermes?" Zeus asked. He was behind him with Asfi behind Zeus and Bell bringing up the rear.
"We'll be walking for a while. The village is deep inland where it's more forest than swamp. We just need to stay on this path for a while."
Bell sighed knowing he was going to be in this swamp for a while. He had only been in the swamp for a few minutes and already hated it.
The mist was thick. The place smelled bad and he could hear all types of creatures moving in the murky water. Yet he couldn't see them.
Just hearing their moments and warning growls. Something which unnerved him a little. If there was an enemy around he couldn't see them.
The deeper the group went in the thicker the mist became. Bell had to strain his eyes to see Asfi who was only two feet in front of him. He had long since lost sight of Zeus and Hermes and would soon lose sight of Asfi.
However, they were still on the muddy path and Hermes said they had to keep going straight. So if they did get separated all Bell would need to do was go straight.
However to Bell's shock a half hour later the mist cleared significantly letting him be able to see Zeus and Hermes again.
But something was also different about the landscape. The trees seemed to get taller. Or at least Bell thought they did, and there were also shrub bushes surrounding them as well.
"Are we there Hermes?" Bell asked. He didn't think so as there was no shelter.
"Hmm? Oh no young Bell this is the halfway point. This is where the original settlers rested before continuing their journey deeper inside the forest."
Bell nodded and it was then Zeus spoke up. "It's quiet. Somethings wrong." The old god announced.
It was then Bell noticed that the frogs and crickets were dead silent. There were no sounds made by animals. Just silence.
Meaning something was either coming towards them or was already there. Bell was just about to reach for his staff when he felt a blade pressed against his throat.
"Hands up. Now." A voice ordered.
Bell was slow to raise his hands as people came out of the trees and bushes. All armed and aiming arrows at them. The rest of the group quickly surrendered as well.
They were disarmed and the man behind Bell took the blade away from his throat and walked to the front of the group.
He was a tanned-skinned man with black hair and a blindfold over his eyes. At his hip was a katana which he had now sheathed. He wore a green cloak that was draped over his shoulders along with a black long-sleeve shirt underneath.
When he reached the front of the group he sighed in annoyance. "Hermes, what are you doing here?" He asked.
Hermes let out a delighted chuckle. "Well, it's simple Lidari. We've come here to help with your little Swamp King problem."
The man, who Bell now knew as Lidari sighed and waved his men off. Their weapons were lowered and the group put their hands down.
"I'll take you to Bheara. But for your sake, you better not be lying." The man said.
He then took his place at the front of the group and escorted them the rest of the way to the village. Once they arrived at a clearing in the forest they saw wooden huts all around.
Some were attached to trees and had stairways leading up to them. However, in the center of the clearing was the second biggest tree Bell had ever seen.
On the very top was a balcony where a girl with what appeared to be deer antlers looked down at the group. A delighted smile spread across her face and she quickly ran back inside and proceeded down the stairs.
However, Bell got distracted by hearing a familiar voice.
"Alright! Alright! I'm going!" Welf yelled. He was pushed into the clearing by a group of four guards.
However what was weird was that one of their weapons seemed bent, and this wasn't like a club or anything similar. But a sword and the blade was bent at a 90-degree angle.
Just what did Welf do?
"He's with us!" Zeus called out. This seemed to calm the guards down as they escorted Welf to the rest of the group.
They stood surrounded by guards and curious people who hadn't seen outsiders for a while. Once Welf stood next to Bell the boy spoke.
"When'd they get you?" He whispered.
"About an hour or so after you guys left. Do you have any idea what's going on?" Welf replied.
"Nope. But I think we're about to find out." Bell whispered back.
It was then a woman approached the group. She had salmon pink eyes with teal blue hair. She wore a black dress along with a black cape and a gold beaded necklace. In her hair were a bunch of flowers which she wore as ornaments in her hair.
Bell could tell this woman was a goddess as she wasn't hiding her divinity. Behind her was the same girl Bell had seen on the balcony.
She had antlers sticking out of the top of her head as well as two different colored eyes. One was blue while the other was gold.
The two different eye colors reminded Bell of Alfia and the boy had to hold back a scowl. He didn't want to cause a misunderstanding and take his anger out on some poor girl.
It was then the goddess spoke. "Hermes. Lidari says you're here to help. Explain how you intend to help or else will escort you out of our land."
Hermes gave his best charming smile and took his hat off. "Well you see Bheara, I believe I have the answer to ridding you of the Swamp King once and for all."
Well, again Bell's in another country and has to kill a centuries-old monster. That sounds familiar to another monster I know. Wonder why?
Anyway, not much to say other than I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll see ya later.