Wow, hard to believe that has been almost a month since my last update. Sorry for the delay, but my other project took up some of time. It also takes some time for me to reread some of these chapter since my grammar style slightly when I was the middle of writing this story, so I have to alter a few things. Thanks for all the reviews and hope this chapter was worth wait.
Now, onward to the story.
Chapter 21: Hakonesia Peak
Lloyd sat on one of the many bleachers that lined the streets of the city. He needed time to think and reflect on today's events. What were the chances of running into someone in this city who knew his parents and learned that he was actually born here.
It was all too much to take in. It was ashamed that he was only a newborn when he was here. Maybe if he was a little older, he could remember something of this place. Of living in a home with both of his parents and playing in the yard. Damn, why couldn't he remember them?
The flickers of lamps got his attention and he looked up to see a person lighting the gas lamps on the streets. Lloyd gazed around and saw it nearly dark. He was so deep in thought that he completely lost track of time.
He briefly wondered if the others were back from the church service. Those things tended to be long, but he assumed they would be leaving early to get to Hakonesia Peak. From what he had heard, the trip to the mountain was at least a three day walk from here and knowing Kratos, he would want to make every hour count.
Lloyd gave a short sigh as he stood up and began to make his way back towards the inn. He still wasn't in too much of a hurry and the night's air felt good against his skin. He also didn't want to worry the others with his negative attitude at the moment.
It took about twenty minutes to reached the inn and, not surprisingly, Kratos was standing by the entrance, staring at him.
"You're late," Kratos scowled. "You are aware we're leaving early tomorrow. Not to mention that you will be getting up earlier than the others to train."
"I know," Lloyd said, not really in the mood to deal with Kratos.
Kratos' face softened for a moment. "What is troubling you?"
Lloyd wondered if he should tell him. Maybe he would feel a little better if he talked to someone about his experience today. "I...I met someone who knew my parents."
Kratos' eyes flickered in interest.
"Her name was Iris and she claimed to have been my mother's midwife," Lloyd continued.
"I see, so what did you learn from her?" Kratos asked.
Lloyd rubbed his head. "Not much, they left here not long after I was born. She did show me the house they lived in when they were here." He began to smile slightly. "She even told me my father was a sailor."
Kratos said nothing as he stared at the boy.
"I...I should be happy to finally meet someone who actually knew my parents. That I actually got to see a part of their lives but...it feels so empty," Lloyd said in a soft voice.
"Because you have no emotional attachment to them," Kratos stated. "Your parents left you before you had a chance to build memories with them. The only things you have of them are what you have been told."
"Yeah, I guess that's it," Lloyd sighed. "I want to remember. I tried so hard to remember the house, what my mother looked like, my father's voice, but I can't!"
"You shouldn't push yourself," Kratos advised. "When and if the time comes, your memories will return on their own. That is, of course, if you have any of them to begin with."
"I think I'll need to rest now," Lloyd said.
Kratos nodded. "Have a peaceful night." He watched Lloyd go inside and marched up the flight of stairs.
He feared something like this could happen. Although, fate was with him since it was Lloyd who Iris met and not him. He wasn't sure if the old woman would recognized him, especially since he hadn't aged a day since she had met him, but it was something he didn't want to test.
It was still heartbreaking, however, that Lloyd had to be put through such an emotional moment alone. There was truly nothing worse than forgetting something you want to remember or to remember something that you never truly knew. At the same time, it was better this way. He had no idea how Lloyd would react to the truth.
Kratos cleared his thoughts as he went back inside. He had a duty to perform. It was far too late for any regrets.
Lloyd was up early, just as Kratos had promised. They went to the same location as yesterday to train. Kratos was as merciless as ever as he took advantage of all of Lloyd's weaknesses.
Lloyd was thrown through the air more than a couple of times and got his ribs busted up pretty badly. He tried not to complain, but this crap started to hurt. The one time he did raised his voice to complain about Kratos' abusive nature, the older man showed him all the ways it could have been worse. When he said worse, he meant broken bones and deep cuts that bled heavily because they just barely missed major arteries. He honestly thought Kratos was going to kill him.
"You think your enemies will show any compassion towards you?" Kratos asked coldly as he glared down at Lloyd, who was lying on the ground, moaning in pain. "This isn't a game. In a battle, it is either your life or your enemies'."
Lloyd attempted to stand up, but decided it was not wise to get up with several broken ribs. He better remember that Kratos and swords equaled serious business.
"First Aid!" Kratos yelled as a warm wave overcome Lloyd's broken body. He felt his bones mend, easing the pain of the trauma, although the shadow of pain was still there. "Now, get up and try again."
After another hour of training, Kratos called it for the day. He needed Lloyd still somewhat able to travel and his healing arts had their limits. Nonetheless, he knew Lloyd got his point.
Lloyd was lucky in the sense that Kratos had bothered to heal him. There were more than a couple of times when his father or even Cryus had broken bone during a training session and he was pretty much told to suck it up. Take the pain as a reminder that he should have been killed, they said.
The only part of the body that was off limits during those sessions was his hands since snapping bones in the fingers could mean the end of any swordsman.
Nonetheless, Lloyd was not too please with walking back to the inn with a limp. His mood brightened, however, when breakfast was served. Chatting with his friends also made him forget about the beaten he had received.
Once breakfast was done, they were on their way out of the city. As they were leaving, the group saw a familiar face passed them by on the street.
The girl stopped in her tracks when she saw them. "Oh, you're the ones that came to our item shop a couple days ago, aren't you?" the woman asked.
Lloyd quickly realized that it was Chocolat, the shopkeeper's daughter. "Yeah, that was us."
Chocolat put her head down in shame. "I'm sorry about what you saw earlier, I tend to lose all patients around the Desians."
Lloyd gave a short chuckle. "Believe me, I know the feeling."
Genis frowned at the girl. "That was cool what you did the other day, but are you sure you're going to be okay? Those guys might not hesitate to destroy this entire city."
Chocolat waved her hand dismissively. "They reached their designated death count over a month ago. We're safe until next season."
Kratos decided it was best to hold his tongue on her naive statement. The other Grand Cardinals may honor the death quota, but Magnius often broke it since he despised humans disrespecting his power. One year, he went over double the designated amount because some human mouth off to him during one of his raids.
"So this city hasn't signed a non-aggression treaty," Raine stated.
"Iselia's the only place with a treaty like that," Chocolat said, although the tone of her voice told him that she didn't think too highly of the small town. "Although there are many who envy it, I don't want any part of a treaty that panders to the Desians."
Lloyd understood that all too well. He remembered how full of rage he was when he learned the truth from Dirk and how he had came to despise the non-aggression treaty.
At the same time, however, he now saw how it protected the village when the Desians burnt everything down. He would hate to see the same thing happened here.
"In either case, the Desians' rule will be coming to an end once the world is regenerated," Chocolat said, but something in her voice made it sound forced. "But, while we're waiting for the regeneration, I recommend that you follow Martel's teachings and go on a journey."
"Well, we're kind on a journey," Genis said.
"Oh, well then forget what I said," Chocolat laughed.
"That was kind of random," Lloyd stated.
"Sorry, it's part of my job," Chocolat said with a chuckle. "I've been at it so long that it kinds of just flows out now."
"Then we shouldn't be keeping you any longer." Raine said.
"Where are you heading?" Chocolat asked
"To Hakonesia Peak," Genis answered.
Chocolat gave them an odd look. "You're going there without being part of a pilgrim tour?"
"Why do we need to be part of a pilgrim tour?" Lloyd asked.
Chocolat shook her head. "It's nothing. I wish you luck on your journey." With that, she was turned to leave.
"What was that about?" Genis asked.
"It doesn't matter," Raine said. "We already wasted enough time here talking. Remember, it will take us several days to reach the peak."
"Agreed." Kratos said as he led the group out of the city.
Even though they had been in Palmacosta for only a few days, it felt weird traveling again. On a good note, it was a nice sunny day and the weather was cool. They didn't get too far from the city when a howl caught their ears.
"Oh, Noishe!" Colette exclaimed happily.
The dog came running forward and happily greeted the group. Lloyd patted the dog lovingly.
"Hey, I see you've been taking good care of yourself," Lloyd chuckled.
Noishe appeared to be chuckling as he licked Lloyd face.
After all the greetings were finished, they were back on the road again. Once the first two hours of walking had passed, Genis was riding Noishe, per usual. Kratos did notice, however, that the boy's endurance had increased since he usually couldn't walk after the first hour.
Lloyd and Colette were in their own little world playing games and talking about a variety of random topics, while Raine read one of her books. It was quite impressive that she could be so aware while so engrossed in her readings. Kratos briefly wondered if it was a trait shared by all half-elves since Yuan had a similar talent.
It was near late afternoon when they reached the House of Salvation. By that time, everyone saved for Kratos were sore and tired. Lloyd was ready to sit down and relax, especially since his body still hadn't full recovered from Kratos' abused that he called training. Despite the man's cold demeanor, he had a sadistic nature.
When they got inside, they were all in for a pretty big surprise. Kneeling before the Spiritua statue was none other than the assassin from the Ossa Trail.
"…lla will suffer. Please, help me save everyone," the assassin said in prayer. Her voice sounded conflicted for some reason and didn't have the decisive edge as before.
Lloyd found it odd that a girl who had tried to kill Colette would be praying to Martel inside holy grounds. It sounded like an oxymoron to what to kill the Chosen, yet worship Martel.
"Hey, what are you praying for?" Lloyd asked the woman.
"So I can save everyone," the assassin answered without thinking. Her head shot up as she recognized the voice. She immediately stood up and faced the group. "What..."
"Well, there's a nice thought," Lloyd said with a smile. He knew someone wouldn't kill Colette for malice reasons.
"Sh...shut up!" the assassin stuttered. Her face was nearly completely red.
"My name's Lloyd. What's yours?" Lloyd asked in a pleasant voice, remembering the request Colette asked of him after they first met the assassin.
The assassin lost all her anger as she stared at him. "What?"
"Lloyd?" Genis questioned as he looked towards his friend. He couldn't understand why he was suddenly being so nice to someone who actively tried to murder Colette.
Colette followed Lloyd's lead and gave the assassin a warm smile. "I'm Colette. I'm still inexperienced as a Chosen, but I promise I'll do my best and regenerate the world."
"I never asked you for your names!" the assassin yelled as she looked between the two teenagers like they had lost their minds.
Colette back down and looked to be near tears. "Oh, you're right. I'm sorry."
The assassin's face softened and she looked like she had just kicked a puppy. "I…I'm trying to kill you!" she yelled halfheartedly. Apparently, Colette's sweet nature had withered her resolved somewhat.
"I know," Colette said with a nod of her head. "But if we just talk, I'm sure we can come to an understanding."
The assassin's mouth dropped in disbelief. It would have been humorous and any other situation.
Kratos looked at the scene with great interest as the assassin appeared to put herself back together. He wondered why the Renegades would send someone like her to do this job. She maybe skilled, but she was a poor choice for an assassin with her lack of resolved.
"Are you listening to me!?" the assassin finally snapped.
"I'm listening. But um… Ms. Assassin…" Colette stuttered, trying to find the right choice of words.
The assassin seemed to sigh in defeat. "It's Sheena! Sheena Fujibayashi!"
Kratos' eyes widened for a moment. Fujibayashi? Wasn't that the last name of the Mizuho chief? Could that be the reason why she was sent here?
"Sheena, you were praying," Colette said as she put her hands together. "Praying makes one's heart grow. I pray too, so I'm sure we can understand each other one day."
"I…I was praying that I'd be able to kill you," Sheena muttered. She began to shake her head violently. "Forget it, I lost my concentration! You'd better be ready next time!"
She dropped something on the ground and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Whoa, where she go!?" Genis exclaimed in disbelief. "I didn't feel her use magic."
Raine frowned. "I've heard about a trick like this, but..." She paused for a moment. "Along with those clothes."
"What is it?" Kratos asked, deciding being blunt was the best way to go.
"The clothes that assassin was wearing and her demeanor, don't you think they were rather...unique?" Raine asked carefully.
Kratos was really starting to wonder if Miss Sage was truly born on this world. Now that he thought about it, wasn't there a girl in Heimdall who had Raine's name? That wasn't exactly a common name, even among elves. For some reason, he couldn't remember what the girl looked like at the moment.
"I know, I bet they're dwarven clothes!" Lloyd suddenly exclaimed.
Kratos glanced at Lloyd. "What?"
"The ones I'm wearing now were made by my father," Lloyd continued as he pulled on his jacket. "Well, don't they look kind of similar?"
Kratos gave Lloyd a blank look.
"Wow Lloyd, you're so smart," Colette said awe. "Do you think she was raised by dwarves too?"
"You call that similar?" Genis asked in a deadpan voice.
"Is this what happens when one is raised by a dwarf?" Kratos asked out loud.
He suddenly remembered Phaidra's words about Lloyd being odd. He certainly was different, but his statements at times boarders on outrageous. Then again, Lloyd and the Chosen did tend to live in an alternative reality at times.
"We should get some rest," Raine finally said. "We still have a long day of walking a head of us."
With nothing more to say, they all called it a night.
The next morning was much the same. Lloyd trained with Kratos for two hours, breakfast was eaten, and they were on the road again. The next two days passed without incident except for a few monsters encounters. To prepare the kids for battle, Kratos hung back more and just offered support while Lloyd, Genis, and Colette did most of the fighting.
Genis had become stronger and could do another mid level spell besides Eruption. Lloyd's sword skills had also improved since they had started to train and he was able to keep form even during heavy battle. He also began to experiment again and came up with some new techniques. Most were still sloppily done, but he was slowly improving. The Chosen had also improved, although her true strength wouldn't be fulfill until she broke more seals. All and all, Kratos was pleased with their progress.
Lloyd almost jumped up and down when he saw the mountain peaks rising in the distance. After all these days of walking and seeing the same boring countryside, it was nice to have a change in scenery. He also noticed a change in the weather since it got colder to the point that it felt like early winter.
"Man, why is it so cold all of the sudden?" Lloyd complained.
"The air is cooler on this side of the mountain," Genis stated. "It will get even worse once we cross the mountain."
"We may have to buy a jacket for Genis," Raine said. "He's current clothes are ill suited for this region."
"Oh come on Raine, I'll be fine," Genis whined.
"I don't want to risk you getting sick," Raine said firmly.
"We still have time before we have to cross the mountains," Kratos said. "There is no hurry to buy new clothes."
"I suppose you're right," Raine said after a moment of thought.
"I wonder what's on the other side of the mountain?" Colette asked out loud.
Raine's eyes lit up. "Over Hakonesia Peak lies the greatest city in the entire world, Asgard."
"Asgard?" Lloyd repeated.
"Where have you been Lloyd, it's just one of the oldest city in the world," Genis scolded with an eye roll. "Not only that, it has the most intact ruins in Sylvarant. In other words, Raine dream city."
Lloyd laughed. "Yeah, that sounds like Professor Raine's dream vacation. She always had a thing for old, dusty..." He got slapped upside the head before he could say more. "Ow...what did I say?"
"Show some respect," Raine scowled. "Asgard is a gem that shows us one of the last great civilizations. Not even the Sylvarant Dynasty has been left in such good shape. You really need to study more."
Lloyd looked horrified. "Oh come on, Professor, you already have us studying everyday since we've been on this journey."
"Well, apparently none of it is sticking," Raine scowled.
"Lloyd is too dumb to learn," Genis teased. This earned him a slapped on the back of the head.
"There is no such thing as a student too dumb to learn," Raine said firmly. "All students are capable of learning if given the right motivation."
Lloyd wasn't sure if he should be happy with Raine sticking up for him or scared since that meant she was going to try twice as hard to get him to study.
Within another hour, they reached the entrance of Hakonesia Peak. The first thing that caught Lloyd's eye was that the place was covered in junk. All over the grass were statues, strange rocks, and other stuff that Lloyd couldn't identify.
"Looks like this guy Koton has been busy," Genis noted in a deadpan voice.
Raine took a closer examination of one of the statues. "These are not very rare and would only fetch a small profit. I think Koton's collections has gotten so big that he was eventually force to keep his less valuable stuff outside."
"It does make sense," Kratos said.
They kept going until they reached a small house that was on the side of the main road.
"Should we knock?" Colette asked.
Lloyd shrugged. "It couldn't hurt."
Colette went towards the door and knocked softly on it.
"Come in!" a cranky, gritted voice yelled.
They walked in, but Lloyd nearly tripped on something that was on the floor. Lloyd looked around and saw that the house was just as junky as the yard. There was so much stuff that it blocked most of the house up and only left a small room for anyone to live in.
Raine managed to push herself ahead of the group and got a better look of the collection. It didn't take her long to realize that there were some real treasures piled into the house. Koton, however, had taken very poor care of most of the stuff and some were covered in cobwebs, dusts, and even broken.
Raine had to fight the urge to go over and crack Koton's skull open. How dare he treat these world treasures like trash? She thought as a collector he would at least take good care of his stuff. But no, it looked like Koton collected things just for the sake of having them.
"Excuse me sir," Colette started politely.
"If you're looking for road passes, it's one-hundred million gald per person," Koton cut off.
"What kind of prices are those!?" Lloyd yelled anger. "That's robbery!"
"Silence, boy!" Koton sneered. "I'll have you know, I hate men!"
Lloyd was about to give him another reason to hate men when Raine stepped in front of him. "That means even those on pilgrimages with the Church of Martel can't make it past here," she observed.
Koton licked his lips eagerly when he saw Raine. "Oh, my, you're quite the beauty."
Genis had to keep himself from physically cringing. If he didn't stop looking at his sister like that, he was going to roast this crusty old man.
"If you're on a pilgrimage, you should join in the Asgard ruin tour at the Palmacosta travel agency," Koton said once he finished looking over Raine.
"Hey, you're in cahoots with the travel agency!" Genis exclaimed.
Kratos glared at the old man. So, he went through with his plan and even got the governments of Asgard and Palmacosta involved. Now he understood why Chocolat looked at them funny when they said they weren't part of a pilgrim tour group.
"Oh, shut up! If you don't have any money, then get out of here!" Koton snapped.
Lloyd moved from behind Raine. "Listen you little..."
"Is that..." Colette suddenly said as she looked over an old book that was sitting on a stand next to Koton.
He turned around and began to eye Colette. "Oh, my beautiful maiden, you have good eye!" Koton cooed.
"Pervert," Genis muttered under his breath.
"This here is something I purchased from the Chosen of Mana," Koton said proudly. "It's a very rare scripture record that record that contains the Legend of Spiritua!"
Raine went over and examined the book closer. "Indeed, this is beyond the doubt the Book of Regeneration."
"I've been wanting to get my hands on this for ages!" Koton exclaimed as he practically jumped on the balls of his feet. "I'd just about given up on Dorr ever letting go of it. It was very fortunate that the Chosen herself was willing to part with it and at such a low price too! I would had to pay a king's ransom if I tried to buy it off of anyone else!"
Raine felt her fist balled. Those imposers couldn't even sell the book at its proper price. Have they no respect for the value of history?
Lloyd looked at the man gloat over his new treasure. It was pointless to ask for it back, being that he was such a jerk. "Can you let us look at it for a bit?"
"You've got to be kidding!" Koton yelled as if Lloyd had asked him to throw the book into a furnace. "Why should I have to show it to you people!?"
Genis rolled his eyes at how stupid Koton was being. "Oh come on, Colette is the Cho..."
Raine smacked him before he could finish. "We'll be the ones treated as impostors," she whispered harshly into Genis' ear.
"Th Cho...?" Koton repeated in confusion.
"The Chosen of Mana's devout follower. She wishes to view articles that the Chosen has possessed," Raine said calmly. "Colette is a faithful believer and is versed in the language of the angels."
"Ah, yes, that's right," Colette said as if she just suddenly remembered herself. "I've studied it since I was a child."
Koton rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, if it's that important to you, the maiden and beauty can have a look at it."
Lloyd couldn't believe that actually worked. He thought for sure Koton would ask for something in return.
As if reading Lloyd's thoughts, Koton began to smile. "More than anything, I want the Spiritua Statue that is displayed in the House of Salvation near the sea. Among all the statues made, it's the only one left that actually dates back to the time of Spiritua. If you bring me that, I'll consider showing you the book."
"Figures," Lloyd thought.
Genis didn't bother to hold his opinion. "You're so stingy! Like it costs you anything to just let us look at it."
Koton glared at the young elf. "Shaddup, Get the heck outta here if you don't have money and don't have the statue!"
Genis raised his kendama, ready to keep his promise and roast Koton. Raine quickly stopped him and pulled him out of the house. Seeing nothing more that could be done, the others followed behind them.
"Genis, what were thinking!?" Raine scowled the boy outside. "You could had damage the book or the other valuables inside!"
"The guy is acting like a stingy jerk!" Genis argued back.
"Seriously, what's that avaricious old geezer's problem?" Lloyd asked in disgust.
"Oh my..." Raine stuttered in shock.
Lloyd didn't like the look Raine was given him. "Wh...what is it, Professor?"
"I can't believe you know the word avaricious!" Raine exclaimed happily. She looked to be near tears.
"Professor..." Lloyd muttered in confusion.
"And you used it properly too! That's fantastic!" Raine praised.
"Y...you don't have to praise me that much," Lloyd stuttered while blushing deeply.
Kratos looked at the scene before him in confusion. "Is it that rare for Lloyd to use a big word?"
"Lloyd wasn't too good at the common language when he was younger," Colette explained. "He used to mix words with dwarven very often."
"It wasn't my fault," Lloyd said defensively. "The common tongue wasn't dad's first language so he does the same thing. I just kind of...picked it up..."
"It is nothing to be ashamed of," Kratos said, much to Lloyd's surprise. "It can be tough to learn a second language."
"Maybe so, but Lloyd was pretty hard to understand," Genis said. "It took him seven years of school to become as good as he is."
"Håll käften eller jag kommer att ligga dig till hund," Lloyd said to Genis.
Raine gave him a disproved look and Kratos choose to ignore the remark. Noishe on the other hand appeared to giggle at the comment.
"So, do we go to the House of Salvation by the sea?" Colette asked.
Raine sighed. "We may not have any choice."
A commotion at the side of the road got Kratos' attention. They sounded worried and scared.
Lloyd noticed the same thing and went into the heart of the chaos. "Hey, what's going on?"
One of the women looked at Lloyd. "Oh, you don't know?"
"Know what?" Lloyd asked in frustration. The other came towards Lloyd to listen to the conversation.
The people began to all look at each other nervously.
"You all would be better off waiting here for a while. No matter what, you should stay away from Palmacosta," a man warned.
"Did something happen in Palmacosta?" Colette asked in worry.
"It seems the Desians are headed towards the city," a woman said gravely.
"What!?" Lloyd exclaimed.
"The Desians, why?" Genis asked.
"The Desians don't need a reason to do evil," another man spatted with hatred in his voice. "Plus, they say the leader of the nearby Human Ranch, Magnius, is among them. Someone must have really earned the ire of the Desians this time."
Kratos gripped his fists. It was just as he had feared. If Magnius was with them, a lot of people were going to die.
"Magnius..." Lloyd repeated in hate.
"We're going to wait here until things cool down," someone spoke. "Hopefully, the death toll will be low this time."
"We can't just stay here and let this happen!" Lloyd yelled.
"Yes, we have to help them," Colette said in a near panic.
"Don't be foolish," Kratos scowled. "A Desian legion is bad enough, but a Grand Cardinal is with them. You would be killed before you could do anything."
"But people are going to die!" Lloyd argued.
"And you would put the Chosen at risk for your own revenge?" Kratos questioned coldly, stopping Lloyd in his tracks. "The city of Palmacosta has its own army to take care of the Desians. We should continue on our journey."
"I can't," Colette spoke in a meek voice. "I can't abandon Palmacosta like this. Not when I can help."
"Kratos is right in this," Raine said firmly. She understood their feelings, but this wasn't the time for blind passion. They were, after all, a band made of a school teacher, a mercenary, and three children even if one of them was the Chosen. They weren't equipped to deal with Desians. "Things like this will just continue anyway until the Desians are banished."
'Well, I'm with Lloyd and Colette," Genis spoke up, not caring to be reasonable. "We have to go back to Palmacosta before they destroy everything."
Kratos sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Even if we leave now, we will never make it on time. The Ranch is only a day's walk from Palmacosta. Even if a Desian legion moves slow, we will miss the raid by a day at best."
Lloyd gripped his fists in frustration. "Damn..."
"Sorry, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation," an old woman suddenly spoke as she stepped towards the group. "I have horses you can use to get back to Palmacosta in time."
"What, really!?" Lloyd exclaimed in surprise.
"They are from the tour group," the woman continued. "They're the fastest breed we have in the area and should get you back to Palmacosta in least than a day if you hurry."
Raine turned towards the lady. "Your offer is kind, but..."
"I know it is selfish, but I have a son and grandchildren back in Palmacosta," the woman came close to pleading with tears in her eyes. "I...I heard this young woman was the Chosen." She looked directly at Colette.
"And you want the Chosen to save your family," Kratos concluded. He felt both annoyed and sympathetic towards the woman.
"I know this is selfish request...but please...help my family," the woman stuttered as she fell to her knees before Colette, surprising Lloyd and Genis. She put her head so low into the ground that dirt got on her forehead. "They are the only people I have left in the world. Please...I beg of you..."
Colette looked to be near tears as she turned to face Kratos. "I respect your concerns for my safety Mr. Kratos, but I'm going back to Palmacosta."
"Chosen..." the woman whispered.
Colette turned towards the old woman and lifted her off the ground. She smiled as she wiped the woman's tears. "We will do everything we can. I swear by the Goddess' name."
The woman attempted to wipe her tears. "Chosen..."
Kratos knew by the conviction in the Chosen's voice that she was beyond reasoning at this stage, especially after hearing such a heartfelt plea. If he held her back, she would forever resent him and would be harder to control throughout the rest of the journey. Magnius' was an undisciplined fool, but he surely would not risk harming the Chosen. If he saw her, he may back down from his rage.
"Very well," Kratos conceded.
Lloyd walked over to the old woman. "We will go to Palmacosta and put an end to the Desians." He clenched his fist. "That I swear."
The woman bowed to him. "Thank you, I'm forever in all of your debt. The Goddess Martel has heard my prayers."
"Where are the horses?" Kratos asked.
The woman pointed to an opened field. "Over there. They should be about four of them."
Kratos nodded. "Miss Sage, you ride with your brother while I ride with the Chosen. Lloyd, you can ride by yourself."
"But...I never rode a horse before!" Lloyd exclaimed in horror.
"You want to save the people at Palmacosta, you better learn," Kratos said firmly.
"If we're going, we must hurry," Raine said as they all ran towards the field.
They soon came across four brown and black horses grazing in the field. Kratos picked the black one and helped Colette into the settle. Raine did the same for Genis before she too hopped on the animal. She had obviously ridden a horse before.
Lloyd had a harder time getting on and didn't feel conformable on the high horse.
Noishe whined as he watched them all settle up.
"Noishe, go the House of Salvation by the sea and meets us there," Kratos advised.
Noishe barked several times.
"We will be fine, just go," Kratos said as kicked the horse and it took off. Raine followed shortly behind him. It took Lloyd a moment to figure out how to kick a horse off, but when he did he too was gone.
Noishe whined worriedly as he watched his friends rushed off to the city.
As promise, I got them out of Palmacosta, only for them go right back. Although, you can blame the game for that last bit. We get some action next chapter.
Until next time.