Chapter 8 To Brightport

Today, I went to the docks to check up on Paul. When I got there, I saw that Aaron and Garroth were there too. I also saw that Brenden was busy fixing up the docks.

As I walked closer to them, I was able to make out what they were saying.

"Mr Paul, Brenden will do his best to get the docks and your ship fixed up quickly so that you and Mr Visher can return home as soon as possible", Garroth said.

"Thank you, Garroth", Paul said, before changing the subject. "Were you and Aaron able to find out who caused the explosion."

"No", Aaron replied. "I tried following their sent, but I lost it in the woods."

"We believe that whoever did it must have been keeping a close eye on Phoenix Drop. I have ordered the guards to survey the surrounding area for clues", Garroth said. Then, he put his hand on Paul's shoulder. "Paul, I swear in my duty as a guard that we will find out who did this and bring them to justice!"

"Thank you, Garroth", Paul said. "That means a lot to me. And I'm sure that it will to Visher's family as well."

I don't know why, but…I really wanted to help Paul bring Visher back to his family.

"Um…Paul", Aphmau started nervously. "Can I…can I come with you to Brightport too?"

"You want to come with me to Brightport", Paul asked in shock. "How come?"

"I…I don't know", Aphmau replied. "I…I just want to help Visher get back to his family."

"Aphmau", Aaron started. "If you come with me, then I'm going to have to bring you back here."

When Garroth heard this, he got an idea.

"Aaron", he started. "If Ms Aphmau wants to assist in taking Mr Visher home to his family, then that is her choice."

Aaron knew that Garroth was trying to use Aphmau's request to get him to come back to Phoenix Drop, and growled at him angrily.

"Thank you so much, Aphmau", Paul said, touched by her words. "You are more than welcome to come with us."

"Thank you so much, Paul", Aphmau said.

Aaron then let out a frustrated sigh. "Guess you're coming with us", he said in defeat, before looking at Aphmau. "Make sure you're ready by the time the ship is fixed. Got it?"

"Got it", Aphmau replied.

Once I got permission to go to Brightport as well, I went back to Sylvanna and told her about it.

"You're going with Aaron to Brightport", Sylvanna asked Aphmau in shock.

"Yes", Aphmau replied. "I want to help Visher get home to his family."

"That's very kind of you, dear", Sylvanna said. "However, having to tell a family that their loved one has passed away is a very upsetting thing to experience. Are you sure that you'll be able to handle it?"

What Sylvanna said did make me worry. But even so, I stilled wanted to go.

"I still want to go", Aphmau replied.

"Is that so", Sylvanna asked. "Very well, then. If this is what you want to do, then I can't stop you."

"Thank you, Sylvanna", Aphmau said.

"However", Sylvanna added. "I don't think the outfit you're wearing is suitable for traveling. Lucky for you, I used to do a bit of traveling myself back in the day. I should have an outfit laying around somewhere in my closet that you can wear."

I am currently on the ship to Brightport. Paul said that it will be a few hours until we get there, so I thought I'd write in my diary to pass the time.

Brenden apparently stayed up all night to finish fixing the docks and the ship. I was worried that I would be left behind if I kept Aaron and Paul waiting, so I headed to the docks bright and early this morning.

Just as the sun was beginning to rise over Phoenix Drop, Aphmau arrived at the docks. When she got there, she found Garroth talking to Aaron and Paul.

"Morning everyone", she greeted as she walked up to them.

"Good morning, Ms Aphmau", Garroth said, before noticing something. "Is that a new outfit?"

"Sylvanna gave it to me", Aphmau replied. "She said that it's better suited for traveling."

"Well, I think it suits you quite nicely, Ms Aphmau", Garroth stated.

"Thank you, Garroth", Aphmau said.

"Are you ready to go", Aaron asked her.

"I'm ready", Aphmau replied.

"Mr Paul", Garroth started as he went up to him. "I truly am sorry that your first visit to your village ended in such tragedy."

"It's not your fault, Garroth", Paul reassured him. "I just hope that you find the person that caused the explosion soon. For Visher's sake, as well as for your village."

"I hope so too", Garroth said.

"Are we ready to set out", Aaron asked Paul.

"Yeah. We're ready to go", Paul replied.

"Farewell, Aaron", Garroth greeted him. "Have a safe trip. And please make sure to look after Ms Aphmau."

"I will. I promise", Aaron replied.

"Farewell, Ms Aphmau", Garroth greeted her. "I hope that you have a safe journey to Brightport, and a safe journey back to Phoenix Drop."

"Thank you, Garroth", Aphmau said. "Aaron and I will see you when we get back."

This is my first time leaving Phoenix Drop since I arrived. I wonder what Brightport will be like?