REDEMPTION

37. TAKE OFF.

They had left early in the morning on horseback. Their supplies were all neatly packed. They did not excess or little, just adequate. If it was up to Achlysa her first destination would have been Handredell, however, due to its current political current, they had to take a detour to Underworld. The journey would take them a week on horseback.

Shawn had not spoken to her since he woke up. She could feel a bit of resentment coming from him and she could understand why. Achlysa had punched him and that scared his pride. He could not believe that a punch from a girl who seemed younger than him had actually made him pass out. And for a whole four days, no less.

Ralph stared at him curiously but did not ask. He had somehow gained lost of his composure. He did not look as clueless as before. And since their parents died, he had not done or said anything stupid. This somehow worried Shawn. He had tried talking to him but that did not bare any fruits. It was easier for Shawn to feel grief and loss but for Ralph, it was different.

He could nit remember a thing from his past. That meant he could not remember what kind of people his parents were. He did not know how they treated him nor did he have the time to feel what they felt for him. He was lost in his own empty little world and it weighed on him. He did not say it but it was written all over his face.

They journey was silent. No one talk for the better part of the journey. They all focused on the road, had a break for a short while before continuing. The sun shone brightly. And after travelling for awhile, Achlysa suggested they break for the day. It was noon and the sun was merciless as it burned the earth below.

Luckily, they came across a river. They tied their horses while preparing to camp till night there. Achlysa could not do much but her ability had allowed her to do the little she could. She headed out and picked firewood while the boys laid down to rest.

While she was on her own, the moment before she left rushed into her mind. The village had been informed by Bendra of the changes on leadership and why it was sudden. There was some resistance since they did not expect it to be a woman. Plus this was the first time they would be led by one. They were skeptical but after a while they agreed to take a chance.

Two days had passed and the situation in the village had gotten easier. Selina had managed to promote the merchants in the village by getting material for their products, she had brought the idea of serving the local foods only to be found in their village to visitors so that they could attract more visitors and investors. On top of that, she was a mother, she cared about the children and was currently trying to find what she needed to open a school.

In such a short time, she had earned the respect of the villagers as well as those who opposed her. She did not dress any different. Nor did she talk any different but her effort made people rely and trust her. Bendra had told her of his plans for the village and she had done what she was able to. This surprised Bendra. He was proud of his decision to change the clan leader and this was just a single block to his plan.

After a week, the village not only looked livelier but it also looked different. The air around it was far calmer than when Clan leader Zonwell was in charge. No one said it out loud but they all felt it. Some were disappointed of what he did. Others were shocked. A few agreed while the rest did not have a stand of their own.

Achlysa had come to love the little village. With the knowledge she had acquired from the book she had received, she was able to pitch in. Of course, she did this in her own way. She had the power to detect and heal wounds and illnesses. She could also prepare medicine which she taught the Dr. Dan. This helped them a great deal and they all appreciated.

Before they left, Bendra had called her to the office they were in during Zonwell’s judgement. Achlysa had walked leisurely before entering the office. Bendra had then cut to the chase. He had asked her the one question she had not thought of. It was about her identity.

“Something has been bothering me for quite sometime. How come you’re a trigger? Do not take this the wrong way but… you are female. All triggers are male.”

It really had not I occurred to her yet that all the triggers ever born were male and this left her speechless for some time. She thought about it and she that she was sure that she was one. She did not know how she could explain it to him so she showed him some of her abilities. And also explained why she was taking the journey. She only told him the exoskeleton and did not bother going further.

“I am sure I am one. The abilities I have are similar to one. That is why I will help Sahwn while trying to gather information about triggers and about my name. Maybe, just maybe someone will be able to recognize it.”

That was all she said. Bendra had given her his lucky charm. A ring he always wore or carried with him when he was in disguise. He had hoped it would keep her safe. He had promised to get in touch with her as soon as he stumbled upon anything to do with her origin. He wanted her to also know the feeling of finally discovering her identity. However, so far it was already difficult so either she did not exist or someone was deliberately trying to erase everything about her.

The bushes near her rustled. Someone was there. A dark figure moved passed her fast. She dropped the firewood she had picked and turned around to face them. But no one was there. The presence she had felt dissipated like the wind. It was quiet. The trees around her swayed gently and she heard it again.

However, this time she reacted too slow. Achlysa was hit with a heavy object over her head. She fell on the ground and as her thoughts slipped away she thought of Bendra. She could not tell why but she hoped he would come. Shawn and Ralph had not realized what had happened since they were asleep. Tile moved and soon it was dark.