Part 13

After a short rest on Cardia Isles and with a new target in mind, the Sky Empress lifted off and headed for Scardona. Finding the place the Dragon King had told them to go was really easy. The really difficult part was only revealed after they wanted to land. On the second day of the discovery an emergency meeting was called for in the captain's cabin between the party, Lianna and her first officer, Masatoki.

Kelin: "You seriously cannot land anywhere near that citadel?"

Lianna: "We cannot. We tried everything."

Masatoki: "Every time we found a place that could be used to land we failed to do so. We still don't get why. We level the airship, we put in the landing procedure and at the last minute the ship refuses and sends us back to cruising altitude. It's bad enough we keep getting alarms about the potential danger that might come from the skies to the point we had to shut off the sound cue. Now we don't know what exactly counts as a landing site."

Rosch: "You absolutely sure we won't get ambushed in the sky?"

Masatoki: "No, I cannot guarantee that. I am sorry."

Lewyn: "It's alright. We will cross that bridge when it comes to it. But the bottom line is that we don't have anywhere to land?"

Masatoki: "We have consulted the maps and there may be one landing point nearby that we might use.

Kelin: "The problem being?"

Lianna: "While it appears on the map to be relatively close to your destination, in reality you would need to travel in the opposite direction for a week or two and then cross a desert until you reach that position."

Kelin: "Seriously?"

Lianna: "Yes. We will try to find more places to land, but be prepared for a long trek."

Kelin: "Alright, thank you. We will inform Sead about this."

Several days later, after a lot of failed landings, they finally found their landing site. While it still put them a long way from their destination, it at very least put them on the other side of the mountains they had to circumvent. Now all they had in front of them was a forest and a desert before they would be on the right track. Having no other choice, the party prepared their wagon and set off west. They quickly discovered just how dangerous this continent was. Creatures such as berettas, weretigers, tyrannosaurs and sand worms had attacked the party in the first week alone. Creatures that were a lot tougher than those back on Feinan. They were truly concerned for Sead to the point that when they saw a river that they needed to cross, they decided to build a raft to get him and the wagon across rather than make him wait there. After a night of hard work while fending off two sphinxes, the raft was ready the next morning and they safely crossed the river. They had to fend an ambush from a weretiger and two lesser ones on the other coast, but other than that, the rest of the journey was a smooth one. Soon enough they were at their goal.

Formally the royal castle of the Kingdom of Taquila, the Citadel of Trials was converted into testing grounds over the years as it became one of the few buildings left standing and untouched by nature on the entire continent of Scardona. That was why the building was in decent shape when they arrived there. They were surprised to see another human there though. As soon as they approached him, which turned out to be an old man, he spoke. "You come bearing the crown. I see. Your fortitude cannot be tested. Indeed cannot... Very well. I shall grant you the right to undergo the trials so sit upon the throne. Your courage will be put up to the test. If true courage dwells within you, you will find proof of it here." With that, the old man disappeared into thin air. While slightly startled by this, the Warriors of Light knew that this was why they were here so they immediately went to work without any grumble. They found the aforementioned throne in a side room in a corner. Since Lewyn was the bearer of the crown, he was the one who sat on the throne. That action had teleported them into another room. A bit startled by this, they exited the room to investigate only to find out they were closed in with only a pillar outside. As soon as Rosch approached the pillar, he disappeared. Thinking this might be a part of the trial, they also approached the pillar and got transported into the same room where Rosch now was. Quickly realizing the fact that this should lead them to their destination, they held no qualms about searching and stepping through any of these teleporters. Of course, their task wouldn't be so easy. Medusas, minotaur zombies, rakshasas and winged roamed the hallways, being a complete nuisance while the party was trying to figure out the maze of teleporters. In one of the hallways there was a room in the corner. They found a clay golem guarding two chests. Perceiving them as a threat, the golem tried to attack them, but was quickly dispatched and so the party checked the contents of the chests. One of them held a lot of money while in the other one there were gauntlets. Thinking they were just more armour pieces, Kelin wanted to put it in the bag before Rosch stopped him. Thinking there might be something magical in them, Rosch took them from Kelin's hands and made the same motion as he was casting a spell. To everyone's amazement, he casted Thundara without any problem or even a cost to his magic reserve. Trying to about its application, they quickly realised who should get this. And so, Mari put them on as a way for her to cast black magic. With this they were on their way and soon enough they found a rooms with stairs in them.

The next floor had more nice surprises waiting for them. After getting ambushed by a nightmare at the end of a long hallway, they found a Healing Staff. Just like gauntlets, it also had an ability to cast magic without cost, in this case Heal as confirmed by Mari. While she preferred her hammer over this staff, she put it in her bag and reminded everyone that others could use it should the need arise. After fighting more enemies, they found three more chests. In them were: another Ice Brand, steel gloves that was outdated by mythril ones everyone wore and Ruby Amulet, a better amulet that went to Lewyn to help with his defence. As soon as they saw 2 groups of winged devils approaching, they went to engage them and this was where they discovered an interesting fact about the magical weapons that they have found. It seemed while they didn't rely on caster's magic pool, they could still be powered up caster's strength. A clear example was set when both Mari and Rosch casted Thundara on the approaching groups. While Mari wiped out hers, Rosch's one reached them and needed to be dispatched in melee. It seemed Dragon King's claims were true after all. But this didn't bother Rosch one bit. Even if somehow Mari got enough items to replace him at casting black magic, he still could rely on his sword skills to destroy the enemies.

After more scuffles and the discovery of more money chests, they finally reached the end of that corridor. There awaited them a throne similar to one that they have started all this with, another chest and a group of 5 Rakshasas guarding both. Other then them trying to cook Kelin with their Fire spells, they were no problem. After dealing with them, they approached the chest. Kelin opened the chest and was quite surprised to see what was in it. Others shared his surprise when he showed them.

Rosch: "A rat's tail? That's IT?

Lewyn: "It can't be right. Let me see what's in there."

Kelin: "Nothing. No coin, no treasure, no weapon, not even a chest message. All there is here is this thing."

Rosch: "What does that mean? Have we missed something?"

Mari: "I think this is it."

Kelin: "You can't be serious."

Mari: "Well, bringing this back to the Dragon King would be quite courageous, wouldn't you agree?"

Lewyn: "Yes, imagine what mockery others can come up with when they hear about this."

Rosch: "I am going back to recheck everything. Anyone coming with me?"

Mari: "I am serious, guys. I truly think this is it."

Lewyn: "Based on what exactly?"

Mari: "What exactly did you expect that this token would have been?"

Kelin: "Something that actually looks like a token. Not something we can go into the forest and find one in 5 minutes."

Rosch: "Hey, guys..."

Mari: "Tell me, have you actually seen a rat in this citadel at all?"

Kelin: "Well, no, but it's not like I was looking for them."

Rosch: "Guys."

Kelin: "What, you want to actually confirm there are no rats in this citadel?"

Lewyn: "No, he is pointing out that dragon zombie barrelling towards us. Would you mind?"

Kelin: "Alright. Come on, Rosch."

Lewyn: "And you, be serious. Why exactly would a rat's tail be a token of proof for our trial?"

Mari: "Tell me. What exactly made you trust the Dragon King when he asked for me in the first place?"

Lewyn: "Because he has shown nothing but trustworthiness towards my ancestors so I want to do the same."

Mari: "So what is stopping you from doing the same in this case?"

Lewyn: "Because look at it. To me it looks like any other rat tail. What exactly should make me think that this is what we are looking for?"

Mari: "I don't know. You tell me why is there one in a chest waiting here of all places. Don't you think it's unusual?"

Lewyn: "I agree, but it's not enough to convince me."

Mari: "Then just believe in me then. Don't overcomplicate this. Just trust me that we have found what we have searched for."

Lewyn: "And if you are wrong?"

Rosch: "Yes, what if you are wrong?"

Mari: "Done already?"

Kelin: "Two cut from the dance of fire and ice was it needed to be reminded what it was. Dead."

Lewyn: "I assume it left nothing behind."

Kelin: "Yes. So, Mari. What exactly compels you to think that this is it? I doubt you gained an insight after that trial and you said you didn't promote."

Mari: "That's true. And I will not promote until we all can."

Rosch: "So then why exactly are you so sure of it then? What makes you think that we have found the right thing? It makes no sense."

Mari: "Exactly, it makes no sense. We have gained armour, weapons and money in this citadel. By what we have experienced so far, our prize should be here at the end and all we have to show on that front is this tail. Do you honestly think he would prepare this trial for us and all the rewards except for the main one?"

All 3: ...

Mari: "Look, I will admit even I am not 100% sure. But unless you want to turn this place upside down, then I would suggest that we accept our prize and get out of here."

Lewyn: "And if you are wrong and we have to return here again?"

Mari: "I am asking you to believe in me. Of course I would the blame if it came to that. But right now this is all we have. Now are you with me or not?"

Lewyn: "... I am."

Rosch: "Me too."

Kelin: "Alright, I am in too. And no, you will not share the blame alone. We will share the blame for failing to find anything else."

Mari: "Alright, now let's get out of here."

After finally accepting the rat's tail as the possible confirmation of their success, they approached the throne. As expected, once they stepped near it, they were teleported back to the start. They tried to look for the old man, trying to see if they had to redo it or not, but they found no one. With still some uncertainty in their hearts, they returned to Sead and promptly left the Citadel. Their voyage to the river was peaceful without any interruption. The only monsters they have found were two weretigers near the raft they have left behind. They easily dealt with them in a surprise attack. After that, they put the wagon on the raft again and sailed back across the river. They wanted to preserve this raft for future use, but no matter how they looked at it, the materials were too big to fit into the wagon and they couldn't even use it as firewood. So they made a nice place for it, made a small note near it in which it said that anyone who needed it could use it and pressed on. Other than an encounter with an alosaurus, they had no more troubles awaiting for them. On the other hand, the Sky Empress crew was less fortunate. While no crew member was seriously injured, a dozen dinosaurs did try to attack the airship while the Warriors were away. A few of their corpses were still present when everyone had returned back. After hearing the stories about the attacks, they also heard the praises about their captain and how did she deal with each of them. While others were interested about this, Lewyn gave it no thought. When asked why, he answered: "I know my sister. It's no exaggeration when I say that she might have been a possible candidate to become a Warrior of Light. Who knows, if fate wielded it so, she might been one instead of me or someone else." Hearing these compliments, others were even more impressed with Lianna. After they put everything onboard, the airship lifted off and went back to Cardia Isles to receive their prize.

The trip back was relatively fast as the airship's crew got more used to Sky Empress's quirks. Soon enough they landed back on the main island and descended down to meet the Dragon King. The Warriors of Light were still feeling nervous on whether they brought back the right thing or not. However then was not the time to question as they did it or failed to do so. As soon as introductions were over, King Bahamut asked for the token to be presented.

Kelin: "Here you go, Your Majesty." Kelin presented it to him and placed the rat's tail in Bahamut's palm. Tail, already small, looked tiny in his hands.

Bahamut: "Is this truly it? Do you truly believe this to be the proof I have sent you to collect?"

Kelin: "Y-yes, Your Majesty."

Bahamut: "Are you sure? I can feel the uncertainty in your voice."

Kelin couldn't do nothing but nod.

Bahamut: "Do you all truly believe? May I be privy to the truth?"

The party looked at each other. With a nod, they approved Mari to speak.

Mari: "To be fully honest, it was me who convinced everyone to bring this to you."

Bahamut: "Oh? Then may I hear your answer?"

Mari: "That right there is the oddest thing we have found in the citadel. A rat's tail inside a chest. Why would it be there if not for a reason?"

Bahamut: "Maybe the real prize was taken away by the rat?"

Mari: "The only thing that the rat would care about was food for him and I truly doubt you would put something like that there. Not to mention there was nothing in the chest to remove the tail from a rat."

Bahamut: "Maybe I forgot to restock the item then."

Rosch: "No, compared to chests you haven't restocked this was closed the entire time and had no dust inside."

Bahamut: "There are other ways how it would have gotten there."

Lewyn: "And none of them work. We scoured the place. We either brought the right thing or we missed a clue."

Bahamut: "Is this the true item then? Do you all truly believe this?"

All 4: "Yes, Your Majesty."

After that, silence fell across the room. Everyone was quite nervous waiting to hear what would the king say. After a short break, Bahamut continued speaking.

Bahamut: "To humans everything divine or holy must have some kind of symbolism. While we all enjoy the bounties that the Goddess provides for us, we mustn't forget that it was her that created everyone to coexist in a system we call nature. As such it is more easy than you would want to believe to miss messages and clues from her. The rat's tail is a fitting token of courage and strength in the current age. After centuries of peaceful coexistence and forgetting what war truly is, the strength of ages past has been lost. The lessons learnt from the Great Dragon War haven't been passed down to the nations of the South. Now they are struggling with the issues that have piled up over the years. Surprisingly it seems that all they need are right people at the right place to solve their issues. So far their trust in you has been paying off greatly. Who am I judge them on that? Not to mention that you have learned to trust in each other as true siblings-in-arms. And so you deserve a reward."

As soon as he said that, his hand holding the tail had started shining. He closed the hand and kept it until the light had settled down. When he opened, instead of a small tail, there were four shiny golden emblems. Using his magic he had made them float to each of the Warriors. Their amazement rose as each of them got theirs. While they were still admiring them, Bahamut continued his speech.

Bahamut: "Long has it been since men and women of courage stood before me. Far too many never returned back because they failed to realize that courage comes in many shapes and forms. They truly believed that they were failures as they couldn't find it. Even those that did return truly believed that as they believed in themselves far too much to bring back this simple trinket. In truth, the token of courage changed forms many times over the years. A true symbol of the ever-changing world. I am grateful to see that even in your doubt you still decided to follow this to the end. Your bravery seem worthy of consideration. So be it... I shall honour you with titles befitting your valour. Now, please bow and rise as I call you."

With that, Kelin returned back to his friends and lined up as they bowed. While doing this, the light started to surround them.

Bahamut: "Mari Balfour. Despite your weakness, you have truly become the support of this mighty group of warriors and even proven yourself in face of unimaginable danger. For this, I dub thee the Dragon Saint of Balfour. May my blessing transform you into a true white wizard as you deserve."

Mari started to glow in the same colour as the light surrounding them. A bright warm light was surrounding her as she absorbed the blessing. Finally, when this was done and the light disappeared, she opened her eyes, looked at Bahamut and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty." Bahamut then continued on.

Bahamut: Lewyn Marciano. Your exploits back in Asseria have been overshadowed as the story of the Warriors of Light have been slowly spreading across the land such as the end of the dark elf menace.  Your mighty fists have slayed any and all opposition that have confronted you. For this, I dub thee Feinan's Fury. May my blessing transform you into the true master as you deserve."

The same action was repeated as with Mari. After it was over, Lewyn also repeated Mari's words. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Bahamut: "Rosch De Velarie. As a scion of a noble family you have shown your true strength again and  again. With your adaptability and your expertise in swordsmanship and magic countless foes have fallen and have been forever removed from threatening innocent civilians. For this, I dub thee the Noble Light of Aldea. May my blessing transform you into the true red wizard as you deserve."

Rosch: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Bahamut: "And lastly, Kelin Cooper. Even in the face of adversity, you have not forgotten what the true role of a knight is. With your shield and sword, you have prevented countless foes from attacking your fellow warriors and, even while under great pain, have continued to fight on. For this, I dub thee the Dawn Knight of Cornelia. May my blessing transform into the true knight as you deserve."

Kelin: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Bahamut: "Now I hereby decree the Warriors of Light the lifetime friends of the dragons. May we pray on their continued success and may we congratulate them on their continued success."

As soon as he ended, a loud cheer and clapping was heard behind the Warriors. When they turned around, they were surprised to see the audience that had assembled that day. Dragons, other visitors of the island, even the crew of the Sky Empress. It seems they were distracted just enough so that they had this nice surprise waiting for them. They enjoyed being the centre of the attention. And so the party in their honour had started.

That evening a more formal event was organized. For that everyone had dressed up for the part and the party was spent conversing amongst each other. Kelin, on the other hand, had decided to take a quick break and went outside. Sarah, in her beautiful blue and black dress, decided to follow him to see what was wrong. When she caught up to him, she asked what was wrong. His answer was: "Oh, nothing really. Just I am not too used to these kinds of events yet."

Sarah: "I hope you will soon. Otherwise, it would be bad to attend these kinds of events without my partner."

Kelin: "I promise to get better."

Sarah: "I hope so. I don't want to see you be a man who can't keep his word."

Kelin: "That won't happen."

Sarah: "Good. Shame there is no music for dancing."

Kelin: "You can't blame dragons for not adjusting to the customs of their visitors. Thankfully, I think we can rectify that, if only slightly."

Sarah: "How so?"

Kelin: Easy. (Offers his hand) My Lady, would you like to dance withe me?"

Sarah: "Here?"

Kelin: "Yes. No one here to disturb us, we can just imagine the music in our head and the full moon above us will light our ballroom. So what do you say?"

Sarah: "I gladly accept this."

With that, she took his hand and went into dancing pose. As their waltz started to the imaginary music, the full moon shone on them showing their smiles as they went through the motions. As soon as their first dance ended, they went into slow dance and embraced each other. Sarah decided to ask him the question that was on her mind since earlier that day.

Sarah: "I am surprised you had accepted your title without any objection."

Kelin: "What? You didn't like it?"

Sarah: "No, just surprised. He named you after Cornelia, not after your home like the others."

Kelin: "I believe the story of our engagement had already reached his ears. What else to say other than accept it?"

Sarah: "Even if the title is incorrect?"

Kelin: "Is it though?"

Sarah: "What? You won't return back to Melmond?"

Kelin: "No, it's not that. It's...

Sarah: "It's what?"

Kelin: "I won't lie. Me being chosen to become a Warrior of Light did bring a lot of positive change in my life. Unfortunately, it did came at a great cost. Even after all of this is over, I will still have that stain in the minds of my fellow knights. Abandoning them at worst possible point. Even if I try to redeem myself, that won't bring back the dead."

Sarah: "Then what will be your decision? After all of this what will you do?"

Kelin: "Firstly, I will accept the reward as I promised to the Duke. Then I will move to Cornelia. Maybe try to take over Garland's old position."

Sarah: "Are you sure?"

Kelin: "Yes. After all, you just said you don't want to see me breaking my word."

Sarah: "Yes, but-"

Kelin: "And no, I will not support you abdicating your claim to the throne. I know you will be a good queen and I will be there to support you."

Sarah: "Even if it means you will be just a consort?"

Kelin: "Yes. I will just simply guard the kingdom. Incident with Garland clearly there is a need for a proper order of knights there."

Sarah: "It seems you already have a lot of your future planned out already."

Kelin: "Yes, I do. It is my reminder of why I am fighting for. No point to march across the world and achieve my mission without having something to live for after it's done."

Sarah: "Do you think others are doing the same?"

Kelin: "I hope so. It would be sad to see them without cause once all this is over. But enough about the future. Right now it is just you, me and the beautiful starry sky. No need for anyone to interrupt us."

Sarah: "I agree. Ah, I wish this moment would last forever."

Kelin: "Me too."

And so the slow dance continued for awhile. Eventually they decided to return back to the party. But before they could go, Kelin stopped Sarah for a moment.

Kelin: "There is one thing I should do before we go."

Sarah: "What?"

Kelin: "This." He leaned in and gave her a passionate kiss. "Now we can go."

Sarah: "Not yet."

Kelin: "Wha-" Before he could finish, he was interrupted by Sarah kissing him. After she finished, she looked at him with a coy smile and said: "Now that we are even, we can go back."

Kelin: "You little. Don't let me catch you."

Sarah: "Haha, try it."

With playfulness in their running, they returned back to the party and spent the night with others.