Chapter 4 – Branching Pillars

The next couple of days come and go as the town works to rebuild the damages from outside the wind barrier.

What was left outside the barrier could be mistaken for nothing as the storm pelted every building into dust, and what remained was, at most, spruce wood scattered about and the blood of the dead that couldn't escape.

Lord Tooj and the Cleric group were ordered to return to the kingdom for scrutiny, and even though Lord Tooj saved everyone, he is being held responsible for the damages.

Kya left also, and all she left behind was a note stating that we would meet again at the capital.

The letter reads in sloppy handwriting with dried-up tears on it "Don't go being all soft now that I'm leaving; I know we will end up meeting again at the capital. I spoke with Lord Tooj and will be quitting the Clerical group.

However, this is a formal forfeiture that has to be done at the capital, and I will be escorted by Lord Tooj.

I will be looking to enroll in the Spiritual Academy in 3 years once I turn ten, as this will give me plenty of time to study up more on my writing as well as hone in on my "magic" She writes this to mock me for never calling it spirit energy or spirit reathing.

I know I will be seeing you all here before too long; make sure to stay safe and tell Arlo to lay off the sweets so he doesn't get too fat.

Lastly, keep working hard. I peaked at Lord Tooj's writing book; he had you both in his top five of most potential from your village! So, keep working hard. xx."

Huh, so she really just left without even saying goodbye in person?

Well Arlo, Personally I can't stay in the village for long myself either. I need to find out where Mother went, and Father still has yet to return from his trip.

I worry if similar issues like this are going on around the country, Arlo.

Arlo: "Yea, but aren't we a little too young to be worrying about what's going on outside our town?"

Thinking to myself, he does have a point; however, I have 27 years of experience now and have lost everyone I cared about before.

So even though it would make sense to wait and develop my skills more,

I simply can't sit idly by when someone I care about is in trouble.

Finally, responding to Arlo, "That is true; we have a lot of growth to do. However, I need to find a father regardless, and going to the capital will be the best bet. Maybe he got lazy and took a break before coming back down.

If he's not there, then I will head to the water village and start asking around. In the meantime, I think it will be best if you stay behind and watch over the village until I return. Both your parents should be okay, minus some cuts and bruises, and I think it will do you well to focus on yourself.

Arlo: "I still don't think you should be going off anywhere. It's unsafe outside the city walls if you don't have an escort.

I heard bandits and such wait for unmarked travel caravans and will attempt to rob them."

Toki: I've read about that. Also, I will be taking the local caravan to the capital that has supervised guards. I will be going to speak with the village elder in the morning to let him know my intentions to visit the capital and my hopes of finding Father and Mother.

Arlo: While im glad you at least have a plan to get to the capital. I still don't feel too comfortable with being by myself.

Toki: Placing my arm on Arlo's shoulder, "Listen, I know you will be fine, and I won't be gone too long anyways. Once I find Father and let him know the situation, we will most likely head back to gather more details.

So, in the meantime, I just need you to look after the house, and I will be leaving Naps in your care as I can't hope to keep her fed while traveling, and as you said, having her could lead to me becoming a target.

I plan to lay low until I cross into the city; I already have some heavy robes to help myself not stand out in the crowd. A large group will be heading towards the kingdom due to their homes being demolished."

Arlo: Staying silent for a bit, trying to hold back tears, he lifts his head with a smile. "I

understand now; just know that when we encounter each other again, I will be stronger than you and win over Kya!"

Toki: giving a blank, confused expression, I simply reply with the most brain-dead theought," Say a what and a who now," I'm not interested in anyone. So go knock yourself out, Arlo.

Arlo: Let's shake on it! To meet up again before too long! Either you come back, or I find you in the capital!

Toki: Puts his hand out and connects it with Arlo as they both shake and agree to work hard to become the best version of themselves before walking off in opposite directions.

Both with the same goal of becoming stronger than their current versions.