Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [250]
“The strike…is because of Halnera?”
“Indeed. Take care should your hunt for the fugitive bring you to Arikita. It is the largest of the four countries, with the most people. It is a rich land, but that has made the poor even more desperate. I’m afraid the fear of Halnera is creating more hysteria than in places like Sasaya and Nacht.” The captain made to leave, but after taking a half-step, he turned around and placed a hand on Wataru’s shoulder. His silver gauntlet shone in the sunlight.
“You are a Traveler,” he said, staring deep into the young Highlander’s eyes. “You must reach the Goddess. Take care that you are not distracted by trivial matters, or placed needlessly in harm’s way. Leave the defense of Vision to those of us who live here.”
Wataru stood, stunned for a moment by the gleaming light in the captain’s blue eyes. It reminded him of the light of the gemstones, the source of the Brave’s Sword’s power.
“I heard what the branch chief was saying,” the captain said in a low voice. His eyes did not leave Wataru’s for a moment. “If the branch chief truly intends for the Highlanders to act without the government’s approval, and the Senate is displeased with this, then it is not inconceivable that we who are the arm of the government will find ourselves at opposite ends of a sword.”
Suddenly, Kee Keema’s animosity toward the captain made sense.
“Even should such a thing occur, I urge you not to get involved. You are a Traveler. You must follow your own course. Do not forget that.”
Then, the captain’s worn and weatherbeaten face broke into a smile. “I’m sure that Kutz the Rosethorn would say the same. She is your leader, and I would have you follow my advice as though it were hers.”
This time, the captain turned and did not look back. Springing lightly into the saddle of his udai, he gave a command to his men, sharp like a whip crack, and galloped off.
Wataru watched his dust trail disappear into the distance. When he could no longer see the captain, Wataru turned, feeling someone’s eyes on his back. Most of the Highlanders had dispersed, but there were still several milling around by the gate. They were looking at Wataru with cold eyes.
“We’re not friends of the Knights or anything,” Kee Keema said in a loud voice to no one in particular.
A vague unease had begun to spread in Wataru’s chest like a thick fog. Would they all really make it through Halnera? Would Vision descend into chaos?
He was glad for Captain Ronmel’s concern, but Wataru was also worried about the fate of Vision—as worried as he was that he might be the Half, chosen by the Goddess as a sacrifice.
“Oh!” Next to him, Meena gave a sudden gasp of surprise. “What’s that? Wataru! Look!”
Chapter 34
S.O.S.
Meena held her arms at her side, and leaned toward Wataru. Her tail was dancing behind her.
“Look, the Mirror of Truth! It’s glowing!”
Indeed, a white light was spilling from beneath the collar of Meena’s short vest. With one hand, she grabbed the leather strap around her neck and fished out the mirror. “It’s showing something! I wonder what it is?”
The three of them looked into the mirror. It was indeed showing something. Or, rather, it was showing someone. He was wearing a white robe and carrying a staff in one hand. Was he a sorcerer? He was making some motions with his hands like he was trying to tell them something, but the image was too foggy to see anything clearly.
“It’s too bright out. Maybe if we went to the shade…”
“Wait, weren’t the starseers saying something about a break room in the basement of the observatory?”
Meena grabbed Wataru by the hand, and the three returned to the observatory. Once inside, they asked for directions.
The break room was simply furnished, with a round table, four chairs, and a single lamp. Kee Keema blew out the lamp. Now in total darkness, the Mirror of