Chapter IX • Maia

“To the next village I go, then…” I think aloud, tiredly walking through yet another village’s forest edge.

I feel my booted feet touch soft, damp dirt after walking around all night yesternight on the cobblestone paths, searching for a person— anybody at all— who seemed experienced enough to teach me how to defend myself. I’m troubled by the actuality that I’m not making any progress. Two days have passed since I've embarked on my quest to avenge my mother, only to come to my senses that I must learn how to fight to be able to do so. Therefore, I have a goal I must achieve before I can proceed to my main goal.

“‘Do it,’ I said. ‘It will be simple,’ I said. Ugh, things are not this simple, Maia.”

And… I realize I’m talking to myself… again. I sigh.

I’ve no idea where I am, nor how far I am from my home. Uncle Wyatt must be so worried by now, but I cannot fall back just yet— I have… direr concerns for now. As drained and frustrated as I feel, I carry on to the next village I shall