[Book II Chapter 52] SARAH: Yggdrasil

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The chaotic space stung every inch of his being, wearing away his very soul. He crossed an emptiness devoid of meaning, relying on an indistinct mist beneath his feet to anchor his march.

This journey into the depth of the Ether was a personal quest. He knew his destination, but not whether he would have the strength to reach it.

Retreat wasn’t an option. Already his frail old body had withered away to nothing, so transparent an observer might miss it. As his consciousness blurred and coherent thought became difficult, he clung desperately to a single notion, a desire so deep it propelled his remains onward.

Oblivion did not claim him. The raging storm assaulting him ceased as he entered an endless white world. Mindlessly, he continued for an eternity. Only once he sensed a presence ahead did his faculties return.

I made it. Before him a single tree spread out its limbs. Although his eyes had long lost their sight, he witnessed its golden form clearly. Tears swelled at the unfathomable beauty.

As he approached, his footsteps elicited crunching sounds. He was walking across a field of seeds several feet thick. Wish seeds, miracle seeds, and divine seeds. It was a vast treasure pile of incalculable value, yet he cared not.

He stopped before the trunk and made his plead.

“For years, I have lived a quiet life of no renown. I was happy weaving the threads of fate, averting tragedies and ensuring prosperity for those around me. But these discrete interventions are no longer enough.”

“I sense a darkness approaching. A calamity of such scale it might swallow the world and snuff out all life. No matter how much I search, I see no light.”

“To face face this ruinous tide, I need the power of miracles, the ability to mold destiny itself. I beseech you, please give me the power to protect the world I love.”

A breeze swept the unmoving space, rustling the otherworldly leaves. With a snap, a branch fell and hovered before him. Once in his hands, it lost its golden shine, appearing ordinary wood.

Thank god. The man collapsed and wept. With this I can make a difference. I can overturn the hopeless.

…

Sarah awoke feeling ill. This had been the most vivid dream yet.

Orion had been a genuine saint, the type she didn’t believe could exist. He’d led a long life surreptitiously assisting friends and strangers, never seeking an ounce of recognition. When the Dark Age engulfed Enera, he joined the fray, altering the course of entire battles, before perishing without anyone learning the scale of his contribution.

Despite having experienced it herself each night, this selflessness remained unfathomable, something she couldn’t help but reject. Her own motives were so incredibly ugly and base in comparison, it was unbearable.

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Sarah got up and held Miracle Worker close. The staff was infinitely more precious knowing its source. A branch of Yggdrasil. For millennia, adventurers had theorized over the source of the wish seeds scattered in dungeons. Orion had discovered the mythical tree, probably the first and last who ever would.

Despite the discomfort, the dreams had been helpful. She was slowly understanding the old man’s martial arts. Instead of focusing on tangible results such as resisting physical damage, Orion had painstakingly melded his heroic aspirations into his flesh. Destiny had responded by imparting power worthy of them.

Following his lead, Sarah had layered upon herself all her ambitions. The fate of champions now flowed in her vein, albeit in a rudimentary form. I finally have the strength to explore the world and make a name for myself, yet I’m confined to my role as treasurer.

Sighing, Sarah got dressed and made her way to Radin’s old office. She’d barely seated herself when there was knock on the door. The Finance Department’s secretary came in.

“Have you heard the news about Tulven?” She asked nervously.

Sarah frown. “No, what is it?”

“Rosario was overrun by a horde of demonic beasts. Two immortals lost their lives defending the citizens: Geordan Price and Andrew Godspeed.”

Sarah’s mind went blank at these words. They felt impossible, yet her stomach tied itself in knots as blood drained from her face.

The secretary scurried out, leaving her alone. Numbly, Sarah brought up the guild’s reports of the incident, praying for some error. She read how eight rifts had formed within the city’s protective wards, resulting in entire neighborhoods massacred before anyone could react. Andrew was the first to respond, rallying the guard to evacuate those they could. Together with Rosaria’s guardian beast, he fought off multiple sovereigns long enough for reinforcements to arrive and escort survivors away.

He died as he lived, Tulven’s hero. Everything seemed unreal. She’d met Andrew just weeks ago. Why didn’t I spend more time with him? She choked back sobs as regret overwhelmed her. Her world was crashing down around her.

My most dependable ally is gone. Perhaps it was Orion’s influence, but Sarah felt a wave of shame at the thought. Instead of lamenting the loss of his support, I should strive to repay the debts I owe.

Wiping her face, she made a decision and got up, traveling above ground to the guildmaster’s office. Astra invited her in immediately.

“I suppose I was expecting this.” She said.

“I must return to Tulven.” Sarah declared.

“‘must’?” Astra repeated tersely as the temperature plummeted.

Sarah shrugged off the chill and continued. “With my father and brother gone, mother will abandon Tulven and return to Aery, if she hasn’t already. She never really considered it home. It’ll be anarchy. Someone needs to restore order and see the people out safely before the country shares Rosaria’s fate.”

“This determination…” Astra responded. “Is it because of Andrew Godspeed?”

“It’s my way of honoring his sacrifice.”

Astra appraised her studiously. “Despite the arctic cold, you’re not even shivering… You aren’t a total weakling anymore. I’m astounded by the change. Not long ago you’d be frozen solid.”

“It’s that staff, isn’t? A gift from your brother?” Astra pressed.

Sarah panicked, desperately hiding Miracle Worker behind her back. If Astra asked her to hand it over… Anything but that.

“Relax, I’m not going to take it.” Astra reassured. “I remember that ancient piece of wood. It belonged to blind immortal whose name eludes me…”

“Orion” Sarah offered.

“Yes, Orion. The only times Nero’s foresight failed involved that man. Battles deemed lost cause were inexplicably salvaged, expected casualties averted. The occurrences were so regular we all took notice and intended to confront the recluse. Unfortunately, he went missing before we got the chance.”

“Don’t the record state he died?” Sarah interrupted.

“Anyone who disappears in the middle of an undead army is marked as deceased.” Astra explained. “Anyway, in deference to its previous wielder, I’ll allow you to leave the Isle.”

“However, you don’t get to escape with a noble end in battle. I’ll allow self-defense, but you are forbidden from directly engaging the enemy.”

Relief washed over Sarah. “What about my job as treasurer?”

“I already have your replacement lined up.” Noting her dismayed expression, Astra expanded. “It was a necessary precaution. After all, you could drop dead at any time.”