The Distant Trail of Ciara Badvia

0-3-4 The Morning of Departure



Prologue: In the Depths of the Lily Mountains
Part 3: A Tale That Began on a Stormy Night

 

THE MORNING OF DEPARTURE

“Have you decided?” 

Clancy carefully chose his timing to speak up. Truthfully, Tyril felt a bit bothered by the interruption, but it was also true that she had been keeping him waiting. Looking directly at him, she reaffirmed her determination.

“Yes. I’ll go to Saria, to the Magic Academy. I’m not sure I can live up to the king’s expectations… but I want to be able to use magic. I want to study it and see how far I can go. Please, take me to Saria.”

Tyril looked directly into his eyes as she conveyed her resolve. Clancy smiled softly and said, “Understood,” and that was that.

“Then shall we depart in a week? Or would you prefer to leave a little earlier?”

“Er…”

“I said it before, but I’d thought to stay in Lily for about a week. I arrived here thinking that you might need some time to prepare your heart and make travel arrangements, and I was also prepared for the possibility that you might not agree right away. So, we can take a week before we need to depart, but if you wish, we can leave as early as tomorrow.”

Tyril hadn’t yet completely wrapped her head around the rapid developments of tonight’s conversation, so she ended up choking on her words.

Once she made the decision to go, it meant that she had to go. It was as simple as that. However, only her mind understood that, while her body did not. Perhaps that was why she found it so difficult to go now.

“… Tomorrow, then.”

Tyril thought she understood what her heart wanted, but the more time she had left to think about it, the more fearful she became. Should she quit now and turn back? The question nagged at her, so if she was leaving, the sooner the better—before the anxiety and hesitation overwhelmed her. That, Tyril felt, was the right choice, hence her decision.

“Very well. Tomorrow… Well, there’s no need to be in such a rush, so how about departing around noon? That is, if the storm stops.”

Come to think of it, there was a storm outside. It seemed like another time when the storm had her quaking. Now, even though the house still creaked and groaned, she no longer found herself bothered by the noise. Or maybe the storm just weakened a bit.

“I understand. Thank you very much.” 

Tyril stood up and bowed her head. It was a farewell to the man, and also a final reminder of her determination. Clancy nodded silently with a smile and slowly finished the remaining fragrant tea in his cup. Then, he stood up. 

“I appreciate your hospitality as well. Well then, I’ll take my leave now. Miss Tyril, please make sure you are prepared by tomorrow.”

“Huh? You’re going to the town right now?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to be a bother.”

“But—” But when Tyril blinked, Clancy was already moving to leave. 

Rosa stood up and tried to stop him. “Please, stay for the night. It’s still stormy outside, so it would be tough to go now.”

“No, I can’t do that. I wouldn’t want to cause any more trouble, and I have some business left at the inn as well.” 

Saying that, the man promptly strode toward the door, not even leaving Rosa a chance to respond. Rosa wasn’t one to back down when it came to showing considerations like this, so Tyril was surprised to see her doing so with ease after her kind offer was refused.

“See you tomorrow, then.” Clancy put his wet cloak back on and said his parting words.

Tyril and Rosa saw him off at the entrance. The rain and wind rushed in when the door briefly opened, but it seemed to have weakened considerably compared to before.

The short time from when the man arrived until he left—it felt like a dream. 

But with this… maybe…

She might be able to catch up and pursue a path of her own. As dazed as she was right now, she understood well that she could take the first step toward that. And that made her really happy.

*****

After the storm, the sky cleared. 

Under the pleasant spring breeze and the brilliant blue sky, Tyril’s journey began.

Around the time when the sun passed its zenith, the envoy appeared again. Rosa had been busy working since morning, while Tyril, being a girl with few belongings, hadn’t taken much time to pack and spent most of the morning lost in her thoughts. She had offered to help, partly to distract herself, but her offer was declined. 

The thoughtfulness made Tyril feel a little lonely at that moment. She wanted to have a word with Rosa, who had taken care of her for so long, as they worked away side by side.

“I will take care of Miss Tyril.” Clancy, now wearing a completely dry cloak, bowed his head to Rosa.

Tyril also had on a modest smile as she stood beside him. She wore her usual outfit: a white blouse, a long black skirt, and a short black cloak draped over her shoulders. Her packed travel belongings were quite light: in her left hand was a cloth bag tied with a string, containing a change of clothes and three favorite books; a bundle of letters from her father, sent from his travels; a wallet stuffed with what little spending money she had; and lastly, a small, white cloth bundle tied with a red ribbon. Her right hand was empty, with a toy ring made of glass beads and cheap metal on her ring finger. It was a humble treasure she received as a gift from her childhood friend. 

As the moment of her departure neared, she was surprised by how little luggage she had. Compared to the bundle of items her childhood friend had prepared, she felt somewhat inadequate for the journey. It was frustrating.

Tyril collected herself and spoke to Rosa with a smile. “Bye, Aunt Rosa.”

“Yes. Take care.”

Rosa’s tone of voice felt just like what one would use when saying goodbye to children going to play in a nearby town. The simplicity of her farewell somehow felt warm.

“I’ll write you a letter when I get there.”

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it. Oh, and tell me your address when you settle down so I can send letters back. If you have letters from your father, I’ll make sure they reach you.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that.”

Tyril ducked her head again, pleased with Rosa’s suggestion. She forgot about the letters from her father that would arrive once or twice a month. They were always mundane news to keep her up to date, but she still wanted to read them.

“Thank you for taking care of the letters, too! And if he happens to return while I’m away, please keep him company, okay, Aunt Rosa?”

“Of course.” Rosa chuckled softly.

Tyril tried to act a bit like a daddy’s girl, but did she look silly enough to make Rosa laugh? Feeling a little embarrassed, Tyril blushed and lowered her head slightly.

“Now then, shall we?” Clancy looked at Tyril.

Despite her reluctance to leave, she nodded.

With one last bow to Rosa, Tyril turned on her heel. She looked back once, taking in the sight of the familiar scenery, trying to etch it into her memory.

It was a good thing today was sunny. With the warm light and gentle breeze, Tyril realized that she was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness about stepping into the new world that awaited her.

It felt pleasant.

illustration by 八雲キズナ様

—————

MTL Note: That ends the three-part prologue. Also, it’s funny how they just took the envoy at his word. Hopefully he isn’t a kidnapper or something.

For more from the author, visit:

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