Reverse Chronicles

A Compelling Reason

    "What just happened?" I wonder to myself. Franz seems to have changed over the course of the short event that transpired. "What happened, Keith?" I poked him, to which he smiled as a he redirected my gaze back to Franz. Franz was walking towards us. He was a little bit leaner than before, his face more resolute, his eyes deeper, and he seemed a little bit taller.

    "So," Keith gleefully entered the atmosphere "you're a Knight now? You surely beat me to the Advanced Tier, but I will surely surpass you. Just you wait!"

    "Advanced Tier?" I wondered.

    "The Advanced Tier is the third class tier after the Basic Tier. It goes as follows, Trainee, Basic, Advanced, Nobility, Royal, Imperial, and Divine." Keith explained rummaging through one of his books. "In order to reach the next class tier you need to reach a certain level and meet specific requirements. For Franz, he needed something or someone to protect to become a knight."

    "Can you also move up the class tier?"

    "Of course, I can proceed to either a Mage Knight, a Sage, or a Shaman."

    "You can choose one of the three?"

    I wonder what classes await me as I level up?

    "Are you done with the explanation?" Franz finally reached us. He had an air around him that made me feel safe and comfortable. "I know where Daniel is, let's go!"

    Franz grabbed my right hand and guided me to the door across the yard. What awaited was a wide field. From one side of the field are targets with arrows lodged into them, someone was always hitting a bullseye. On the other side were archers who were taking aim. An archer was directing the training.

    "Ready, steady, loose..." the bow strings twanged and the arrows glided through the air. I followed their paths as they all hit the target. My vision was drawn to the farthest archer from my position. His aim was pretty accurate and from the looks of it he never had an arrow off target.

    The three of us went to the where the archers were and as we got closer, I recognize the face of the man furthest to me. Those blue eyes are clearer than water and are more pristine than the sea. I would recognize them everywhere.

    "Daniel," I let go of Franz and ran to him, "how are things?" I asked when I finally reached him. 

    "Josh? So it really is you. Well, things have been great. I'm an archer, now." He showed me his bow and his bracers. He also had the same air as Franz, soothing and calming. "So, what brings you here?"

    "I've been to the institute of magic, and the headmistress said that I should come and find you to be with me on a journey," I held both of his hands. "Will you come with me?"

    "Josh, I...I don't know," he said letting go of my hands. "I came to Jyria because I want to be an archer to surpass my father and to protect my village. You are a dear friend and the time that I spent with you are cherished memories that I will never forget, but this...this is something I'm not ready for. Forgive me, but I must decline."

    Daniel left and those words shot through my gut like arrows. I feel sad and devastated, but I understand where Daniel is coming from. He came here because he has something to protect. I cannot drag him across the world because of personal reasons. He has his own life and his own choices, and the least I could do is be a good friend and support him in all his endeavors.

    Mustering up my courage, I ran after Daniel. He was removing his bracers in the bottom corner of the stairs that faced the range.

    "Daniel," I approached him "I understand. I want you to know that I am grateful for everything and I will be your loyal supporter."

    "Josh," Daniel stood up and embraced me. "Thank you!" And with those words we parted.

    The next thing I knew was that we were leaving Jyria. We were exiting the east gate. The party was quiet, they looked disappointed. Was it because I was not able to convince Daniel? Or is it something else? 

    "Josh listen, about Daniel. Um, I...well, I..." Franz stammered as he spoke in front of me glancing back as we rode on Mikah. "Listen, I came here of my own will. That has never changed. I want to help you."

    "But why?" I wondered.

    "Well...because it is my duty to help people in distress."

    "Is that really the reason?"

    "Well...I"

    "I want to help you Josh, because I want to study your powers and learn from your culture and customs from the other world," Keith interrupted floating beside me as we went our way. "I am also here because it is my own decision."

    "Thank you, guys!"

    I felt relieved that these two are coming with me because they want to and it is their decision. Still I really want to know what's driving Franz, but every time he just stammers. Our next destination would be Franz's homeland, the United Cities of Caldia. It is a small constitutional republic composed of seven cities. The cities Lyane, Copre, Toulse, and Arbre are in the continent, while the other three, Arfth, Syracre, and Mulne are on islands off the southeastern seas. Syracre is the capital city and has the largest trading port in the entire world. It is a good thing the headmistress informed me of our route in advance.

    "The city of Arbre is our next destination," I covered my eyes as I looked at the sunlight-watered horizon.

    "Caldia? Well, well is perhaps someone is excited to go home?" Keith fluttered in front of Mikah asking. "Is mister knight excited?"

    "It is great to be in Caldia, but I am from Syracre and that requires us to sail south, away from the east."

    "Bummer..." Keith levitated away.

    With the sun in front of us, we were in a direct route towards the city of Arbre in the Republic of Caldia.