Warren woke up before the sun rose, getting up despite feeling tired. The strange dreams had returned, though this time Rei wasn’t present. Instead, Warren had seen a young woman in a tattered, bloody dress, her face covered by a bloodstained veil.

“Come quickly,” she pleaded quietly, the wind whipping her platinum blonde hair around her thin frame.

“Who are you?” he asked, but the winds quickly picked up and she disappeared. That was when he had woken up in a cold sweat.

Warren went to the main room to make some tea, careful not to wake Duncan. He mulled over everything as he sat at the table.

Who was that girl? he wondered. Why was she calling to me, of all people?

He hoped he’d get some answers once he got to Edrys. In the meantime, he decided to make an omelet and grab his old stuff next to the front door. He couldn’t help smiling as he looked at his armor and equipment. Everything was exactly as it had been before he fell ill; shiny silver chestplate and leg guards, thick gloves, and tall boots. However, his old clothes had been replaced by newer, warmer things; a white and gray tunic with matching pants, as well as a cloak with the same pattern. Duncan had explained while sewing these things that the pattern would act as camouflage in the snow, and Warren couldn’t help grinning like a child as Duncan spoke. He eyed his rucksack, which lay nearby. Inside was a vial wrapped in cloth that contained a clear, bubbling liquid. He carefully wrapped it back up and returned it to his bag, realizing this was Lady Rosa’s potion. He continued to rummage through the rucksack and found a bundle of clothes similar to his. Duncan had mentioned making new things for Rei, and Warren smiled gratefully, silently thanking Duncan on Rei’s behalf. He closed his pack and returned the table as quietly as he could, but apparently not quietly enough.

“Good morning, Sir Warren,” Duncan muttered groggily.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

He stood, joining Warren at the table. Warren handed him a cup of tea.

“Thank you.” He was silent for a moment. “Are you…nervous for today?”

Warren had to laugh. “’Nervous’ is putting it mildly. I feel like I’m going to throw up. Or explode.”

Duncan laughed nervously. “You scare me sometimes.” He wrapped his arm around Warren’s shoulders and Warren gave him a sad smile. He hadn’t realized it, but he’d started crying.

“Shit,” he said, angrily wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I would be bawling if I were in your place.”

Warren raised an eyebrow. “Honestly?”

Duncan laughed, embarrassed. “Yeah.”

Lady Rosa joined them about an hour later, handing Warren two papers as she explained what he would need to do.

“Make your way through the courtyard. Pick as few fights as possible. You’re not there to pick fights, got it?”

Warren nodded. “So this map,” he began, gesturing towards one of the papers he’d been given.

“It’s a diagram of the courtyard and part of the castle. I don’t want you wasting time being lost and confused. No point in that. This will lead you right to the throne room. And here’s where the second item comes in. That’s a letter from me to the king and queen asking for their help. I’m sure they could lead you to Rei, and they’ll probably be more willing to help if you don’t beat up their soldiers.” She gave Warren a knowing look and he blushed.

“How soon do I leave?”

“As soon as you’re ready.”

Her reply gave him butterflies in his stomach. This was it. He was leaving soon, and soon he’d be reunited with Rei. It was almost too good to be true.

A little optimism wouldn’t kill you, he thought.

Warren quickly finished his breakfast, grabbing his clothes and rushing back to the bedroom to change. Duncan helped him with his armor’s straps and as he fastened his sword belt around his waist, he began feeling like his old self again. He pulled the new cloak on over his rucksack, all too aware of its important contents. He opened the door and stepped outside, eyeing the early morning sun as it peaked out over the mountaintops. Warren turned around to acknowledge Duncan and Lady Rosa.

“I-I guess this is goodbye for now,” he said, his voice catching in his throat.

Duncan smiled sadly. “I eagerly await your return,” he said, charming and formal as always.

Warren turned to Lady Rosa, and to his surprise she pulled him tightly into a hug, warm and motherly.

“Take care of yourself, y’hear?”

He nodded, grinning. “I’ll be back soon.”

As he ran off toward Castle Edrys he shouted, “I promise!”