The Against All Odds

CH 33 - Prayer and Hope

Havenston, a city located within the Nabis Kingdom, falls asleep in the arms of an increasingly frozen winter. The city square, which is usually crowded with activity, is now washed away in the dark tranquility of the night. The glittering light from the street lamps scattered on the city streets became one of the light sources there apart from the moonlight.

At the edge of the fountain pool that was emitting a calm vibe, a woman stood alone. His body was tightly wrapped by a thick black robe, only his face and the tips of his fingers seemed to peek out from under the robe. His breath seemed to have turned into light white smoke, simply disappearing in the cold air.

The woman stared at the frozen pond with an indecipherable expression. In his eyes, there was a deep sadness, but there was also a small light of hope still burning. In his left hand, he tightly grasped a gold coin, twisting it gently.

A black-robed man walked calmly towards the woman standing near the pond. His breath formed a cloud of white smoke that was clearly visible in the cold air that night. The man did not immediately approach the woman, but rather stood a few steps next to her, there seemed to be a deep doubt in his heart.

The man looked straight ahead, without looking at the woman standing by his side. In a gentle, respectful tone, he spoke, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, if I still can't completely give up my habit of giving you complete respect." While speaking, he rubbed his hands together and blew on them, trying to expel the bone-chilling cold.

The woman remained calm, her eyes fixed on the sparkling fountain pool. In a soft voice, she asked the man beside her, "Arne, do you believe the story about this pond?"

The man named Arne was stunned for a moment by the question. He continued rubbing his hands together to warm himself, and white smoke continued to come out from every breath. "Yes, your majesty," he answered carefully, "the story of this pond has been widespread, of its ability to grant a sincere request."

The woman smiled faintly. "Have you ever tried to grant your own wishes, Arne?"

"No, Your Majesty." Shakes slowly.

The woman scanned the pond for a moment, as if searching for something in that clear water. Then, he crouched down carefully, gently stroking the edge of the pool composed of rocks. Arne, standing next to him, watched him respectfully.

"I certainly have a desire" said the woman in a soft voice, which was also full of decisiveness. "However, I also don't understand why I should ask him to this pond." He stood back up and looked at Arne. "But you know, Arne, at least someone has to do everything to make their wish come true, right?" His sincere smile warmed the cold air around him.

Arne felt touched by the woman's words and smile. He could feel that behind the cloak that covered his entire body, this woman had great strength and desire. "You are absolutely right, Your Majesty," he said respectfully. "I'm sure your determination and desire will guide you, even if we don't always understand why we're doing this. But I'm pretty sure that you'll definitely make it."

The woman smiled. He then crouched down on the edge of the pool, then tossed his gold coins into the quiet pool. The sound of water filling the night air. The woman expressed her passion in simple yet meaningful words, "I just want to meet my sister. That's all." He saw the gold coin sink into a quiet pond, hoping that a miracle would happen soon.

...----------------...

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Further south of the Winterhedge Continent, a group of adventurers were walking amid the vast prairie, warm sunlight radiating from the blue sky. A gentle breeze whipped through the tall grass that swung gently. In the distance, there is a hill up to the mountain towering.

Barla, one of the five people, put her hands behind her head while talking casually. "So, you guys are looking for gold coins to buy teleportation scrolls huh?" ask her while smiling widely. His voice was carefree, and he looked very relaxed.

The handsome young man named Leo, nodded. "Yes, Barla. As you've heard, we need the scroll so we can get away from this place."

Their other friends listened seriously. They knew how important the teleportation scroll was for their next mission.

"So, do you know where you're going?" asked Barla again in a curious tone.

Leo paused his steps for a moment, thinking of the right answer. "Maybe we'll go West" replied Leo, looking westward. "Because in the West, we won't find any great empire."

"In the West, we can also get away from the center of crowds and politics." Belladona was reading a book in her hand.

Barla nodded in understanding, yet she remained curious. "So, you don't want to join any kingdom do you? It's a pity, when you have great strength."

Leo just smiled, "you know, right, Barla, we'd rather go on our own adventures. Not being tied to the kingdom makes us more free. Don't you do that too?"

Barla, with both her hands fixed behind her head, replied, "That's how, that's why I chose to join you. Working in the tavern all day was long boring."

Alisha, who had been listening to their conversation, suddenly told them to shut up. Alisha cautiously asked Belladona if she had heard the voice. Belladona nodded slowly, his eyes focused on the tall grass around them.

A rustling sound drew closer, and tension began to be felt between them. Leo, swiftly, pulled the sword from its sheath nimbly, allowing its cold light to sparkle in the sunlight. Matilda clenched her hands together, looking at the wrinkle line on the glove she had obtained from Mr. Balfam. His previously calm matan, suddenly turned fiery red in response to the approaching threat.

Next to Leo, Barla took out a fairly large double-edged axe, she firmly held the weapon with both hands. Barla's sister, Glint, who had previously looked so reserved, cupid and jaded, circulated her four eyes with fear emanating clearly from her pale face, may this adventure give her some courage.

They stood facing towards the approaching rustling sound. The tension mounts, once in a while they look at each other, reflecting the heightened vigilance between them.

Suddenly something they were waiting for appeared, to their surprise.