The Winds of the Past [Rune Factory 4]

Chapter 42

At the top of the tower Leon Karnak, I continued to focus on channeling energy to Avani long after I reached the point of collapse. Whenever I thought I couldn’t maintain the flow one more second, the thought of her fighting not only for her life but for all our lives gave me the strength to go on, first another moment and then yet another.

Then without warning, after what might have been hours or days or even minutes, there was a change in the flow of energy through me. I don’t know to describe it other than that there was a sudden increase in the flow, as if filling a void that hadn’t been there moments before. Already weakened by my exertion, the increased drain nearly brought me to my knees. Then, just as suddenly as it started, it ceased. The channels were closed; the energy that continued to flow through me for a few moments afterwards merely dissipated. I dropped down on my hands and knees, gasping for breath, sweat dripping from my brow to the stone terrace.

“What is it? What’s happened?” Forte demanded anxiously as they all crowded around me. I slipped to the ground and lay there panting, unable to reply.

In response to my collapse, Volkanon pulled some dried fruit out of his pack and fed it to me. Soon I could stand again, and I gazed up towards the aerial fortress as I answered Forte’s question. “I… I don’t know. Something suddenly drew a massive amount of energy from me, then it stopped as suddenly as it started and the flow of energy ceased. I don’t know what it signifies.”

The others joined me looking skyward, and as we peered at the far-off fortress, my keen eyes caught a miniscule shape departing, soaring towards Selphia. Tiny as the figure was, I was able to discern Venti’s form. However, I couldn’t rejoice yet—it was impossible to tell at that distance if she was alone or if Avani was with her.

“It… it’s Venti, flying towards the town. But I can’t tell if Avani is with her or not—she’s too far away!” I exclaimed in frustration as I stumbled towards the ladder. Volkanon grabbed my arm and forced another large portion of dried fruits into my hands, insisting I eat it before trying to walk. I bolted it and immediately felt reenergized. We all hurried back down the tower, keeping an eye out for the dragon’s form in the sky.

Finally as we emerged from the barren no-man’s lands around the tower into the lush greenness of the Selphia Plains, Venti soared overhead. Craning my neck, I felt relief wash over me, leaving me giddy—there on her back, clinging to her neck, was Avani, her hair rippling out behind her like a silky green banner. The others jumped and danced with glee, but all I could do was stand there, grinning like an idiot as I waved to her. When she glanced down and saw me, she raised her hand in a return salute. Then she blew me a kiss, and I felt weak in the knees, such was my elation.

Although I was eager to return to town, we nevertheless traveled more slowly than when we’d departed. I was still fatigued, and the others were tired, too, unused as they were to such activities. When we reached the town gate, Xiao ran on ahead, closely followed by Forte. I felt strangely nervous, though; relieved as I was that Avani appeared to have emerged victorious—and most importantly, alive—I wondered if she would resent that I abandoned her, even if I was following her orders. It was irrational and ridiculous, and I knew it was so. But I couldn’t help myself.

I trailed along behind the others, and by the time I reached the courtyard, Avani was already chatting merrily with them, laughing and smiling her dazzling smile, her luminous green eyes shining. She glanced in my direction as I strolled over, and if I thought she was radiant before, it was as nothing compared to the way her face lit up when she saw me.

“Leo!” she cried, bounding over to me. “I’m so glad to see you! Are you okay? All the time I was fighting, I kept thinking of you and worrying about you. And thank you, Leo, for all your help. I could never have beat him on my own.” She took my hand and gave it a squeeze as she looked up at me, and I smiled at her, my fears quieted for the moment by her evident delight at our reunion.