Chapter 6 - Freedom

"Mitsumi Takehoshu. Do you swear to defend Asmana with every breath you take?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to uphold the laws within the land, and to punish those who break it?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to defend the monarch of Asmana whenever times of crisis arise?"

"I swear."

"And do you swear to, if nessecary, kill the monarch of Asmana for commiting crimes against the land?"

"I swear."

Queen Sharyn rose from the ornate seat. Despite knowing her for 3 days now, Mitsumi was still surprised by how tall she looked when she did that. "Mitsumi Takehoshu. By my right as Queen, I officially appoint you as an Enforcer of Asmana. Arise."

"I thank you, Your Highness." She stood up. "Your appointment does me a great honour." She shuddered a little at the last word.

"Let us not speak of honour so soon after such a time of crisis." The Queen informed her. Mitsumi could tell she was trying to help her forget about the horror she'd just been through. The gesture lifted her heart a little. "I have secured permanent residence for you in Bluegrass. The house's name is Honeydew." The Queen's aide handed Mitsumi a stainless key. "Your son has also been given a key, though my advisers doubt he'll use it often. Your life is now Asmana's, but your fate is still your own. Go now, and remember, Enforcer: Serve with Distinction."

Mitsumi gave a small bow as the Queen retook her seat. On her way through the castle, a messenger handed her a note that was written-and folded-very neatly "If you need to get some grief out the Asmanan way, I will be coordinating the cleanup of the airship wreckage and organizing the burials of the dead for a while. Be well and stay safe, sister-in-arms. Rebecka Victoria."

How a princess could be so skilled at fighting and so formally polite was beyond Mitsumi. The mother turned to the messenger and spoke solemnly "Kindly tell the Princess that I appreciate the offer, but more fighting is the last thing on my mind right now." He gave a nod and took the note with a sad smile.

The walk to the carriages seemed to take no time at all. Nor did the carriage ride to Bluegrass. Yet the walk to her new home seemed to take an eternity. The act of putting on foot in front of the other seemed so draining, like she was walking out of her old life. She supposed she was, in a way.

Her new home was small and humble, despite being two floors high. She only saw it by the honeycomb pattern on the oak door. She pushed open the door without a creak and looked around. It was a modest place, with a dining table to the right and a stone-lined fire pit for cooking in the back. To the right of the pit was a polished stone counter, a washbucket already placed upon it. Shelves and storage containers lined the left side, except some stairs that headed upwards. A quick trip up the stairs showed two bedrooms, one small with a bed and wardrobe, the other with a chest and a slightly larger bed.

A glint from downstairs caught Mitsumi's eye: a circle of foil covered something on the table. Heading down and peeling it off, Mitsumi smelled an apple pie. It was very recent: it was still steaming slightly. A gift from the Queen, she suspected. She sat in the chair, picked up a fork and began to eat, not really tasting the flavour. 

It was so strange. No orders. No family to serve. No family to hunt. For the first time in her entire life, Mitsumi was free. And that terrified her. What on earth was she supposed to do now? 

Hmm... She had heard rumours about a land far away from Asmana where the lost could find their paths. A peaceful and relaxing place for meditation. Supposedly, a water dragon dwelled there. That part was likely exaggerated, but Mitsumi found the idea of heading there strangely appealing. If nothing else, she needed some peace in her life.

It was decided then. She'd gather some supplies, maybe sharpen her sword at the blacksmith's, then set off. Hopefully, the witch doctor could point her in the right direction. Mitsumi ate the last of the apple pie, noting that she could taste it now, before placing the foil in the litter can and the plate in the washbucket. She grabbed her sword from besides the table and headed out the door.