"Why should you do that? Are you joking? Who wouldn't want to help our empire? Besides, you are destined to meet anyway, you just need to tell her to help our empire, that's all."
"If she wants to aid our empire, she'll do it. If I had to convince her, then I would make her do it."
"What's with this stupid rationalization? Please tell me that you have a real reason for not wanting to do it."
I look at the ground. "I don't want to believe in that destiny crap. If I meet her, I'll be the one to decide what to do."
"I see. Well, I suppose I can only wish that you'll do the right thing."
I nod. "Of course that if she looks nice, I wouldn't mind becoming her friend."
If what she is saying is true. Does that mean I'll be able to get to the capital?
"Do you know when I'll meet her?"
"No, my visions aren't that informative. If they were, destiny could change."
"I'm sure that there has to be a way to change destiny. If it even exists, of course."
"That's all I had to tell you. Please become her friend to help our empire." She is a bit amused.
"Don't get the wrong idea, my priority is with myself."
"Of course."
There is also the possibility that she could be hostile. I wonder how powerful reincarnators are.
"Oh yeah! I had something else to tell you." I say.
"What is it?"
I tell her about my recent experience with my inner soul, not sparing any details.
"I see. It's the first time I've heard of something like that. You should talk to a sage or someone specialized in souls."
I sigh. If a witch doesn't know anything about it, then I doubt anyone in Nutaarvik will.
"If not even I have heard of it. Then that inner soul thingy could be a special thing only you can do, if you learn how to use it, you could become very powerful." She looks away. "Or it could also be that you imagined it, it would make sense given the situation you were in."
"I see."
I try to remember what happened. Talking to Senka. The fragments. The white room. I don't think I could imagine something in such detail. Senka said that if I collected more fragments, I could become more powerful. I hope that's true, I wouldn't mind a special power or something.
I drink the remaining water and leave the glass of water on the table. "I should leave now."
"Sure, take care."
I nod and leave her room. Still a bit dizzy from all that sudden talk about destiny and reincarnators.
I return to my family's farm. And spend the rest of the day training with my sword, feeling pleased with the familiarity of what I can touch.
***
11 days remaining before the end of winter...
I'm in the blacksmith's shop. The only one in our village.
I approach the blacksmith in charge with a heavy pouch in my belt.
"Hey, Ailan. It's nice seeing you." He looks at my pouch. "I suppose you are going to invest it in your journey?"
"Yep." I pat my pouch a few times.
He looks at his only assistant. "I'll try to put your money to good use, but this little smithy isn't as fancy as those in the capital.
"Don't be so humble. Your work is of impeccable quality."
"I won't give you a discount for flatery." He jokes, but looks like he was pleased to hear me say that. "What do you need?"
"Whatever you recommend for a warden, I'll trust the judgment of a professional." That reminds me of what my father said, I shake those thoughts away.
"For a warden, I would recommend wearing a long gambeson. A chain mail would make too much noise, a steel plate would be too heavy and difficult to wear and maintain, and leather armor would be too weak. A gambeson is probably the best choice."
"Gambesons are a bit ugly."
He laughs. "Not if they are custom-made. I could make you an excellent custom armor just for you if you give me... let's say, six days."
"Excellent."
He proceeds to take my measures.
"I could also work in the grebs, the shoes, your shirt, etc. But that will cost you more."
"Of course, how much do you require?"
"For you? Twelve gold coins."
I put the coins in the desk.
"Do you also require a weapon, I assume, yes?"
I nod. A little sad about the now more empty pouch.
"A warden should need a weapon for close range and another for long range. I would recommend wielding a short sword and a throwing axe. You could wear the short sword in a scabbard on your left hip like you are used to, and have a throwing axe attached to your belt on your right hip."
"Why not use a throwing dagger or a bow or something like that?"
"Throwing daggers are not very powerful, you need venom to use them effectively. Bows are difficult to use, carry, and maintain. And crossbows are expensive and heavy. I heard that in the cities, some people use alchemic fire guns, but you won't be able to find any around here."
"Very well, a short sword and a throwing axe it is then. Being honest, I was never really good with bows, so I'm glad I won't have to use them."
"I could have them custom-made as well, and craft a belt and scabbard specially made for them. However, you will have to wait for another three days and give me five additional coins."
I pay him. It seems I'll have to wait a total of nine days to get them, I have enough time, but just barely.
I wasted too much time finding a buyer for that axe and selling it.
"Please, make sure you have them in time. If not..."
He stops me. "Don't worry. I won't leave our little warden empty-handed fighting monsters."
I nod and say farewell. Certain that my equipment is now in good hands. I could also talk with the saddler to see if I can buy a better saddle for my horse, but given that most of my money is now gone, it might be wiser to use the remaining money to buy supplies.