MISTRESS OF FLAME

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 32

SOLLEL'S group set out for the city of Ager early in the morning. Sollel's fake identity as El was ready, so as their wagon. Grath was the one controlling the horses, while Xeke had been on standby just in case Grath would get tired and need to rest. Inside the wagon, there were Sollel, Cira, Zassia, and Naya.

Cira was scribbling something on her book, while Zassia was cleaning her staff. Naya was sleeping close to Sollel, her head using Sollel's lap as her pillow. She looked like a tamed cat, purring in her sleep. She looked really comfortable next to Sollel, her master.

The road to Ager was not as taxing as the route they took from Belrac to Sarnau where they had to cross the barren island. Maybe because Sarnau was close to Ager, the road was wide, and they could see here and there.

And everywhere, Sollel could feel Gatria.

Her blood. Sollel clenched her first. To combat the spreading barren land due to Gatria's resentment, they used her blood. Did the kingdom know that it was Gatria killing their soil? If they knew and they didn't set her free, then they're more moronic than I thought.

After a whole day of traveling, during their first night outside, Grath and Xeke chose to camp just meters away from the road to be safe. The two slept outside, while the women stayed on the wagon.

"Zassia, are you sure about this?" Sollel asked Zassia after Zassia prayed to the Mistress of Flame, which was Sollel. But Sollel was getting used to Zassia calling her name while praying. "It will put you in danger."

Naya stirred in her sleep and made an adorable groaning sound, so Sollel caressed her hair to calm her down while waiting for Zassia's answer.

"I'm certain, Teacher." Zassia's face was filled with determination. "I don't care if I was on the wanted list. When I helped everyone in the noble's hill, I know something like this will happen, and I'm ready. I will not abandon teacher."

Zassia was always pure and straightforward. "Zassia, if you did this, you might not be able to live with your grandfather in Ager."

Zassia looked at Sollel straight in the eyes, honesty and loyalty shone in their depths. "Teacher, please let me stay by your side and accompany you in your journey. I still have so much to learn from you. Please." Zassia bowed her head. "Grant my humble request."

"And your grandfather?"

"I'll visit him and explain," Zassia said then raised her head. "Please, Teacher?"

There's no turning back anyway. After what happened in the noble's hill, Zassia was already on the radar. "Come out of this one unscathed and I will grant your request. Traveling with me is dangerous, Zassia, so to stay alive and not hold me back, you have to be strong yourself. I will not always be there to protect you, so you should train harder to be able to stand for yourself and protect yourself."

Zassia nodded earnestly, and then she excused herself and stepped out from the wagon to train her flame again.

When Zassia left the wagon and Cira was deep in her slumber, Naya opened her eyes and sat straight, facing Sollel.

"Master, I have a question."

Sollel grimaced at the word master. "Naya, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?"

Naya pouted immediately. "I am not calling you lady or miss. I don't like it."

Sollel sighed softly. "Call me whatever you like, just not master."

Naya didn't even think about what to call her; she immediately smiled and said, "Can I call you Mamma then?"

Sollel maybe looked young coming from a long-lived race, but she was definitely not. So to be called mamma didn't really bother her.