Ohber continued to argue, "I can continue treatment on the way to Earth. I may never fight again, but you admitted there would be no need to fight. The guards would be frightened by our swords. I must come. The aliens will trust me and cooperate. I am one of them. You are strangers."
"I do not want you to have to see that place again. You were locked away and tormented there. You have just returned home. We wished to spare you from returning to your prison," King Siefer explained.
"It would be harder for me to stay here. Allow me this one request. If a fight is necessary, I will stand back and leave you to it. Let me go with you."
The king replied, "It will be an honor to serve with a knight as brave as you. Your request is granted."
Nabvan suggested, "Come with me. I will see that you are fitted with a uniform and given a sword. Changes of clothing and armor will also be provided."
Ohber was measured and fitted with a uniform and clothing. He was handed a new sword. Though he had difficulty lifting it in his weakened state, it felt so good in his hand. He had missed holding a sword. It had been like living without an arm. Dressed as a true Milisarian Knight, Ohber once again felt whole. His pride returned. It was more healing than Alexis's medications.
Nabvan took him outside to breathe in the moist air of Milisaria and walk among his people. The salty smell of the ocean stirred Ohber's blood. The moons pulled forth his power. He gained strength from the planet. He would never take his life or this home for granted again. He would go on this last journey to save his friends, and then he planned to stay home for the rest of his life.
A frown appeared on Ohber's face. Nabvan asked, "Has this been too much for you? Do you need medication?"
Ohber reassured him, "I have drawn strength from this walk. I am fine. It is Valeri that concerns me. Will she go with us to Earth? Will I lose her to her world? I had not thought of these things."
Nabvan shook his head, "She is not going with us. There is too much danger for her there at this moment. She will have to decide where she wishes to be when all of this is over. Do you want her to remain here?"
Ohber said, "My answer would be yes, but I also do not wish her to be unhappy. Earth is her planet as much as Milisaria is mine. She loves her brother, and he loves her. I do not know if she can live without him. Her father will be in danger when this ends. He may be imprisoned, or worse. She may feel the need to be by his side. He is an uncaring and greedy man, but he is still her family."
"She will have some time to consider her choice while we are gone. Alexis and Queen Destiney left Earth behind. They are kind and will help her with her decision. Do not take this worry with you. Leave it here." Nabvan pointed to the sea. "Let the sea wash away your fears. You go back to Earth as a warrior. Your mind must be clear and your heart ready for battle."
Ohber knew he was right. It was the first lesson each warrior was given. Never take your common worries into battle. Focus on your job. If your mind wanders, fellow warriors will die. Their blood will be on your hands and their burdens yours to carry.
"It is time to eat and tell our women goodbye. The warship is loaded and ready to depart." Nabvan led the way to the capitol building.
The warriors ate in a secluded area of the capital. They welcomed Ohber back to their ranks. He knew many of them. They had trained with him. The younger ones were excited to meet the knight that had come back from the dead. He was a celebrity in their eyes. They had heard stories of his capture, the experiments, and Valeri's rescue. It did not seem real to them. The stories fit into the same category as the ancient heroes they heard about in school. Their interest and praise made Ohber feel uncomfortable. He had grown used to being alone, without someone to talk to. Eating had been a necessity for survival. Here, with these young knights, it was a festive occasion. They had never starved, been locked away from the sky, or felt their organs seared from the heat of electricity. It was going to be difficult to integrate himself with the knights. He longed for Valeri and her understanding eyes. With her, he had no need to pretend that he was over the nightmare of the past years. She simply held him, and everything got better. He would miss her on this journey.
It was time to face the music. He had to tell Valeri he was going on the mission to Earth. She would be scared and worried about him. She had a right to be. He was scared and worried too. Could he handle being there? He hoped so.
