Chapter 51. Queen Eternal

NABU

Battered, beaten, and bruised, I lay on a horse’s back while the intelligent beast hops through the forest paths, meandering and steering past giant trees, roots, and ancient landmarks. It seems to have mastered its way home so I let it on its own, the Knife-life pains and aches trailing my body, a testament to the open wounds I sustained in the heat of battle.

“Breathe, Nabu. It’s only temporary, a necessary turmoil you must endure for the greater good,” I keep whispering to myself as the pain grows unbearable. These words, although incoherent, stimulate some feeling of relief inside me, the peace accompanying it washing over me and seemingly overshadowing my baring aches. I find solace in the gentle breeze that sweeps by, whispering comfort into my ears. Nevertheless, by the time the horse halts, I notice I can barely move.

Weakened by the hours of aggression, the power of the Ovie leaving me has become the bane of me. Now I am nothing but a lightweight leaf