In the dim light of the full moon, we dashed through the night, leaping from one building to another with El's swift wind magic, attempting to lose the guards. 

With each leap, my heart grew heavier. Regret burdened me, despite my efforts to overcome it.

I knew what I had to do, but the thought that I had left my parents suffering and escaped wasn’t something I could easily let go of. 

I didn’t know if it was thanks to El’s words or maybe my past life’s experience that I could keep going and not crumble down.

Suddenly, We heard a whisper coming from the road below, "Ai, over here lads!". It was the innkeeper waving his hands for us to come down, but Eleanor expressed hesitation aloud “Hmm, I don’t know if we should trust him”. 

"Master, there don't seem to be any guards nearby. He might genuinely want to assist us," I reasoned with El. However, He remained cautious " We can't afford to trust anyone right now."

 "Hey, don't worry lads! I've witnessed what happened. I know a way out!" 

I turned to El saying "Master, we might not have another choice. Aragon has blocked the gate, so it's worth giving him a chance to help us." 

El relented, but with a warning "Alright, but we must stay alert. If you detect any suspicious behavior, be ready to flee."

With a swift wind, we hopped down next to the Innkeeper. Then Eleanor let go of us and asked, 'Both of you can walk, right?'

Ariana and I nodded in acknowledgment. Then, he turned to address the innkeeper “Thank you for offering to help us”

“Don’t mention it, Ai! I’ve seen what those soldiers did. It’s making my blood boil how unfair this kingdom is ! “ said the innkeeper as he punched the wall next to him leaving a crack “Oups Ai! I shouldn’t make a noise”

“Aren’t surprised that I’m an elf?” added Eleanor

“Who do you take me for, lad. AI! “ replied the innkeeper as he rolled his long thick mustache “I was an adventurer back in the day Ai!”

“We were fortunate to find you. Could you lead us to the exit, then? The guards might come anytime now !” said El

“Ai, Ai ! This is no time to chat. Follow me ! “ said the innkeeper as he turned around and walked in a dark alley. “I worked in construction right after I retired from adventuring. I know every corner of this city ! “ 

“Where are you leading us?” said Eleanor

“You see, Ai. This city is built on top of a series of sewer tunnels, all connected with one another leading to a narrow exit in the southern part of the citadel. We just have to break the ground below us here” explained the innkeeper as he stopped 

..huh? break what?

“Right here, Ai” 

Without any warning he kicked the ground with full force opening a hole. 

“Aight! quickly before the guards follow the noise and come ! “

We jumped down in the sewers. They were vast and dark with torches pinned to the walls slightly illuminating the path. The horrid smell on the other hand was nauseating.

As we ran through the sewers, the innkeeper led the way, followed by me, Ariana, and then Eleanor at the back. Noticing the sadness on my face, the innkeeper turned towards me and then back at the front, saying, "I don’t know how you feel, kid. Well, I doubt anyone does. But I can only say one thing: Train hard, get stronger, gather trusted allies. Then come back and blaze the ground under their feet!" 

I looked at him with a faint smile, then looked forward into the darkness of the sewers.

“AND MAN THE FUCK UP! lift your head up! you’re making your girlfriend feel sad, Ai!” added the innkeeper

I choked on my own saliva from the shock “We’re just friends !!!” I shouted with a blushed face

“Oi, oi don’t say that in front of her, Ai!” 

I glanced at Ariana and saw her running while holding her hood over her eyes.

..what's happening right now, i get that we both look the same age, but I'm too old for this!

“Luka Glynn, Are you playing around with my daughter ??” said Eleanor with a serious tone and blazing eyes 

“NO I..I SWEAR” I stuttered as I tripped on a broken floor stone falling head first into the ground. 

Everyone stopped and started laughing as I lifted my upper body up. 

Even amidst the sadness and anger, I felt my heart lighten up for a brief second. 

I joined them in laughing as Ariana rushed towards me to check up on me.

Honestly, It was a laugh I didn’t know I needed.

Running through the tunnels felt like an eternity, but finally, a glimpse of light emerged. It was the epitome of the "light at the end of the tunnel," if I ever saw one.

As we ran through the exit, a man stood there. He looked like he was in his twenties, with a weird thick mustache on his face.

“Tamal, did you bring the holf?” said the innkeeper.

“Yes father” replied the young man

Well who would’ve thought? I guess weird mustache genes run in the family. 

“Aight, Ai! take this holf, it’s the fastest in the city. I nurtured it myself”

Suddenly, screams echoed from atop the walls. "Here they are!"

“AI Ai! fast leave ! “ 

“What about you? they saw you “ I said with a worried tone.

“You can’t afford to worry about me, AI !  Go on, we’ll be fine”

With haste, we mounted the holf. Ariana sat in front, on El's hips, and I sat behind. As we sped away, I glanced back and shouted to the innkeeper, "You never told me your name!"

"Gantt! Ai! May we cross paths again, young Luka! Ai!" replied the innkeeper, before turning and disappearing into the tunnels.

I took a final glimpse at the city walls before turning away. 

"Even if the world crumbles around me, I will find my way back to you, Mom. And Gav, even if it takes everything I have, I'll return to avenge you. I swear it." I muttered to myself.