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[The Forest of Arden - Enroute to “Arden” Dungeons]

Alex lifted his eyes. 

Far above the canopy and mountains, a full white orb hung. 

With an icy cloud encircling it, it appeared as an eye staring down at him. 

Further into the inky darkness of the late spring sky, her companions twinkled with multiple colours. 

One in particular, brighter than its peers, shone consistently amber, its reddish hue made it easily distinguishable from the others.

***

**

*

**

Toward the horizon, a large moon beckoned. 

Far behind, colourful flags lazily fluttered from businesses and homes for a harvest festival never observed.

The decorations only further lent an eerie and ominous air within the city.

Of the few citizens about, for a curfew was in effect, fear could be seen plainly on them as they darted to their destinations. 

Everything had escalated quickly since their treasonous discussion.

Strewn across Shining, broken, sunken ships. 

Islands burned. Their sandy coastlines littered with corpses were most foul and stank. 

Well fortified forts and lush seaside villages were lost. And with little resistance, the southerners pushed east. 

Now they waited, taunting the western gates of the city.   

Yet Anna seemed hopeful; having received another short letter from Ren shortly before their departure for Arden.

And with the southern prince presently in tow; having managed to escape being discovered in their misdeed, they continued onwards. Away from the city and into the thick of the dark forest. 

Anna led the way, mostly because she had been stationed near the eastern province and became familiar with the area. 

To one horse Violet and Jerry shared and followed close. 

Upon a third horse and still manacled by the wrists, was Alex. Borne along with Anna by the reins not far behind.

A wet chill was in the air. It permanently stuck onto his face as they rode at a comfortable pace.

The silver orb above hid yet glowed white behind a sheet of cloud. 

Breaking him free from its entrancing light, the words of one 

Jerry: Have they really? 

His weight steadily grew heavier against her back. However, at Anna’s words, Violet felt Jerry perk up pulling the reins slightly as he did 

Anna: It’s true.His Majesty’s men from the north have arrived.

Jerry: Then the war will end soon!

Anna: Mm. I suppose by now they’ve already begun to reclaim the islands. And when word spreads, the rats would begin to scatter from our gates.

Jerry: That’s wonderful! 

Alex: …

Jerry: But weren’t there sightings of southerners near the swamps? Have they really made their way so far north into the province? Then the eastern gate- there weren't that many men on the walls when we left. They could still-

Anna: It’s all hearsay. Don't take it to heart. They mean only to distract and have us…fearful of nothing.

Besides, should it happen to be true, there’s another group on the mainland. From here to the border, the Imperial army will be rid of them. All of them.

Over her shoulder Anna glanced.  

Then came a low whinny and quickened trot from her horse causing Alex to lurch forward. 

Anna: Soon the eastern gates will be just as heavily defended- if not already. No southern rats will be sneaking their way through any doors or holes in the walls.

Jerry: Then what about..

And without anything further being said, all knew, including Alex, that he was the subject now spoken of.

Jerry: There's no longer any reason for us to- y’know…

Anna: Agreed

Quite relieved, Jerry sighed and added

Jerry: We can hand him over to His Majesty’s men or better yet, leave him here. They’ll come looking and find-

Anna: A bit late for that. And our heads’ll be looking up at us by morning if we do.

Violet: A change of plans then?

Anna: Mm. Change of plans

Jerry: I’m sorry, what? What is changing?

Anna: No need to be concerned, Vi and I discussed it briefly before we left..

Jerry: Uh-

Unexpectedly, Anna came to a stop 

Anna: ..Here's as good a place as any.

She wasted no time in dismounting and made for the lead connecting her horse to the southerner’s.

Alex could tell that she intentionally avoided looking up at him as she undid the taut knot.

Anna: Down, southerner.

The crunch of dirt sounded beneath his feet. And the next he knew, she had an axe in hand.

With her chin, she pointed toward a boulder off the path and ordered

Anna: Go now. Place your hands atop it.

He had instantly obeyed her initial instruction. 

However, in seeing the drawn weapon, he remained where he stood in silent opposition. 

-- It’s alright, Alex

He turned. 

A bow draped across her and a quiver of arrows at her hip, it wobbled as Violet approached with a reassuring smile upon her face. 

She then repeated while nodding

Violet: It’s alright

Alex: …

Anna clicked her tongue with impatience before warning

Anna: Come on now. We can’t remain in one place for too long.

Jerry: Do you think we were followed?

Jerry anxiously questioned, his horse turning in place.

Past the tree line and into the forested darkness he nervously peered. 

Anna didn’t answer, wanting her full attention upon the southerner., instead, Violet replied

Violet: It’s quiet. Should anyone be, we would’ve heard them approaching

Anna generously gave everything. 

The repeated clanging punctuated the heavenly silence. 

It echoed unnaturally all around until through unrelenting brute force, the chain’s link finally broke apart freeing Alex.

Satisfied, Anna stood tall and warned

Anna: Try anything untoward southerner and I’ll-

Violet: He won’t, Anna.

Alex: ….

Violet: He won’t.

Anna: Mm.

He had to admit, from when last he saw her, small and weak, she was quite imposing. 

Bold and tall and still eyeing down at him, she stated

Anna: Don’t think we came for you because we cared. We don’t.

She swiped at her brows then returned to her horse.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

And for Jerry’s nerves to not combust, she next spoke to him explaining

Anna: We won't bother to take him across the border..

Alex: …

Anna: ..There’s a known encampment of southerners occupying Harandale, we’ll leave him off near there. He could warn his people that we’re coming for them.. it’ll make the chase for the Imperial army more fun

Jerry: Ah!- No. This was not what we- Crazy. This is crazy! You’re crazy.

Anna: ….

Needless to say, Anna chose to ignore Jerry and his complaints and his growing list of questions and tended to her horse.

Hiding the soft silvery light of the moon, a shadow fell over him. 

It was Violet. 

And while Alex slowly stood to his full height, she said apologetically

Violet: Try not to think harshly of her, she didn’t mean any of that

Alex: …

Violet: Here

But Alex only glanced from the object in her hand, then to her then back again. 

Violet: Take it

He made no movement to. 

Only his clear eyes moved as they focused upon her face once more. 

So, she gently repeated

Violet: Take it. In case of- Should there be anything..you’ll need to be able to defend yourself

A weapon. A longsword still in its scabbard. 

He accepted and observed its simple hilt. 

Lifting his head, he then saw the playful smile upon her face

Violet: And in return…there is something you must give me

Though low in spirits, Alex couldn’t help but give a thin smile as he replied

Alex: There is nothing I can give 

Violet: Mm. But there is- You can give me your word.

Alex: …

Violet: Can you- Will you…will you ask of your people, your brother, when we return you to him-

So many have died- innocents..Plead with him, please.  This war can continue no longer. 

Convince him somehow to end the war- he need fight no longer when he has what he came in search for..tell him..won’t you?

Alex: …

Violet: For his men’s sake…for everyone’s. Will you do this?

It wasn’t only her, the others observed him as well. Waiting with bated breath for his reply.

Alex dared not glance in Anna’s direction but wondered what she would do should he refuse. From her gaze, he could already feel an intense fiery glare directed his way.

Violet, however, stared expectantly up at him still waiting on his reply.  

Softly, he eventually answered

Alex: I shall. I promise

Smiling widely, Violet nodded once saying

Violet: Very well…Good

She made to return to Jerry but Alex stopped her, taking hold of her arm. 

His voice painfully gentle, he said 

Alex: Thank you..

Violet: …?

Violet simply gave a small nod. 

Hesitantly, he continued to speak but cutting him off, Anna loudly called

Anna: Alright! Enough of that now. 

She motioned herself forward, reins in hands, and resumed to take lead of the group.

Anna: We need to continue moving along and cover as much ground as possible before dawn. Until then, we can’t-

Anna next loudly swore. 

And slowly and one by one from within the shadows, her reason for doing so began to emerge.

➵