The painful journey continues
’Right!’ Sela took a deep breath, ’There is something else,
but father has forbidden me from telling anyone, even you.
There is more to this journey than everyone was told, but I
cannot tell you anything, I made a promise. Once we make it
to Deladra, I will tell you everything. Right now, I need my
brother to just trust me and help me through this stressful time.
I am requesting you to not make this anymore harder than it
already is....’
’There you are…...!’ Theo entered unannounced.
’We assumed you were asleep sire.’
’I was, till you all woke me up, and I have tried but could
not get back to sleep. What was all the ruckus about? And what
is with this fire all around, it is making me uncomfortable,’
Theo looked at Dena.
’Just to make sure any beasts stay away sire.’ Sela replied
swiftly
’I was asking Dena, not you Sela, he looks disturbed.’
’It seemed like there was something in your pavilion and
we came in to check,’ Dena paused and looked at Sela, ’It was
just a wolf, looking for food.’
’A wolf?’ Theo looked at both of them in doubt, but he
trusted Dena more than anyone, ’Did you get it?’
’It fled into the woods. You needn’t worry about it; Sela
has placed guards around your pavilion. I will escort you back,’
Dena offered.
Sela let out a deep sigh and sat down burdened as they
left.
On their way,
’Doesn’t Sela look a bit tense, worried and lost in thought?
He has always been a bit serious, but I noticed something else
since we started from Orelia.’ Theo inquired.
’It is just the burden of responsibility; you know he has
always been duty minded. He will get used to it.’
’Rest well!’ Dena greeted taking leave.
’Very well then, see you in the morning. And inform Sela,
I won’t be able to train tomorrow morning. I must get some
sleep before we resume our journey.’
As Dena walked back to the tent, the men seemed alert,
and the torches were ablaze.
’The prince is safe and back to sleep. He said he will not
be training in the morning as he lost some sleep.’ Dena stepped
in,
’Always looking for an excuse! I am trying my best here,
but it might not be enough.’ Sela rose and embraced Dena, ’I
knew you would understand.’
’I trust you more than myself brother, your loyalty is
unbound. You get some rest now; I will stay awake and keep
watch for a while.’
’Sure, but be wary.’
Dena agreed and walked out of the tent. He stayed guard
at the prince’s pavilion for a while. He then walked around
talking to the men on watch. Once he felt it was safe and silent,
he went back to rest.
Early the next morning, one of the men from the day
before came to Sela again and reported more men missing.
’How many?’
’Three sire, including my friend from yesterday,’ the man
looked both worried and sad. He did not know the cause or if
they were alive or dead. It was tragic, men were lost at war, but
this was mysterious.
’Was it before or after the incident?’
’I saw them last night when we were changing with the
next group on watch, they were there then. Pardon me sire, but
I do not know anything further.’
’Did you discuss this with anyone else?’
’No sire, but some men do know that their friends are
missing.’
’Fine, but you must not speak of this to anyone. If
everything goes according to plan, we will be on the ship
tonight anyway, so…….,’ Sela seemed lost in thought. He was
the one responsible for those men’s life’s, he was not able to
think straight and had a lot on his mind.
’Sire!’ the man called out.
’Yes! Leave for now, I am looking into it.’
The troops resumed the journey and reached port Moe by
nightfall.
Theo had never seen a port before. Stone bridges extended
to the depth of the seas, the moon shining high with its
reflection on the waters. It seemed like a town rather than a
harbour with shimmering lights from cabins and decks of
dozens of magnificent royal vessels with multiple masts and
sails that resembled enormous clouds on a dark canvas.
They stood still as the night anchored, but once let free on the
expanse, guided by the winds, they would part the water like a
blade with little need for navigation.
Theo was so delighted at the sight that he was lost for a
moment,
’I never could have imagined that a port would be so
captivating. I feel more peaceful here than in my chambers. I am
missing some wine right now.’
He had not yet finished enjoying it when,
’Load up the ships!’ Sela’s voice echoed.
’What is the hurry Sela, it would be great if we camp here
tonight.’
’Pardon me sire, we have to keep the course.’
’Sela! Didn’t you hear me, I want to spend the night here
under the starlit sky.’
’It is not safe to camp here sire.’
’What do you mean?’
’He means it is not safe to delay our plans. Don’t you
think a night on the sea would be much more enchanting than
on the mere sands?’ Dena climbed down his horse, ’Let me
escort you to your cabin on the ship and you can settle down
with a glass of wine,’ he offered.
’You might be right Dena, sailing away on deep mystic
unending waters while you enjoy a nice drink does seem
appealing. How do you always know what pleases me?’ Theo
smiled, ’What would I do without you Dena, I am glad father
sent you along.’
Sela sighed in relief as Theo and Dena boarded the ship.
He climbed down his horse and sat on one of the stones to
write a note lost in thought while overseeing everything as the
men loaded and boarded the horses.
’Have managed to reach the port in the intended time safely but
the journey hasn’t been as smooth as expected. Some of the men have
gone missing and I suspect we were being followed, not sure by whom.
I dread the moment our men are made aware of the truth. Last night
I assumed the situation would slip out of hand, but it didn’t. I do not
trust what I might have seen but securing the borders with immediate
effect is necessary,’ he snapped out of it and started writing,
………………………………
Seawall prevents the Tracks in the Sand from Vanishing.
………………………………
’This should be good for father to take action. Hope we will get to
Deladra soon. I cannot keep this up alone for long anymore. I fear
what might be coming….!’
The men were almost done boarding by then and Sela
called out to one of them. A thin young man with a hunched
nose approached, he had a scar on his left bushy eyebrow.
’Enai, you were one of the bravest men in my training
group, and I have known you since then. I am going to entrust
you with the task to deliver a message as I do not have any
emissaries at hand. I want you to head back to the kingdom
and deliver it to the king’s chief advisor Kaleo, my father. No
one else but him. This is highly confidential. Can I trust you
with this?’
’I will make sure of it, sire.’
’This is of utmost importance and urgency, do not fail
me….!’ Sela handed him the note, ’Ride straight to the castle
as fast as you can, do not stop to rest.’
’I will do as ordered sire, you have my word.’
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