The cells beneath the courtrooms were still cold, even with several guards and the royal messenger standing beside the judge. The cell door was open, but Myra was still trapped by the men. Their postures all told of strict men with rigorous training and courteous mannerisms – if you had a worthy title, that is.

“Miss Kala, our Majesty has graciously allowed you out on a bail of sorts. Instead of money, our Majesty has demanded magic.” The judge began as the messenger rolled his papers back into a flute. “We will provide you with a guardsman. He will be your keeper on the journey, and he will report back to us multiple times during your trip. If you try to escape or lead him astray, he will have no problem sentencing you to death with immediate effect.” The judge’s eyes were so sharp they prickled Myra’s skin. 

She swallowed, her dry throat scratching with the movement. “I accept.” But her voice was steady and loud.

“I accept too!” Dacien cut across the several guards in voice only. He gripped the bars of the cell beside Myra’s, his knuckles as white as they could go. His voice was not as steady.

Myra turned in shock, but narrowed her eyes at him, hoping it would make him back down. He smiled at her, tight and nervous. 

“I don’t care who goes on this trip, just as long as you’re successful.” The judge crept further into Myra’s cell with an unspoken threat. “I hope for both our sakes that you are, successful.”

He soon took his leave, along with the guards and the messenger, until only one man stood on the other side. 

A guard dressed like all the others, minimal armouring across his chest, a cap covering his hair and trousers tucked into heavy boots. Myra felt unease from his presence alone. When his gaze met hers, she shivered. Eyes of red stared her down.

“I will not be taking more than one person on this journey.” He spoke, low and dispassionate. 

Myra stayed put, but looked between Dacien and the guard. He made her uncomfortable, though she couldn’t say why. Maybe it was his scary appearance or the aloof atmosphere that surrounded him. Sure, he was dressed like a royal guard, but his posture wasn’t the same; he almost looked relaxed. He looked like he didn’t care.

Dacien cared too much, Myra could tell. He was worried; his hands had begun to shake despite the bars they wrapped around. His eyes pleaded with Myra to let him come despite them both knowing Dacien would truly be of no help on such a fruitless journey.

Myra didn't even know which way North was!

But he could provide comfort. A sense of normality. A friendly face.

“He’s coming with us.” Myra stated, taking her first steps outside of the cell.

The guard didn’t change. “No.” He said.

“He-” Myra began, searching the floor as if it could provide her with answers. She had to think quickly. “He…He’s been to the village near the magic of the north! He knows the area better than I do. He’d be useful to us.” She spun the lies with confidence, straightening her back the more she spoke.

“My–” Dacien dropped his hands, threw a smile on his face with haste. “Yep! She knows the long journey, but I’m more familiar with…the village! And I want to help.”

The guard’s emotions were unreadable; the only change to his face was the dancing of his eyes between the two. He turned away, blunt voice leaving words behind as he headed for the door. “He can join us if he can get out of his cell before I leave.”

Dacien wasted no time, his hands were on the bars of his cage quicker than Myra could look. The stiff rattles of metal dampened their hopes; the door wouldn't budge.

Myra’s head darted around for anything to use, anything to open the damn cell. Magnolia placed a warm hand upon her shoulder, a soft smile on her lips. She held out a pinch of tea leaves from the pouch she had packed for Myra. They were dried up, sure, but they were botanical.

Myra hastily took them from Magna’s hand and forced the pinch inside the keyhole. Her fingertips sparked green, and branches broke out from within, rose hip berries exploded like confetti. The metal clanged and slowly drew open, no longer able to obscure the smiling face of Dacien just beyond. 

“You’re so cool.” He mumbled. It made Myra frown.

“Let's go!” She said, almost scolding, not appreciating the look Dacien was giving her. But before she could take any steps, Magna took her hand.

“I have a request, before you go.” She began, her eyes pleading with a desperation that made Myra uneasy. “You won’t like it, but please.”

Myra turned to face her and hesitantly asked, “What is it?”

“My granddaughter. I want her to join you.”