Chapter 22 FOES AND ALLIES
Under the scorching noonday sun, Elroy trots his horse through a valley of hay, "I know it's been a long day Celsius but I can't let you eat this unhealthy hay, Jacob gave warnings to take good care of you." Celsius snorts as though it understood Elroy "I know Celsius, there should be a town after that bridge up ahead" gazes at the wooden flyover held at bay by thick ropes "we are going to dig in on radish soup"
After a while they passed through the ninety meter wooden flyover then through a pathway running through a corn field, soon after, they entered a town. Nacroy was the name of this large Western town, Nacroy was known for their fresh fruits and vegetables; the town was always hectic right from dawn till dusk. Seeing the large crowd Elroy dismounts Celsius then continues on foot, gently pulling Celsius along by the reins. He continued through the crowd until he got to a red tent vegetable stall, were he stopped to take a good look at the huge, fresh, juicy radish.
"I need eight of those?" Elroy demanded, pointing at the crate of neatly arranged radish.
"That would be five silver petals" replied the grumpy looking, tan skinned man whose hands were folded on his broad chest.
"Really" Elroy asked calmly, staring back at the man.
"Just joking with you lad" the man cracked into laughter "ten bronze petals would do"
Elroy reached his hand into the small coin pouches by his side then counts out ten bronze coins.
"In case you haven't noticed, you are being followed" the man warned.
Elroy offers the ten bronze coins to the man then narrows his eyes to the side were three murky looking men stood, whispering to each other, then he stares back at the vendor, "Thanks for the warning, where can I find a place to rest?" asked Elroy as he receives the small brown sack of radish from the vendor.
"Continue ahead then take a left turn, you should see an inn at the end of a junction called Margret’s Tavern"
"Thank you" Elroy appreciated then tosses a silver coin at the man "that's for the warning"
"I knew you had silver on you" the man said with a smile.” Elroy waved at the man then continued his journey.
Seventeenth hour
Rune Clan
The town was loaded with people undergoing various tasks and the streets blossoming with colorful decorations. An annual celebrate was being held, it was a time to drink and eat with out restrictions, every item in the town was made free until the Twentieth hour.
Immediately Prince Phil and Tony stepped out from a Pub holding a crate of rum each, they met face on with six knights vested in purple armor obstructing their path.
"Can we help you?" Tony asked crossly
"Let me handle this Tony." Phil interrupted "I'm sorry if we are doing something wrong, but we are new here."
"You are highly welcomed Prince Phil" a flawless lenient voice spoke from behind the Knights. The knights then gave way in threes, facing each other, allowing Phil and Tony to set their eyes on an average height beauty, having long straight brunette hair, glowing with her fine-tuned brown skin bringing out the glow of her warm honey eyes shielded by her long eye lids and her round peach lips gave her a stunning look capable of arousing the opposite sex.
She was vested in purple piping, side lace leather sleeveless armor, proving her to be a warrior.
"This is strange, who are you?" Phil asked, surprised at the unfolding event but engorged in the magnificent beauty of the young lady.
"I am Barbra...." Tony chuckled inwardly trying to stop himself from laughing on hearing the name, forcing Phil and Barbra to gaze at him.
"Sorry about that, I had a slight cough" Tony assured, his eyes almost wet from holding himself from laughing.
"I am Barbra Cole" she continued "second in command of the Ramanian forces."
"Alright Commander, how did you come to know my identity, I've never been to the Southwest."
"My sources informed me of a Western prince on our soils, besides the Levia household is a popular one, your highness"
"Surely you know what will become of Ramenia if harm comes to me."
"We won't dream of incurring the wrath of King Eric, instead King Samson Bernard has invited you to the palace."
"Such hospitality, what's his gain?"
"The Prince of Lance is safe, no war comes to us and a good opportunity for an alliance is formed."
"You mean business, Commander Barbra"
"We will be honored to have you with us" bows
"Let's get going then" Phil urged
Kingdom of Lance
Lance Harbor
Twentieth hour
King Isaac Lupin stood before a window drinking from a chalice while gazing at the sparkles the reflection of the moon and stars casted on the still ocean. After a while, a knock came on the door, drawing his gaze to the door.
“Leonard” he called out with surprise
“No my Lord, Silas”
"Oh, what do you need?”
“Commander Leonard is here with Princess Atari”
"What? That was quick” he spoke curiously, placing the chalice on a table, then walks over to the door and opens it “Where’s Leonard then?”
“He stands with Princess Atari”
"Alright, let’s join them”
On deck Princess Atari and Commander Leonard stands side by side in front of seven rare guards, but there was no sign of the Farancian troop on board. The cabin door opened up, allowing King Isaac to walk through accompanied by Silas, walking up the stairs King Isaac could see how beautiful and fully grown Atari had become. As soon as he got a good view of the deck he caught no glimpse of his warriors, looking back at Commander Leonard he could see the pain in his heavy eyes, suggesting that something was wrong.
King Isaac immediately drew his sword then the warrior behind him slashed his leg, bringing him to his kneels with a cry. Before the warrior could cut him down King Isaac plunged his sword into the warriors’ torso, turning back to Princess Atari, a sword plunged into his gut.
King Isaac squealed in pain then raised his gaze only to see Leonard holding the sword, blood flowing out the side of his mouth, King Isaac peered into Leonard's red heavy eyes.
“Why?” King Isaac asked with a dense gasp
“He belongs to me now” Atari assured as she walks up to Leonard “Hara-kiri” she ordered
Leonard immediately pulled his sword out of Isaac as he groans; allowing him to fall backwards, then Leonard impaled himself, directly through his heart. He went on his knees, blood slowly streaming out his mouth then he bowed his head.
“This is revenge from Eric” Isaac concluded then gazed at Atari “I have no regrets for what I did”
"Actual, you do, letting my father live” Atari assured
“This act will not be over looked by North Farancia”
Atari smirked at Isaac then turned her back against him, "My father won't make the same mistake you and your team made" glares at the rare guards “Burn down the ship and two others” she ordered then walks away.
In the deep of night, three figures look down from the top of a hill at a kingdom burning up in flames, wails and cries of agony echoed out from the flames, even to the hill top.
“It’s time to go my queen” the huge male figure urged “the Lancian soldiers may have noticed we escaped.”
“Feast your eyes on the wickedness of man” the queen spoke then turns to the younger male “behold the terror of the Levia house hold, let it sink in Kyle, let it run deep my son.”