FOUND

FOUND
Chapter 44

AUTHOR'S POV

The new warriors stood in the dining hall, unable to leave after an impromptu announcement by a guard asking them to stay back.

Worry was etched in everyone’s face, aside from being held back in that space, Royanna had not been found for the past three days, mostly because Saphena didn't let them leave the castle, as their seven-day freedom had been cut short.

The cattle had been quiet for the days that passed by, they expected to be punished, but it didn't come.

Saphena was distant, not even a call for practice. It left them worried, lost in the imaginations of what a devious woman like Saphena would do to them.

Clio suffered more, she was in pain, crying for the loss of her friend. Royanna wasn't dead, she knew this much, but something bad had happened or was about to happen, and it made her restless, anxious, and completely broken.

She kept wondering what difference it would have made if she offered to follow her, or at least asked her specifically, where she was heading. They would have been together, even if something bad happened. Or they would have had a lead on where she was and found her.

Kithara being the main culprit for her, wasn't enough for the others, especially after the confrontation that happened the night they returned home.

Clio had barged into Sandra's quarters where Kithara was nesting because she couldn't stand Royanna and her friends.

“Where is she?” She snarled at Kithara, her eyes blazing with rage.

“What are you talking about?” Kithara asked, looking oblivious and nonchalant.

“Where is Royanna? What have you done to her?” Clio yelled at the top of her voice, raising her hand to grab Kithara, but Jira held her back.

“Calm down, Clio.” She whispered, but Clio shoved her hand off her shoulder.

“Royanna is missing because of this wench, I won't calm down, so don't tell me to.” She screamed at Jira, who was forced to take a cautious step back.

Turning to Kithara, with a deep frown, Clio asked, “Where is she?”

“Are you trying to falsely accuse me? I have nothing to do with your friend, so don't you dare try to pin her carelessness on me.” Kithara defended herself, her eyes widening with awareness.

“Don't you dare deny it, wench! You have always hated her. You were always jealous of her, and you blamed her for your own misfortunes. This was the best opportunity you had to get your revenge, by making her disappear.”

“I didn't do anything…”

“Shut up!” Another sharp scream cut through the air, silencing everyone. Only their heavy breathing could be heard.

Clio stepped forward, but Kithara was unshaken, “I hope you are happy now, that she isn't here and would get punished if she ever returns…”

“It's enough Clio, we don't need to raise any more attention here. There's no point talking to her, she would never admit it.” Jira said from behind, hoping this time Clio doesn't lash out once more.

Clio nodded, stifling a sob, “I am only leaving because I have to, but mark my words Kithara, I won't make life so easy for you, if Royanna doesn't return. Remember that.”

With that said, Clio storms out of the room, heading back to their quarters with a heavy heart and an uncertain mind.

Now, they awaited their fate as Saphena had finally stepped into the dining hall, her expression as stoic as ever, maybe even worse.

“Disappointment, is the least word to describe how I feel at this very moment. The king and I trusted you all to a brief freedom, away from the new phases of your lives as warriors. And this is how you repay us?”

With their heads lowered, Saphena could not see their expressions to convey their emotions, but she didn't need to, she could feel the guilt and remorse radiating from their silence and stiffness.

“There has been no sighting of Royanna for the past three days, it is glaring that the ungrateful cunt has escaped to the borderlands, and may have likely crossed to the other side of the realm.”

“Do you expect me to believe she left on her own accord? Without a helping hand!” Saphena accused, her voice eerily low.

A gasp of protests rose from the warriors, who lifted their wary gazes at her.

Sandra stepped forward, placing her hand on her chest, “I swear by my mother's life, Commander, I know nothing of Royanna's disappearance. I have made the mistake of trying to escape once, but never again. Please believe me…”

Ritha stepped forward as well, “Sandra is right Commander, We had nothing to do with it, we only went in search of Royanna when we learned she was missing. If anyone conspired with her on her escape, then it would be her friends. Clio, Jira, and Benedict!” Ritha confidently pointed in their direction.

Clio's eyes narrowed, lips trembling, “You lying whore!” She yelled at the top of her voice.

“It's the truth and you know it.” Ritha retorted.

“Liar! Royanna disappeared because of Kithara, she's the one behind this.” Clio ranted, glaring at the duo desperately trying to clear their names.

Jira stepped forward, “Commander we truly had nothing to do with…”

“Silence!” Saphena cut her short. “Return to your positions.” She commanded, and they obliged, retreating to their earlier positions.

“You battled and survived the greatest danger and threats in your lives. But a simple test of freedom, and you fail so woefully. It is a shame that you have brought upon the king and me. Now you will face the repercussions of your actions.”

Pure silence spread across the room, so that only Saphena's breathing could be heard as the rest held their breaths awaiting the fate of their carelessness.

Suddenly the door opens and a guard storms in with a scroll in hand. “Commander Saphena! Royanna has been found.”

The guard stops before her, handing her the scroll, “The guards sent a raven to deliver this. They are returning with her as we speak.”

While relief glossed the faces of
the warriors, Saphena’s face remained hard as a rock.

“I will inform the king.”