Helen turned to stare at Kheal with furrowed brows. One could see a hint of confusion whirling within her ink-black eyes.
"Let's go," Kheal grabbed her hand and the entire group rushed forward. Helen was still in a confused state when she had been grabbed by Kheal and taken away deep into the forest. Only when there was no one around, did the group stop. Kheal stopped under a large tree just a few seconds before Si Sanga appeared beside them holding Lizzy.
"Let us now make a plan now there is no one watching our every move," Kheal said.
"You will stay and protect Lizzy while Helen and is go forward, but not here,"
"I came on this journey to protect Helen, leaving her to protect Lizzy, I will not be keeping my end of the bargain," Si Sanga said, glancing at Helen who seemed out of sorts, causing him to frown.
"Helen is fine with me," Kheal said.
"I did not question your ability, just fear that not doing as I promised will render the deal between Helen and myself null,"
"We get through this first. We cannot stay here. We must leave the first region before nightfall in half a full clock's turn," Kheal said.
"That's fast," he frowned.
"It is mostly night in the first section of the mountain range. When we get to the second section, you and Lizzy can find a spot to stay out of sight. The second section allows for one to stay put. It is a neutral zone where Zhylgar's light still touches," Kheal said.
"My lady, are you okay?" Lizzy stepped towards Helen.
"Helen?" Kheal asked and started to approach her before she turned sharply and released a red shield between Helen and an incoming arrow.
"An enemy attack?" they reacted fast. Si Sanga grabbed Lizzy away from the attack zone as Kheal pulled Helen out of the way of another incoming arrow.
Silence.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Kheal said to the bushes ahead.
"Lady Khalsan, please leave behind your life!" a voice croaked as ten figures appeared before their eyes.
That name again! Helen had first thought she had misheard when the master of the Silver Halls had called her that. Still, it did not stop it from messing with her emotions. Hearing it again, disbelief was written all over her face.
"The Ju Guards!" Kheal muttered under her breath as she took in their attires. Anger filled her mind. As she had thought, something must have gone wrong at home. Before she had thought she would have to be careful of enemy lands when she reached this stage, as they would not want to see her clan succeed. But she is now fighting her own clan too?
"We don't have time for this," Si Sanga said and dashed with Lizzy in his hands to the side, "Lead the way, Helen. Whatever this is, it must not make us stay in the first section till dark" even though he had called out to Helen, he was staring at Kheal when he spoke.
His words reminded her to think straight. Reigning in her anger, she pulled Helen away from the incoming arrows. These arrows were dangerous. She, herself understood her own clan weapons. Helen's eyes at this were red. One could feel a bloody aura envelop her. She looked at Kheal and the Ju Guards with these angry eyes, that better helped solidify her identity as Lady Khalsan. The guards had been warned that these two women who looked so much alike could be pretending to be each other to divert attention. Their lord had made it clear that it was possible she would do this to survive the mountains. But seeing the blood rage Helen displayed, they were sure this was Lady Khalsan. No matter who Lady Khalsan could employ, they would not be able to display blood rage. They attacked with their full might. Their order was clear; kill.