The carriage continued to rattle down the road. For the most part, it had been a rather peaceful trip, even if I was going to somewhere with the word " Dredge" in it. We had been travelling for almost a day and the sun began to set over the horizon.
The guards all decided that we should take a break.
What had surprised me is that they let out Kibbles, Loki and I and allowed us to sit down wherever we pleased. It was not like we were not being watched but even now as I was being exiled it seemed my family name carried great weight amongst the soldiers.
Some even stood near me and explained how a family member or another had helped them in their time of need. It was really nice to hear the various stories as I snacked on some of the food that the guards brought along.
It looked like we were all going to camp here for the night. Obviously, Kibbles, Loki and I would all sleep in the carriage but the guards started to set up some makeshift tents as well as some campfires.
Since it was summer the night air became cool. Since the moon was tucked behind some clouds, the sense of danger was heightened and everyone including myself was half keeping watch and half resting.
What surprised me was that the danger had come sooner than expected and our caravan was attacked. I heard the hum of the trees change which alerted of the enemy. I shouted for everyone to draw swords and just had we became ready as an arrow was fired.
We were heavily outnumbered as people wearing black from head to toe starting fighting with us. The guards who were supposed to take me to the dredge lands were taken out one by one without much time for anyone to even take a breath.
Loki, Kibbles and I were doing our best to save as many people as we could. The last of us, ten in total, were in a circle defence holding back the droves.
All had seemed lost before two more groups of people appeared and joined in the fray, There were only ten or so extra helpers that joined but their magic overwhelmed the enemy. I had known as soon as I had seen their first couple of shots on magic were fired.
The enemies had dropped and there was only a few of the caravan guards, Loki, Kibbles, myself and the people who had helped me left.
" You have some pretty good friends," Loki said as he sheathed his sword.
One after another they removed their masks.
Rinny, Wen Wen, Guard and Romeo were first then it was Riku and Setsu and finally Princess, Leopold and Nathan.
They all looked at each other before they pointed and laughed.
" You guys came too huh?" Leopold said.
Riku walked towards me the guards who were supposed to take me to the Dredge Lands still had their swords out prepared for battle.
" Do not worry they are not here to take me away," I said to one of the guards.
They all looked at each other apprehensively and sheathed their swords. It wasn't until Loki had begun to help them tend to their wounded that they finally understood I really had no intention of leaving and calmed down.
Riku and Rosli both charged up to me.
Riku looked at Rosli.
Rosli looked at Riku before she paused for a minute and allowed him to approach me first.
Riku looked me up and down before grabbing my shoulders and lowered himself to hug me. He was still wearing his thunder gloves which had a couple of specks of blood on them. I was truly grateful to see him.
He was one person that I had truly missed all this time.
" Have.. have you been well? I came as soon as I could. Setsu said you may be in trouble." Riku said into my ear.
" I am.. Okay, thank you for helping me." I replied as I rested my chin on his shoulder.
" Of course I would help,silly" Riku said in a small voice that only I could hear.
The moment didn't last for long before I was swarmed with people checking me one after another. After everyone had taken their turn until only Romeo and Rosli were left.
Rosli had taken me off to the side because she said she wanted to talk privately with me. Considering that she had just saved my life I couldn't decline and we found a quiet place to sit.
" Yuki do you remember when we first met? Your father had gone to such great get us to play together...I miss those times" Rosli said as she rested her head on her clenched fists.
" mm I remember," I said quietly. I couldn't actually remember but for the sake of argument, I just decided to agree with her.
" About the engagement…" Rosli said after a moment.
" No need to say anything. I am sure.. You will find someone who will help you find your happiness. My life, my last name and my position… I am always in some sort of problem so I am no good for you and even if those things were not an issue… I still couldn't see you in a way you want to be seen" I said, making as many excuses as I could.
Rosli just looked at me with sadness in her eyes. I think she was finally understanding that I could not be the person for her.
She then stood up, brushed off her clothing and smiled at me.
" You big dummy." She said energetically as she walked off.
I knew she was just being brave but she really was an excellent friend at that moment.
When she went back to the group, Romeo had been sheepishly hiding around the back, most likely unsure of what to say.
The only words I could come up with at the time were " Look after her" as I looked in Rosli's direction. There were no more words needed between him and I as I made my way back to the carriage.
" Wait Yuki.." Romeo shouted as I paused my steps.
" Take these brats with you. You will probably need them" He said as his guard and Sora stepped forwards.
" I mean these jerks were probably sent by my father to make sure you didn't come back" He said as he kicked one of the assassins corpses.
Sora looked at me with a wide grin and the guard just nodded his head once in agreement.
[ Looks like the carriage is going to get a little cramped ]
" I am coming too!" Nathan said after a moment.
" You can't, you are too important" I responded.
Nathan looked at me then at his siblings before shaking his head.
" I am going." Nathan said again sternly.
" Have you actually thought about this at all?" Leopold said to his problematic brother.
" Of course I have, the royal family needs you and sis.. But me.. I am nothing much." Nathan said before nodding.
" I guess you people from Vance can't be the only ones to help out" Rosli said.
The guards that were sent to take me to the Dredge Lands looked over in horror as the prince of Tama had decided on his own free will to step inside a prisoner's carriage bound for one of the most dangerous places that they had ever heard of.
I looked over at Riku and Setsu.
If I could have had brothers both of them would have been my first choice. I told Leopold to be sure to hire Riku as I tapped Leo on the shoulder and said my goodbyes.
Before I was finally ready they all looked at each other and then me.
" We don't have to leave just yet do we? " Setsu said as he pulled out some bread from his rucksack.
" He is right it is pretty dark. What if you get attacked again?" Leopold added as he smiled.
I looked around at everyone who were currently wearing puppy dog expressions then looked at the people who were meant to guard me for the night.
Since they still have some wounded the person in charge merely shrugged.
[ It looks like I will be leaving with a bang! ]
We all took out some rations and made the bonfire's flame bigger.
Tonight was going to be an unofficial farewell to me and everyone was going to make the most of it.
We drank some delicious juice, danced while Setsu and Leopold began to sing some Tama folk songs.
Nobody could look away as Wen Wen, Rinny and Rosli all decided they wanted to see who could put the most rations in their mouth.
Laughter filled the air and everyone except for me was laughing.
[ Where is Ren? ]
Seeing everyone around,I could not help but search for him in the crowd.
Without Ren and Ki.. I felt like there was something missing.
I really hope I get to see him again.