Chapter 4: The Plan is to Run!
I blankly stared at the sky as I rest my head on my hands while both elbows rests on the table. I sat peacefully by the garden tables on a small courtyard here in our castle at Greenrun.
Joining me— is Aeron and Levi who both are playing chess.
*sighs*
I'm so bored.
A year and few months have already passed ever since something actually happened in my life. That was when I came to Osteell. The rest of the days became idle since nothing really ever happens here in Greenrun.
But well at least I got a new copy of the book I originally planned to borrow. Syreon gave it to me as a way of apologizing. It turns out Riimo is his pet.
I remembered when Syreon admitted to the incident by the garden:
"Sorry, Lady Aerra. I suppose I went too far." Syreon smiled, clapping his hand in the middle of his face and expressed his 'sincerest' apology. "I was the one who ordered Riimo to lure you inside the maze" he laughs. He doesn't seem so sincere at all though. If anything else he looked as if he's celebrating for his triumphed conquest. "And then got you and Levi to have a moment together. I'm sure that ended up well at least!" he winks.
Ugh! Syreon is so calculating.
———
"I win!" Aeron declares as he stood up and mocked Levi with that pretentious evil laugh while pointing at him. "You can never win against me in the end!"
"Idiot. I already won three times... if we have just stopped then, instead of playing over and over again like this, you wouldn't have won." Levi replied, crossing his hands. As he sinks back to his seat.
Levi has started visiting Greenrun ever since we met him and sealed the engagement. He visits at least once or twice every two weeks time. I appreciate his efforts despite his busy schedule but well it always end up like this— Aeron playing chess with Levi as I just sit and watch them until someone eventually caves in.
"I say it's a draw!" Aeron murmured, glaring down at Levi imperiously.
"Three-is-to-One is never a draw. Do you even know how to count?" Levi retorted, brows twitching.
"The other rounds doesn't count! I wasn't prepared then!" Aeron stomps his feet, arguing back.
"There are no rounds! One game counts as a one game! Whoever beats the game first wins the entire game wholly, you egoistic idiot!" Levi slams his hands on the table
"As long as we keep playing, one game counts as a round! And who ever wins the final round wins the entire game! And this is the final round!" Aeron slams his hands on the table as well.
"You just made that up!"
I sighed.
Geez. When will this end?
Well at least Levi seems to be improving now. Compared to his stiff aura then, his actions now suits his age more.
And he's more expressive now compared from the first time I met him.
I think it's rather healthy for a boy his age to still be playing with another kid. This is also good for Aeron since he has no other exposure with other children rather than myself.
Whenever they argue like this though, it reminds me of how Papa and Hansem interacts. Maybe one day, these two will eventually become great buddies too.
"Who do you think won, Aerra?"
Huh?
I looked at them and realize they were both waiting for me to declare the winner.
"That's right. Aerra knows who really won." Says Aeron, giving that hopeful eyes that I would declare its him.
How did I suddenly got involve in this?
In this case, I should mobilize them in playing a game normal kids play.
"I say we play a different game." I replied as I stood up along with them, "A game I could play along as well. I'm getting bored watching you two anyway. What do you say?"
Both agreed.
"What kind of game?" Asks Aeron.
"I call it the Fire and Ice. One will be the Ice King who needs to freeze all the other players, by touching them while saying 'Ice', to win the game. While the players involved can help each other by saying 'fire' to melt the Freeze Spell of the Ice King. If you're frozen, you mustn't move or you lose the game! For the other players to win the game, they need to touch that tree over there!" I pointed out at a tree nearby, "...which serves as the lair of the Ice King. Say 'fire' to burn it down and defeat the Ice King. Any questions?"
Both of them exchanged glances.
"Who will be the Ice King?" Levi asks,
"We play rock, paper, scissors. Whoever lose will be the ice king" I replied smiling at them.
Now this is a game for children. I should at least have them experience these type of games rather than play chess like some 'old Lords' all the time.
"Rock. Paper. Scissors!"
Levi is paper
I am also paper
Aeron is rock.
Levi snickers, "Even in instances like this you still manage to lose? How unfortunate can you be?"
"...!?" 💢 Aeron clicks his tongue. "Tsk. Again!!!"
I sighed.
"One last time Aeron. We can't keep playing this or else we won't be able to start the real game." I told him.
"Rock. Paper. Scissors!"
Levi is scissors
I also did scissors
Aeron is paper.
Levi chuckles. He coughs, "loser."
And then turns to look at Aeron with his usual placid expression.
"...!?!" 💢 Aeron's shoulders trembles in frustration as both his hands fisted. He shot me a glance
"No more!" I stated.
He bit his lips in frustration but soon eases down and spoke. "So how do we begin?"
"First you head by the tree and then count to five to give us time to position ourselves around the vicinity of your lair. Say 'let's begin' so Levi and I will both know the game starts and we will try to touch your tree-lair or you can chase us until both of us is frozen" I explained as Aeron nodded and went ahead.
"The winner is decided. That would be us." Levi uttered as we walk towards the open grounds, "because you're his weakness. You'll see." He sneers, eyes fixated at Aeron.
I wasn't sure what he means though.
I stood to the tree's right side as Levi goes to stand by the left. Aeron, who stood with arms crossed, positions himself right under the three. He then began counting. "5... 4..."
Aeron suddenly stoops down with both feet planted apart.
"3... 2... 1..."
"Let's begin" he says with a sneer.
In an instant, he dashes towards to where Levi was. Surprised, Levi haven't even had the chance to react back. "Ice" Aeron growled as he tapped him.
Levi stopped moving.
Aeron circles Levi with a proud smile, both hands on his hips as he coughs "Slow!" indiscreetly.
I can see Levi's teeth clenching in annoyance but he kept steady.
Ah. My chance.
I began to run towards the unguarded tree instead.
But in just a matter of few seconds Aeron is already standing infront of me.
What the—!?!
He's fast!
It wasn't that Levi had a late response, Aeron is just really fast!
I braced myself in case he taps me but he just stood there calmly. What is he thinking? He just studied me as if waiting for my next move.
I side glanced at Levi, I need to help him instead.
So I shifted and sprinted towards Levi's direction, "Don't help him!" Hollered Aeron when I was halfway near Levi.
"She's on my side. She's bound to help me. You're alone in this, evil Ice King." Levi stated, impassively.
Well, except for the evil part, I agree with Levi. This is a game, so of course I will help my ally.
I went on to reach Levi and tapped him, "fire" I said as I turned to Aeron who looked so serious as if I betrayed him.
Eh—?
"Just join me, Aerra. Together we can defeat this game" he says
"She won't join you... and no matter how many times you freeze me, Aerra will eventually help me over and over again, unless— you freeze your own sister."
"I won't freeze her!" Aeron protested, "I won't!" He shouted with both hand fisted.
"Then you will never win!" Levi declared.
( -_-) Err...
Is this a drama skit or something?
I glared at them indifferently.
Now I get what Levi meant earlier.
"Relax Aeron, this is just a game!" I uttered,
Aeron suddenly scowls at Levi who stood behind me. Huh? Did Levi mocked Aeron just now, I thought as I turned to look up at him but he then grabbed me from behind and wrapped his arms around me.
"Your sister chose me. You lost. This game is over." Levi murmured, sticking his tongue out at Aeron while wearing his usual pocker face.
"Get your hands off her—" Aeron groans as he parted both his legs and bends down, one hand touching the ground as if preparing to charge at us. His eyes narrows and focuses on Levi.
"You can't win. It's pointless at this point even if you freeze me" Levi says, resting his chin on my head as his embrace gently tighten.
( ;ō_ō) . . . .
Geez, they're both taking this seriously.
I sighed in exasperation.
"In that case," says Aeron gritting his teeth tight and then pushes the ground with his feet to lounge and charge towards us. But in a split second he disappears in sight and suddenly appears behind Levi, "I'll just freeze you forever!"
He reaches a hand to grab Levi, but Levi side-steps and evades Aeron's touch.
Almost at the exact same time, Levi hooks his feet around Aeron's one knee while using his forearm to push Aeron by the chest, tackling him down.
They both fell down the ground with Levi straddling on top of Aeron, locking both his arms down in place.
"Aerra, go burn his lair now—!" He stated.
"Daaaarn it!!!" Aeron screams, struggling to be freed.
I stood frozen in place.
How come these two boys can move like that?
What the heck?
"Aerra, go now!"
In the spur of the moment I went ahead and sprinted off.
How did it became so intense like these?
I never played Fire and Ice like this in my previous life!?!
—Ice!
Aeron suddenly dashed in front of me, breathless.
What the—?
I stopped dead on my tracks.
What happened to Levi? I turned to look and saw him on his knees, unmoving.
I turned to look back at Aeron and he stared at me with so much contempt. Both his arms spread across, "Don't you dare!" He yells
Boy, he's really playing this to win. 💧
"Aeron...!?" I murmured, "This is just a game!"
I stared at him as he grits his teeth.
Is he upset at me? I wonder
"Don't look at me like that!" He grumbled, averting his eyes from me. "You know I won't freeze you... but I won't let you help him win either!"
"I'm not helping him win. I'm just trying to play the game" I replied.
"Then try to win against me, Aerra." He declares with dead eyes set on me. "Because there's no way I'm going to let that lummox win this game!"
I sighed in exasperation, facepalm.
He's really taking this to the next level.
I hear footsteps coming and looked at the direction to where it was coming from. I saw Mama walking by the corridors, heading towards this courtyard perhaps.
She never visits usually, maybe she has something to say. "Aeron, mama is..."
Aeron was also looking at Mama.
Chance!
If I move under his arms, he can grab and tap me instantly but I could reach the tree by then. I turned to look at Levi, he's not that far...
Hmm...
But if I help Levi, Aeron would only get frustrated more and more. If I let him win, that's being bias to my twin instead. It would be unfair for Levi.
I'm starting to regret this idea...
I suppose I can just turn the game around against me instead.
"Since I am the Ice King's twin sister, I realize I have powers like him" I declared. Time to end the game.
I tapped Aeron on the shoulder, "Freeze, Aeron!"
"Huh—?!" He looked at me, perplexed. But he complies and didn't move.
"Now, both of you are frozen! The Ice Queen prevails!" I declared and went to the tree and touched it, "Fire!" I yelled.
The two moved and looked at me, watching in confusion.
"The lair is burned down. Game over! Now let's go to Mama." I said, pointing to where she stood now, watching us with a smile.
Aeron scratches his head, "So who won?"
"The Ice Queen did" I replied.
"That's no fair, Aerra. You made a last minute rule. That shouldn't count" Levi grumbles, walking towards us.
"That's cheating! I was fair to you!" Complained Aeron, frowning.
What do you mean fair—!? You were almost declaring a war! I thought to myself.
"He's right. I feel cheated. That wasn't part of the mechanics. Very crafty though. You made us play a game you created just to defeat us like this." Says Levi, with his usual expressionless face.
Eh—?!
"I didn't...! It's just that Mama is...!"
"I agree. You played us well, Aerra. You made us participate to it just to win it all yourself" Aeron added
"What—!? That's not...!"
"But that was fun. I never experienced anything like that before." Levi interrupted while he stretched his arms and shoulders around. "You did great nevertheless, congratulations in winning, Aerra." he added, patting my head as he smiles.
"R-really?"
Aeron crossed his arms,
"Well... if it's you, I s-suppose I don't mind how this went. C-congratulations..." he says bashfully almost inaudible as he turns his head to look away.
"You both misundersta—!"
Both of them exchanged glances.
Suddenly they bursted out laughing.
"..."
I watch them in silence.
Aeron and Levi laughing like this isn't so bad.
"So... where did you learn to move like that?" Levi asks Aeron as he began to head back to the garden table where Mama stood,
"I'm not really sure. I think because of the sword training I have every mornings?" Aeron replied, walking beside Levi, walking ahead as well.
Levi nods, "I see. How long have you been training?"
I watch from behind in astonishment.
Eh—!? They're not arguing anymore.
In fact, they're both smiling now together and having a normal conversation.
I guess I did accomplish something here after all, huh?
Watching these kids like this— it feels really nice.
To think they had tough a childhood. One is from the strict upbringing and the other is from lack of interaction with other kids of his age.
I'm so relieved they had fun even if I had to become the villain in the end.
But it was worth it.
If I didn't do so, they might've been arguing more.
That's right.
It's better I did that.
I sighed in defeat.
And smiled.
I can't believe even in a childish game like this I manage to somehow turn myself as the villain.
But it can't be helped, right?
I looked up at the vast blue sky.
I closed my eyes and felt the wind gently blowing against my skin. It serenely pass by my ears in a whisper and then breezes by my neck, making some strand of my hair dance with it.
Ahhh, so refreshing.
I just wish peaceful days like this lasts longer.
"..."
Hmm. I never knew Aeron had sword training?
Kind of unfair that he has those and I don't...
but even so, it really surprised me how fast and agile he is. To think to a fact that we're growing up together yet I never really knew how much progress he's having on his own.
I guess I became too preoccupied with my own problems that I didn't paid attention that my own twin is improving physically. Now I'm wondering what kind of powers will he have in the near future... and what mine will be?
Is he really growing up all set to become the destined Familiar of the priestess?
I opened my eyes and saw the clouds roll by above me, covering the bright sun.
Time passed so quickly. We're nine years old now. And in just few days time, we're turning 10; that is when we will be introduced to the society.
"Aerra, hurry up!"
I looked at them and saw Aeron sat beside Mama while Levi calmly engaging in a conversation with her. Aeron gestured at me, "hurry!"
I nodded.
I started to walk towards them when....
"...!?"
This feeling again.
It's as if someone is watching me...
I turned around but there's nothing there.
Odd.
"Aerra!" Aeron hollered.
"I'm coming!" I replied, my eyes scanning the bushes behind me. This is not the first time I felt like being watched.
Whether it's an open space like this or even in a room with no windows, I feel like someone is watching me... or something. I wonder if it's just me?
I hurried back and reached were Mama is.
"Aerra, would you like to come along with us to the Grantzæl City?" She asks while caressing my head.
"It's the grand capital city! The central kingdom in all the land!" Aeron added, "and I'm coming along!"
"In that case, I will come too!" I nodded. "But what are we going to do there?"
"We're going to look for a teacher that can teach you both with your powers. It won't be long now, it might manifest since you're both turning 10," she replied. "But we're not going today. We will be leaving early morning tomorrow so we can arrive by noon time"
"Is Papa coming too?" I asked. She nods.
"But first, we'll go visit your uncle and his family" she added. Oh, the High King? Now that is exciting. Hmm, that means we will finally meet our cousins too.
"And I think you might want to meet the Sage as well."
I looked at mama, surprised. She might have found out that I was out looking for Elders here in Greenrun to ask about the history of the priestess tradition thingy. Quite sadly, none gave me a satisfactory answer. They didn't provide any other information from what I already know.
But the Sage of the Grand Capital city might.
"Thank you, Mama!" I beamed at her.
She nods and smiled back. Lightly combing my hair. "I use to listen to the Sage's story a lot when I was your age. But I believe it would be better if you meet him and ask him on your own. He will be delighted to meet you, my darling."
Ahhhh, does that mean my own mother knows about the history all along?
Why didn't I even consider that possibility?!
If I think about it, it's natural that she would know more things about the Ancients and the Priestess tradition, because she is...
Holy crap.
Because she is the high princess of the seven kindom, isn't she?!? Or she was—???
I'm so stupid for not realizing it sooner!
I was already told countless times that she's the High King's twin sister, that means Mama is the High Princess before uncle had been crowned as the king. Right???
Wait. What does that makes us then?
"I suppose I need to leave now" Levi says as I turned to him.
"Thank you for visiting us, Levi. I know you are busy and all..." I said as I turned to face him.
He shook his head. "The pleasure is all mine actually. Especially today, it was really fun. I hope we can do this again sometime" he says, side glancing Aeron.
Aeron scratches his head timidly, "We'll wait for your next visit. Maybe next time we can duel in a sword fight"
Levi nods, "I'll look forward to that!"
I feel so happy watching them in this kind of exchange. Aeron has found a friend and so is Levi. I couldn't be happier!
"And then Aerra will declare who wins." Aeron says as he grins at me.
"–WHAT?!" Σ( ò △ ó|||)
"Yes, she will decide who is better." added Levi.
"No way! Not again—!?"
They both laughed.
Am I missing something here?
I don't get it, why are they laughing?
It was still dark when we left.
The sun hasn't risen up yet.
And the air was rather chilly.
We traveled across the boarders and spent almost the entire day on the road. I fell asleep most of the time as Aeron did so too. He sat beside me while our parents sat on the opposite seats in front of us.
Whenever I'm awake, I gaze out the sceneries from the window. The vast wide valleys that stretches from the horizons where covered in lush green grasses, rolling wide like a blanket. And so many colorful flowers can be seen too.
It's so peaceful and beautiful, I wonder why they really need to have a Priestess to become a Herald of peace?
I look at mama as she reads a book quietly. Her eyes moving through the lines. Our mother is really lovely. Even without smiling, she looks kind and sweet. Her hair that curls by the side of her cheeks, shines as white as snow but somehow reflects the colors of lights when shone on it. And her eyes, those crystalline blue orbs that plays between the hue of blue and green like a gem stone, ornates her lovely face perfectly.
She wore a simple tiara on her head and a white and blue dress just like Greenrun's usual fashion. Over it is a white cloak, similar to what we all are wearing right now.
I don't see why she won't fit the title as a princess.
She already look like one.
Beside her is our Papa who quietly looks out the sceneries by the windows as well. He also has snow white hair but his eyes were like the moon. It's vividly gray. He looks like a hard and serious man at first glance but he's honestly very kind and loving. I can see how much he loves us and mama with just his eyes that reflects so much warmth.
I suppose he's handsome for his age. I wonder how they met?
White hair runs in our family but rarely produce these crystalline blue eyes. I think because it's like a recessive phenotype.
Wait. Does that mean mama and papa are somehow related? That won't come as shock though. Our House is a pure bloodline of nobles after all. It's not surprising if they are distant cousins of sort.
I was about to ask when Papa suddenly he pointed out at the window and smiled at me.
"That right there is Grantzæl City. We're close"
"Hey!" Aeron grumbled, interrupted from his nap. As I reached the window on his side where papa was pointing out.
I gasped with wide open eyes. I feel like my jaw will fall off. "AERON LOOK!!!" I said as I pulled him and forced him to look out.
I hear him gasp as well.
I look at Papa.
Papa nods. "Yes, it is floating. Your uncle did that in order to protect his Kingdom from sudden attacks or invasions." He explains.
"UNCLE MADE THE ENTIRE CITY FLOAT FROM THE GROUND—!?"
"You're so loud." Grumbled Aeron in a grimace. "We did tackle about that in morning lectures, remember?"
I ignored Aeron and stuck my head out the window to see the view better.
From the vast rolling fields and mountains, one can see in a distant silhouette of a colossal shadow of a flying fortress— a city; hovering high above the ground. There were also smaller ones that hovers near it. It was like looking at a floating islands but as big as mountains.
If the High King is capable of making an entire city hover high up in the sky and maintain it,
he must be really really powerful.
Exactly what kind of power does our bloodlines have?
Aeron pulls me back in, "That's enough. Go sit down already!"
"You're such a grumpy bunny" I murmured, sinking back to my own seat.
"bunny—??" His eyebrow stood at one end,
I grin at him. As he just sighed in defeat and turned his focus to Papa.
"We can tour the city streets, right Papa?"
Papa nods.
"But not alone of course. You will be escorted with guards. It's too dangerous to be on your own"
We both nodded.
"Aerra, after meeting our uncle and cousins, let's go immediately to the city!"
I frowned, "But I want to meet the Sage first!"
"We will be staying here overnight for sure, you have lots of chances. We need to tour the city while the sun is still up"
Oh. He's right.
I nodded.
He gave me big grin. "That's settled then!"
As long as Aeron is with me, I honestly feel confident in going anywhere crowded. I'm so glad I have a twin in this lifetime.
As we came closer, I can see the magnificent flying fortress and its small islands that were connected to the main one via bridges that seems sturdy.
There were even waterfalls in some sides that drapes water down towards the open space, sprinkling down like mist before it reaches further down below. Clouds idly rolling by, crowns some areas around the parameter along with birds and light orbs that was randomly distributed in midair.
The last time we went to the citadel, we only stayed by a park, the outskirts. I didn't notice this thing before. Have I overlooked it somehow?
It wasn't long until we finally reach the citadel where a smaller city scatters in the stretches of the riverbed margins. We headed towards by the ports where hovering ships were on standby.
There were lots of people in line.
Some went on in while others waited.
They look similar to any regular ships of the 19th century but these ones can actually fly.
We stepped down from the carriage, I pulled my hood on as Mama who also had a hood on, stood beside me, taking my hand with Aeron on her other hand.
Greenrun guards circled us as we made our way on the isolated ship of white with a large emblem of the royal crown.
I can see people watching us. We stand up too much.
I scouted my eyes around.
"Don't make any unnecessary eye contact, just look down!" whispered Aeron. Why? I wonder.
My eyes eventually met with some people in the crowd as they begun to whisper among themselves as they pointed out at our direction.
The crowd begun to gather around us.
Oh, I get it. It's because of our distinct features, people can recognize who we are with just the eyes. The crowd grew noisy and tried to flock around us more but we manage to reach our ship even before it has gotten too chaotic.
The ship we rode disembarked and up it hovers high, soaring above the clouds in a steady motion that you can't almost feel anything but just that similar discreet tingling sensation when elevators usually goes up. I looked out the window and slowly everything from below seemed so small. The layers of clouds soon covered our view and we ascended to a seemingly plane of clouds over the sky.
One after the other, we pass by small floating islands. They had buildings and structures on them too. Framing them are thick brick walls with green creeping vines that gave it a quaint ambiance somehow despite its look.
"Aerra!" Aeron hollers at me, gesturing at me to come over his side of the window as I rushed to it and looked to where he was pointing at.
It was the main floating city he was referring to.
I scouted my eyes around and from a distance I saw a huge structure that resembles a colosseum on it. But it's rooftop serves as an open surface with white cobblestones in all its pavements where people scattered like a park but in its middle lies a beam of blue light gushing out like a laser instead of a fountain. Beyond these magnificent structures were a large majestic structure where a huge blue light also manifest in a form of a beam that ascended higher to the sky with two towers in each side that supports the main runic architecture.
I can see the city below the colosseum. They are scattered in its perimeter, marginated by thick brick walls where some of the corners led to steep bridges that guided towards the separated islands where all the other part of the city stretches.
Our ship soon descended and we were taken down to the deck like bridge of the colosseum-like structure, where several royal guards awaits for us.
There were less people here, I thought.
As we head down we were led to another ship but smaller and more open. It sent us to a smaller port where another beam of light emits out from an odd looking structure.
Mama ushered us forward as she took my hand and Aerons as she went on towards the light. Papa followed from behind.
Odd symbols drew around us as we got closer and soon our surroundings changes.
I looked around and saw wide gardens; in front of us is a gigantic yet magnificent white door with carved symbols etched on it splendidly. I had to tilt my head back just to get to see the top of the door entirely. It's so big! I wonder why they have to make it this big?
The door was opened by two men in silver-white and blue uniforms, that seems like an improved version from our own guards.
Inside, butlers and maids lined in a row, bowing down as we walked in.
"Is he available?" Asks my mother as a butler nodded with eye closed, "His majesty is expecting, Your Highnesses. However he is in the middle of a meeting with the Northeastern and Northern Castellans. I was instructed to lead you to a waiting room for now."
And I thought I am a highborn but I never felt so much overwhelming presence in one place before —like how the servants treat us here. No body was making an eye contact. All the servants avoided looking at us by the eyes. They kept their head down at us all the time, bowing down in such deep in reverence. No one is smiling unlike Darion or our own servants who I always see smiling back especially when our eyes meet. But in this place....
It's actually alienating. Everything is too grand that it feels cold and stiff.
I look around the anteroom which was really huge as it was vast. The entire floor is white and gleams as clear as a polished marble with embedded patterns of vines and flowers. On the middle of the room was a huge royal emblem of the crown.
I looked at my feet, I could almost see my own reflection.
The ceiling stood almost five stories up high from the ground, where two gigantic crystal chandeliers are seen on each side of the room.
Nothing in this palace resembles the simplicity in Greenrun —nor Osteell, for that matter.
This place is nothing I have ever seen before.
Not even from my previous life.
So this is what a grand central kingdom is like....
I suppose I'm glad I am born in Greenrun than this.
These are all too much for me.
Everything looks so radiant and immaculate.
I finally realize my mouth is draped down open.
I believe I had it open ever since I saw this back from the roads below the land.
I rub my jaws.
Yep, I can still close and open it.
Whew. I'd freak out if I go into a lockjaw-like symptom just because of my plain ignorance.
I could feel my eyes popping out anytime soon if I have to see more areas of these.
I feel so out of place, even with what I'm wearing which already is the symbol of Lady of Greenrun Dukedom.
Papa squats down in front of us all of a sudden to meet our eye level. "Change of plans, it seems your uncle will take a while for sure. Do you want to stroll around the street now?"
I beamed at him in delight. Now that is a great news!
"Will you come with us?" I asked.
He shook his head. "I will accompany your mother as we wait. Why don't you two go ahead first. If we get really bored we might come after, okay?" He replied as he stood up and gestured at some servants to provide me and Aeron with two guards each. He then gave us both pocket money to use.
We then were escorted back to the light beam emitting structures— let me call them portals from now on because describing them all the time is such an arduous task.
"Let's go to the market area" I insisted to Aeron as we reached the portals. He nods and talked to the his guards to lead us there while my two guards followed us from behind. The four of them circled us in a square formation. "Won't this make us stand too much?" I grumbled at Aeron. "At least it's safe. I don't want any of these people grabbing us out of nowhere all of a sudden" he replied, tightening his hand grip on mine.
I don't think I'd want that either.
So I just nodded in agreement.
Our surroundings changed.
It led us to a street where lots of merchants and stalls were lining the perimeter. I wanted to go to cafes, boutiques and fruit stands but Aeron just wanted to visit a weaponry shop instead. So I insisted we split up. He agreed and I proceeded onwards.
I pass by a small bridge.
I leaned on the railing and looked at the clear blue stream flowing below. Amazing, even their canal waters here are so clear I feel like it's safe enough to drink.
"Do you know a place for sweets?" I asks one of my guards, he nods in silence as I followed him when he led ahead while the other guard followed me a little from behind.
I tried making conversation with them but they ignored me. I suppose they're not allowed to build a rapport with the nobles, huh?
I sighed in defeat and just let myself stroll around in silence instead.
I was led to a small cafe with cakes and chocolates. I immediately went in and ordered myself a slice of their pink cake. I took a seat at the tables they have outside their shop' balcony and enjoyed myself for awhile. The taste are overwhelmingly light and thrilling on my tastebuds. The sweetness melts just right after it hit my senses then dissipates in a mild creamy after taste. This is so delicious, I wish Aeron can taste this too.
I looked around the streets... this odd feeling of being watch is here again but there was no one from the streets even paid attention to me.
I wasn't the only one wearing a hood. So I didn't stood out from the rest.
I did expected there will be more people on the streets though.
I fixed my hood in place and stood up.
I head back in and towards to the cashier and paid.
I looked at the coins I was given.
How much are this coins worth again? I wonder.
There were no indication or numbers as to how much it really costs so I just gave one entire coin.
I can see the cashier looked surprise and insisted if I had a smaller bill.
I don't even understand how much it really costs since I paid no attention about these things during morning lectures.
I shook my head.
It's all too much of a hassle so I said "Keep the change" and then I stepped out the cafe. The cashier gasped followed me out and was about to protest but my guards stopped her. "It's fine. Just keep the change" I repeated and smiled at her as I can see her look at me in so much awe.
Did one coin costs that much really?
I was about to head back towards where I split up with Aeron.
I want him to taste the cake I tried.
Ah. A fruit stand!
I strode towards it and scanned my eyes to the variety of colors and shapes before me.
Back in Greenrun, fruits were chosen by the Head Maid for us so it wasn't really a free option type per meal. This might be the only chance I have to try and taste a fruit of my own choice.
But I don't want to cause a commotion here again just because of the coins I have.
I sighed.
In a distant I hear a familiar voice. "Hey!" I looked and saw Aeron coming my way. I greeted him back. I can see his guards carrying some items.
"Why are you alone? Where are your guards?" He asks me while both his brows meet in the middle, displeased.
Ehh—?!
I turned around.
"They were here a minute ago" I replied.
"Were you trying to get rid of them?" Aeron narrows his eyes at me.
I shook my head vigorously. "No!!! I swear! I would get lost if I did that!"
"Then, where are they?"
I shrugged. "After the cafe I just went and stand here to check the fruits. I don't know where they've gotten theirselves into. Maybe they took a stroll too?" I chuckled
"Dimwit, not under this type of city. The guards here are very disciplined and...." he paused and suddenly his face turns grim, looking as if he figured something horrible.
"What?" I grumbled.
"I'll accompany you the entire day if you don't mind? No more split ups"
"Of course I don't mind! Come on then!" I cheered, pulling his hand towards the direction of the cafe.
We came back in and the surprised cashier insisted to choose anything on the menu for free. Aeron glared at me, "What did you do?" I just laughed and denied with a shrug.
Afterwards we came walking the streets further and deeper to the market district.
I saw a shop that says Apothecary.
"Aeron look!!!" I tagged at his arm, "Let's go!" I insisted.
He just sighed and went along.
I came inside the shop as the door bell, that hanged up the door, chimed and at the same time, the old shop keeper greeted us warmly.
I began to wander around when Aeron halted just by the door and gave specific instructions at his guards, "Don't let anybody else in. Strictly no one,
I repeat— NO ONE, got it?"
"Understood!" Both his guards nodded and stationed themselves outside the door as Aeron closes the door behind him.
He walked towards me as I faced him,
"Aeron, we don't own the place. You didn't have to ask them to do that!" I murmured.
"You dense dimwit... Just go finish whatever you came here for." He grumbled.
Dense—?
I looked at the shop keeper as he just smiled and patiently stood by as I went from one shelf to another. There were lots and lots of assorted powders and bottles. There were all different sorts of dried roots and fresh herbs as well.
I like how it looks like a witch's shop but there was this kind of elegance ambiance into it. Quite quaint actually.
I love it! I've never been a fan of medieval fantasy stuff but being in here just recruits you instantly to appreciate all of it.
I feel like I'm shopping for an ingredient for a potion to be honest but I'm not exactly sure what I would want to buy, at least that's what I was thinking,
Until I found a jar of colorful marbles, "What are these, sir?" I asked.
"Chewable candies, milady" he replied.
Ah. Bubblegum!
"I'll buy some!" I replied cheerfully. "Aeron, do you want some of—"
Aeron stood idly behind me with that scary look on his face as his eyes are darted across the room, to where the door is. I wonder what's wrong with him?
I took one small bag of the candies and put them in my pocket.
When I was about to pay, I realize my coins might surprise the shop keeper so I hollered Aeron over.
"Can you help me with the payment?" I asked him.
He just sighed and went closer towards me –finally.
I showed him my coins and asked how much one cost, he was about to explain...
...when the doorbell chimed.
The door is heard creaking open... and then it closes.
I didn't pay attention to it but Aeron certainly did.
Aeron abruptly turned to me with such a serious look in his eyes. My back straightens in response,
"What's wrong with you today?" I murmured.
I can see his jaws clenching.
"Listen to me Aerra" he says as I can hear footsteps of the new customers, walk about.
I wanted to see who but Aeron held my face with both his hands. "Look at me and listen" he says in a quiet manner.
I stared at his eyes,
it held a sense of panic and yet a resolve.
"You're scaring me. What's wrong?" I asked him. I can feel his hands mildly shaking.
"Aerra..." he begun as he got on his one knee and reached for my feet. He tightens my shoe laces and then stood back up. "This is the only way at least one of us can get out of this. So I need you to cooperate with me, please."
What's happening...?
His seriousness is making my heart drum wild against my chest, anxiously.
"If I say 'go' Aerra, I want you to run. Run and never look back. Not a glance, not even for a peek. Just keep running back towards the palace and don't stop for anything. Not even for me. Understand?"
"Aeron, you're really scaring me." I replied in a shudder. It's as if his feelings of anxiety and dread has reached me, my body began to tremble.
He fixes my hood in place. "When you reach the palace, tell them what happened. Understand?" He repeated, not answering any of my questions.
'Tell them what happened'—?
What does he mean by that?
I'm so confused yet feel so affrighted.
I grabbed his hand tight but he pulled my hand away gently, squeezing it one last time before he released me.
That's it.
I'm really terrified right now.
He then turned around and walked ahead.
I left a coin to the shop keeper and insisted he keeps the change as I followed behind Aeron.
I held both my hands close to my chest.
My brother is sharp. He might have sense something wrong.
That's why I trust him now and...
...I need to trust him that we're both going to be safe.
As he was about to reach the door, he went to the closest shelf and stopped. I looked at the two hooded men in brown cloak as one just stood by the door with leering eyes, watching us. The other one is walking around the shelves, looking away.
"Aerra" says Aeron as I looked at him.
He smiled at me. "It's going to be alright."
Suddenly, Aeron threw on glass at the man by the door. But the man caught it just in the nick of time as if he was expecting.
Aeron threw another —two jars in succession, as the man tries to catch one but as he was about to catch the last one, Aeron charged towards him and tackled him. The door swings open and they both flew off to the streets and into the ground.
"Aerra, go now!!!" He yells.
My body began to move on its own.
Like instinct, I sprinted out the shop and went on running off as fast as I can.
My heart drumming wilder and wilder against my chest.
I somehow have this bad hunch.
A really really bad feeling that Aeron is not going to follow and run behind me as he promised he will.
I shut my eyes close.
He told me not to look back no matter what.
I need to do what he said.
I tried to listen if someone is behind me.
I listened hard and listened well as I went on running.
There was not a single footstep coming after me.
My heart sank.
Aeron....
I won't stop running but I want to see what's happening from behind. So I decided to look over my shoulder.
I gasped.
My feet stopped on its own.
In a distant,
I saw the men put Aeron inside a sack.
The royal guards all bloodied by the shop's doorway.
No—!!!
To my horror, he's unconscious.
And that's when I realized, the entire streets were empty. Since when though?
There was not a soul in sight.
No one can help—
My heartbeat racing to my ears, ringing wilder and faster. Heavier.
My chest feels so tight as if breathing is the hardest thing to do.
But I need to get help. Now.
I was about to turn around when someone grabbed me from behind.
A cloth to my mouth.
I gasped.
A strong vaporous scent lingered from the cloth jarring all my senses.
Before I could react to it, my head felt incredibly light with my vision growing dim.
I tried to reach out to where the men was tying the racksack they threw Aeron in.
Please, don't hurt him—
Soon, my entire vision caves in and darkened.
Everything fades into black as my body grew heavy as if it weigh a ton.
I can't move.
I can't speak.
I can't even open my eyes.
"He'll be surprised we got two Arcanian kids. What a haul!!! Hik hik hik!"
The voice sounded thick to my ears. As if I'm underwater.
I felt them transfer me into something.
Somewhere.
I wanted to keep listening...
But my consciousness soon dwindled on me
until I —
...eventually passed out.
——End of Chapter 4——