ML's POV
Darkness saturated the entire forest but I must hurry. I need to reach Mount Petra as soon as possible. My friends are in danger. I must hustle before it's too late. I need to save them!
I am wearing my black leathered jacket with my mask on to cover half of my face, specifically my eyes. Arrows were situated at my back while holding the bow with my left hand. Yes, I'm a lefty. Also, I made sure to secure the gun that was tucked around my waist. It serves as my back-up defense.
I am running as fast as I could. Though it was dark, I can still see the path that I am trekking. Thanks to the moon light shining above me. However, ninja-like shadows started to show up and the next thing I saw were some red arrows flying towards me all at once. It's coming from everywhere. I tried to nudge all of it and I must say I love how the trees stand tall to protect me. They had serve as my shield as I continue to shove my enemies' razor-sharp arrows.
I calculated my surroundings using my silver gray eyes to see where my enemies are. As soon as I spotted them, I took three arrows and pulled the bow backward. I made sure to aim at my targets before releasing all at once.
Gotcha! Three down. five more to go, but wait, there's more.
"Go, faster! Leave them to us." Asher shouted at my direction.
"Are you sure?" I am hesitating to leave them behind.
"You have to make it in time. Save them. Save Rika and Sheena." Asher released an arrow and shot one dead.
"Okay. Just be careful and try to catch up as soon as you're done here." I run swiftly as possible leaving my team to deal with those unnamed group. We don't really know where they came from.
Rika and her sister Sheena was taken as hostages. Those thugs who caught them were planning to sell them as slaves tonight. Worst thing to happen to them would be sold as prostitutes. Rika and Sheena were both blessed to have beautiful faces. If they were not born into a poor family, then they could have been one of the most beautiful women in the whole country of Allen.
They are just sixteen years old, born in the same year, month and date. Yes, they're twins. Jolly twins. They lived at the slum area in the region of Ikarai but these twins had been a great help to the Shadow Knights. Therefore, I can't fail them now that they need me the most.
Carriage and horses are everywhere. This must be the place where they will do the trade. I concealed myself among the big rocks quite far from the traders, but I can hear their chatters. They were waiting for the clients to come and pick those innocent girls. and it looks like they haven't arrived yet. I tried to scout the place and the people present at the moment. Then I saw Rika and Sheena together with some other girls that were tied up. Distress and fear are visible in their eyes. everyone's trembling in terror.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Seven men in total; Men who were armed with spears and axes. I aimed three arrows at the men standing near the cage. they all fell instantly. Well, I had just triggered everyone and I can see their heads searching and shouting at the others.
"Kill whoever comes near!" I heard the big-fat bearded man who tightly held on his axe, searching for me.
Once again, I pulled another three arrows. The two fell but I failed to catch the other one. Dang! But to my surprise, men were flocking towards me. Ooops! They saw me. Seems like I don't have a choice but to rise from the rocks to greet them with my arrows.
I run out of arrows so I tried to snatch one spear and used it to my advantage but more men were approaching me. The fudge! Where are they coming from? I haven't seen them earlier. my eyes widened unbelievingly. Were they've been hiding among the trees all this time? guess so.
Bang! I heard a gunshot from behind. Asher! I smiled. Asher and my team were running towards my location. there and then, we engaged in an intense fight but the leader of the thugs was able to run away. Immediately, we untied all the captured ladies and set them free.
"Thank you!" Rika and Sheena immediately recognized the brotherhood.
"Your safe now." I looked at the twins then to Asher. "Asher, bring them to the camp. I'll just need to do something." He knew exactly what I mean. He knew that I want to see who the punter is.
"Not a problem." Asher answered then they started their way back to the camp.
As for me, I have been patiently waiting behind the big rock. After a few minutes, I saw a royal carriage. Wait, what? a royal carriage? What is a royal carriage doing here in Mount Petra? Royal guards were riding on horses. Attacking them is not a good idea. I will definitely be in trouble.
"Your highness, no one is here but there are dead bodies everywhere." One of the royal guards reported.
I tried to move forward to get a glimpse of the mysterious man inside the carriage but the surrounding was dark enough to hide the man's identity. However, I was able to hear the guard addressed the person "Your Majesty." It only means one thing, he is one of the king's sons.
"Let's go back this instant. looks like there was an encounter a while ago." the man spoke authoritatively.
One of the guards wave a hand signal and everyone started moving back. But the man accidentally saw a shadow lurking on a corner.
"Halt!" he ordered. The man whispered something then one of the royal guards went to check the rock on the north side.
"No one is here, your majesty." He shouted. He tried to check every large stone, even the nearest trees, but he found no one. He looked at the man then shook his head. No one is there.
Unknown to them, I hushed and climbed at one of the trees before the royal guards halted to come and check out the place. They can't see me. I must hide vigilantly.
"Let's go. I must have seen it wrong." The man stated then they continued. As soon as their shadows faded, I came into view.
"Your highness?" I creased my brows. "I will definitely find out who you are and make sure to expose you." I promised myself as I started heading back to the quarters.