Ophir knew that the moment their lips parted something new will arise. He can feel the vibration marked by the lotus that betokened by their promises. One of the things that he appreciated about Lehi is that her adaptability and compassion. Ophir wonders how will she cope up to his absence.
Ophir is left with Asno in east, for what reason he was not informed. King Cyrus is unpredictable as usual. How long will it take, that is what he wants to find out.
He badly wanted to go back with the Tale bearers but this is an absolute order and command. Ophir can only twig at his wedding ring. Now he is starting to miss his wife. It does not help that he just found out about her first love. Ophir wonders that if he did not met her within the well, she might be dating that guy at the present. He started to throw a tantrum in his designated room.
King Cyrus noticed Lehi's demeanour. It's murky. So he needed to break the ice. Asno insisted on having Ophir as her guest but later on he recieved a message from her saying that there is an enchant concealing Ophir's true nature. Asno being the perfectionist wanted to see the cause and root of Ophir's unique identity. That being said Cyrus is obliged to align Lehi's focus and challenge her to grow without depending on her husband.
"How was the cheesy ceremony, Did you guys enjoy it?" King Cyrus inquired.
Kiel and Lehi just nodded. Cyrus can see how Kiel transitions day by day. Maybe marraige touched a core in him.
"For now Ophir will be monitored by Asno. He will undergo some personal training. You are all aware of Ophir's capabilities and I hope that you will understand why was he choosen to be that midget's disciple. As of now, I appoint Lehi Lorelei as your knew leader. I want the team to function better than before. "
Lehi visit the pool for rejuvenating. She
understand that Ophir is gifted. She knew that he was not selected because of his potential but because of his heart. Her longing for her husband grew intensed each day. She wished to race back in the east just to see Ophir but that won't suffice. Lehi can feel the pressure shovelling it's yoke on her shoulder. It's a responsibility with a privilege, far from being a burden rather it's weight is volatile.
Lehi dodge the attack pointed at her. A unidentified arrow cut the edges of her hair. They are currently going back to Hernani Nobles. A request from a factory that are milking a numerous cow. Prince Yael is currently on a meeting with King Cyrus at El Oathniel Kingdom. So all of the detail are unknown. The town captain will explain it to them for confidentiality.
Hexel unplugged the arrow from the carraige wall and examined it.
"This arrow is not coated in poison but of milk. I noticed small engravings on the awl. " Hexel stated wrapping his conclusion.
Natalina gently handed Urchin to Lehi and open her palms uttering a prayer.
"Yes Lord, You are the God of destiny. Thank you for giving us the gifts and strength to deal with this unfamiliar things unto us. We humbly asked your guidance and unravelling of the words witten on the awl. Indeed you are the Word, Light and only Truth. Amen. "
Natalina's diamond reflected and enlarged what is crafted on the mysterious awl and it just read one word. It says "parchment. "
Kiel leaned in and said
"I received one as a wedding gift. It is a tough tool made of goat or sheep skin for writing translucent papers. "
Lehi emphasised that it can only be read when it is exposed to enough light. Upon realising this she gently grab the arrow from Hexel's grip and extend it by the window for sunlight. The arrow scripted a phrase.
"Turn left, we were plundered yesterday. The enemies are planning to ambush you. "
Lehi read it loud enough for the team to heed it. Just when she finished the sentence it was too late to turn left. Their carriage got rained by daggers until it was full of holes. Gladly Hexel was able to earnestly request for a shield.
"Our God who foresaw what is about to unfold, Cover us with your hand in protection. Amen. "
The carraige got stripped in all sides and the team was left with nothing but the sheild. Lehi needed to give an instructions or else they will be pushed unto corners.
"Natalina and Kiel attack from a distance with Urchin. Hexel and Me will handle the close combat. "
After her words immediately Kiel tap the ground and prayed.
"Lord God with your permission, allow me to utilize this vast fields of corn both for offence and defence. We thank your unconditional support, Amen. "
After Kiel's prayer the corn became a bullet to support Lehi and Hexel's attack. They run forward approaching the numerous mask man lined up in front of them. When Hexel thrust his blade to one, it uncloacked a scarecrow. When Lehi garner what it means she signalled Hexel to get back to guard Kiel's side.
But she was wrong the target wasn't Kiel. It was her. A strong force magnified her within the field and felt hers back kiss a turbid depth of sediment. The gravity sapped all of her strength and consciousness. She inwardly scolded herself for the wrong judgement and leaving her team headless.
Kiel and Hexel trailed as to where Lehi disappeared but the field is occupied by thousand of corns. The movements are all in sync but Hexel was able to slice a invisible wall. All the mirrors cracked and broke. They got tricked by the reflection. The team stood in front of an abandon barn with the ark of human skull and cow's horn.
"Thwis plwase is ewmptwy. " Urchin said as he rub his eyes and woke up. Urchin. pointed at a huge barrel near the entrance of the barn and said.
"Thwat bwarrel smwell lwike blwood. "