Suddenly caught off-guard, Vince was alarmed. These ancient folks' skills were so good that he, the capable captain and the mighty prince, were easily captured. This skill was worthy of praise if only his dignity wasn't shattered. A capable Captain was easily carried by another man on his shoulder was too embarrassing. Not to mention this man was running!
Aside from being embarrassed, Vince was also worried about Prince Aiji. The man carried him away from the caravan. Night had taken over, the place was too dark and he couldn't see Prince Aiji. This made him restless. Listening closely, he heard another footstep from behind. He was hoping it was the man carrying the prince.
The man was running for around thirty minutes before he stopped.
"Put them inside the cart."
A voice from the distance ordered. The man heeded the command and put Vince on a spacious cart. Later another man approached and put someone in.
"Dari!"
The prince's soft, anxious voice called. Vince immediately grabbed him.
"Prince Aiji, I'm here! I was worried..."
"Let's go!"
The frontman ordered. The cart trembled as they started moving. Vince tightly hugged Prince Aiji.
They traveled for almost an hour before they turned to a narrow, bushy pathway. Sharp leaves hit them, Vince sat in the middle and covered the prince. They traversed a narrow passage for around two hours before they reached a grassy valley. Their ride was getting better.
"Who are they? Why did they suddenly snatch us?"
Vince asked the prince who was leaning against his chest.
"I have no idea, but it's better than being caught by Prince Banoy. He is ruthless like his father. Whatever these people's intention of abducting us, I just hope it's not as cruel as King Anok's."
"Your brother, Prince Aki was there."
"He is, but he is powerless against Prince Banoy. He wasn't even able to speak a word, he's only there to accompany the Samohok prince. And if we were captured earlier, all he can do is pity us."
The prince was emotional. Vince tightened his hug to comfort him.
After traveling the grassy valley for over two hours, they finally stopped. Vince heard the sound of water flowing in the distance.
"Please step down, we need to board the raft."
A man talked to them. He was surprisingly polite.
"Okay, but could you please tell me where you are taking us?"
Vince inquired. These men aren't lighting torches and just guide them in the dark. And based on their voices, Vince could tell that they were covering their faces.
"You will know later when we arrived, but please rest assured that we don't have ill intentions." The man assured them.
Vince was at ease, though the prince was still cautious.
"We are very grateful for your help."
The man led them to the rocky riverside. Vince saw a flickering lamp at the edge of a large raft. Three silhouettes were standing at the side of the raft, facing them.
"Please climb aboard now, we have to move faster. The river isn't safe. Soldiers are patrolling here, but we need to ride this raft for an hour."
Vince boarded first. He then assisted the prince who followed him. They sat in the middle while the three men and the one guiding them were positioned at the opposite edges. The men started paddling, and the raft moved.
The river was magical at night. The trees that were leaning at the river were filled with glowing fireflies. Their glowing lights were reflected in the water and created a fantastic view. The river banks were glowing too, with luminous creatures illuminated on both sides. Vince held Prince Aiji's hand while watching these majestic views. He was too enchanted and even forgot the danger they encountered. He didn't even notice that they had traveled for an hour. He only realized that they arrived when the raft landed on a shallow bank.
They stepped out of the raft, the three men remained and continued paddling forward. The guide whistled, a few seconds later, three torches lit up illuminating the area.
"Please follow me, quickly!"
The guide told them and quickly climbed up. With the torches illuminating the surroundings, Vince finally saw the man. He was wearing a pair of blank coats and pants. His head and lower face were covered with a black cloth. He isn't armed with any weapon, not even a dagger was seen on his body. Prince Aiji tugged on Vince and they quickly followed the man. They walked away from the bank until they reached a narrow passage.
"We are safe now!"
The man was catching his breath.
"Oh my! I was too nervous! My heart was jumping in my chest. I will squeeze that king Anok if the spirits will grant me powers." The man cried holding his chest.
Both Vince and Prince Aiji were shocked. The imposing man that snatched them was whining like a child. The soldiers around them laughed.
"Mmm, our respected savior, may I have the honor to know your name?" Vince asked the man.
"Ah, hehehe... I am Beni."
An innocent, amiable and handsome face was uncovered. Too far from the rigid and scary face that Vince imagined. He was a young man around the same age as him and Prince Aiji.
"So you are Beni. May I ask how we should address you?"
"Ah, haha... just call me Beni, I am just an ordinary trader."
"Beni, may I know why you saved us? It was too risky, yet you braved yourself and snatched us." Vince was curious.
"Ah...it was because your father saved my father before. My father was abducted by an evil sorcerer when he was just a young man. King Danli rescued him. When you left the Dahatan tribe, the rumor of your identity spread. I heard it from my trader friend, so I decided to pay for your father's good deed. That's the reason I took the risk and saved you."
Vince was convinced. Rescuing them was a suicide mission. Even Prince Aiji lowered his guard.
"Beni, we are very thankful for your help, we will repay you in the future."
"Ah, you don't have to, as I said I'm just paying for your father's good deed. So please don't think that you owe me. By the way, we need to trek for a few hours to reach the place we prepared for both of you. We need to cross a mountain, will you be fine?"
"Yes, but I will carry Prince Aiji, he injured his leg..."
Vince immediately carried Prince Aiji to his back to avoid the latter's objection. Surprisingly, Beni and the soldiers didn't find this act strange.
"Okay, let us heed there slowly. We are safe here so we can take our time."
"Thank you very much." A soft voice was heard. It was the first time Prince Aiji talked to Beni.
"Ah hehe... Prince Aiji, you don't have to. It's an honor. Great honor!" Beni's mood turned much better after hearing Prince Aiji.
The group trekked slowly. In the distant hill was a young man, overlooking them. As the group moved, he started moving too.