Under the radiant sun, the streets of Valonia were saturated with a somber ambiance as the Earth Kingdom assembled to bid a heartfelt farewell to the esteemed General Urgot. Meanwhile, Jayce made his arrival at the bustling port of Valonia.
The procession, a solemn display of mourning, made its way through the heart of the port city, with mourners dressed in black lining its path. Jayce walked alongside, observing the somber scene.
The procession eventually halted near a church, its bells tolling rhythmically, their mournful chimes filling the air, creating a melancholic backdrop for the occasion.
Inside the grand cathedral, a tranquil stillness enveloped the space, interrupted only by soft murmurs. The walls adorned with religious artwork and intricate stained glass windows provided a serene backdrop. Jayce navigated through the central aisle, making his way toward his targets.
Dignitaries and influential figures, attired in formal garments, occupied the pews on either side. Jayce attentively scanned the gathering, searching for the Generals' presence.
As the ceremony commenced, the echoes of solemn hymns reverberated throughout the sacred space, their haunting melodies resonating with the mourners' hearts. Jayce's focus sharpened as he identified the Generals seated at the front, compelling him to move closer, discreetly approaching his intended targets.
In a sudden turn of events, Jayce found himself encircled by a group of Earth Kingdom soldiers, caught in what appeared to be a meticulously planned ambush. Emerging from the shadows, the soldiers' armor gleamed in the sunlight that filtered through the stained glass, their weapons poised and ready. It was a battle for which Jayce had been completely unprepared.
With a surge of adrenaline, Jayce unsheathed the Morning Star, engaging in a fierce struggle as the soldiers closed in around him. The narrow space between the rows of pews within the grand cathedral of Valonia transformed into a chaotic battleground, filled with tension and the cacophony of clashing weapons.
Breathing heavily, Jayce uttered a chant and unleashed a powerful burst of fire, giving him temporary respite from the onrushing soldiers and shattering one of the stained glass windows which also provided him with a small opportunity for escape.
Seizing the moment, Jayce leaped through the broken opening, landing in a quiet side street into a sea of mourners, before blending into the crowd.
But the soldiers were not far behind. In a desperate bid to elude capture, he recited the chant he had learned from the Shadow of Valonia, invoking a power to render him silent and invisible. Like a ghost, he observed the Earth Kingdom soldiers as they ran past, their voices revealing their pursuit.
"It is pointing this way, he must be over here," one soldier proclaimed, clutching a compass tightly. The realization struck Jayce: he was being tracked, hunted down like prey.
His mind raced, searching for a solution. Then, it dawned on him. Duke Kassadin's reward for his service—a pendant of a black phoenix. A gift that had become a curse. Jayce swiftly removed the pendant and deftly planted it on a passerby, watching as the soldiers unwittingly followed the his every move.
In that moment, the depth of betrayal became clear. Someone seized Jayce from behind, startling him. He turned, his eyes widening in surprise, and found himself face-to-face with a small boy, his smiling face brimming with mischief and familiarity. It was the same boy who had taught him the chant.
The boy placed a finger on his lips, urging Jayce to silence, and motioned for him to follow. With a mixture of curiosity and trust, Jayce complied. The boy led him through a procession of mourners in the streets to the outskirts of town.
Once safely away, the boy then spoke, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and excitement, "I should tell you that I've left behind my life of thievery. I'm now a respectable shoe shiner." He paused for a moment, his eyes reflecting a newfound sense of purpose. "It was during my work that I overheard the Earth Kingdom soldiers talking. They were discussing their plans to capture the assassin of General Urgot, and to my surprise, they described someone who bore a striking resemblance to you, Jayce."
Jayce nodded pensively, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes, before a warm smile spread across his face. "By the way, I never got to ask, what's your name?"
The young boy beamed with pride. "I'm Jo," he replied, his voice tinged with excitement.
Jayce's smile widened as he repeated the name, committing it to memory. "Jo, thank you for everything you've done," he expressed, his voice filled with sincerity. Eager to know their next destination, Jayce inquired, "So, where are we going?"
Jo's eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief as he explained, "We'll head somewhere they wouldn't think to look."
Their journey led them to the edge of town, where a boat carrying migrants from the Kingdom of Sand had recently docked. The vessel buzzed with activity, passengers preparing to board for the return trip.
Jo whispered, his voice barely audible. "This boat will take you to the Kingdom of Sand, and from there, you can find passage to the Kingdom of Fire."
Jayce's heart swelled with gratitude as he clasped Jo's hand in a firm handshake. "Thank you, Jo," he said, his voice sincere yet filled with a touch of uncertainty. "I couldn't have done this without you."
With a final exchange of glances, Jayce stepped onto the boat, leaving behind the echoes of Valonia.