With resolute expressions, Jayce and Riven rendezvoused with Master Yi and Headmaster Lucian at the revered tomb of Avogadro. Perched atop the western mountain peak, this sacred location held deep familiarity for Jayce, evoking memories of past encounters.
Jayce's voice trembled with concern as he looked at Lucian, his eyes searching for answers. "Where is everyone else? And what about my mother and newborn sister?" he asked, his voice laden with worry.
Lucian's voice was firm yet reassuring as he replied, "They are safe, Jayce. Our allies have hidden them away, sheltered from harm." A sense of relief washed over Jayce's face, knowing his loved ones were out of immediate danger.
Lucian continued, his voice tinged with gratitude, "We were fortunate, thanks to Riven's exceptional ability, to detect Ekko's treachery before he did any damage. We managed to incapacitate him and left him for Duke Kassadin to find while we made our escape."
Just as the weight of the situation settled in, Master Yi interjected, his voice filled with conviction. "There's only one path left before us. We must infiltrate the Duke's castle and eliminate him. We should head west to Dorset."
However, Lucian's voice resonated with a different perspective. "No, we should head east to Essex instead," he countered, his tone reflecting his confidence. "We can seek aid from the Albino Duke, a rival to Kassadin. His support could tip the scales in our favor."
An intense debate ensued, Lucian and Master Yi fervently arguing their positions until they turned to Jayce, seeking his insight. Jayce's brow furrowed in deep thought as he weighed the choices before them.
"Think, Jayce," he whispered to himself, before finally speaking up. "If we attempt something in Duke Kassadin's castle, we would be playing directly into his hands and would be captured for sure. And seeking help from the Albino Duke would only provoke Kassadin to strike down his main rival for harboring fugitives."
A moment of silence hung in the air as Lucian and Master Yi absorbed Jayce's words. Curiosity sparked in their eyes as they asked, almost in unison, "Then what do you suggest?"
A glimmer of determination flashed in Jayce's eyes as he unfolded his plan. "We need to appeal to someone Duke Kassadin can't touch, someone who wields more power than the Duke himself."
Lucian and Master Yi exchanged uneasy glances. "The Duke is pretty much the second most powerful man in the Fire Kingdom, second only to the Fire King himself-" Lucian said. "Are you suggesting we head north to the capital city of Ashendell?! We're wanted fugitives!"
"Not if we're in disguise," Jayce said as he recited a chant and changed his appearance.
Lucian and Master Yi still looked skeptical.
Riven, her voice filled with unwavering trust, interjected, "We should trust Jayce. His wisdom and foresight exceed his years." Lucian and Master Yi, though uneasy, nodded in reluctant agreement.
Taking charge, Jayce suggested, "We can't all leave. Master Yi, Poppy and Riven, should stay here to protect my mother and sister. I will go with Lucian to Ashendell."
After a brief pause, Lucian and Master Yi nodded in agreement, realizing the necessity of the plan. The weight of their mission settled upon them as they prepared to embark on a dangerous journey, placing their trust in Jayce's guidance and the unknown path that lay ahead.
Jayce and Lucian embarked on a treacherous journey from the South coast to Ashendell, their every step fraught with danger as fugitives on the run from the relentless pursuit of the imperial soldiers. Though Jayce had skillfully altered their physical appearances through his magical abilities, they knew they could not rely solely on disguise to evade capture.
With every passing day, they weaved through dense forests, traversed winding mountain paths, and stealthily skirted the outskirts of bustling towns. Their senses remained heightened, constantly alert to the presence of imperial soldiers and informants who would eagerly reveal their whereabouts for a reward.
Nightfall became their ally, as they sought shelter in the shadows and took refuge in the most inconspicuous corners they could find. Abandoned barns, secluded caves, and even the occasional friendly stranger's home became their temporary sanctuaries. Sleep came in short, restless bursts, their minds ever vigilant, anticipating the arrival of danger at any moment.
They relied on their wits and intuition to navigate the treacherous terrain, often choosing paths less traveled, avoiding main roads and checkpoints. When imperial soldiers were spotted in the distance, they would change course, finding alternate routes through rugged wilderness and hidden trails known only to the most experienced outlaws.
Their journey was characterized by constant tension, a delicate dance between anonymity and survival. They encountered fellow outcasts and refugees along the way, sharing tales of loss and oppression, finding solace in the camaraderie of those who understood the weight of their shared struggles.
Days turned into weeks, and the landscape gradually transformed as they approached the majestic capital city of Ashendell.