A hint of helplessness flashed across Opal's face, they were so hungry that the downfall of not eating was also death, "Queen, we must find a way to get out or we will be starved to death."
Mandorla people heard that they had to go out, suddenly turned pale and trembled. This was brought to them by that cruel man, the Hittite emperor was like a big mountain in their hearts, even if they starved to death they were not willing to go out to face him.
Artemis, of course, knew that it would not work without food, but they could not go out, and once they met the Hittite army, she could not protect them.
If the Hittite Empire was a fierce lion, then they were not even a kitten at the feet of the lion, these Mandorla people were old and weak, even the chief Ross was a svelte look, Artemis felt that he did not look like a chief, but rather like a weak scholar.
She frowned in thought, suddenly saw the remaining Death Scorpion Fruit on the ground, then picked up it and gently pinched it. The red juice flowed with a fishy taste, her eyes lit up. The taste was very similar with that of a medicinal herb she studied in modern times, this herb was highly toxic but the accompanying water was its antidote.
She asked, "Where was this fruit found?"
The Mandorla people pointed to a small pool nearby to show her that the water in the pool was black, and even those who did not know could feel an insidiously cold aura.
Artemis was sure of what was in her mind, and the smile on her face widened as she said, "Quickly, hold some water in the leaves."
The crowd was unsure, a child was the first to run over, using a large leaf into some black water then handing over. She said, "Feed it to Lore."
Opal was the first to object: "Queen, this is highly poisonous!"
Artemis saw them hesitate to move, frowned and snapped: "Anyway, he is already hopeless, how do you know it won't work if you don't try?"
Opal's body shook, personally took the leaf to feed water to Lore who was already unconscious on the ground. No one saw Lore, who should have been unconscious, gently frowned when the leaves approached his mouth.
Black water was fed, Lore's face turned from black to red, and in the crowd's nervous sight, he opened his eyes violently, and his face returned to normal.
The scene left the crowd stunned and elated at the same time, they hadn't realized how important this discovery was, but Ross in the crowd did, and a glint of surprise flashed through his eyes, he looked at Artemis with deep reverence, she was his goddess.
Opal realized it later and said with tight breath, "So, do we have food and water?"
Everyone looked to Artemis and held breath, waiting for her answer, and upon seeing her nod, the crowd cheered out.
Everyone was immersed in joy, only Lore frowned deeply, an antidote in his hand was taken back from his sleeve. It was the first time he looked up at Artemis, instead of elation, there was worry in his eyes.
Unexpectedly, Artemis led them to live in the Gerry Mountains, known as the most famous dangerous zone, for three months, which made everyone feel incredulous and at the same time take it for granted if it was her.
This "her", of course, referred to Queen of Mandorla - Artemis.
These months she led people picking fruit, building houses, manufacturing weapons, a dangerous place was transformed into a paradise by her, the Mandorla people also restored the previous peace and quiet.
The fear and anxiety of a few months ago seemed to disappear all of a sudden, and they even felt that it was okay to live here for the rest of their lives. Such simple and kind-hearted people trusted Artemis wholeheartedly.
But Artemis did not feel relaxed, she had a doubt that has not been solved, the heaviness in her eyes was only noticed by Lars.
Facing Lars' worried gaze, Artemis sighed, "It's nothing, I just hope I'm overthinking it."
Although she said that, the gloom in her eyes did not lessen at all. She only hoped that the Hittite Empire would really give them up. Otherwise, once the battle started, they would definitely lose.
*
In the capital of the Hittite Empire, inside the emperor's chambers.
A man lay restlessly in bed, frowning and struggling in pain.
Seemingly stimulated by something, he suddenly opened his eyes, his emerald green eyes were so empty that they were lifeless.
"NO!!!" He suddenly gasped and yelled.
He was dreaming that dream again.