The carriage wheel broke down. A town bell was sighted from a far so they believed a town is a few yards away from them.
There was knock on the window. Penny drew the carriage curtain.
"The carriage wheel would take something to fix, your highness should let me know if she needs anything".
"I am good". She nodded and drew the curtain back.
Penny closed her eyes to rest for a while. There would arrive at the temple shortly.
After a while it seem like there was some commotion outside that stopped as soon as it started.
Penny opened her eyes.
It was too quite she thought. It was getting darker outside.
She stepped out of the carriage. Her red clock was stained by the pool of mud underneath her.
There was an eerily feeling. It creeped on Penny's skin.
Her eyes widened when she was the bloody scene before her.
The guards and coach man in a a pool of dark red blood that almost looked black.
Even the horses were dead.
Cough!
Penny rushed toward the guard that showed signs of life. It was the guard that tapped on her window a while ago.
She held his had that was already turning cold. She was too late, she couldn't heal him.
"Run, M...Mages", He began coughing.
Penny brows furrowed.
"Mages?". The guard didn't reply as his face has already turned pale from the loss of blood.
A cold sweat broke out.
"Princess". An eerie male voice sounded.
Penny turned slowly. Her face paled. There were about five mages a few yards from her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you". The leader of the gang smirked. The hood of the cloak casting a shadow on their faces.
Her eyes widened.
She turned and ran toward the town.
Mages don't attack publicly unless black mages.
She was aware she wouldn't be able to take down two mages at the same time talk more of five.
Mages are known to walk in gangs which made them formidable when against a sage.
Penny still had difficulty in using her elemental abilities as the the temple was strictly against violence so she excelled at the art of healing. Being a Great sage. She could manipulate all elements.
She was wise enough to run as she knows she would be barely able to defend herself with basic spells.
A chuckle rang out behind her.
"Run all you want princess, we have time" The man laughed out. "After her". He commanded the others.
Penny ran like her life depended on it... which it did.
She entered the town only to see herself in an alley.
She kept running. The alley was like a maze. No way out. This must be magic spell. They must have a black mage among them she reasoned.
She has to break this spell. She heard footsteps closing on her. No they are catching up to her. She cried inwardly.
She made a U turn.
A strong hand dragged her into a corner. She gasped. A hand covered her mouth from behind before she could scream.
"Shh you'll alert them", A male voice rasped out. He embraced her bringing her into his black cloak. Penny knew it was wrong for a stranger to hold a princess like that but her life is in stake so she chose to save her head first before her reputation.
Penelope's heart beats was all over the place. She tried to steady her breathing pace and heartbeats. Her weak legs almost gave out but the man held her in her waist.
Shortly three cloaked beings ran pass their hiding place.
She breathed out. "Thank you".
"Don't thank me yet. They are probably still around". His deep smooth voice rang in her eyes.
She looked up trying to have a better look at her savior. But he was looking sideways, watching out for the mages.
"What is a princess doing alone in an alley, don't tell me you came to see a lover and you ran into mages". He chuckled. His Adam's apple vibrated.
Penny wondered if it was too late to hit him for the kind of words her savior used. She frowned visibility annoyed.
She wiggled from his warm embrace.
"There is no such thing as that. I was attacked". She mumbled which he heard clearly. He smirked.
"It's impolite to accuse a young lady of such... And how did you know I was a princess?". She questioned but she was interrupted when a voice shouted.
"There is she!".
"Shit". The man cursed. He pulled out a gun and shot at the first two mages that charged toward them.
They instantly turned to dust. The man held her hand and dragged her with him.
She held her dress and ran with him.
Their cloaks moved backwards with the direction of the wind and so did Penny's silver long hair.
Shortly the three other mages came in view and they were shot at the spot.
They came out of the maze alley. She breathed out in relief. There were people around. Some were rounding up their businesses, men, women and children walking in the streets. Stray animals trying to steal food from a nearby food vendor.
"Thank you once again... I own you one". She smiled at him.
"Really you do... and I'll ask for my favor one day". He grin.
Penny could only see his red blazing eyes. It was so dark she didn't she his face clearly.
"What's your name, I would like to repay you as soon as possible". She said.
"I think it's better you don't know my name, I would come when it dimmed fit. Oh help is here". He pointed forward.
Penny turned. She watched as the army commander and other guards accompanied him.
He relaxed when he saw the princess. In a few seconds they reached her.
"I am sorry we came late your highness". He said feeling regretful.
"Don't beat yourself up. He help me". Penny turned. Her voice faded. She didn't see anyone behind her. Where did he go?
"Who?", He asked with a puzzled expression on his face.
"Oh no one". She smiled.
The commander helped her to climb on a horse. They all rode to the castle.
**
"Your highness, you made us worried". The great prophet's assistant rushed to her. She enveloped her in a tight hug.
"I am sorry for worrying you. I got the letter and I tried to come to the temple as soon as I can but we were attacked". Penny explained.
"What letter?". The great prophet asked coming into view.