It was just after sunrise, with the day greeting them under a sky streaked with the vibrant hues of early morning light, bathing the world in a warm, golden embrace that promised new beginnings. A lively breeze whispered through the trees, their leaves rustling softly, as if in conversation about the day's promise. The world seemed to pause, quietly bracing for the significant journey ahead.
Zefiro and Aeryn, armed with purpose and the knowledge imparted by Kael, set their sights on the Jade Kingdom, the nearest of the five kingdoms rumored to be a hub of Star Warrior activity for the past decade. Meanwhile, Kalani, along with Arralee and her 14-year-old son, whom they named Idris, prepared to venture towards Star Island. Since the attack on Moon Island, Rhydian has remained unseen, his presence a ghostly echo in the corridors of power and fear. Kalani speculated that Rhydian's silence over the past 15 years might preclude a looming assault on the formidable Sun Kingdom.
With determination etched on their faces, Aeryn and Zefiro boarded a makeshift raft, ingeniously crafted by Aeryn, one of the skills he picked up from Kael, to carry them across the waters. Kalani's mastery over the water came to the fore as she summoned a strong current, promising them a swift journey to the Jade Kingdom. The poignant farewells exchanged on the shore were a testament to the bonds forged in adversity, filled with hope for a reunion.
Kalani summoned a focused stream with a swift motion of her hand, slicing through the rope that tethered the raft with the precision of a blade and sent the raft gliding into the current, setting the duo on their path as effortlessly as a leaf borne upon the river's embrace. As the raft took off, powered by the mystical current Kalani conjured, it bypassed the need for oars. The journey that should have taken three days was significantly shortened, ensuring they would arrive by the next sunrise.
-
-
-
Time hastened its pace, and before long, the duo found themselves nearing the shores of the Jade Kingdom, which was enveloped in a thick fog like a cloak of invisibility. With dawn barely kissing the sky, the makeshift raft carrying Zefiro and Aeryn made its silent approach to the Jade Kingdom's docks. The fog was so dense, a living entity in itself, that the young men failed to notice the moment their raft jostled against the dock, its integrity compromised as it began to succumb to the water's embrace. Swiftly, they disembarked, each with a sense of urgency, bags slung over their shoulders, weapons at the ready. Aeryn turned to Zefiro, a cheeky sparkle in his eye, and remarked, "Well, that was our ride. So, how do you suppose we get to the Sun Kingdom after this, on foot?"
Their attention was immediately captured by a scream—a desperate, fearful sound that had them instinctively seeking cover behind some crates that seemed to be placed by fate. The fog served as a veil, hiding the details of the distress but not its essence. As the first light of dawn began to battle the fog, revealing the scene piece by piece, they witnessed a woman in a dire confrontation with two men donned in guard uniforms. They couldn't discern the unfolding scene, but the unmistakable sound of two men's laughter pierced the silence. The guards' menacing stance and the woman's pleas painted a clear picture of her peril.
Without a word exchanged, Zefiro and Aeryn shared a look, an unspoken agreement flashing between them. Aeryn swiftly drew a dagger from his thigh and hurled it toward the source of the laughter, its blade embedding into the earth with a thud that cut through the mirth. "Who's there?" the guards shouted, their amusement shifting to alertness. In that moment of distraction, Aeryn and Zefiro crouched behind a crate, barely concealed.
As one guard approached the dagger, curiosity leading him to the weapon's resting place, Aeryn laid a hand on Zefiro's back, and in a blink, they teleported to the dagger's location. Zefiro, with practiced ease, unsheathed his longsword, opting for a non-lethal approach by using the flat side of the blade to strike the guard with just enough force to send him into unconsciousness.
The second guard, sensing the tide turning, attempted to flee, but Aeryn was quick to reclaim his thrown dagger. With another precise throw and instantaneous teleportation, he closed the distance. He kept his sword sheathed, instead using the hilt to deliver a concussive blow to the back of the guard's head, rendering him unconscious as well.
In the quiet that followed their swift action, Zefiro caught a glimpse of Aeryn retrieving an item from the incapacitated guard. Without lingering on its significance, Zefiro's attention quickly shifted back to the young woman. The woman, now brushing off her red dress and adjusting the red ribbon in her hair, eyed them both with a mixture of frustration and relief.
"What do you think you're doing? I needed them conscious!" she snapped.
Zefiro responded, "You were the one screaming for help."
"That's because no one comes to this dock anymore. Who are you, and what are you even doing here?"
They introduced themselves and explained they had come from Moon Island searching for someone. The woman looked surprised.
"That's not possible. The Moon Tribe was wiped out 15 years ago."
"We were the only survivors," Aeryn said, showing her his palm bearing the crescent moon shape, solid proof of his lineage.
She sighed, a hint of condescension in her voice. "Fine, I will forgive you for disrupting my plan that I've been working on for so long by helping me look for my father."
"Why do we have to help you? We already saved your life," Zefiro retorted.
"That was part of my plan, dummy."
Aeryn scoffed. "We have our own issues to deal with, so we'll be on our way."
As they began to walk away, discussing their need to search the city for clues about Rhydian and their potential journey to the Sun Kingdom, the woman overheard them and hurried after them.
"What if I tell you I can solve both of your issues if you help me?" she proposed.
Aeryn looked skeptical. "How are you supposed to help? You don't look like you can help anyone, being wanted by the city, Princess Xen."
Xen was taken aback. "How did you know my name?"
He held up a wanted poster he had taken from the guard. "Let's get out of here. I'll explain everything in detail. These guards are supposed to report every 30 minutes. Because you knocked them unconscious, this place will be swarming with guards soon."
Reluctant but recognizing the urgency, they heard the sound of marching guards and decided to follow her.
They moved through the foggy streets of the Jade Kingdom, the city's architecture, a unique blend of Asian and Arabian influences, with intricate patterns and bot worned colors adorning the buildings. As they navigated through narrow alleys, they finally reached a hidden trapdoor. Xen pulled a chain to open it, revealing a small, run-down room that she had been using as a hideout.
The room, though dilapidated, was meticulously tidy. Xen sat down and began to explain. "Rhydian isn't here. After the massacre of the Lunarians, he came here 15 years ago, badly beaten but still powerful enough to decimate the royal guards. He left one of his high-ranking soldiers, Juvexa, to control the city. I've tried to defeat her many times, but she always has the upper hand. She's keeping my father, the King of the Jade Kingdom, prisoner. I know he's alive, but I don't know where he is. Help me defeat Juvexa and find my father, and I promise you'll have a ship to get to the Sun Kingdom." Zefiro thought the name sounded familiar but couldn't recall much on it.
Aeryn frowned. "First, it was to find your father. Now we have to defeat some Juvexa. We can get a ship right now that we know Rhydian isn't here."
"Are you going to search all five kingdoms for him?" Xen countered. "Or you can defeat a high-ranking member of his army and get information on him from her. I've heard they're in constant contact."
Aeryn looked at Zefiro, who seemed lost in thought. Finally, Zefiro raised his head. "Where can we find this, Juvexa?"
"She stays in the palace. I know all the secret entrances," Xen replied.
"No need," Zefiro said. "We'll use the front doors."
Xen facepalmed. "What a mistake it was to ask for your help."
Zefiro reassured her, "We're strong enough to take her. We'll go later today at noon."
---
While Zefiro and Aeryn made their bold plan to storm the main gate, Xen opted for a safer approach. "Fine, it's your funeral. I'll use a back entrance while you two create a distraction at the front," she said. With the plan in place, they parted ways, each preparing for the challenge ahead.
.
.
.
.
At noon, Zefiro and Aeryn left the hideout and started walking toward the palace's main gate. The sky was a bright blue, with a few wispy clouds lazily drifting across it. The buildings they passed were grand yet worn, their former splendor dulled by neglect and oppression. Ornate facades were marred by grime, and colorful banners hung limp and tattered. The townspeople they encountered moved with a subdued air, their expressions marked by a blend of weariness and resignation, a stark contrast to the vibrancy of the city's architecture.
As they walked, Zefiro frowned, his gaze lingering on the downcast faces of the townspeople. "Look at them," he said quietly to Aeryn. "These people are suffering under this rule."
Aeryn nodded, his jaw clenched. "It's hard to ignore. We came here for Rhydian, but it looks like this kingdom could use some help, too."
Zefiro sighed, determination hardening his features. "One thing at a time. But you're right. Maybe we can do something about it while we're here."
When they reached the gate, they demanded a meeting with Juvexa. The guards, skeptical and unyielding, refused them entry. Without hesitation, Zefiro and Aeryn quickly dispatched the guards, their movements fluid and precise. The skirmish drew the attention of more guards, who surrounded them in the courtyard, weapons drawn, and eyes wary.
Just as the tension peaked, Juvexa emerged. Her curly hair cascaded down to her shoulders in thick, unruly waves, framing a face marked by sharp, commanding features. She was well-built, her physique exuding strength and authority. Dressed in a general's uniform that accentuated her formidable presence, she stepped out, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the commotion. The moment she saw Zefiro, her expression shifted to one of recognition and mild amusement.
"Let them in," she ordered the guards, her voice commanding. As the guards stepped aside, another guard appeared, dragging Xen with her hands tied behind her back.
"Look who I found trying to rummage around," the guard announced, shoving Xen forward.
Juvexa's lips curled into a condescending smile. "Ah, Princess Xen, I was wondering when you would show up again." She turned to Zefiro and Aeryn. "Follow me," she commanded, then added to the guard holding Xen, "Bring her to my quarters. I'll deal with both of them at once."