The team of five went through the obstacles with very little difficulty. They only needed to endure the cold of the frozen valley. Other than that, Princess Flyra had done a good job to clear their path ahead. The wingless dragon and his fire were still frozen. There's no telling how many hundred years or more it will stay frozen. Flyra hadn't just caused ice everywhere, she had changed the weather condition. They stepped into the snowy forest that was headed towards Cappidop Bay. Master Kitty immediately sensed something.
'There was a strong magic here' he said.
'Yes, we already know that Flyra did all this' Prince Jake said.
'No, someone else's' Kitty added. 'Someone with very high knowledge. His magic is almost invisible to sense'
'What gave it away?'
'Flyra. She kind of messed with the magic. Flyra has unimaginable powers which I can't explain much due to my lack of knowledge. But I know, even Marcala is no match for her. Even if she uses Majuza's amulet'
'So the magic that is almost invisible is Marcala's?' Bobby asked.
'Probably'
'That is not convincing' Jake said.
'But I said there was strong magic. Now it's gone. Don't ask me about that because I also don't know why. Let's just continue'
Kitty continued up ahead. He passed by what used to be the doorway to the trading village. Now it's obviously gone because like Master Nvago had said, the portal's going to change its location.
They continued walking for the next half hour until there was no more snow. They came across a few dead bodies lying on the grass belonging to Morgan's army. There were few splotches of blood on the grass and tree barks. The soldiers' swords were covered in blood as well and were lying in random places. Lillain almost vomited upon seeing them.
'What happened here?' she blurted out.
'This is not so bad. They suffered only a few cuts. Perhaps our friends passed by here, or some wild animal attacked' Dewi said. She came closer to inspect the wounds. 'I take that back, this is no wild animal attack'
Kitty winced at the word wild animal. He has never met one. He just couldn't imagine how any animal in Southernere can be so far from culture and magic that they became wild. Usually wild animals are Outlanders. Or those under the control of the avengers.
'And these are still fresh' Dewi continued. She immediately looked around. Everyone understood the hint. Jake and Bobby drew their swords. Kitty stood in a ready position to pounce. Lillain summoned the tree roots to obey her commands. The roots grew up above the ground until they're the same height as them (except for Kitty, he's the shortest) and waited.
'Wait! It's just us!' Captain's high voice spoke as he came out from behind a large tree. Bale and Oliver followed.
'You guys?' Lillain said. 'What are you doing here?'
She sent the roots back into the ground. The others lower their weapons.
'You know them?' Jake said.
'Yes, they're my friends. Prince Edward used to play a lot with them'
'I remember, you guys also hang around with Flyra right?' Jake said.
'Yes' Captain replied.
'What are you doing here?' Lillain asked.
'We were with Flyangel and then…'
'Fly what?'
'Flyangel. Oh I mean Flyra, Princess Flyra'
'Nice name you got for her' Jake smiled.
'Then we got separated'
'How?' Lillain said.
'There were those men' Bale said, pointing to the dead bodies. 'There were four. They saw us and Princess Flyra asked us to run. We were separated since then. Two of them were chasing us, the other two chased Flyangel. But actually Oliver was not being chased. He helped me. Then more came. Then…'
'Very long story chipmunk. But we got the reason' Kitty said, a little bit annoyed. But he thanked them.
'Do you remember which direction she went? Please think carefully' Jake asked.
They thought for a while. Then Oliver spoke.
'We were facing Cappidop Bay. We know it because the smell of the ocean was getting stronger. She ran towards the left'
'She went west' Jake concluded.
The three of them joined the team and together all eight of them proceeded forward, turning a bit to the left every few minutes.
The more Prince Edward looked at her, the more he became mesmerised by her beauty. Princess Flyra is very beautiful regardless from any angle. She's the kind of person which, whatever face she does, happy, funny, sad, or even mad, she still looks pretty. She was sitting on the dining chair waiting for Edward as he was packing some items he wants to bring back to Combination.
'Is your sister really cannot be saved?' Flyra asked. She was still uncomfortable with the decision. She came here intending to bring back both. But she managed only one. She could see Edward in his room, inserting some items into his backpack. He stopped and looked up as she asked that question.
'Twenty years. She has been fed false knowledge for twenty years. I can't imagine she would even listen to reason' Edward said.
'You are not like that. What makes you so sure she's not like you?'
'I was brought here when I was eight. I was already able to think for myself back then. She was brought as a baby. Knows nothing except what has been taught since then'
Flyra kept quiet. She knows from the tone of Edward's voice, he was too upset to talk about it. Edward came out with his backpack on his shoulders. He made eye contact with her. She felt static charges on her skin even though he did not even touch her.
'How can I save her when I have given up on myself?' Edward said. Flyra's mind went blank. She suddenly has no idea what to say. Edward went to the kitchen to pack some food. Flyra scolded herself for not trying.
'Edward' Flyra called, ignoring her blanking brain. 'Let's go save your sister'
Edward kept the last packaging he intended to bring and turned to face Flyra.
'I am not the kid I used to be Flyra. I can't'
'You can't or you won't?'
'It doesn't matter! And I'm powerless!'
'Who says you need power to survive?!' Flyra snapped. This time her voice came out like a roar. And she was shocked about it herself.
'I'm sorry' she said. 'Edward, you don't need power. You don't need magic. You need you. You need to find yourself. You lost that, not your powers. Erieka lost that too. She lost that to the false knowledge given to her. And besides, you have me. Until we can find a way to get that bracelet removed, I shall be the power for both of us'
Edward felt enlightened by Flyra's words. There's no better way to deliver that message than how Flyra had done.
'Alright, let's go save your sister' Flyra said. The both of them headed out of the house. Edward carried the backpack and a sword. Flyra had changed into a more warrior type outfit earlier in the bathroom. Edward had given her a black pants, a long black sleeve shirt, and a dark green vest over it. Another layer of clothing covering it, a crystal-like blue medieval jacket or a coat. And she has a brown bow and quiver full of arrows on her back. She has the same light green headscarf, which she wore simply this time, and tucked into her shirt.
'How come you get all these items? I thought you were a prisoner here?' Flyra said.
They were walking back towards Morgan's Kingdom.
'Marcala doesn't care about me anymore. She doesn't care whatever I do because she knows there's no way I can leave this place. And because I'm powerless. So I obtained them from the castle. Just to collect or spend my time everyday sword fighting and stuff. About the ladies' clothing. Whenever Marcala has her associates come visit, my house is a guest house for them. That's why there are lots of ladies' and men's clothing hanging in the wardrobe' Edward replied.
'I see'
Flyra suddenly stopped in her tracks.
'What's wrong?' Edward asked.
'I sense someone's coming'
Flyra turned around to look. The sky was getting darker as the sun was setting. Soon the forest will be pitch dark. It will be harder to see.
'Flyra!' Lillain's voice, excited and relieved, came from the right. Flyra turned just as Lillain's arms surrounded her in a hug. Prince Jake, Master Kitty, Bobby, Dewi, and the three animals were behind.
'Flyra, we've been worried about you!' Lillain said.
Flyra was too surprised to speak what was in her mind.
'Why did you leave without telling? Father's worried sick!' Jake said.
'You… you guys followed me?' Flyra finally managed to say.
'Yes Princess Flyra, we can't leave you going off alone' Bobby said.
'I left a note, remember? And I've got my friends following me'
'Your father has fallen ill upon seeing that note'
'I didn't mean for that to happen' Flyra said, shocked.
'Hi Flyangel' Captain said suddenly.
'It's good to see you again' Flyra replied.
Before anyone could notice the stranger with Flyra, he has already stepped forward to reunite with his loved ones. He grew up and his face changed. But the others are quite similar only a bit older. So he easily recognised them.
'Bobby' Edward said. The others turned to look at the stranger. Flyra was smiling. She was so excited to reveal the stranger's identity but she kept it to herself. It will be even more exciting if the person himself revealed who he is. Bobby looked at Edward in confusion. He has no idea who this person is but the person seems to know about him. And Edward was smiling, longingly. Which might be creepy in some ways.
'I'm Edward'
Bobby's eyes widened in joy. He embraced him. The rest were happy to hear the good news as well. Flyra had found the lost prince. Master Kitty, Lillain, Dewi, and the three animals especially were most elated. After Bobby, the rest took turns hugging Edward. And lastly was Jake.
'Hi Prince Edward. I'm Jake, your brother' Jake said, extending his hand. Edward pulled him into a friendly hug.
'Jake, there's something you should know' Flyra said. 'We all aren't siblings'
Jake was confused.
'You and Nathan are. Edward and Erieka are. I'm alone. King Henry isn't our actual father. My mother was Lady Matilda of White Shore. Which makes King Henry my uncle. Half uncle. Your parents died in the attack in White Shore twenty years ago. We are just King Henry's adopted children' Flyra explained the truth. Only Jake was very shocked. And Edward was a little, now he knows his adopted siblings' origins.
'Which means, I am not of royal blood' Jake said.
'I'm sorry Jake. I had to tell the truth sooner than later'
'We were not supposed to let you three find out about this' Bobby said suddenly. 'Your father, King Henry never wanted you three to find out about the truth. He wants you to have a happy life' he said, referring to Flyra, Jake, and Nathan.
'That means I don't have to be king!' Jake suddenly exclaimed excitedly. The rest looked at him in confusion.
'I knew that I was never meant to rule. I knew there must be a reason why King Henry looks so much different than me and my brother. Same as you…' Jake said, he pointed at Flyra when he said "you". 'Look so much different than any of us'
The happy reunion conversations continued until Kitty voiced out.
'I'm sorry to interrupt but we are missing the princess' he said.
'We were on our way to the castle to rescue her' Flyra replied.
'Castle?' Lillain said.
'The avengers' base' Edward said.
'Alright, count us in. I am so ready to give Widow a piece of my mind' Kitty said.
'She doesn't go by that name anymore' Edward said. His tone was filled with anger and resentment. Kitty understood why. Young Edward had had bad memories with her. Edward prefers to call her by Marcala, the already known evil. Rather than Widow, the hypocrite and a murderer of her own son, Master Jackenzie, Edward's favourite master.
'I'm sorry Edward, I know how much you've been through' Kitty said.
'That's okay. Let's go'
Edward led the way.
They arrived a few minutes later. The sky was already dark. The lights from the streets and buildings lit the surroundings. The castle was quite dark. Only a few rooms were lit.
'We should expect a huge fight' Kitty said.
'I don't think so' Jake observed the kingdom as best he could from behind the walls. 'The castle is empty. Except probably the servants and some soldiers. I don't think the powerful avengers are around'
'How are you so sure? Don't let the lights fool you' Kitty replied.
'If I may say your highness, we need to take out those guards first' Bobby said, pointing to a group of guards patrolling the grounds, heading towards their direction.
'Allow me' Lillain said, stepping out of the bushes and shrubs to get a closer aim. The guards came closer and she swiped her hand up. The ground around the soldiers' feet break apart. Sand spouted upwards replacing the sinking grass. They started screaming for help but the sand was quicker. Soon only their heads were above ground, gasping for air over the struggle to get out. The sand was devouring them so quickly. And then, they were gone. The sand went back in and the grass came back out. Everything was back to the way it was.
'You could have shown them mercy at least' Flyra said.
'That's not what I saw happened to the dragon, or the bear' Lillain replied immediately. Flyra kept quiet. Lillain was right.
'But thank you by the way. You helped clear the path for us, even though you had no idea' Lillain said. Flyra held her hand in hers appreciatively.
'Alright, now let's get the guards at the gates and get inside the castle' Jake said.
There were only a few guards patrolling the gates, both on ground and in the two watchtowers on either side.
'They are really not good at defense' Lillain said.
'Either that or the avengers are not even home. And they brought an army with them to fight whatever business they're having' Bobby said.
'I am so ready to have a chat with my grandmother' Lillain said fiercely. 'More than a chat'
'Who's your grandmother?' Jake asked.
'Marcala'
Both Jake and Flyra were shocked.
'That's not something important or I should be proud of to go tell anyone' Lillain said. 'She killed my father, her own son. This is a long awaited moment for me'
'Lillain, you have been at peace for twenty years now. Don't let this sudden memory pull the dangerous desire out again. Darkness is not something to dwell about' Kitty advised. Lillain nodded her head in embarrassment, realising her mistake.
'Apologies master, let's go save Princess Erieka' Lillain said.
First, they took care of the guards in the watchtowers. There were about three soldiers watching out in each watchtower. Kitty controlled the wind around the watchtowers. He sent the wind blowing into the watchtowers from all directions, disabling them from moving. Flyra took her cue and added cold into the air. And soon, the wind was blowing frosts at the soldiers. The frosts turned to ice as they went in contact with the soldiers. Soon all of them were fully covered in ice.
'That's not mercy princess' Lillain whispered playfully. 'But it was impressive'
Flyra managed a warm smile. Then they took care of the six guards below. Lillain did her trick. Instantly, the surface area where all six soldiers were standing became soft and they sank underneath very quickly that their screams were only heard for a short while. They came out of cover (the bushes and trees) and headed to the closed gates. Kitty force-pushed the gates open. A street led all the way up to the castle, about four hundred metres ahead. Buildings on either side are utility buildings. There were a lot of work objects, bales of hay, carriages, barrels, and a lot of others to prove that there are no houses here. Except maybe the one long building behind a stable. It has windows but no other designs and decorations. Maybe those are the bunks for the soldiers and some avengers. The rest should be staying in the castle. The street was nearly empty, except a few old folks sweeping the grounds. They don't seem to notice the gates opening aggressively. Either that or they were just ignoring because the team was about to be ambushed. Flyra ran straight to the nearest old lady without thinking further.
'Flyra!' a few of them shouted at the same time. It was too late. But it wasn't totally unfortunate. The old lady just gave Flyra a creepy grin. Then she transformed into a beautiful young avenger. Soldiers came out of the buildings on both sides and stood in one line. They all were equipped with a bow and arrow. And they all aimed at Flyra. The ones closest to the gates, aimed their arrow at the team. The other two old folks apparently are real old people. Because as soon as the soldiers went out, they scurried away with their brooms fearfully. Should have ran to the other two instead, Flyra thought.
'Don't try anything funny princess. You're surrounded and alone' the avenger grinned.
'She's not alone' Kitty replied.
The avenger glanced behind Flyra and rolled her eyes.
'You are there and she's here. Our arrows can get her before you do' the avenger said.
'Try me?' Kitty said. For a few seconds, both of them started a staring contest. While that happened, no one realised Captain, Bale, and Oliver were sneaking up behind the soldiers. Oliver was alone on the left. Captain and Bale on the right. Captain and Bale started the distraction. Both of them suddenly jumped on one of the soldiers, pushing him to the ground. The heavy armour he was wearing helped. Then they started jumping up and down on the soldier's helmet. If he was still conscious after he fell, he was definitely not now. Some of the soldiers really got distracted and pointed their arrow at them instead.
'I'm a Sprite, and Sprites can radiate heat' Oliver told himself, standing and unseen behind one soldier. He summoned all his power intending to radiate heat from himself. At first it didn't seem to work. The avenger force-pushed Flyra backwards. Flyra fell and the avenger made sure she stays that way with her force.
'What nonsense is this?!' she exclaimed. It was clear that she was extremely annoyed. Captain and Bale had to stop whatever they were doing or Flyra would suffer. Oliver was starting to doubt himself when the soldiers in front of him started fidgeting. The fidgets turned to aggressive movements. They dropped their weapons and removed their helmets. Their faces were covered in sweat. It was working!
'What now?!' the avenger shouted, getting more angry. Soldiers on the opposite side started doing the same. Everyone else started to feel the heat. The team, quite a distance away could feel the heat already and they're not wearing any armour. The soldiers one by one died of heat exhaustion before the avenger could realise its source. Oliver stepped out of the porch happily, feeling very proud of himself.
'You!' the avenger yelled with a voice full of vengeance. While she was distracted, Flyra took the chance to attack her. From the lying position, she pushed her left palm forward. A wave of forcefield flung the avenger backwards. Flyra got up and quickly drew her bow. The avenger was quick too. But not as quick as Flyra. When the avenger was standing up, Flyra's arrow was already aimed right at her chest.
'You don't try anything funny' Flyra said, getting back at her. The avenger reluctantly raised both of her hands up in the air as a sign of surrender. Flyra was surprised. She didn't expect their fight to end that simple.
'You are alone. Marcala and the others are not here' Flyra said, realisation dawned on her. The avenger did not respond. She just kept showing a hatred face. The team went in and Bobby took initiative to apprehend the avenger. He let Dewi check on her for any sharp object or weapon in her possession.
'Where are the rest of you? Morgan's mighty army?' Jake asked demandingly.
'Answer the prince' Bobby said, tightening his grip on her arms.
'I do not need to answer you' the avenger replied stubbornly.
'You better' Lillain said and held her palm up in a "C" shape at the avenger's throat, force choking her.
'Lillain stop' Kitty reprimanded.
Lillain resisted the command. She told herself to force choke her with a stronger force. Suddenly a warm hand touched her sleeve. It was Edward's. He gave her a caring look. Her anger cooled down. She let go of the avenger's throat. The avenger gasped for air as she touched her throat with both hands.
'You are the real monsters!' the avenger shouted. Her voice came out hoarse this time.
'I'm sorry' Lillain said. She walked away briskly, disappointed with herself.
'I'll go after her' Dewi said. She walked away.
'You are all too late. Your princess went with them. She is one of us forever' the avenger said, smirking.
'What are you talking about?' Jake asked.
'Haven't you heard? Oh I know! You've been away from home for a long time' the avenger continued mocking them. 'Your Combination is going down. By this time I think even Barenge is defeated. Your princess, our successor, Erieka if you have no idea who I'm speaking of, she's in charge of the attack. All our victories are thanks to her. So dream on if you're planning to save her'
Edward physically went to her and grabbed her neck.
'Edward!' Kitty exclaimed alarmingly. Jake and Bobby helped to push Edward back gently. Bobby prised Edward's hands away from the avenger's neck.
'What's your name avenger?' Kitty asked, focusing straight to the point. He doesn't want anyone else to lose their anger and control and cause more damage.
'Myra' the avenger replied rudely.
'Alright Myra, you're going to send a message for us' Kitty said.
'You can't make me'
'Oh we can't! But we can use magic to make you' Kitty replied with sass. Myra was silent for a moment, realising she was losing.
'Let me go!' she screamed.
'Edward, would you like to do the honours of what message to be sent?' Kitty asked.
'My pleasure' Edward said, smiling at Myra. Bobby and Jake restrained her more firmly as Kitty touched her leg with one paw. And the other paw, Edward held it. As Edward began to speak his message, Kitty led the message flow through him and into Myra's mind by magic. If he could reach Myra's head, that would have been better for him. The message won't have to go through the joints in the legs, then the body, before reaching the head. But he's just a cat. He can't reach that high and it will waste more time for Bobby and Jake to lay her down on the ground plus restraining her.
'Marcala, Morgan, Alphaga, all avengers. Edward is speaking. And for your annoyance, I have been reunited with my family. My real family. And we have taken over your kingdom. Morgan's Kingdom. You have taken Combination. But just remember, that we have friends there which you no longer have here. And I promise, we won't rest until Combination is safe once again from your hands. We still have friends and allies from other cities which you don't have the strength to conquer yet. You have provoked the peace, and thus declared war. To Erieka, my sister, I know you can make the right choices. It's never too late to turn back' Edward delivered his message. Kitty passed the message through and let go of both, hand and leg after the magic was done.
'You got the message in me. No way I'm delivering them' Myra said.
'Oh you'll see' Kitty said, mockingly. He stared into Myra's eyes. When she realised what he was trying to do, she wanted to turn away or look up but she couldn't resist.
'You shall deliver Edward's message to Combination. You shall deliver the message to the avengers' Kitty said every word carefully.
'I shall deliver Edward's message to Combination. I shall deliver the message to the avengers' Myra repeated the sentences almost like a robot.
'Now go' Kitty said. He released his stare. Bobby and Jake released their grips. Myra transformed into a black bird and soared into the night sky.
'That works?' Jake asked, amazed.
'It does. It was easy because she was already staring at every one of us' Kitty said.
'Let's take shelter in the castle and turn this place light and bright' Jake suggested.
'That is definitely a must. Since Edward has officially declared a war with them. We need a base' Kitty said.
'They declared it first by their actions' Edward said, defending himself.
'I know, I'm just joking with you my prince' Kitty smiled.
Seeing him happy reminded Edward of old times. Then he remembered Master Mousy.
'Where's Mousy?' he asked.
'Marcala did something to her. A curse or something' Kitty replied.
'We'll get everyone back' Edward said, reassuringly.
'There's the optimistic prince I remember' Kitty said, smiling more warmly. He missed the old times. He missed teaching and playing with his student. Now he was all grown up. He had missed him growing up. He had missed countless lessons he could have taught him more tricks. Thinking further, what about King Henry. His own father. He had missed his own son growing into a handsome man. His teenage life. His problems. But what's important now is what is ahead. Kitty can spend time with him now to make up for the past. But first, everyone needed to rest.