With the war coming, Southernere was not getting anymore peaceful. Not even the furthest of the lands. All three remaining independent cities had received the warning letter sent by Queen Alice. Not long later, word of the avengers going to war with the few people on Edward's team, spread very quickly. Both avengers and the team made full use of the two full days they have to train and seek people to join them. The avengers however did an extra job. They made the lives of Combination citizens worse than any nightmare.
In one day, the avengers had managed to influence the people of Waterfront town to join their army. Many freelance soldiers from anywhere agreed to join as well. It was obvious to them which was the winning side. Marcala and Alphaga did not only seek help from people. Beasts and animals that have always hated Sofya's family were being seeked as well. By the morning of the second day, Combination was overrun with many different soldiers and creatures. No citizen dared to leave their homes. They could only hope that one day, they could be free from this misery.
Up north, the team was focusing more towards training. Their group was not big enough to cover all of Southernere and seek people to join them before the avengers do. But two missions were agreed to be completed before the second day. First mission, Prince Edward was to head out and find Master Nvago so that he can help remove the cursed bracelet from his wrist. Bobby followed him. The second mission was, Princess Flyra was to head to all three cities that were still standing strong, Arstar, Silverside, and Trisnarim, with Master Kitty and Prince Jake following. They were to seek help from them to join the war. Arstar was chosen as the first destination because the city was the farthest from Combination for the avengers to reach. Going to Silverside and Trisnarim first would be suicide. Silverside is just miles southwest of Combination. Trisnarim is even further down and must cross water to reach. Lillain, Dewi, and the three animals stayed behind to protect their new base. And they were hopeful too, just in case anyone came to help and join the war. Master Kitty had removed the dimensional shield that hid the base from the land. This way, anyone in need of help can approach, that is if they know that the avengers were no longer staying here.
A raven arrived in the afternoon of the first day with a letter from Combination. It delivered news of King Henry's death.
'This is very terrible news' Dewi said. The other four were already in tears. Dewi was the least among them who knows about King Henry. But she loves him very much. She sees him as a father figure. A kind man who provided her a home in the castle twenty years ago. Even though she was a stranger from an unknown land at that time.
'They are doing this on purpose' Lillain scowled. 'They know for sure when Edward, Flyra, Jake, everyone here receives this message, it'll bring everyone down. That's what they want'
'We can't let a few words bring us down!' Dewi said.
'Then hide the letter!' Lillain suggested desperately. She stuck her hand out, gesturing for Dewi to give her the letter. 'We must not let them know'
Dewi stared at her in disbelief. Lillain's sudden desperation and wild suggestion was unbelievable.
'We can't do that!' Captain argued.
'Yes we can. They'll eventually find out when we win back Combination' Lillain said.
Again more unbelievable words that came out of Lillain's mouth.
'Lillain, listen to yourself. This isn't you!' Dewi said.
'Then what is?!' Lillain snapped. Her voice was projected so loud and powerful that it reached every room in the castle. Dewi instantly took one step back, feeling that she would fall if she didn't. Upon seeing that, Lillain seemed to snap out of a trance.
'I'm sorry. I… I lose control again' Lillain cried.
'You don't have to apologise Lillain' Dewi said. Interlocking her fingers with Lillain's. 'I'm your friend. And I am not being a good friend if I don't care about you and let you fall into the darkness'
'Thank you Dewi' Lillain said, she let go of Dewi's hands to wipe her tears.
'Now, we can't hide the news from our friends. We have to tell them'
Lillain nodded her head obediently.
'Okay, now I have to go and pray. I'll be right back' Dewi said and walked away.
'I don't understand her' Captain said. 'I've noticed, there are days that she prays, whatever she calls it, and there are days that she didn't. Why's that?'
'That's something you won't understand unless you're a woman and have periods' Lillain said. 'She can't pray when she's having them'
'Okay, understood' Captain replied immediately.
'I really hope our friends are doing well with their mission' Lillain said.
Just then, there were a few loud bangs on the castle doors. They all looked at each other with worry. Lillain went to check. The three animals following behind. She opened the door and saw Princess Darleen standing there, a little bit of dirt here and there on her dress. Her headscarf was loose, revealing parts of her brown hair. By her facial expression, even a child could tell that she was extremely tired and she had faced many problems on her way here.
'Princess Darleen!' Lillain exclaimed, very surprised.
'Lillain, Help me' Darleen managed to say weakly before she collapsed. Lillain caught her before she hit the ground and brought her to the living room. Dewi walked into the room.
'Princess Darleen?' Dewi said. 'What happened?'
'She just came. I don't know' Lillain replied.
They did not have to wait long. Darleen became conscious again seconds later. She sat up on the couch.
'What happened? We thought you were dead. We heard the avengers attacked Barenge' Lillain said.
'I escaped. I left' Darleen said, and her voice broke. She was about to cry. 'I left my parents to die. Mother asked me to leave, find Princess Flyra. And I know from how the attack was going, Barenge would fall. And it did'
'It's alright Darleen, it's alright. You're safe here' Dewi said. She sat beside her and comforted her.
'We will take back our home'
'Darleen, Queen Alice asked you to find Flyra?' Lillain asked.
'Yes, she said there was news that Flyra was missing. Flyra is very important. She's the key to defeating the amulet the new avenger is wearing. To defeat the avengers' Darleen explained.
Lillain exchanged sad looks with Dewi when Darleen mentioned, "the new avenger".
'Darleen, there's something you need to know about the new avenger. She's your niece, Princess Erieka' Lillain said.
Darleen was speechless. She was very shocked.
'She was raised by Marcala for twenty years. She is now on Marcala's side. Fortunately Edward did not fall for her teachings. Edward is on ours'
'My niece is evil?' Darleen murmured. She could not believe what she had just heard, nor could she accept it. 'She burnt me'
They noticed her burnt half. Her once beautiful face, half of it was now burnt. That will leave a permanent mark.
'You need to wash up' Dewi said, helping her up. 'Let me help'
Dewi brought her away to one of the rooms.
'Everything is just getting worse!' Oliver grumbled.
'We need hope Oliver. Let's stay positive. Negativity won't help. It might lead me back to the darkness again' Lillain said.
Prince Edward and Bobby were reaching the frozen valley of sorrows. The air was already very cold. But the trading village was nowhere to be seen.
'Princess Flyra already reminded us that the village has shifted its place. We are wasting time my prince' Bobby said.
'Bobby, just checking is worth the risk of wasting time. Now we know for sure. May you suggest where we look next?' Edward replied.
'Definitely not here your highness, the air is getting colder. It's more unbearable than the last time we were here. Head back west, then we turn southwards'
'Lead the way'
They retraced their steps until Edward's old small house was in sight. Then they headed south. About some time later, Edward could sense dark magic not far ahead.
'I think we should change direction' Edward said.
Bobby did not intend to argue but he was curious. So he looked at Edward questioningly.
'I am sensing dark magic in the air' Edward said.
'Alright, let's head west now' Bobby said. As they changed their route, they saw something up ahead that was not naturally there. A mountain of it, as tall as the trees. Dead bodies were piled up in a small clearing of the forest. The stench of the corpses was overwhelming.
'Oh my' Bobby murmured.
'I think I know where we are' Edward said, pinching his nose. 'We're close to Barenge. That means, we're in The Inlands. Those inhuman treatments were the works of the avengers. Those are most likely the people of Barenge'
Bobby could no longer stand it, he started covering his mouth and nose as well.
'Let's quickly move away, we do not want any avenger to suddenly spot us here' Edward suggested. They took the longer way around the mountain of corpses.
Soon, they were far away from the stench's reach.
'Your highness, do we even know what we're looking for?' Bobby asked. The thought of a shifting trading village with fake people was starting to sound crazy.
'We just need to find signs or sense magic, light magic. Flyra mentioned that the master who guards the village is one of The Fifteen. Whatever that is. I asked her but she doesn't even know what is, The Fifteen. But it definitely has something to do with light magic' Edward said.
'Southernere is a huge island, your highness…'
'Bobby, as long as we're out here, and I am not yet officially crowned prince, just call me Edward'
'Right, your high… I mean Edward' Bobby said uncomfortably. Edward patted his shoulder and continued walking.
'We don't have magic with us to travel fast or quickly sense the magic. But we'll do our best. I just got the feeling we're close' Edward said.
Further north, Princess Flyra, Prince Jake, and Master Kitty were travelling fast, a few kilometres away from the imaginary border line that separates The Inlands and The Outlands. Master Kitty had transformed into a white bird. He transformed Flyra and Jake as well because Flyra didn't know how to and Jake has no magic. They took a few minutes to adjust to the wings and flying before flying away from Morgan's Kingdom. They were a few miles away from Arstar. They just have to fly over the extended side of the Waterfront Lake.
By the end of the early afternoon of the first day, they arrived in Arstar. They landed in front of the long steps to The Grand Palace. The royal grounds of Arstar were much bigger than the royal grounds of Combination. In fact, it was the biggest royal ground among all the big cities of Inland. Everything was grand. The city was so big that they have more than enough citizens to employ for jobs. Because of that, the palace has so many servants that every corner of it was constantly clean, even the outside. A roundabout goes from the entrance gates and around the grand fountain in the centre. Long steps led all the way up to the huge double doors. The building was rectangular. It's structure did not seem to come from this era. Almost all the structures in Arstar seemed to come from somewhere or sometime else. Tall windows arranged in symmetrical on the sides of the palace. Trees decorated the garden and grassy areas around the grounds. The palace was built on a hill, that was why the long steps. Hence, the garden was built to fit around it. The garden was unique because unlike all the other gardens from other castles and palaces, The Grand Palace's garden was sloping, taking the shape of the hill.
Princess Flyra, Prince Jake, and Master Kitty were greeted the moment they transformed back to themselves. Like there were many servants, there were also many soldiers deployed to guard the palace. Arstar's special unit is called the guards. They were dressed very smartly just like the servants. That made Flyra ponder, how is their armour or war uniform like. The guards greeted them in a very courteous manner.
'Welcome to Arstar your highnesses. I believe you are the famous Princess Flyra, child of the seed of Gratultyn' the guard said.
'Wow, thank you. I didn't even know I am that famous here' Flyra replied, blushing at the unexpected compliment. The guard smiled.
'Dear fine soldier, can you lead us to your king. We have very important and urgent matters to discuss' Jake said.
'Yes your highness, right this way' the guard said. He led them up the steps and into the palace's throne hall. There was a short wait outside the hall as the servant announced their arrival to the king. King David of Arstar lived alone. There was a queen twenty years ago. But she died two years after the incident. She wasn't even fifty or having any disease. She just died peacefully, as her time had come. The moment the three of them entered, King David got up from his throne and went to hug Kitty. He kneeled down just so that Kitty could reach his shoulder.
'Master Kitty!' David said cheerfully as he approached him.
'It's been a while Dave' Kitty replied.
They hugged. The two young royals looked at them curiously.
'Are we missing something? You didn't tell us you and King David are… this close' Jake said.
'Yes, we are about the same age, we went to SHAW Academy together back when we were young. We're old friends, me, him, Jackenzie and Mousy' Kitty said.
'We had lots of fun back in those good old days' David laughed. He was certainly a very cheerful person.
'But I have to apologise David, the time now is not a happy one. We came with a specific reason' Kitty said.
'Yes, I do know. Queen Alice sent a letter informing about the avengers taking over Combination and Barenge'
'She did?' Jake said instantly.
'Yes, and I know what you came to ask. I'll join you in this war. For the good of Inland. And for my dear friends' David said. His words came out of his mouth all right and satisfyingly. Everything he said was nothing but pleasure to the ears. First his cheerful character. Then his understanding in the conversation and answer even though no one had properly asked a question. And his replies were just non-arguable. The three of them were so happy that Arstar was joining them. Arstar's army is well known for their resilience. They went through the same tough training repeatedly to train them to get used to the pain. Barenge's army is well known for their discipline. But if the avengers were to attack Arstar as well, Arstar would have survived longer than Barenge.
King David served his guests one long table of buffet. He then prepared his army of hundred guards, five hundred soldiers and fifty elite soldiers which was three quarter of Arstar's forces. And they set off for Morgan's Kingdom. Kitty had shared with him the location. David left his royal advisor in charge of the city. He also prepared food and bottles of plain water for Prince Jake, Princess Flyra, and Master Kitty for their journey south towards Trisnarim. They parted ways at dusk.
Trisnarim is situated at the end of the western lands, in front of the Southern Ocean. About the Southern Ocean, since Southernere is the only island aside from The Marina in the entire world, when travellers travel all the way down, they'll end up back in the north which is still the Southern Ocean. No one knows why south is chosen to be its name instead of north which if named north will also bring questions. It's just known as the Southern Ocean since the time of Combi.
Trisnarim is a city built at the corner of the land. Overlooking the beautiful ocean. The wide river and the Southern Ocean by its side. In fact, one-third of the city was built on or in the water. It's castle is a majestic one. Built with diamonds and trisnal stone. An almost common resource in the waters of Trisnarim but impossible to find in other parts of the ocean. That was also how Trisnarim got its name. Trisna from trisnal, and rim because Trisnarim is at the southeastern corner of the eastern lands. Diamonds are naturally transparent. Trisnal is a bit lighter than ocean blue, which makes it tough to look for. Back to the castle, one quarter of it is made out of diamonds, another quarter is made out of trisnal stone, and the remaining half is made out of ice. Real ice that glowed blue light especially at night due to the trisnal stone within. Having being in the south and further away from the sun's direct contact, Trisnarim has a very cold climate. The temperature prevents the ice from melting. Two factors that made Trisnarim Palace look even more magnificent are that it's on water and the lights that shine into the diamonds projected rays of colourful lights. Walkways of glass serve as roads for walking into the ocean districts and back. Glass tunnels with stone stairs led down into the water to the buildings underneath. If Arstar looks like it is from another era, Trisnarim looks definitely like it is from the future.
Before reaching Trisnarim, the three will have to pass by Waterfront and West Coast towns. Which they avoided because words that King David also received were that one of the two towns has joined the avengers for the upcoming war.
Three white birds landed on the ice floor, a big empty space in between the front of the castle and the entrance gates that were made out of trisnal. It was an hour after midnight. The three birds transformed into Flyra, Jake, and Kitty. Unlike Arstar, there were no servants or soldiers around.
Up the small ice steps stood the huge ice doors glowing pinkish-blue light.
'I'm speechless' Flyra gasped, staring in awe at her surroundings. 'This is my kind of place'
'Where are the servants or guards?' Jake said. They only saw the few citizens that were still walking about the streets at this late hour. Unlike Combination and the other cities, there were no soldiers having night shift in Trisnarim.
'I actually don't know. I've never visited Trisnarim before. Trisnarim is a very difficult city to get to by land' Kitty replied. 'When royals visited Trisnarim, like your fa… King Henry did, they travelled by sea'
'Alright we're meeting the royals, that means that way' Flyra said, getting straight to the point. She pointed at the ice doors.
'The royals are a queen and a princess. Let's see who they are' Kitty said.
They walked up the ice steps and the double ice doors opened automatically. Immediately, snowflakes swirled around a fixed position in the centre of the doorway. The snowflakes joined together and formed a figure of a beautiful snowy blue lady. From her headscarf to her long dress, everything was snowy blue.
'Welcome to Trisnarim Palace' the lady spoke in a very formal way. 'Please state the intentions of your visit'
The three of them were very surprised to say anything just yet. From the automatic door to the snowflake host, Trisnarim was full of magical surprises aside from its magical beauty. That was probably another reason why there were no soldiers around. This is certainly a type of magic that Kitty himself never heard about before.
'We would like to meet your queen' Jake answered after a few seconds.
'State your name' the snow lady said.
'Jake'
'With title' Kitty reminded him immediately. Just as fast, Jake corrected his answer.
'Prince Jake of Combination'
'Greetings your highness, please wait, a host will attend to you shortly. Have a nice day!' the lady said. And she vanished as snowflakes that formed her earlier broke apart and disappeared into thin air.
'Just wow' Flyra said, she was extremely amazed. 'I can't wait to meet the queen'
They waited for a few more seconds. That was more than enough time for them to admire the interior of the entrance hallway. The walls on both sides are mostly made out of trisnal with a few diamonds scattered to reflect the light. Ice sculptures are the art of statues here instead of marble. Four entrances to other hallways divided equally on each side. A very young lady, probably even still a girl, came from one of the hallways towards them.
'Good morning your highnesses. Welcome to Trisnarim. I'll be assisting you for your visit. Feel free to ask me questions anytime. Right this way to the meeting room. The queen is waiting for you' the girl said.
'Thank you. How can I address you?' Flyra replied.
'Hostess Jenny your highness' Jenny answered.
'Thank you Jenny. I have a question. How do we not feel cold even though we're only wearing one or two layers of clothing?' Flyra said.
'That's because the queen casted a magical shield against the temperature for warm-blooded beings like us. The cold will never bother you as long as the magic is there' Jenny explained.
'Interesting!' Flyra exclaimed, becoming more impressed.
'How old are you Jenny?' Jake asked.
'I'm seventeen years old, your highness' Jenny replied.
'That explains. You look very young' Jake complimented.
'Thank you your highness' Jenny said, blushing.
They entered a room mostly made out of marble stone. Most of the furniture like the meeting table and chairs were made out of wood. A few ice sculptures decorated the empty spaces. A tall lady wearing all white. If Flyra was to wear that, she would have completed the whole set. The lady's skin was less white than Flyra's. She has reddish white skin, while Flyra has pale white. A diamond crown fitted perfectly on her headscarf. Her headscarf and dress were very long. The length of her scarf extended below her waist. This was definitely the queen.
'Good morning your highnesses of Combination. I can't tell for sure if you are telling the truth or otherwise because the only royal I know still alive and ruling Combination is King Henry. Who I have also not met for twenty years. Not since Queen Dorothy's farewell. Such a tragedy, what happened. But I heard about the child of the seed of Gratultyn and I'm sure you are her' the queen said. Her voice came out cold. But she wasn't being mean or evil, it's just probably her magic. She spoke with interest as she mentioned about the child of the seed. 'So I believe you for your claims. Your highnesses of Combination. Please be seated. Queen Lady Lith of Trisnarim'
She finally invited them to sit and said her name.
'I am sorry for what happened. I received news that Combination and Barenge had already been taken over by the avengers. And I know why you came'
The three of them were so happy. Another good news? Just like King David, Queen Lady Lith is going to say she's joining even before they asked.
'But I'm sorry, I have to tell you, I can't join you in the war' Lady Lith said.
The three of them dropped their jaws. Not literally. To the queen's view, they just widened their eyes in disbelief. Their hopes were disappointed.
'Most importantly because I have to protect my city first. The avengers are coming. Even the natural power the city has is not enough to counter their attacks. But, I won't let you leave empty handed' Lady Lith continued. All three perked up, can't wait to hear what is the good news.
'I shall allow my daughter, Princess Nathaliya, and her royal troopers to join you. If she agrees to help. Apart from that, I shall give fifty men from one of my elite units to you. Your choice between Guardians of the sea or the honour guards. Guardians of the sea are specialised in water combat. They can fight on both land and water. Our honour guards are specialised in sword fighting and their blades are made out of trisnal stone. Iron may kill faster, but trisnal stone deflects magic'
'Your city is most certainly a wonder, your majesty' Flyra said. 'There's a lot to learn'
'There's more than that' Lady Lith said, smiling sweetly.
'I'll let you discuss first. I'll come back later with my daughter' Lady Lith said. She got up and walked out of the room. There were only the three of them with the hostess, Jenny, and two other men, most probably, are part of the royal troopers (protecting royal persons and property).
Flyra, Jake, and Kitty discussed the choices they were given. Soon, Queen Lady Lith came back. She was followed by a beautiful lady that looks like a younger version of her but a bit shorter. Princess Nathaliya. She was wearing everything white just like her mother. A tiara rested on her headscarf.
'I bring good news and bad news, your highnesses' Lady Lith said, sitting down on her chair. Princess Nathaliya sat on the chair to her right.
'Bad news, Silverside has fallen'
There was a second of silence as everyone reacted to the news, shocked and worried.
'That is certainly not good' Kitty agreed.
'The more reason I have to stay and protect my city. Trisnarim is closer to Silverside than Arstar is. We will be the next target' Lady Lith said. 'With all the iron and wood they can take from Silverside, the soldiers will be stronger than before'
'I think that means our journey ends here. We'll have to head back to Morgan's Kingdom now' Jake said.
'I seek upon the blessings of Lady Feramein, protector of Isle of Nature and Southernere, keeper of seasons and elements, to guide my acquaintances, highnesses of Combination, for their journey back' Lady Lith said, closing her eyes and concentrating hard.
This was the second time Flyra heard someone mentioned protector and keeper. The first time was with the mysterious Master Nvago who claimed himself as a protector.
'I'm sorry, your majesty. But I heard someone mentioned about protectors and keepers before. He claimed to be a protector himself…' Flyra said.
'You met a protector before?' Lady Lith interrupted. She was clearly very interested.
'Yes, he said his name is Master Nvago'
'Master Nvago is here?' Lady Lith spoke with enthusiasm. 'Of course he is, he's a protector of trading villages and portals for Southernere'
'What are those? And those other protectors you seemed to speak to just now?'
'They are members of The Fifteen. The fifteen great masters of Gratultyn with responsibilities across the realms'
'How do you know about all this?' Kitty said. 'This information cannot be found in any of the books I've read regarding Gratultyn'
'That's because no explorer or traveller has ever been to the actual place. They may have found the portals, travelled to the realm of passageways, but to get to Gratultyn is more complex than that. They could only write what they assume or heard about Gratultyn without actually having proof. The only proof we have that the place exists is the Gratultyn magic people wield. But we have something different. We have a classified high valued item in our possession. It speaks to us once in a while, messages from Lady Feramein herself, which the item belongs to. That was how we learnt about Silverside's fall. If you ask me how the item got here, I don't know the answer. It has been there since before my grandfather even learnt about it. That was how we learnt, well myself, my daughter, and people we trust, about The Fifteen and Gratultyn'
'So where is Lady Feramein? She's a protector of this land right?' Jake asked.
'She is a protector of Southernere but she can't interfere with dealings occuring. She has to let it continue naturally. She can't pick sides. Both Inlanders and Outlanders are inhabitants of this land. Changing things or altering nature is against the law of magic. I just simply seek her support for you to return home safely. Morgan's Kingdom? Shouldn't you change the name to something… better?'
'We'll think about it' Jake replied.
There was a short pause. Everyone digested the information they received.
'The good news is, my daughter has agreed to join you in the war' Lady Lith said, referring to her daughter beside her. Princess Nathaliya nodded her head with respect.
'She's a very quiet person. The only words I hear coming from her everytime are about duties and responsibilities. She can't take jokes' Lady Lith said.
'Thank you, your highness. We are very grateful for your support, and yours, your majesty' Flyra said, to the princess and to the queen. 'We have decided to go with Guardians of the sea for the fifty men'
'Excellent your highness. I'll get them ready in twenty minutes. You'll have three tankers with five soldiers handling each. You'll find out soon what's a tanker. You'll also have one Guardian, the name of all our finest ships. Boarding it will be its crew members, twenty archers, and fifteen Ocean Masters. I believe you know, what are the Ocean Masters. They are all Winterains but more advanced. They master everything related to water, snow, ice, water, mist, and even air. That's our specialty. All together, you have fifty men. The Guardian will bring you up the wide river to the Waterfront Lake. From there, the rest of the journey by foot. I believe by the evening of tomorrow, you will reach your base' Lady Lith said.
'Thank you very much your majesty' Jake said. They all thanked each other, for the queen's assistance and for the three's visit.
'I hope the best for your defense against the avengers when they come' Flyra said.
'We'll seek blessings from Lady Feramein. Thank you. I hope for you the best in the war. May Lady Feramein offer her blessings to you as well' Lady Lith said. All the time she has been speaking in a very formal way. She suddenly changed her tone to be more friendly and informal and said, 'May we meet again someday'
They all stood up. Princess Nathaliya hugged her mother.
'I love you' she said softly. Her voice was the only sound in the room at that moment. So everyone was able to hear it. That was also the first time they heard Nathaliya's voice.
'I love you too' Lady Lith replied. 'Stay strong, be safe. I'll want to see you again after this is over'
Lady Lith wasn't asking. The tone in her voice showed that she must see Nathaliya again after the war. She would be very depressed if she found out her daughter died. Nathaliya just managed a weak smile. She couldn't promise anything. So she hugged her mother tighter. This might be the last time she saw her.
Two hours passed since the three arrived. Now they were ready to set off. Queen Lady Lith had prepared what was promised. The Guardian was a magnificent ship. From the street level they could see its vast architecture. It is far greater than all the other ships at the docks below. Units that made up the Guardians of the sea were all lined up in a very orderly manner. First were the tankers, followed by rows of Ocean Masters and archers. The Guardian's crew was already on board the ship. Lady Lith introduced them to the tankers. The tanker is not a person. It's an object. Five soldiers are tasked to handle each of the three tankers given. It is like a huge barrel that can fit six people inside, with a few more spaces afterwards. A small hole is near the edge at the top for refilling of water. A small round piston is attached to the centre of its top. Another hole at the bottom of its side with a rubber hose attached for water to flow out. A valve is in between the hose and the hole to control the flow of water. This is a weapon. The piston at the top will provide additional pressure to the water when it flows out at the bottom. Lastly, a device to project greater surface area of the water is attached to the end of the hose. Lady Lith calls it the sprinkler. Water will shoot out of it very strongly. It will injure anyone close to it if they resist the current. If not, they'll be flung backwards.
The Ocean Masters and archers are both wearing the same uniform. Mostly white in colour. The ladies have additional clothing on them, white headscarves. The archers' bows are all shiny-looking. The wood that was used to craft the bows are from Silverside's majestic woods.
'I apologise to have you summoned at this early hour. I thank you for your devotion to your duties. We know the avengers are a huge threat to our city, our land. They are taking over the cities one by one. All fifty of you here are sent to follow our highnesses of Combination as they go to war two days from now. Serve well. For the good of Inland' Lady Lith spoke to all her subjects.
'Yes ma'am!' they cheered in response. Flyra, Jake and Kitty looked astonishingly at the loyal soldiers.
Five minutes later, they were already on board the Guardian and heading up the wide river towards Waterfront Lake.
Earlier in the day, Prince Edward and Bobby were already lost. They know Barenge was behind. They had managed to go a longer route around to avoid the fallen city. But the surroundings changed drastically all of a sudden. The trees turned from green to red. Everything was red. Not autumn red but real red colour. The grass was a lighter shade of red. Other substances like rocks seemed red as well because almost everything else around was red.
'Where are we Bobby? I don't recall having red trees near Barenge' Edward said.
'I have no idea Edward' Bobby replied.
They kept walking until they were sure that they were still at the same spot. It did not feel like they were going around in circles. It was like they had been walking on the spot.
'Prince Edward' a voice belonging to an old man spoke from behind. They turned quickly to see Master Nvago standing calmly in front of them. But Edward and Bobby had no idea yet that he was the master they're looking for.
'How do you know my name?' Edward asked.
'You're a prince. Everyone knows you' Nvago replied.
'The last time anyone saw me was when I was a small boy'
'I see you've lost some of your amazing intellect, your highness' Nvago said, smiling like an old mentor who cares for his student. Edward kept quiet. He understood what he meant. Edward used to be a bright person. He could guess, predict or even read people's emotions.
'I'm not the same boy everyone knows me for'
'Oh I know that. Everyone changes through time. But that your highness is a trait. A trait stays with a person for as long as he lives. You buried that trait deep within you for a very long time. Now it is time to bring it back out. You'll be smarter with it. Just saying. I'm helping you. You're looking for me right?' Nvago said. He winked at the last sentence. Edward's and Bobby's face lit up.
'Master Nvago?' Edward said.
'You would have known if you had brought back that intellect of yours out' Nvago said.
'How do you know so much about me?'
'Let's just say, the protector of this land knows whoever's on it and whatever they're doing. And I'm friends with her'
'Whatever they're doing?'
'Not that detailed obviously' Nvago said. 'Hurry up your highness. You have to find that intellect, you'll suffer without it. It's a part of you'
'I came to seek your help to remove this'
Edward showed him the cursed bracelet on his left wrist. Nvago observed the bracelet. Edward and Bobby could not understand what he was thinking because he showed no reaction.
'Marcala put them on you?' Nvago asked suddenly.
'Yes. It's been on me for twenty years. Perhaps after this is removed, I can finally find back what you asked me to find' Edward said, getting impatient.
'Calm down my prince. What I asked you to find is nothing related to magic. Impatience is one of the reasons you're unable to focus. And without concentration, that is how you are blinded from seeking the truth. In this case truth about yourself'
'I'm sorry'
'Let me see that' Nvago gestured for the bracelet. Edward brought his left hand closer to him and he examined the bracelet. Nvago swiped his hand a few centimetres above the bracelet. The two ends that connected the bracelet into one circle became loose and the bracelet fell onto the ground. Edward made a short gasp as he felt his blood moving around his body at fast speed. He could feel it again, the power. He gazed at a nearby tree. An idea struck him and he intended to try out his powers. He swiped his hand upwards in the direction of the tree. Water exited in between his fingers and it moved in a wavy formation towards the tree. The amount of water that came out could fill a tanker. The water swirled around the tree continuously. Edward swiped his hand back down and the water splashed onto the tree. Edward felt like he had just regained his full freedom. He had also caused a sensation. Because both Master Nvago and Bobby seemed to be in a better mood. Nvago was smiling wider now.
'I would like to officially welcome you back, your highness. But I'll save it until you find that intellect. Above all the power you have, that is your greatest strength' Nvago said, smiling.
Edward glanced excitedly at Bobby. He could not wait to return to Morgan's Kingdom and share with everyone what happened. And more importantly, he could not wait to win the war and meet his father again. He missed him very much.
'Don't forget the bracelet' Nvago said.
'Why would I take it? It is the reason I was lost for twenty years' Edward replied.
'Perhaps you could make use of it in the future'
Edward never thought of it before. That bracelet is not any good being lost. He picked it up.
'Remember, only the person who placed it or anyone who is knowledgeable over it can remove it from someone's wrist. If you placed it on Marcala, she's able to remove it. Her knowledge is very great. Don't play with it'
'I don't have a bag or anything to keep it right now'
'It only works on people with magic' Nvago said, giving a hint. He was purposefully making Edward think. Nvago believed that Edward has one of the greatest minds of all time. If he lets his intellect find its way back out to shine.
'I can place it on Bobby!' Edward exclaimed, elated that he wasn't entirely dumb or useless in magical terms anymore. He was smart but he was dumb and useless in magic the past twenty years.
'Very good, your highness. Let it flow. Let it out. Don't keep your intellect locked up' Nvago marveled. Bobby obediently lent his hand. Edward placed the bracelet on. Bobby turned it around his wrist and pulled the connections apart. The bracelet came out easily. The curse doesn't work on him.
'You should come with us. We will need all the help we can get' Edward said.
'I can't interfere with affairs that are not mine. I am one of The Fifteen and bound to the laws of Gratultyn and magic. I will need permission from the protector of Southernere if I want to proceed' Nvago said.
There was silence. Edward and Bobby prepared to leave. They faced Master Nvago to thank him and say goodbye.
'One more thing your highness. Princess Flyra is no ordinary person. She's a child of the seed of Gratultyn. If it comes to a bad situation, she'll have a second chance'
Nvago's words almost sounded like a riddle. Both of them didn't understand.
'What do you mean?' Edward asked.
'Just know that you'll need her to win the battle. The rest you'll understand when the time is right. I have opened a gateway for you to leave this place, just right ahead. Be careful, you'll be close to Barenge when you return. Now go! Be safe' Nvago disappeared right in front of their eyes.
Edward and Bobby followed his instructions to walk straight ahead. The next minute they were back in a familiar surrounding. The trees and grass were green. Everything was pleasant. Except for the sound of screams. Most probably the citizens of Barenge were screaming for mercy as the Outland soldiers tortured them.
'Let's get out of here'
'Agreed' Bobby said. Bobby took a step forward and Edward held him back.
'Now we can do this' Edward said, attempting to try something. He closed his eyes, concentrating hard. He transformed into a blue bird.
'Your highness! I thought only Master Kitty could do that? How did you learn to do it?' Bobby asked, surprised.
'Thanks to Marcala, she transformed me years ago, I guess the skill just automatically saved within me. And besides, I saw a lot of times the avengers doing so' Edward replied. His voice came out like a mixture of bird tweets and human voice. Edward touched Bobby and he transformed into a brown bird. The bracelet that was on Bobby's wrist fell off.
'Forgot about that' Edward said. 'That item is magic, I don't think I can affect it anyway so as to shrink it or something'
'I guess putting it around my neck won't hurt' Bobby said.
'Bobby, I don't think that's a good idea. You'll hurt your neck'
Edward transformed back into himself. He transformed Bobby too.
'We have to walk. We have one more full day to travel back. The time we took to come here is not even that long. Better be safe than late' Edward said. And they set off by foot.