Lucas and Zack stood in the centre of the guard's tower, surrounded by other guards, their attention focused on Lucas as he issued orders. He pointed to a guard. "You are in charge of food supplies. Check how that is working out in the market square." Lucas said, his gaze shifting to the map.
The guard nodded crisply. "Yes, Sir," he replied before quickly exiting the room to attend to his task.
Zack turned to Lucas. "Ivan is examining the ships in the docks," he reported.
"Great, we can't afford another accident like that," Lucas replied, his tone serious. "You are all dismissed. Go and attend to the tasks I have given you."
As the other guards left the tower, Emily entered with Mason and Eric trailing behind her. Mason ran towards Lucas.
"Do I have to follow them to the North?" Mason asked, his brows furrowed in concern.
"Yes, you have to. You're just a teen, but you will still protect the villagers if anything bad occurs," Lucas reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Eric folded his arms across his chest, a sceptical expression on his face. "But Emily is going to stay in the village. Despite her not having any prior training," he pointed out, nodding towards Emily. She shot him a sharp glance, clearly annoyed at his comment, but before she could speak, Lucas intervened.
"I've explained this before. Emily has already made a connection with the head guard of Lunaria. She's going to bring him to us to devise a proper plan," Lucas explained, his gaze shifting to Emily.
Mason's eyes widened in excitement. "Can I follow her?" he asked eagerly.
Lucas considered for a moment before nodding. "Yes, you can. Since Emily has no training, you will protect her," he instructed.
Mason beamed, saluting proudly. "You can count on me, sir," he declared.
Zack chuckled at Mason's enthusiasm, placing a hand on his chest. "Well, we should start training Emily then," he suggested, turning to Emily, who excitedly clapped her hands.
Before they could proceed, Eric raised his hand in a stopping motion. "Wait a few minutes. Emily and I must meet up with Elijah. Come on, let's go," he said, already heading for the door.
"Huh?" Emily exclaimed, her hands still together from her clapping.
"You can leave. We can wait a few minutes for you," Lucas said, nodding towards the exit. Emily skipped to the exit wanting to catch up with Eric.
✨🌙✨
Emily finally caught up with Eric, walking behind him on the stony pathways. Eric glanced back briefly before focusing on the path ahead. Emily sighed, turning her attention to the cottages lining the pathway. Villagers bustled about, carrying boxes out of their homes. Guards helping in carrying the boxes to the shores. The air was filled with sounds of chatter and activity, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Lost in her observations, Emily suddenly collided with Eric's back. Stepping back, she groaned in pain, instinctively covering her nose.
"Are you okay?" Eric asked, turning to her.
"Yes, I'm good" Emily replied, rubbing her nose.
Amelia, Elijah, and Ava emerged from their childhood home, approaching the two.
"I'm leaving with Elijah and Ava. I'll be staying with them for a while," Amelia announced.
"So, you're staying with the villagers?" Emily clarified.
"No, the villagers are not moving to Elijah's home," Eric corrected.
Turning to Emily, Elijah questioned, his expression filled with concern, "So, you've joined the guards?"
"Yes, I have," Emily confirmed, avoiding his gaze.
"Since when were you interested?" Ava asked, giving her a soft smile.
"That's what I told her... But she still wants to join the guard during the most dangerous crises ever," Eric interjected, pointing at Emily.
"Whatever it is," Amelia began, addressing both Eric and Emily, "please take care of each other, always lend a helping hand to yourself." She took their hands gently.
"And Emily," Amelia focused on her daughter, "I may be your mother, but you are free to make this decision. I don't have to dictate what choice you make, for I will not always be here to guide and protect you. But please be careful. I... I'm scared for you, dear." She hugged Emily tightly, who nodded against her shoulder.
"I will. Thank you for trusting me," Emily said as Amelia released her.
Amelia turned to both Eric and Emily. "I will be sending letters. We are heading to the docks to depart now."
"Ivan has checked the boats for you. So, it is safe," Eric informed them.
Elijah chuckled nervously. "Thanks for that."
✨🌙✨
Inside the village guard's tower, the air was alive with bustling activity as guards hurried about, carrying an assortment of equipment and boxes. Emily stood at the centre of it all, accompanied by Zack, the two of them surrounded by the lively hum of preparation.
"So, your mom has left the village already?" Zack inquired, turning his gaze towards her.
Emily's expression softened with a touch of melancholy. "Yes, she just did," she replied, her eyes meeting Zack's with a hint of uncertainty. "When will my training start?" she asked, her eagerness to begin her new role evident.
"Waiting on Lucas, and you still need to meet up with the head guard of Lunaria," Zack explained, his attention momentarily diverting towards the exit.
Just then, Mason rushed into the tower, his breath heavy as he tried to catch up. "Sorry, I'm here and ready for duty," he announced determination in his voice.
"Okay, keep Emily safe," Zack commanded him, resting his arms on Emily's shoulders.
With a courteous nod from Mason, Emily acknowledged the unspoken directive and headed toward the exit, with Mason right behind her.
✨🌙✨
Emily and Mason stood just outside the village border, the tension palpable in the air. Emily paced back and forth, her anxiety becoming more pronounced with each passing moment. Meanwhile, Mason attentively observed her, his gaze unwavering as he absorbed her every word.
"Why isn't he here yet?" Emily complained, her voice filled with frustration as she rubbed her chin thoughtfully. She desperately longed for their companion to arrive, eager to proceed with their mission.
Mason considered the situation, his mind racing for a solution. "We could venture closer to the forest," he suggested, stepping closer to Emily. His voice held a reassuring tone as if seeking to calm her unease.
"The forest?" Emily mused, contemplating Mason's proposal. She weighed the risks and benefits in her mind, searching for a way forward. With a determined nod, she looked towards the dense canopy of trees and motioned for Mason to follow. "I suppose it's worth a try," she agreed, her voice filled with a mixture of hesitancy and resolve.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew thick with tension. Mason's senses were on high alert, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger. Suddenly, a subtle movement caught his attention, and he reacted instinctively, drawing his sword from its scaccard with a fluid motion.
The sound of the blade slicing through the air shattered the silence of the forest, causing Emily to stop abruptly and turn towards Mason, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and anticipation.
Mason approached the source of the noise cautiously, his swords held at the ready. As he slowly pushed the bushes aside, a sigh of relief escaped his lips. In front of them lay a black dog, its injured leg causing it to whine in pain. Mason extended his hand towards the dog, carefully lifting it into his arms. He turned to face Emily, a soft smile spreading across his face.
"It's just an injured dog," he informed her, stroking the dog's fur gently as he held it close.
Emily let out a held breath, her tension melting away as she stepped closer and began petting the dog with tender care. A warmth filled her eyes as she spoke softly to the furry creature.
"Oh, you're such a cute little one," she cooed, her voice brimming with affection.
Just as they were immersed in their newfound encounter, a voice interrupted their moment of respite. Henry stood behind them, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression filled with curiosity and a hint of annoyance.
"What are you guys doing in the forest?" he inquired, his brow furrowing.
Emily and Mason turned swiftly towards Henry, surprise flashing across their faces. Emily recovered quickly, folding her arms across her chest with a hint of defiance.
"We've been waiting for you, Henry," she replied.
✨🌙✨
In the bustling guard tower, Emily watched intently as Zack and Mason tended to the injured dog, its leg carefully wrapped in bandages. Across the room, Henry and Lucas were engaged in a serious conversation, their voices low but intense.
"Have you packed all your boxes, Mason?" Zack's voice broke through the room's activity, his hands deftly wrapping the bandages around the dog's leg.
Mason nodded, his attention divided between the dog in his arms and Zack's question. "Yes... What about the dog?" he asked, gently petting the animal's fur.
"You're taking her with you," Zack replied, finishing the last of the bandaging before stepping back to let Mason lift the dog.
"Really?" Mason's eyes lit up with excitement, a wide grin spreading across his face. Emily couldn't help but chuckle softly at his reaction, her gaze shifting to Lucas and Henry.
Zack playfully ruffled Mason's red hair. "Sure, buddy. You were the one who found her."
Mason raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Her?"
Zack nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I checked."
Lucas and Henry approached Mason, who was cradling the black dog gently, petting her fur as they spoke.
"It's time to board the ship, Mason. Departure will happen soon," Lucas announced, his tone authoritative yet gentle.
Mason nodded, his expression focused yet compassionate, before leaving the tower with the dog in his arms.
"What about Emily?" Henry inquired, his eyes turning towards her.
"I'm a guard, so I'm staying," Emily replied, her tone slightly snarky.
Henry chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Damn, do they make anyone guards nowadays?" he teased, earning a scoff from Emily in response.
Before their banter could continue, Zack interjected. "Anything new?"
Lucas sighed; his expression thoughtful. "No, just patrol every border. I'm coming up with something."
"The lord of Lunaria, Henry, you mentioned she said something before going missing," Emily recalled, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, she did," Henry confirmed, his expression growing more serious. "Something about us getting divided and rebelling."
Zack furrowed his brows. "An uprising?"
Lucas's eyes widened at the mention of rebellion, his gaze shifting to his palms as if deep in thought. "I don't think this is an ordinary rebellion," he mused, his tone serious yet tinged with a hint of anxiety.
"Tell me more about your Lord, " Lucas requested, turning his gaze back to Henry, his expression filled with anticipation and concern.
"Her name is Diana."