Phex, sensing her caution, nestled deeper into her cloak. Isabel's heart pounded in her chest as she pass through the maze of tents and equipment. Every step felt like a potential risk, but she knew she had to reach her tent without raising suspicion.
Finally, she saw her tent ahead. It was a small, inconspicuous structure, nestled between two larger tents that belonged to the higher-ranking officers. She waited for a group of soldiers to pass by before making a swift dash to her tent. With a quick, quiet movement, she slipped inside, closing the flap behind her.
Once inside, Isabel let out a sigh of relief. She placed the jar of roots and petals on a small table and gently set the horn down beside it. Phex chirped softly, sensing the release of tension in the air.
As Isabel sat on her bedroll, Phex decided he wanted to relax after the night's harrowing journey. He fluttered his tiny wings, attempting to take flight. With a few determined flaps, he lifted off from Isabel's shoulder, soaring across the tent.
However, his flight was less than graceful. With a little squeak, Phex misjudged the distance and tumbled onto Isabel's bed, his legs flailing comically in the air.
Isabel couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, Phex," she said, watching as the little creature struggled to right himself. His wings were splayed out, and he looked a bit bewildered by his less-than-perfect landing.
Undeterred, Phex shook himself off and tried to look dignified. He stood up, puffing out his chest, and chirped as if to say, "I meant to do that!" Isabel laughed,
Phex then flopped down onto the bed, spreading himself out as much as his tiny body allowed. He let out a contented chirp, but his relaxation was short-lived.
His curiosity got the better of him, and he started to roll around, tangling himself in the blanket. At one point, he managed to get his head stuck in a fold of the blanket, flipping over again and ending up with his feet in the air, kicking in mild frustration.
Isabel couldn't contain her amusement. "You're a little bundle of energy, aren't you?" she said, reaching over to help untangle him.
Phex, still determined to prove he was in control, flapped his wings and rolled himself free, only to bump into a pillow and topple over once more.
Finally, Phex settled down, deciding enough was enough. He nestled into a small nest of blankets, his eyes half-closed. His tiny body still trembled slightly from the night's fear, but his antics had provided him—and Isabel—with a much-needed distraction.
Isabel smiled, reaching out to gently stroke his head. "Rest now, Phex. We both need it." Phex chirped softly, his eyes closing completely as he drifted off to sleep.
As she watched him, Isabel felt a sense of calm wash over her. She kissed him on the forehead and smiled softly.
Isabel sat down on her bedroll, trying to collect her thoughts. The events of the night played over in her mind—the encounter with the mysterious man, the return of the divine flower, and his warning.
"Who are you?" she whispered to herself, the man's image lingering in her thoughts. She couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again.
the camp outside began to bustle with activity. The day had begun in earnest, and soon the officers would start their rounds. Isabel knew she had to hide the jar and horn carefully. She couldn't risk anyone discovering them.
She found a loose floorboard beneath her bedroll and pried it up, revealing a small, hidden compartment. Carefully, she placed the jar and horn inside, covering them with a cloth to keep them safe. Satisfied with her hiding spot, she replaced the floorboard and smoothed out her bedroll.
Just as she finished, she heard footsteps approaching her tent. She quickly smoothen her bed. The tent flap opened, and knight Marlowe stepped inside. He was General thorne personal knight and also a captain of his personal knights.
"Isabel, the General wants to see you," he said, his tone formal but not unkind.
Isabel nodded, standing up and brushing herself off. "Of course, Sir Marlowe . I'll be there shortly."
As Knight Marlowe left, Isabel's expression cracked, and she found herself lost in worry. Why was the General summoning her?
She had never met such a high-ranking noble. A surge of anxiety gripped her—had her secret been exposed? Was she being summoned to hand over the divine flower?
Her mind raced through the possibilities. She had been so careful, slipping into the camp unnoticed and hiding the precious items securely. How could anyone know? Still, her fears gnawed at her.
Taking a deep breath, Isabel steadied herself. She couldn't let her worries show. She had to maintain her composure and hope for the best. After all, there could be any number of reasons for the General's summons.
Isabel stood up, straightening her clothes and ensuring her appearance was neat. She took one last look at Phex, now peacefully asleep in his little nest of blankets. His tiny form rose and fell with each breath.
She exited her tent, moving through the bustling camp. The soldiers were fully engaged in their morning routines, sparring, drilling, and preparing for the day's tasks. Isabel made her way towards the command tent, her heart pounding with each step.
When Isabel reached the command tent, she was immediately struck by the various sounds emanating from within. Voices, some raised in anger, echoed through the sturdy fabric walls.
The guards stationed outside exchanged a glance as Isabel approached, their expressions tight with tension.
"Wait here for a moment," one of the guards said quietly, his tone indicating that something serious was unfolding inside. Isabel nodded silently, trying not to let her growing apprehension show.
As she stood outside the tent, she couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation from within. The voices were muffled but discernible, and one phrase made her heart skip a beat.
"...night bloom..."