by : BlackbeardtheBear
As Claire and Shinna made plans to find Erik, the young man falsely accused of treason and attempting to assassinate Princess Astra, another corner of Arakeel was abuzz with activity. Cassian's soldiers launched a relentless manhunt across the city. The night sky was shrouded in darkness, pierced only by the reverberating sound of war drums and the gleam of sharp daggers that guarded every corner and alleyway.
Cassian stood in the grand hall of the Arakeel palace, towering over a city map as he addressed his officers and soldiers with a commanding tone. "No one is to escape. Find him at all costs, using any means necessary," his voice boomed, eyes blazing with a fierce intensity.
Standing beside Cassian was Prince Lucius, newly appointed as the crown prince. His eyes were filled with ambition and indulgence. Although he took pride in his new role, he felt uncomfortable being a puppet of Cassian's immense power and the Seraphil cult. The power dynamics were too skewed to defy.
"Cassian, do you really think we'll find Erik?" Lucius asked, his voice laced with skepticism. "I mean, we're hunting someone who's exceptionally skilled and unique."
Cassian turned his cold gaze to Lucius. "Do not underestimate me. I've prepared for everything. No one can escape me, not even Erik, or even an individual of level 8." Cassian's tone carried a confident edge. "What's more important is that I've started spreading rumors. People will begin to believe it's true, and by then, Erik will have no way to escape!"
Cassian's words rang true; he had spread false rumors about Erik, leaving him with no choice but to face these fabricated accusations. Even with Princess Astra by his side, returning to Arakeel would likely result in immediate assassination. This was why Erik decided to head to Silveria.
As Arakeel was consumed by confusion, Claire, Shinna, and Lucas set out to find Erik. Under the cover of night, Lucas led them to hidden alleys, evading patrolling soldiers. These alleys led them to an information broker's hideout.
Lucas took them to an old, small inn located in a neglected part of the city, away from the palace lights. "We're here to buy information," Lucas said as they entered a secret room beneath the inn. "Emil, we need information on Erik."
In the dimly lit room below the old inn, the atmosphere was thick with silence and suspense. Lucas, Claire, and Shinna entered a space cluttered with documents, scattered information, and old communication devices showing signs of long use.
A tall, thin man in a black cloak, seated in the corner, looked up from his papers with eyes full of intelligence yet shrouded in mystery. This man was Emil, a well-known information broker reputed among mages and adventurers as the most reliable source in Arakeel.
"Lucas, I didn't expect you to come here now," Emil spoke with a cold, yet intrigued tone. "I assume you have an important matter?"
Lucas nodded. "Yes, we need information about Erik—where he is now, what he plans to do. We need to know everything."
Emil slowly nodded, calculating the exchange. "Erik is a difficult target. Cassian's soldiers are searching the entire city… but there's not no information at all."
Claire looked at Emil with worry. "Please, Mr. Emil, do you know where Erik is? My son might still be with him."
Emil studied Claire with curiosity before letting out a soft laugh. "Mothers do have their feelings. I'm not heartless." He picked a piece of paper from the pile of documents. "I know Erik was last seen in the Marsh of Death. It's possible he's trying to escape to a port city."
Lucas listened intently. "A port city? Is there anyone with Erik?"
Emil nodded. "Yes… the princess Astra, among others. It seems there's a young boy with white hair traveling with him. However, I recommend you hurry before Cassian finds this information too."
"A boy with white hair? But Largas has dark hair. What if something happens to him?" Shinna asked Claire with concern.
"I don't know either. We can only hope that boy is Largas," Claire said, her voice trembling and her face showing signs of tears.
Claire, knowing the fate of her husband, didn't want to lose another loved one.
Lucas turned to Claire and Shinna with a worried expression. "Erik must be heading to Silveria. We need to move quickly."
"Take this map. It will lead you to the eastern port city without passing through the Marsh of Death," Emil said, noting Claire's distress and handing over the map.
As Emil handed the map to Lucas, he received it with care, studying the route that would guide them to the eastern port city without passing through the deadly marsh. Although it was a dangerous and complex shortcut, it was their only option.
"Here's a key to the magic carriage. You can borrow it," Emil tossed the key to Lucas.
Claire looked at Emil with gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Emil. Thank you for helping us."
Emil gave a slight nod. "I'm only doing what I think is right. Remember, everything has a price. If you survive and return, we'll need to discuss compensation."
Lucas looked at Emil seriously. "We won't forget your kindness. But for now, we must leave. If they reach the port before us, we might not get another chance to help Erik."
The three quickly left the inn, as the sound of Cassian's war drums grew louder around them. The skies of Arakeel were filled with dark, heavy clouds, like a warning of an impending storm.
They hurried into the magic carriage parked in the alley. Lucas took the reins, expertly guiding the carriage through the darkness of the night. The dim light from the torches reflected off the wet cobblestone streets, which had been drenched by recent rain. The sound of the carriage wheels scraping against the stones worried Claire and Shinna inside, but they knew they had little time.
"Mom, will we find Largas?" Shinna asked in a worried tone.
"We will," Claire replied, trying to mask her own anxiety. "Largas will be safe, and we'll be together again."
Lucas drove the carriage along the route Emil had provided. The bustling city of Arakeel transformed from a crowded, populous area into dense, quiet forests filled with hidden dangers. The path they chose was less traveled, helping them avoid Cassian's soldiers but at the cost of a treacherous and perilous journey through the wilderness.
As they traveled toward the port city, Lucas felt the temperature dropping, a sign of the approaching storm. Traveling in such weather was no easy task, but he had no choice. If they didn't act now, they might never get the chance to help Erik.
Looking out toward the horizon, Lucas saw thick, dark clouds rapidly advancing. "We need to hurry," he said softly to himself before accelerating the carriage down the darkened path.
Claire held Shinna close, her eyes filled with concern, but she knew she had to stay strong for her daughter and for the chance to reunite with her son. Her only hope now was to reach the eastern port city in time and pray that they could save Erik.