Outside, the smell of roasting meat filled the air, making everyone's mouths water. The night was cool, and the sound of crickets chirping added to the peaceful atmosphere.
Mira was staying inside the carriage, losing her appetite because of what happened to Kaviel.
Trying to comfort her, Melvin entered while holding a plate of food. He saw Mira huddled in the corner, and he sat down next to her, gently handing her the plate.
"Try to eat at least a little," he said. "We'll reach Elaris tomorrow."
Mira took the plate of food and ate a small bite.
Even though she had no appetite, she forced herself to eat because she knew Melvin would insist.
A while later, Melvin left the carriage to eat with the others in his group.
He walked over to the campfire, where the group was gathered, the warm flames casting flickering shadows on their faces.
The elderly driver, his face lined with concern, looked up from his meal. "How's Mira?" he asked, his voice gentle but worried.
Melvin sighed and sat down heavily on a log. "She's eating, at least," he replied.
Hearing this, the other youths in their group exchanged small, hopeful smiles.
However, one of the bullies whom Kaviel had once punched smirked and said, "What a fool. It's been nine days, and she still hasn't moved on."
Melvin's expression darkened instantly. He glared at the bully menacingly, his fists clenching at his sides.
"Watch your mouth," he growled, his voice low and threatening. His whole body tensed, ready to spring into action if the bully said another word.
The bully's smirk faltered, and he quickly averted his eyes. He mumbled something under his breath and resumed eating, keeping his head down.
Inside the carriage, Mira finished her food and decided to step outside. Everyone looked up in surprise as Mira emerged.
Melvin immediately stood up, ready to stop her if she tried to run away.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice tense with worry.
Mira looked back at him, holding a wooden sword in her hand. Her eyes were determined, though a hint of sadness lingered. "Don't worry, I'll be back," she said calmly.
Melvin nodded, though his eyes still showed concern. "Just don't wander too far," he said, his tone softening.
Mira gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I won't," she promised.
She walked to a secluded spot in the woods. Then she drew the sword and began training, hoping the physical exertion would help clear her mind and regain her focus.
The memory of that chaotic night was still vivid. Since then, worry has consumed Mira. Her thoughts constantly revolving around Kaviel.
Had he survived the attack? Was he injured or worse? These questions haunted her every waking moment.
'Sorry for being weak, Kaviel,' Mira muttered under her breath.
She closed her eyes briefly, letting the words hang in the air before she opened them again.
"I need to get stronger!" she declared as she trained again.
When she already felt exhausted, she made her way back to the camp. The flickering flames of the fire greeted her, casting a warm glow over the clearing.
She sat down and asked for more bowls of stew. Despite the knot in her stomach, she knew she needed to replenish her strength.
Meanwhile, the other youths watched her quietly, their whispers barely audible over the crackling of the fire. Their concern was evident in their furrowed brows and hushed tones.
"Is she okay?" one of them whispered to the other.
"At least she's fine now," another replied with a smile.
The other nodded with a smile, and their eyes remained fixed on Mira.
After she ate that night, as Mira lay under the stars, she whispered a promise to the sky. "Kaviel, I will find you. No matter what it takes, we will fulfill our dreams together."
***
The next morning,
Mira sat inside the wooden carriage with others, feeling the gentle sway as it rumbled along the dusty path.
She peered through the small view, catching glimpses of the landscape under the bright sun.
'Hurry up, Kaviel,' she murmured in the wind, hoping it would reach Kaviel wherever he was.
As the carriages neared their destination, the first sight of the outer defensive walls came into view.
Tall and imposing, these walls were a testimony to the capital's power. Constructed of sun-dried mud bricks, they rose high, casting shadows across the approaching road.
"We're almost there," the carriage driver called back to the young ones.
Heads quickly popped out to look, almost bumping into each other in excitement just to see it.
"Wow! It's so high," one of them blurted out, eyes wide.
"Yes," the driver confirmed, "it's elevated for protection during war."
"But," he added, leaning closer, "the inner wall is even higher—almost four times as tall."
Gasps rippled through the carriage. The young ones exchanged disbelieving glances.
How could something so imposing be dwarfed by an even mightier fortress?
Stern-faced soldiers clad in bronze armor guarded the outer gate before them. They scrutinized each traveler with practiced eyes, ensuring no threat passed into their capital.
"State your business," one of the guards barked, his voice gruff.
The driver stepped down from the carriage. His boots crunched on the gravel, and he gestured toward the youths huddled inside.
"To deliver new knights from Tata's Group," he replied.
The guard's eyes pierced each youth in turn, dissecting their intentions. Then, with a nod, he returned to his post.
Moments later, he reappeared, cradling a transparent orb in his palm.