Lunim looked at me confused, Eimin frightened.
«Go. I'll join you later.» I said, looking at my strategist with a determined look. He hugged my sister as he walked away and took her with him.
«What's the matter?» I asked the subordinate who was holding a spear at my neck.
«I'm not obliged to answer you. It's a order from the king. Wait until the citizens clear the square and you'll find out.»
Ten minutes passed, and the spear still pointed at my life. Another came down from the king's palace.
«Is it him?» Asked one.
«Yes.» Said the other.
«Goldora, is it? You sided with Cromelia during the battle?» Asked the spearman.
«I don't know what you're talking about. You know that I gave up to war a long time ago.» I answered.
«The Avalorian officer here, at my side, saw you pull off your helmet to put on a Cromelian during the battle. Tell me, is it true?» Asked the spearman.
«What proof do you have that it was me?»
«High strength, blond hair, aggressive attitude, fighting experience. Have I to add more? Empty your pockets and follow us, traitor.»
I had no pockets, so I started to take off my steel boots. One arrow hit the spearman in the head; with the boot, I hit the other in the head. Both of them fell to the ground. I reached Lunim, who had shot the arrow, and my sister, as fast as I could.
«Did they find out our intentions?»
«Yes. Knowing the perseverance of the bastard and his subordinates, they will have sent a patrol to look for me. They know where I live. We quickly go home, take the necessary and go to the forge.»
«Brother, what's going on?» I saw the worried and weeping look in Eimin's eyes. I would have wanted to die at that moment. She was in trouble because of me...
We took refuge in the forge after taking food, water and money. It was quite big and messy, it wasn't difficult to hide there. I quickly told them my plan, we set to work. Lunim sat down at the counter. Under two blankets, instead, me and Eimin. Under others, we placed objects about the same size as us. The king's servants knew where I worked, they would come here in a few minutes. As soon as the last details were perfected, as expected, they arrived.
«You. Were you with that traitor of Goldora in the square?» Asked one to Lunim. There were three. Probably, during the speech of the king, they were already watching me, at that moment they would have seen Lunim.
«I don't know what he did to be called a traitor, but yes, he asked me to look after the forge in case he couldn't make it to return.» He replied, trying to be as impartial as possible.
«Well, then you won't mind if we check» Another replied. Without permission, they entered, beating on one of the blankets, feeling that it was not hard, thinking that I was the one, they lifted it. It revealed to be my sister, who came out screaming:
«My brother, what has my brother done to you?»
Two were frightened, the other was checking on Lunim.
«If you knew, you wouldn't consider him as your brother.» One said. Then he took her, throwing her to the ground. Bastard. They kept beating on the other blankets, they were metal, but they lifted them anyway. They found anvils and tools in four different blankets. Annoyed, they began not to lift if it was metal objects. They left without what they wanted. I had worn a suit of armor so, when they wanted to feel the texture that was hidden under my blanket, they felt metal and did not lift it. We waited longer to make sure they were gone. Then I came out.
«I can't stay in Tenebria anymore.» I said, addressing Lunim. My sister interfered:
«Brother, how do they know you? And how do they know where you live and work?»
«It's not important now, Eimin. We'll explain everything as soon as it's over. Goldora, we won't leave you, we'll get away from here too.» Lunim replied without hesitation.
«No, otherwise they will hunt you too, besides, we won't know where the next attacks will take place if we don't go to the square when it's necessary, I need you here.» I answered, though not convinced. On the other hand, they understood it well.
«Do not say mad thoughts. When we fought alongside Cromelia, we saw his army already deployed. The rumours are fast, we don't need the square. It doesn't matter if they'll come after us. We started this war together, and we will finish it together. Right, Eimin?» He replied.
She didn't seem very convinced, but she would never let me go, nor would I.
«We will take refuge in Triosa. We will pass through the east coast of Tenebria, so as to avoid the borders where surely there will be guards. We'll take everything and steal a carriage.» I said. It was the first plan that came to my mind. We did not have much time to think, as a provisional strategy seemed to be of good omen.
«We shall not, however, be able to reach the border between Elandria and Cromelia for battle. We should rely on the Elandriac army alone.» Lunim answered. Unfortunately, it was the only solution.
«Lunim, get the necessary from your house. We'll take everything in the carriage tonight.» I finished.
♦️
That night we went to a farm near the forge. It was a pity, the owner was an acquaintance of mine, I was sure he would lend it to me, but it was better to go for a safe and quick plan.
«Do you find it?» Asked Eimin.
«No, keep looking.» I replied.
We spent almost an hour searching for our vehicle. We did not find it. On Lunim's idea, we decided to take the horses. He was able to manage it, I also could. It was necessary to join the battalion of Tenebria. My sister, however, was not able to do so, so she climbed with Lunim on his horse, so I would have more space to carry the sacks with my great strength.
Due to the fatigue of the horses, and the orientation that was almost completely missing, we rached Triosa in two days and, the next day, we reached the central position, geographically above Mestinia, so as not to be too far from the events.