The dawn began to break, casting a soft light over the blood-streaked battlefield. Kevin trudged along, carrying an unconscious and bloodied Cu Chulainn on his back, his footsteps heavy but steady.
"Any sign of pursuers?" Kevin asked Connor, who had just returned from scouting the rear.
"No," Connor replied, shaking his head.
Norbert, who had vowed to Fergal that he would kill Cu Chulainn or die trying, had met his end. Cu Chulainn, despite his grievous injuries, had managed to kill him—but at the cost of his sword.
"King Fergal is a man of his word, at least for now," Kevin muttered, nodding slightly.
"Let's rest for a moment," he added, addressing Bruel and the remaining members of the Red Branch Knights.
"You need to rest too," Bruel said, stepping forward. Despite the loss of his left eye during the battle, his tone was firm. "You've been carrying him all night, Kevin!"
Kevin smiled faintly but shook his head. He glanced at the others, noting their weariness and the deep cuts on Connor's arms. Finally, after a brief hesitation, he set Cu Chulainn down gently.
He walked a short distance away from the group, raised a hand to his mouth, and let out a loud, clear whistle. The sound echoed through the air.
"What are you doing?" Bruel asked, confused.
Before anyone could voice their guesses, a radiant bird descended from the sky, its wings gleaming in the sunlight. A small package was secured to its talons.
Connor blinked in recognition. "That bird…"
The creature landed gracefully on Kevin's shoulder. It was the same bird that had often visited him since childhood, bearing messages or gifts from his mysterious mentor.
Kevin retrieved the package, stroking the bird's head affectionately before opening it. Inside were several golden fruits that shimmered with a faint, otherworldly glow.
"This..." Bruel and the others stared at the fruits, their expressions shifting between awe and disbelief.
"These are divine fruits," Kevin explained, his tone calm. "A gift from my father. They have incredible healing properties. Eat them. You've fought bravely and survived against all odds—it would be a shame to die of your injuries on the way home."
The bird on his shoulder opened its beak, as if to object, but Kevin's determined expression silenced it.
"This is a gift from Ruge, the Sun God?" one of the knights murmured, his voice trembling.
"Yes," Kevin affirmed. "Eat them. Now."
Connor took one of the fruits first, setting an example by biting into it without hesitation. The others followed suit, their reluctance fading as the divine power of the fruits began to take effect.
Kevin then crushed one of the fruits in his hands, letting the juice drip into Cu Chulainn's mouth. He used five fruits in total before stepping back to observe the results.
The effects were immediate. Blood stopped flowing from open wounds, and the pale faces of the knights regained some color. Though their injuries weren't completely healed, they were stable enough to continue the journey.
The group exchanged glances, their eyes filled with gratitude. Words like "thank you" felt insufficient, so they silently resolved to remember Kevin's kindness.
The journey resumed after a brief rest. Along the way, they encountered a small band of thieves, whom Bruel and the others quickly dispatched. They secured a few horses from the thieves' camp and used them to reach the next village, where they purchased more mounts.
Kevin ensured that no harm came to the villagers, reminding the group of his aversion to unnecessary bloodshed. Despite his dislike of violence, Kevin's actions in battle had earned him immense respect from his companions.
Three days later, Cu Chulainn finally awoke. Kevin fed him two more divine fruits, speeding up his recovery. Within five days, Cu Chulainn was able to walk unaided—a testament to his demigod resilience.
Kevin, watching Cu Chulainn move about as if his near-fatal injuries were a distant memory, couldn't help but mutter, "You're such a freak…"
After nearly a month, the group returned to Ulster. At the city gates, King Conchieber, accompanied by nobles and druids, waited to greet them.
However, Connor and the others dismounted without Kevin or Cu Chulainn in tow.
"Where are they?" King Conchieber asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"They turned back at the border," Connor explained. "They're heading to a place that only the brave dare to tread—the Kingdom of Shadows."
Riding toward the Kingdom of Shadows, Cu Chulainn glanced at Kevin, his blue braids catching the wind.
"You didn't have to come with me," he said.
Kevin rolled his eyes. "Are you kidding? If I don't go, I'll die."
"Die?" Cu Chulainn looked confused.
"Don't ask," Kevin snapped. "You'll understand soon enough."
The Kingdom of Shadows was a realm beyond the mortal world, filled with steep mountains, deadly creatures, and trials that had claimed the lives of countless warriors. Even the journey to its entrance was fraught with danger.
Eventually, they sought guidance from Lugh, the Sun God himself. With his father's help, they navigated treacherous terrain and arrived at the entrance to the Kingdom of Shadows—a shimmering magic mirror surrounded by eerie silence.
Dismounting their horses, they patted the animals goodbye and approached the mirror together. But just as they were about to enter, an unexpected force stopped them in their tracks.
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