They entered unnoticed. Inside, their presence didn't seem to attract much attention. From the outside, one would have thought there were many more patrons, but in reality, they were simply the loudest among the good-for-nothings that swarmed the kingdom, spending their days gambling or robbing travelers.
Moreover, their sinister faces inspired nothing but distrust. Baris was looking for someone who could create a diversion for them. He noticed a dwarf sitting alone at a table.
The poor guy: he's completely drunk!
He knew well that some people in Genib would do anything for money and valuables. Yes, this dwarf was a godsend, even a beacon of hope for the two kingdoms. A victorious smile appeared on his face; he strode towards the savior:
"Hey!"
"Huh?"
"Do you want to earn ten gold coins easily?"
"Huh!"
His alcohol-injected eyes lit up at the sound of the words gold coins, and his pointed ears perked up like those of a dog; the previously nonchalant expression on his gaunt face showed evident interest. He seemed sobered up by the prospect.
"How? Tell me!"
"Very well," said Baris, "then follow me."
They carefully exited the inn and walked silently to the edge of the kingdom. On the way, Baris explained to the dwarf what he needed to do.
"It's time..." Baris murmured.
The Rassan pass was only a few meters away. While Baris gave the dwarf his final instructions, Riga went to hide in a dark corner of a street where he wouldn't be seen. Soon after, his father joined him.
"I hope this works," he said, taking his position. "Go!" he instructed the dwarf.
The dwarf was neither too far from them nor too far from the soldiers stationed near the pass. He took a few steps forward so that the moonlight illuminated him and made him visible to everyone. There, he turned his back to the guards and, in the empty streets, shouted in a clear voice:
"Baris! Riga!" (He paused for a moment; the guards turned their attention to him.) "Is that you? Wait for me, I'm coming!"
He disappeared into the sinister streets of the kingdom.
"What? What!" exclaimed one of the guards. "Did he just say Baris and Riga?
"Yes!" shouted another.
"Guards!" a third one bellowed. "All with me, follow that dwarf!"
Thus, all the guards jumped at the opportunity. At the other end of the alley, Taku was stroking the goatee that ended in a point on his chin. Initially distracted by the conversation he was having with one of his lieutenants, he noticed the scene with a stunned expression before erupting in a furious rage:
"You idiots! Who gave you permission to leave your posts?"
"But General Taku," said a soldier who was about to catch up with his comrades, "a dwarf claims to be joining Baris and Riga!"
"What! The fools, chasing after the fugitives without waiting for my orders... But if they catch them, the glory and honor will be mine! You and you!" he barked at two guards nearby. "Stay with me and keep a close watch on the surroundings! You never know if this isn't a ruse by the two traitors. The rest of you, find them for me! Go!"
Fueled by their chief's promises of glory, the soldiers charged after the blacksmith and his son, certain they would return with their heads as trophies. In reality, they were more obsessed with chasing the dwarf than arresting the fugitives.
They sprinted past the two men hidden in the shadows. Ironically, they came within five meters of them without noticing. Hidden behind a stack of crates piled against a wall, Baris reveled in the scene before him.
The dwarf had lived up to his expectations: the path was now clear, and a royal route lay open to them, as Taku and the two guards with him were far enough away to allow them to reach the Rassan pass unimpeded. Baris signaled to his son with a nod that it was time to move.
They began to run, believing the guards' attention had lapsed, but one of them quickly noticed the ruse and let out a slight cry of surprise. He didn't even have time to report what he saw before Taku darted toward the two moving shadows under the pale moonlight.
"The scoundrels!" he shouted as he ran. "It was a diversion! Anyway, it must be them, and they won't escape me!"
A simple parapet barely over a meter high separated the kingdom from the pass. Baris and Riga jumped over it. However, it was about ten meters deep. They would have to jump with no hope of climbing back up afterward; in other words, once on the pass, their only fate would be to be devoured by Ryuku.
"And now that we've reached the Rassan pass?" Baris shouted, panting and casting a desperate glance at Taku, who was closing in on them.
At that moment, something entirely unexpected happened: beams of light appeared out of nowhere, and a hand magically formed. It seemed suspended in the air and stretched out toward Baris and his son. It looked as though it was beckoning them to follow... but to where?
Taku was now only ten meters away. Either they would be captured and later executed in disgrace or they would leap toward this hand, leading to an immediate and terrible death. Baris opted for the second option, if one could call it that.
"Riga! Hold on to me!"
They leaped into the void under the astonished eyes of their pursuers. The latter assumed that the two preferred suicide in the creature's maw over being executed by the queen.
Baris managed to grasp the hand he had believed intangible.
Two large eyes opened and glanced to the right, then to the left. A fierce sniffling followed.
The hand held Baris' tightly and began pulling him and his son toward Genib. Then, little by little, the rest of the body materialized, still bathed in light. Taku, stunned, stopped running; he couldn't believe his eyes.
A glowing figure was carrying the two fugitives to Arcadia. Unbelievable! How would he explain what he had just seen to the queen? Even with two witnesses, who would believe them?
After a brief moment of thought, he swallowed hard, realizing that the glory he had hoped for would likely end in a humiliating and painful death by dismemberment in the Market Square. He turned back to the castle, devastated.
"It was you who flooded my dreams with light," said Baris to the figure, who turned out to be a flesh-and-blood woman. She turned to him, smiling.
"Yes... Close your eyes," she said softly.
"Why?" asked Baris.
"Close your eyes," she repeated. "And whatever happens, do not open them."
They obeyed and could only better appreciate the unique sensation of soaring through the air. For the first time since leaving Genib, the blacksmith felt filled with an emotion he thought he would never experience again: happiness.
He felt like he was flying toward freedom, carried by a new wind that would bring hope to the people of both kingdoms. He felt ready once more to achieve greatness, even greater than he had ever known.
Below them, they suddenly felt a cold draft as chilling as death. Riga clung to his father more tightly than ever.
"Do not open your eyes," said the woman. "Do not be afraid, we are almost there."
It was Ryuku, slithering on the white ground of the pass, watching for the slightest fall of the fugitives to devour them.
"We have arrived," announced the woman of light. They set foot on Arcadian soil, and Baris finally opened his eyes. Twenty years, it had been twenty years since he had last walked on Arcadian land.
He murmured, "The earth has no heart, and yet, the man born there returns as if it were his own mother."
A breeze of serenity from the streets of the kingdom reached him and softly caressed his face. The starry sky was visible in all its splendor. The air was pure, not corrupt or evil like the atmosphere in Genib.
The blacksmith took a deep breath and closed his eyes, hoping that this dream, if it was a dream, would continue even after reopening them. He sighed in relief and satisfaction. He could finally look at this kingdom he had cherished so much and given so much to.
To further reassure himself, he blinked several times, but the land – his land – remained unchanged, and he realized that what he was experiencing was not an illusion; tears welled up in his eyes, and his hands trembled. He knelt, picked up a handful of soil, and gazed at it in the palm of his hands. This earth was real, and he brought it to his nose to inhale its authenticity.
"Incredible!" he murmured to himself. "I'm home! In my country! My country!"
His joy was indescribable.
"So this is Arcadia!" exclaimed Riga, fascinated.
Like the neighboring kingdom, the streets were also silent at night. Only a few alley cats wandered, scavenging for leftover food, meowing as they went. Straight lines of smoke escaped from the chimneys, crisscrossing the immutable starry sky.
Lanterns swayed in the cool evening breeze, casting a red ember glow over the streets and thatched-roof huts, each surrounded by small patches of grass.
Baris remembered that he was not alone and turned to the woman.
"She's beautiful…" he murmured.
Riga, momentarily abandoning his observation of the kingdom to cast a fleeting glance at the young woman, adopted a dissatisfied expression and replied in a weary tone:
"I don't really like blondes…"
She had a youthful face, exceptionally gentle eyes, a slender and graceful figure, and long golden hair. A luminous aura emanated from her body, clothed in a gown of pristine white. She exuded an intoxicating, dreamlike fragrance.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"My name is Venitia. I am the fairy tasked with watching over this kingdom."
"And you brought me – or rather brought me back – to Arcadia to help you, didn't you?"
"Yes, I will explain. A disease has appeared recently, and every day a family succumbs to it. It began on the night of a new moon, so the Arcadians call it the Black Moon Disease. No one knows how to stop it or who started it. Even I am uncertain of its origins. It's a real mystery..."
"And what role do I play in this?"
"You must help me…"
"Why me?"
"It's simple, Ogai; you are the only one capable of solving this mystery. There is no man more loyal and dedicated to his cause in both kingdoms than you."
"Ogai?..." Riga whispered.
"I know what you mean, I know who you're talking about, but that was twenty years ago," the man said, turning away. "That time is long gone. Now, I can't see myself living for anything other than the well-being of my only son, Riga."
He looked at him with affection. Then, he turned back to the luminous woman.
"I assume it was you who sent that old man to announce Andora's imminent death to me, right?"
She smiled at him and replied softly:
"Exactly. I intentionally guided his mind to send you a poignant, heart-wrenching message, one that would not leave you indifferent."
Baris acknowledged the cunning with a nod and smiled. He then adopted a serious expression and stated:
"He died to deliver your message… The people of Arcadia must have forgotten me after all this time. I have no reason to resurface and disturb them again."
"Remember that you once claimed to live to serve this kingdom and its people, so why give up now when fate offers you the chance to continue the mission you set for yourself?"
"How do you know that?"
"This is the perfect opportunity to close the chapter on the past. Forget Baris, remember Ogai; become Ogai again. That exceptional man who acted relentlessly for the good of others. You think he was responsible for your wife's death, that he fled. But that's not true, and he didn't flee to save his life but to save his son's – your son's." (Baris's eyes filled with tears, his lips trembled; he hadn't thought anyone could know what had happened, as he had never told anyone.) "Baris is only sadness and guilt. Ogai is strength and hope. Now, Baris is dead, and Ogai has risen again. It's not me but fate that guided you here to restore your memory and soul. The Arcadians need you, and you know you can't abandon them."
"That's true," he said, bowing his head in shame. "My name is Ogai. My name is Ogai… What a beautiful name! How could I have suppressed it for so long?"
"Don't worry. Now hope has returned to your heart," the fairy continued gently.
Riga didn't understand anything he had just heard: his mother was dead? But his father had told him she had left with his twin brother. His father's name was Ogai? Yet everyone called him Baris in the kingdom of Genib.
He was unaware of such important details and couldn't understand why his father had never spoken to him about it. He knew his father found it extremely difficult to talk about the subject and, instead of revealing his sorrow through words, wore his sadness on his face every day.
It was clear that something serious and indelible had happened in that past life he never spoke of. He knew his father was hiding the truth from him. But what truth? He had spent most of his childhood asking countless questions about his mother or brother, but eventually grew tired of never getting any answers.
Yet, this woman knew more than he did, and that hurt him to his core. He, who spent most of his time with his father and had few friends, struggled to accept that a complete stranger knew what had happened at his birth.
The fairy continued:
"As for this disease, a powerful magic prevents me from finding its exact source. For about a year, the kingdom of Genib has been completely saturated with dark magic. It's a new phenomenon. That's also why I could only communicate with you through your dreams, where no magic can intervene."
"And what do you expect from me, then?"
"I am certain that the source of this evil lies in the Arubi Forest, specifically in Eirin's Cave. You must go there and destroy it."
The young fairy floated gracefully through the air, the folds of her illuminated white dress rippling in the breeze. She paused, then turned to Ogai with a grave expression. Her eyes conveyed the arrival of a decisive moment.
"However," she said, "destroying the source that feeds this evil isn't enough if it's not snuffed out completely!"
Ogai frowned and let out a puzzled grunt. Venitia looked him straight in the eyes as if she was expecting him to perform a miracle.
"You must also kill Andora," she finally said.
The blacksmith shuddered. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His mouth fell open, and his imposing body trembled to its core. This final request was enough to shake him, given the extreme difficulty it represented.
"She is the one who spread this disease," she added.
However, he did not dispute this suggestion, as if he had resigned himself to the idea that his fate was closely linked to the queen's death. Hadn't he dreamed of killing her? Hadn't the old man in the tavern called him her assassin? All these signs convinced him that destiny had chosen him.
Riga stepped back in fear; he wanted to distance himself from this mad stranger demanding that his father kill the woman who had been so good to them and, moreover, was the powerful witch and queen of the neighboring kingdom.
He had great admiration for the queen, even though their relationship was mostly secret. There was something between them, something passionate.
This is madness! he thought, knowing he could boast of knowing Andora better than anyone. It's impossible, no one can kill her!
However, he kept his thoughts to himself and simply distanced himself from the young fairy. Not a word could escape his lips, and he remained in his usual silence: he dared not intervene on behalf of the queen for fear of being seen as a traitor, a coward, or simply out of fear of rejection.
Contempt and disgust twisted his lips. He wondered what his father would do and, above all, what he would answer to the fairy. He had known this woman for less than an hour, yet he already hated her.
Ogai remained thoughtful, seemingly preoccupied with his new mission. He hadn't noticed his son's reaction.
So that old man was right, I must kill Andora…
"I advise you, then," continued the fairy, "before doing anything, to go to the Lair of Destiny to know your Name."
Ogai smiled, revealing a perfect row of white teeth.
"I don't need to go there, for now I am certain of the path I must take. God has guided me, and I know exactly what I must do. And my name, I know it. Isn't it Ogai?"
Venitia gave him a kind smile and quickly responded:
"What wisdom! While you prepare to act, with or without the help of your son," she said, turning to Riga, who couldn't hide a look of astonishment, "you can rest at the Coral, a stone house located at the edge of the forest."
"Thank you, Venitia, for your care and help," said Ogai as he readied to depart.
He cast a confident and ambitious look over his kingdom. He felt ready to accomplish great deeds and become the great man he once was.
"However," he continued, "I cannot imagine achieving such a feat alone, something that borders on the miraculous rather than the ordinary; that's why I will call upon old acquaintances in Arcadia… and in Genib! I need to surround myself with strong and loyal men to complete this task, as it is not just about killing the queen but reaching her, infiltrating her castle. I will need your help to cross the Rassan pass again. How can I communicate with you?"
"Here" – the fairy handed him a small bell – "take this bell and ring it whenever you need me. But be careful, as you can only use it three times."
"Very well, I will wait until I gather the fighters who will help me solve this mystery and kill Andora."
Riga was struck with horror: this old witch masquerading as a kind, helpful fairy had managed to convince his father to kill the queen. He was devastated.
"You know," Ogai resumed, "I do not wish for her death out of personal grudge, but she has changed greatly in recent months. The number of suspicious disappearances and summary executions has risen sharply; the royal guards have gained more and more rights, abusing their authority and killing residents in the most arbitrary manner. Fear of death lurks at every corner, every moment. And all of this, all these measures and changes, stem from one person: her. Of course, I would prefer another outcome for the kingdom of Genib, but I cannot risk imprisoning her, as it could backfire on me and all Genibians."
These last words reassured his son, albeit not enough to dispel all his fears. He let out a small sigh of relief, thinking that, in time, his father's feelings might soften, and he would eventually change his mind.
"But you, you must have a more compelling reason, don't you? I don't see why you, Venitia, the fairy charged with watching over Arcadia, would be concerned with the neighboring kingdom."
"Yes. You are very perceptive, Ogai. Indeed, I believe she spread this disease to destabilize the kingdom of Arcadia... And that's where I must step in."
A bead of sweat rolled down the man's temple.
"That's possible," he said. "She was recruiting more and more foot soldiers, and her army grew significantly, as if preparing for war... And she will need to be replaced as well. There may be few good men to take the mantle, but there are some. I know them well; they should be suitable for a smooth succession."
Ogai paused, his eyes gazing into the distance at the kingdom that had welcomed him for nearly twenty long years. Then he continued:
"By the way, I have one last question. In my dreams where you were always bathed in light, there was always a faint blue thread nearby, slightly set apart, that... that seemed to watch, as if waiting! What was that?"
"I don't know," Venitia said after a brief moment of reflection. "I noticed it too, but I never discovered what it was. Perhaps there is no need for concern. Well. Follow me now, I will take you to the Coral."
As they walked, father and son marveled at the kingdom. In twenty years, it had barely changed; thatched cottages still stood beside ancient-style stone houses. At each street corner, an oil lamp cast its pale orange glow.
Countless mosquitoes swarmed and twirled in the sky, only slightly tainted by the thin, long wisps of smoke from the chimneys. In the clean, freshly renovated alleys, only new wooden dwellings had appeared, giving the kingdom a timeless, picturesque charm.
They crossed a small wooden bridge that spanned a river. It flowed gently with a familiar sound that delighted the ear. In the moonlight, they saw fish darting through the water's eddies. They then traversed a wheat field waiting for harvest, eventually reaching their destination.
The Coral was a stone house large enough to accommodate about ten people. The interior was simple, even modest, with a main room filled with several beds, a water room, and a kitchen stocked with provisions for several days.
It stood at the edge of the Arubi Forest, a forest of old oaks and cryptomerias where no one dared venture, partly out of superstition, partly due to the rumored presence of trolls.
Ogai and his son settled comfortably into their new dwelling. Before leaving, the fairy asked:
"So? What will you do, Ogai?"
"For now," he said, lying down on his bed, "I'm going to sleep. And tomorrow morning, after I wake up, I'll think it all over. I still can't believe I'm spending my first night in Arcadia in twenty years, so let me sleep and see if this dream continues tomorrow."
"I understand," she said with a compassionate smile. "Good night."
Ogai returned her farewell while Riga didn't even spare her a glance. Despite his resolve not to judge people too hastily, deep down, he loathed her.
They quickly ate and soon after, fell into a deep sleep. When Ogai awoke, he felt as though he had slept for a hundred years, yet it was still early. He had recovered well from the previous day's events and now had a clear and refreshed mind.
He stepped outside the Coral to see if he was still dreaming. Eyes wide open, he breathed in the fresh forest air and could only marvel at the sunbeams piercing through the thick foliage.
When he listened to the birds' songs, he thought he recognized the ones that chirped twenty years ago. He knelt to scoop up some earth in his hands and finally exclaimed:
"What a magnificent dream! Yes! What a magnificent dream!"
He sat on one of the chairs around a wooden table in front of the house and admired the scene before him.