Henry arrived at the scene, his eyes widening in shock. Solomon cradled Nahar in his arms, her battered form stirring a deep-seated anger within Henry.
"Solomon, what happened?" Henry asked, dismounting his horse.
Solomon's face twisted in anguish. "We have to get her out of here, Henry. Now."
Without another word, Solomon gently lifted Nahar onto his horse, climbing up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her secure.
Henry mounted his own horse, falling into step beside Solomon. "We'll get her to Emberhaven's healers," Henry said.
Solomon nodded, his jaw clenched. "We must move swiftly."
As they rode, General Nikos rallied his best men from the Persian city. His face burned with determination.
"Bring me Solomon, Henry, and the traitress Nahar," Nikos ordered. "Alive, if possible."
The Persian soldiers thundered after Solomon and Henry, relentless in their pursuit.
For two days, Solomon and Henry fled, unable to shake their pursuers. Nahar's injuries weighed heavily on Solomon's mind.
He blamed himself for her suffering, his guilt fueling his resolve to protect her.
As the sun dipped below the horizon on the second day, Henry turned to Solomon. "We can't keep running. Nahar needs rest."
Solomon nodded, scanning their surroundings. "We'll find shelter for the night. Tomorrow, we'll push on."
Under the cover of darkness, they found a secluded cave, its entrance hidden behind a waterfall.
Solomon gently lifted Nahar down, laying her on a blanket. Henry stood watch, vigilant.
Nahar's eyes flickered open, her gaze locking onto Solomon's. A faint smile crossed her lips.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Solomon's heart swelled, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "You're safe now, Nahar."
As the night wore on, General Nikos's forces closed in, their campfires dotting the surrounding hills.
The pursuit was far from over.
The cave's darkness enveloped them, a fleeting respite from General Nikos's relentless pursuit. Solomon's eyes adjusted slowly, his gaze never leaving Nahar's fragile form.
Henry stood watch, his silhouette etched against the waterfall's misty veil. "We can't stay here long," he whispered.
Solomon nodded, his mind racing. "We'll move at dawn."
Nahar's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze locking onto Solomon's. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
Solomon's brow furrowed. "For what, Nahar?"
"For involving you... in my mess. And for lying to you"
Solomon's fingers brushed against her cheek. "You're not alone anymore."
As the night wore on, General Nikos's forces closed in, their campfires dotting the surrounding hills. The sound of horses' hooves echoed through the valley.
Henry's voice was low and urgent. "Solomon, we have to leave. Now."
Solomon lifted Nahar into his arms, and they fled into the unknown.