General Nikos's voice echoed through the valley, "Hurry up! Ensure they don't reach the border!"
Solomon and Henry pushed their horses to the limit, the wind whipping their faces.
"We're almost there, brother," Henry called out.
But Solomon knew they wouldn't make it. The horse strained under their combined weight.
With a swift decision, Solomon leapt off the horse, cradling Nahar in his arms.
As he hit the ground, Solomon tapped into his mysterious powers.
A surge of energy exploded through him, propelling him forward.
He dashed across the landscape, faster than any mortal.
Henry followed suit, leaping from his horse and unlocking a fraction of his own abilities.
Together, they sprinted toward Avalon's border.
Solomon's heart pounded in his chest. He had never moved so fast before.
But flying? That remained elusive. He didn't know how to control it as it had happened only when he was angry.
Earlier, in a burst of frustration, Solomon had attempted to soar through the skies. Instead, he face-planted into the dirt.
His powers remained a mystery, even to himself.
Now, focus was key.
Protect Nahar.
Reach Emberhaven.
Henry's voice echoed behind him, "Solomon, keep going!"
The border loomed ahead.
General Nikos's men stopped in their tracks, noticing the sudden burst of energy from Solomon and Henry.
Solomon poured every ounce of energy into his dash.
Avalon's gates materialized before him.
Safety.
With one final burst, Solomon crossed into Avalon.
Henry followed, gasping for breath.
Nahar's eyes flickered open.
Solomon's relief washed over him.
For now, they were safe.
General Nikos reined in his horse, his pursuit thwarted by Solomon and Henry's sudden burst of speed.
"Fool's errand," Nikos muttered, wheeling his horse around.
His men gathered around, panting.
"We can't breach Avalon's defenses," Nikos said. "Not without reinforcements."
With a curt nod, he dispatched his soldiers, back to Persia.
"Return to Persia," Nikos ordered his men. "We'll regroup and strategize."
As they rode back, Nikos's mind churned with frustration.
How did Solomon and Henry unlock such speed?
What other secrets did they hide?
Upon arriving at the Persian palace, Nikos requested an audience with King Romanus.
"Your Majesty," Nikos began, "Solomon and Henry reached Emberhaven before we could apprehend them."
Romanus's expression darkened.
"Unacceptable," the king growled. "What of Nahar?"
"Nahar is with them," Nikos replied. "We couldn't extract her."
Romanus's face twisted in anger.
"Summon the war council," he commanded. "We'll show Emberhaven the true meaning of Persian power."
Nikos bowed, his thoughts racing.
This wasn't over.