Trevor narrowed his eyes when he saw a familiar figure riding along the busy streets of Tropes. The night would get livelier. Thousands of lanterns were tied with ropes, and left floating in the air. Making the sky much more beautiful and bright. A sight that would enchant anyone who saw it.
The strains of music showed no signs of stopping. While the General focused his thoughts and vision on the men. Trevor secretly followed him from behind, from behind his black robe.
Their horses rode towards the western part of Tropes, where the nobles lived. An elite place that not just anyone could enter. That indicated that the mysterious man was a wealthy person. Calm and peaceful conditions were typical of the western region of Tropes, there was no music, dancing or lanterns like in the square.
The sound of horses would attract attention, so Trevor decided to walk. Making it easier for him to hide in the darkness while following the man who was still unaware of the General's presence. There was no sense of rush from the man on his horse, while Trevor was still pounding because he was being chased by time.
The gate of Minister Jaquet's residence opened. 'Is he...'
Trevor's eyes widened when he saw the silver hair shining behind the black hood. He went deeper while hiding behind the bushes, seeing what Francilius was doing. The traitor.
The main door of the mansion was wide open, not a single window was dark. Everyone thought the same, if inside the residence there must be an event that looked so exclusive. Trevor's eyes peeked from behind the trees, he could clearly see several old men he didn't know gathering together in the hall of the mansion.
In the middle of the room with a large table in the middle. There was no food or wine, only a pile of messy papers. Francilius' sudden presence in Wilhelmia had shocked him. And now he managed to find his accomplice. It turned out that Minister Jaquet who was trusted by the King had also betrayed.
The situation became so critical, when His Majesty was dying. Francilius came, Trevor could be sure that something bad would happen to Wilhelmia. Moreover, Weithia's whereabouts had not been found until that second.
His horse raced through the night wind towards Haven headquarters, if he didn't act quickly, it would be too late and they could lose. His heart was still restless with the constant thought of the King's condition when he had to capture Francilius and his gang.
Haven headquarters was also tense after hearing the news that the King was dying. All the high-ranking officers were present at the call of General Wilhelmia.
"General! I couldn't find Weithia. I came back because I thought you were here. It turns out you just arrived, what happened?" shouted Robin.
"Prepare the Evtalon Company. We will go surround Minister Jaquet's residence."
Lieutenant Bardolf spoke, his face also filled with fear. "What happened!?"
"I just found Francilius and his gang holding a dark association at the Minister's residence."
"Francilius!? Are you sure?"
"Yes. I saw it with my own eyes. There is no more time to talk. Now where is Captain Evtalon?"
A middle-aged man, tall with a burn scar on his face stepped forward.
Trevor nodded, "Do as usual. Surround Minister Jaquet's residence, and do not direct your troops past the square. That will scare the people and make things even more chaotic. Take everyone in the residence without exception."
"Understood, General."
The tall man rode his horse towards the Haven Company's dormitory to pick up his troops. The Evtalon Company was the first to be needed for scouting. Because the shadows of the night were their best friend and silence was their specialty.
"Please increase the palace security to alert, I want every border guarded. Also, guard everyone who is currently entering and leaving the King's room. I want soldiers at every corner of the palace."
"Yes Commander."
Trevor and Robin followed the steps that the Evtalon Company took, they deliberately took a detour so as not to pass through the square. The General was so angry with Weithia's insolent attitude, when needed he disappeared who knows where. In his heart, he prayed that the King could get through his suffering. Luckily, Jaquet's residence was still the same as before, carefully dozens of Evtalon soldiers entered from the courtyard area. Stealthily without making the slightest sound. The Captain ordered all his members to surround the place so that No one managed to escape.
The back door was guarded, the stables were monitored. The main door and every side of the house were not spared from guard. Trevor saw from a distance that there were still many people present at the secret meeting. Including Francilius who was laughing with his gang.
"What kind of idiot would hold a meeting like that in enemy territory. Captain, none of them are aware of our presence. Should you ambush them right away?"
"Not yet Commander, we will conduct reconnaissance first. We must make sure of every possible way out. Windows, basements, secret doors whatever. My members are determining how many targets will be captured, everyone in the house. And what weapons they have."
"We need detailed information before we dare to act."
Trevor nodded in understanding. "There are about seven or eight men who are the main targets. Them, the ones sitting at the dining table." His index finger was raised.
"Yes, I saw it."
A subordinate then approached, "Captain, we have disabled all the guards in this house. When are we going to go inside?" he whispered.
The situation felt increasingly tense, a cold breeze touched the back of their necks roughly. The Captain glanced at Trevor for approval, and he nodded in return.
"Your main targets are the seven men in that room. Don't let any of them escape. If necessary, use violence when they argue, just don't let anyone die." He said in a cold and heavy voice.
The ambush took place deftly, Trevor could see with his own eyes the prowess of the Evtalon troops, lurking like wild wolves in the forest. All entrances were guarded, they then attacked the men.
The situation turned into panic, swords were drawn and a fight could not be avoided. The mysterious man fought back as best he could, no matter how good a squirrel was at jumping, it would fall anyway. A gap of error lay when they dared to re-enter Willhelmia's territory and meet Trevor.
A smile spread across his face when the seven foreign men were successfully led out. Blood flowed from their mouths and noses, with many bruises from the blows clearly visible. The luxurious residence turned into chaos, several women's voices screamed, the room was in disarray and all the servants in the house were also arrested.
No one could do anything, including Minister Jaquet and his wife who were also arrested, realizing that they had made a big mistake to the King. Until punishment became their final fate.
"Take them all behind bars."
The General felt a little relieved, wiping the sweat from his temples. The burden on his shoulders had at least been reduced in part. Satisfied with the results of the Evtalon Company's work which was so competent and professional. There was no significant resistance in the ambush, around fifteen people who were arrested were immediately taken to the palace's underground prison. The Captain still ordered several of his subordinates to ensure and comb all areas of Minister Jaquet's residence so that nothing was missed.
Francillius' small and thin body was tangled in fear in the wooden carriage, Trevor was worried about Ackerley's feelings if he found out that his brother was a traitor to the Kingdom because the punishment given was none other than death.
"You still don't know where Weithia is?"
Robin shook his head, "I haven't seen them at all since a few hours ago when we finished the ceremony at the Idrus River. Didn't you order Weithia to accompany Princess Carmellia, they shouldn't have gone far from the square."
"I've circled the place several times but haven't seen any sign of them. Is there anywhere else that the Princess and Weithia might have gone?"
"I don't know. But now I might ask my colleagues in Haven to help me look for them, Commander."
"Very well. I should also go see how His Majesty is doing. We can't do anything to the prisoner, other than waiting for him to wake up. The doctors are looking for an antidote now."
***
The man with jet black eyes spurred his horse through the forest, under the night sky he wrestled with his fear. When he saw a figure that was so scary flying above his horse carriage. Hearing the fear in King Henry's voice he decided to chase the figure with his own horse.
In his ears came the news of King Wilhelmia who was dying. Without thinking he immediately rushed to the northern region. Passing through the forest of death that separated Wilhelmia from Gwylion.
His master, King Henry also joined the trip. Carrying a box containing the potion liquid that he had successfully made. Hoping that his efforts would not be in vain and could save the King's life.
But suddenly a silver light like the moon, brightly dazzling the eyes. Quickly overtaking his horse carriage, horror was clearly engraved in the man's eyes. Decades of peaceful life finally God showed the figure again before his eyes. Henry's mouth issued a command for Anthony to immediately chase the figure. The forest of death always leaves a gloomy and scary story behind it, but there was no other choice. Henry and Anthony agreed to go through it because it was the fastest way to Wilhelmia.
The muddy road made it difficult for Anthony's horse to move. A dim conditions made visibility only a few steps ahead, and that was only with the help of the lamp he brought. Sweat poured from his temples, while his hands trembled. His fear peaked when his head was filled with Adam who was dying.
The figure was either running or flying, but his movements were very fast. It didn't even make sense, when even a horse couldn't catch up with him. Slowly the silver light faded and faded. Faintly disappearing behind the towering trees. He looked at King Henry's carriage which turned out to be far behind.
He felt it was useless if he desperately chased the strange figure. So he pulled the horse's reins asking him to turn back. The safety of the King's life was also his responsibility. His arrival was greeted with an unpleasant problem.
"What happened!?"
A soldier replied, "The wheels are sinking in the mud, sir!"
Anthony looked around to see if there was any harder ground for the carriage to run on. It was too late for him to get out of the Forest of Death. They had no choice but to continue their journey.
"Keep pulling! Then take the horses over there! Don't go near the muddy side!"
The two horses whinnied loudly trying not to sink in the mud. One by one their legs could escape, slowly managing to climb to a drier surface. King Henry looked so worried that they wouldn't make it in time. But Anthony said everything would be fine. They would make it.
The Gwylion soldiers managed to control the horses, and the coachman was able to drive the carriage back through the forest. The humid air felt suffocating, plus wild animals that might be targeting them. Anthony was ready with his sword at all times, making sure everyone who came with him could get out alive.
Who knows how long they had been running in the dark forest, but the way out had not been found. Suddenly Anthony felt cold air enveloping him, a thin mist slowly descending. The atmosphere changed to be so tense, because his eyes were increasingly unable to see clearly, so he focused all his attention on hearing. Everything was quiet, there was only the sound of raindrops falling on leaves and the ground.
"Why does it have to rain now. Hurry up! These streets could all turn into mud." Anthony shouted.
Trevor knelt beside Adam's bed who was still lying unconscious. His face was getting paler and his lips were turning blue. His big hand slowly stroked the King's forehead which was wet with sweat.
The room was now filled with doctors, healers and religious leaders. Fear and sadness were etched on their faces, unable to bear to lose the King they loved. Trevor never thought that Adam would suddenly fall ill. All the servants had been asked about what the King had eaten. But none of them made a false statement.
"His Majesty has been drinking tea with the Princess for the past few days." A maid said tremblingly.
"But I can't find the Princess's whereabouts until now." Trevor said in frustration.
"Princess Carmellia? She has been in her room since earlier, Sir. I saw her come home with her handmaiden Layla."
That statement made the General stand up in surprise and approach the woman, "Show me where her room is." Their fast footsteps carried their figures away to the east wing of the palace. Trevor ran fast. Guessing whether Weithia was actually with the girl in her room. No wonder he couldn't find both of them in the square. His anger had reached his head, if it was true that Weithia was there. The man's sword was ready to kill him.
They arrived in front of the big, beautiful door, without further ado Trevor pushed it roughly.
The sound of the slamming was harsh. Carmellia jumped up from her bed, her body already wrapped in a nightgown. Layla the maid saw the anger on Trevor's face making her afraid to speak. "General!? What's wrong?"
"Where is Weithia!? Is he with you?"
Carmellia approached - wrapped in a nightgown that touched the floor, "Calm down first, Weithia is not with me. I don't know where he is."
"Didn't you go with her to the square earlier? Didn't you go to the ceremony at the Idrus river."
The girl nodded, "Yes, I went there with Layla, but because my body was tired, we decided to go straight home. Layla and I didn't go to the festival at all. I was sleeping when you broke down the door."
Trevor's confusion grew. His thick eyebrows furrowed. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. But the situation is really critical. His Majesty is sick. Now Weithia is missing. Please tell me the truth."
"His Majesty is sick? What happened to him? Wasn't he still giving a speech at the Idrus River a few hours ago?"
"We don't know what caused it. But it might be from the food or drink he ate. This servant said that you've had tea with His Majesty several times, is that true?"
"Yes. We've spent the afternoon together several times, but His Majesty and I drank tea from the same teapot."
"Do you also feel dizzy? Or are there any strange symptoms?"
"Your Majesty has also admitted to feeling dizzy in the past few days." Lalya interrupted.
"Maybe I'm just tired, nothing happened after that. Just a mild headache and it went away after a while."
It was difficult to ascertain whether the girl was telling the truth or not. Trevor didn't immediately believe it but he didn't accuse the girl of lying either. Because he himself saw Princess Carmellia riding a horse with Weithia towards the square. With his own eyes.
"Why did you lie?" Trevor seriously looked into the girl's frightened eyes.
"I'm telling the truth, Sir! Layla herself has always accompanied my every step. Besides, why would I lie."
The Princess said firmly, "Okay, if you don't believe my words. I understand because the situation is critical. I will not leave this castle until the problem is resolved, please order the soldiers to escort me."
Her expression sour. "I didn't come to Wilhelmia to cause trouble, let alone try to kill the King. I came in a clean state, and so will I when I return. I am ready to cooperate with all your rules. But don't ever bring up Grissham's name to the surface. Accusing me is the same as accusing Grissham."
Trevor fell silent hearing the girl's firm words.
"Okay then. Please don't leave the palace as you promised. There will be soldiers who will always guard you wherever you go. So I hope it doesn't bother you."
Carmellia nodded, "May I visit His Majesty the King?"
"Sorry, not now, maybe when he regains consciousness."
"I understand, my prayers will always be with him."
Trevor knelt down, "I apologize for my rudeness, Your Majesty. Please understand my confused feelings."
Anthony was still leading his group in search of a way out of the Forest of Death. According to his experience three years ago, when he first entered this forest, it took about two hours to arrive in the northern region. Because it was located off the main road that people usually took. Only by following the direction of the wind that led them, he hoped not to be trapped in that place for much longer.
The rainwater really soaked his clothes and made them heavy. Even though King Henry asked him to get into the carriage, the man refused. Whatever happened to Adam, may God protect him. Prayers did not stop coming out of his mouth.
The sun would always see everything Adam did, so the moon would know all his secrets. If the news was false, he could breathe a sigh of relief, but if it turned out that the truth said that Adam was dying, he swore that he would not hesitate to kill anyone who harmed the man.
"I will not leave you a second time. As long as I'm still breathing, no one can hurt you, Adam."
Her memories of the blue sky and the green grass fields like a carpet came back to her head. She could still feel the fuzzy peach in her hand. And the magnolia tree. She was so afraid that Adam would leave her for the second time. She didn't want to let that happen.
Her eyes suddenly blurred with The tears that welled up made him lose control of his horse. He hit a tree, and the man fell. His head hit a fallen log, his body stiffened instantly. The pain then spread quickly. He could still get up, but his head felt warm with thick fluid.
King Henry got out of his carriage and helped the man up.
"Are you okay? Don't talk too much, just get on the carriage with me. Your head is bleeding!"
With his stubborn attitude, Anthony got back on his horse. Tired of the nonsense of the Forest of Death, he again ordered the group to continue the journey. His instincts told him that this incident must be related to the mysterious death case that occurred in Wilhelmia.
That meant the situation there was very dangerous, it would be a mistake to bring his King into a conflict area. "Your Majesty, we must be careful after entering Wilhelmia. Maybe this is a continuation of that case."
"Do you think Adam is also a victim?" Henry asked from inside his carriage.
"I think so, a King will always be the target of every disaster that occurs in a Kingdom."
"If Trevor or other leaders give you orders or ask for help, you better follow them."
Anthony agreed, his nose suddenly inhaled fresh air, far from the air in the middle of the damp and smelly forest. "Your Majesty, we seem to be close. Heading straight to the Kingdom?"
"Yes. Of course. My supplies are ready."
The dark starry sky slowly turned dark blue, after being trapped in the forest of death all night, not realizing that time had passed so quickly. The man's eyes wandered in all directions. The sparkle of light was visible from a distance, shining brightly behind the dense trees.
When he felt the ground he was stepping on was no longer mud. He could breathe a sigh of relief because he had managed to get out of the terrifying forest. Suddenly his eyes caught the silver sparkle that he saw in the middle of the forest earlier, hiding behind a wide and large tree. He couldn't explain the figure in words, only that its shape slowly changed into a human. Couldn't be sure if it was a man or a woman.
"Your Majesty! The exit is to the left! You go first and meet King Adam!"
"What are you going to do!?"
It was too late because Anthony had already turned and re-entered the darker forest area. His horse whinnied unclearly, as if to say that going deeper would get him in trouble. On the other hand, King Henry was about to exit at the East door of Wilhelmia as Anthony had directed. The two of them parted ways.
He wanted to make sure who it was that was making his hair stand on end. There was no silver light anymore, and no city light could penetrate the thick leaves in the forest. Even though he was sure that he had left the Forest of Death, because everything looked completely different. The soft moss he stepped on with his boots, wild flowers were growing in various corners, he could even smell the scent of morning dew. There was no way something like that could exist in the Forest of Death. This was the forest area of Wilhelmia – the outermost part to be exact.
His hands continued to guide the horse's reins to bring him deeper in. He had completely lost track of the figure. There were no clues that could help him find the figure.
"Was that a magic? Or maybe a fairy?" the man was confused, but remembered the bedtime story book he had been read as a child. "They both glow."
"Hello? Is there anyone?" he said softly, his hand already gripping a sword firmly. But there was no answer. No other sound came, suddenly everything felt so quiet.
Even though his mind told him to immediately go back and see Adam, his feet couldn't stop going deeper into the forest. He decided to climb one of the trees, when he parted the branches, Anthony could already see the white castle towering majestically in the distance. With yellow light shining beautifully from the windows.
"At least I'm not lost." He muttered.
The man finally gave up, as if he hadn't managed to catch any prey. But when his feet were about to step on the horse's pedal. His hearing suddenly caught a faint sound. His body spontaneously crouched and hid behind the tall bushes. His feet continued to walk towards the source of the sound, the dark sky did not help his vision at all. The glass lantern he brought from Gwylion had been broken and lost on the way.
His sword was drawn sharply, ready to block anyone in front of him. His voice sounded like someone's conversation.
'What are the people of Wilhelmia doing here. Even dawn hasn't been seen yet.'
His heart was beating fast, when he knew exactly where the voice was. From inside the hollow ground, where the fallen tree was, the man saw two figures lying down, hugging each other. His eyes widened when he saw someone he knew there. Without a single piece of clothing. Sleeping soundly like a baby.
Henry's horse-drawn carriage sped through the quiet streets of Tropes. Orange lanterns still filled every window and terrace of the houses in the city. He opened the window, feeling the cold air piercing his bones. Beside him was a large wooden box, containing dozens of glass bottles filled with liquid.
Luckily, none of them were broken.
The stone road led directly to the entrance of the Kingdom, the old man's face looked so worried. His wrinkles were increasingly obvious. His beard was not neatly combed as usual. He hoped that nothing bad would happen to the leader of the country.
The lion-emblem banners began to be raised by the Gwylion soldiers, the gold color looked so luxurious. The King glanced at the situation outside the window. He was amazed because there were so many armored soldiers guarding the entrance to the palace.
The carriage did not need to stop in front of the gate for inspection. The flying banner was certainly a friendly country. He got off at the main door and was greeted by the Royal General, Trevor.
Henry could see the tension and horror clearly written on the man's face. Sure that he had been through a scary night. "King Henry? What are you doing here?" his voice even sounded hoarse.
"I heard news about Adam from one of my men. How is he now?" he said in a wise tone.
The man shook his head weakly, "We can't do anything to help him. Come in, I'll take you to His Majesty's room." The General's eye bags looked so dark and his lips were pale.
"Bring the box."
Their feet quickly stepped along the magnificent corridor, with soft carpets and crystal lamps shining brightly. Henry saw the crowded situation, servants and Royal soldiers were seen in various corners of the palace. The two of them started climbing the stairs to the King's room.
"Are the symptoms that Adam made the same as the victims who died with the shadow flower that night? Because this is the antidote. Tivius came back to see me after you managed to find the type of poison. Then I intend to help by making the antidote."
Trevor's smile widened and his eyes rounded, "Can this help Your Majesty?"
"I hope so."
A large door opened wide with several panicked groans heard.
"Your Majesty stopped breathing!"
"Your Majesty stopped breathing!"
Henry and Trevor quickly entered it. Ackerley and everyone else were still there. "What should we do!?"
Trevor took out the bottle containing the red liquid. He saw the King's face which was pale like a corpse.
"His pulse has stopped, Sir!"
"What should I do, Your Majesty!?" Trevor looked at Henry.
Henry sat down while opening Adam's mouth. "Just pour it in his mouth, quick!"
The liquid poured into Adam's throat. He couldn't swallow it and it spilled onto his face and neck. Ackerley helped lift Adam's head, raising his body a little so he could swallow the liquid completely.
"All of it."
Trevor nodded, all eyes on Adam dying in the middle of the bed. One bottle of liquid entering the King's body. A doctor then stepped forward and checked his pulse. His face was so tense.
Ackerley stepped back slowly when the doctor shook his head. "There's no pulse." He said hoarsely. Trevor with an incredulous look took the bottle of liquid again, with his feelings already peaking Trevor tried to make the King swallow as much of the antidote as possible.
"Stop Trevor." Ackerley said while touching the man's shoulder which was shaking violently. "Enough! Stop!"
There was no reaction from Adam, his breath was not heard. The doctors and healers took turns checking but did not get good results.
"No... No! Your Majesty! Please!" Trevor shouted, tears starting to fall from his eyelids. Holding Adam's cold hand and kissing it when words could no longer come out of his lips.
Henry stood, his body frozen. His eyes looked around the room. He could feel the aura of grief so thick filling the room, it felt suffocating. With a heavy heart, he saw Adam's face which was so peaceful. He smiled bitterly, wiping the remaining red liquid flowing down his cheeks.
Refusing to believe - Trevor was reluctant to understand the story ending like this, this quickly, this sadly. "Your Majesty. Please open your eyes. please... Please... open your eyes one more time." He said softly. He held back his tears with all his might.
Trevor, the figure who was always dashing with his shiny armor, roared and cried over the King's departure. "A servant should not see his Master death."
"Just last night he was speak beautiful words, beside the Idrus River and among the shining lanterns. But now..."
"Trevor, strengthen yourself. Come on, get up."
"Where is your heart, Ackerley! The King just died! Don't order me anything!"
"Do you think I'm not sad!? His Majesty will not be happy if you act like that!" Sometimes it's better to stay silent, because talking can easily expose tears.
"Enough. Let him be sad, that's human nature, Sir." Henry said, his eyes still fixated on Adam's figure. "I'm sorry, I thought this would save your King. I'm sorry, I'm truly sorry."
"This isn't your fault. Don't apologize." The Royal Advisor tried his best to remain strong in front of everyone. Because that was his job, to give advice to the poor souls wandering aimlessly. Even though blood was visible on his lips with bite marks, he didn't want any tears to fall down his cheeks at that moment, the atmosphere became even more depressing.
"This is all the fault of those bastards!" Trevor stood up while drawing his sword. Henry quickly stopped him, "Don't be hasty General. Look around you, is this the right time for bloodshed? Wait until your sorrow fades."
"My sorrow and sadness will never go away. The reason I still survive in this world is now gone."
"I understand your feelings very well. I also love him like my own son. But you are a leader, and lead people like Adam usually does. With a clear mind and wise behavior."
Trevor turned around and dropped his sword on the floor. He stroked the King's soft cheek, pale skin did not suit him. His soft hair was wet with sweat, Trevor tidied it up for a moment. In his eyes, he imagined the blue sparkle of the man's irises that were the same as fireworks in the night sky. The way he held the King's hand felt as soft as a clumping white cloud.
Tears fell again. When the light of dawn began to enter, illuminating the room brightly. Ackerley pulled aside a thin curtain, letting the warm light fall on the King's pale skin.
"When the spirit leaves, and there is no battle. You will forever be my hardest goodbye."
"I only blinked for a moment and you were gone forever." Ackerley finally couldn't hold back the tears that had been held back.
"What should we do now Ackerley? My head can't think anymore."
One by one the religious leaders and doctors and healers left the room with swollen faces and wet with tears. Bowing their heads and leaving in silence. After praying. There was nothing they could do anymore.
"I don't know. What should we do, King Henry?"
The man silently wept for Adam, he spoke weakly. "This morning we will begin a day without him. And so it will continue. This news must be quickly spread throughout the country. After that you will know what to do."
"Pay your last respects and take him to his grave." Henry knelt down weakly and sat beside Adam's bed. Putting on a ring that had been passed down through the Wilhelmia family. "Your father used to wear this when he was young, maybe your age, Adam. Now it is completely yours."
"King Henry should we wait first? What if His Majesty wakes up suddenly?" The General's voice trembled.
"Trevor..."
"Go ahead, give your farewell as much as you like. Until no tears can flow."
"Ackerley don't tell this yet! I'm sure His Majesty will open his eyes again!"
"Trevor... that's enough. Stop." Ackerley said
"What if the coffin is already in the grave, His Majesty screams to be taken out!? Please... His Majesty will definitely wake up again. Please!" The man roared, angry with God's decision to take his King's life so quickly.
"Your Majesty, please open your eyes. I know you heard my words. You are a strong and unshakable figure, to the point that even death is afraid to meet you! Please!"
Henry slapped the General's cheek, "Stop! Control yourself! Now stand up, show me your strength!"
"A King is like a star, they rise and set. They live and then die. They worship the world but there is a time for them to rest." With a heavy heart the man covered the King's face with a thin cloth. His crying stopped but the sorrow in his heart was still so strong. And it will never go away. Their hearts beat fast when the door behind the three men slammed so hard.
Suddenly the sound of the door slamming was heard again. Anthony appeared dragging a man covered in blood to the point that his face was unrecognizable. "What happened? Where is Adam!?" he shouted.
The man looked disheveled, his clothes dirty and wet with mud. Even so, he slowly approached the King's body that was lying stiff. Everyone was silent, looking at Anthony. He slowly opened the thin cloth with trembling, Adam's pale face was the first thing he saw. He looked at Henry to give him an explanation of what had happened.
The old man just shook his head. No tears came out of Anthony's dark eyelids. His lips were closed, while cold water dripped from his hair and clothes. The room turned silent. Only an emotionless face was what the man managed to give. He didn't say anything, but his gaze couldn't leave Adam's figure which was so beautiful in his eyes. His eyes seriously looked at every inch of the King's body without saying a word.
"Anhtony, all our efforts are in vain." Henry said softly.
"In vain? Nothing is in vain, Your Majesty." A sad smile formed on his thin lips. His body moved closer, not even an inch away from Adam's face.
Anthony pulled himself back. Seeing one by one the faces of the men in the room who were grieving. Especially the General whose face was already disfigured. His eyebrows raised, "Actually... I forgot to tell you, Your Majesty."