Reinforcements arrived soon after they returned with Alistair. Several dozen troops, fully armed and armoured, with their mounts in tow, stood in formation before Ilya.
“Captain Herbert reporting, ma’am!” The captain of the guard stepped forward. His gaze didn’t even linger on Midhir and the others. “What are our orders?”
“Some of your men will return with us,” Ilya, vaguely pointed towards Lord Aulorn and Alistair, still laying unconscious on the ground. “I want this area secured, the surroundings searched for any remaining assailants, and all bodies retrieved. I will send for an enforcer upon my return to the Vermillion Keep. You will accompany the enforcer while they make sure the veil has been healed properly.” She pointed at Midhir. “He can tell you where the location of one of the dead assailants is.”
Captain Herbert saluted. “Yes, ma’am!” He then turned around, barking orders as the troops scrambled to get moving. In mere minutes, patrol routes had been established, those who would return with Ilya and the others as guards had been chosen and were helping load Lord Aulorn and Alistair onto makeshift stretchers.
After Midhir gave a detailed explanation of where their attacker was, they prepared to set off as well. As they mounted on the horses they were given, Midhir couldn’t help but feel nervous still. There were still things left unfinished.
“Ilya,” he approached her as Arwen and Willow rode behind them. “We still haven’t found the stableboy.”
The young princess’ lips curled up with a smile for a split second. “I was scrying the forest while you and the Aulorn girl were gone. I found him – he crawled back to the inn.” She raised her chin as the inn slowly entered their view through the trees.
A young woman he recognised leaned against the fence at the back of the buildings. Her fiery red hair left no doubt of who she was.
“Glad both of you are alright,” she shifted her weight from one foot to the others. Her arms were crossed, and her gaze lingered on Ilya. “What did you want me here for?
Ilya tilted her head towards the stable. “There’s a man in there right now. Arrest him and bring him to the keep.” She paused for a second as Cait simply nodded and vaulted over the fence. “Cait,” Ilya called out. “I want him alive.”
Cait once again nodded sternly before running off. They read the sound of the stable doors open, then slam closed. Not even a handful of breaths later, the doors reopened. Cait walked out, dragging the man behind her.
He was covered in blood, mud and leaves. His clothes were tattered, and his body was riddled with cuts and bruises. Tears ran down his cheeks as he cried. “No, please! They made me do it, they made me do it! I had no choice, please!” His cries echoed in the forest.
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Midhir glanced at the inn. “Where is that old woman? And her granddaughter?” Why hadn’t they stepped out to look at the commotion? His blood froze – had he killed them?
“They are being escorted to the city for a few days,” One of the soldiers was quick to reply. “Lady Sinath didn’t want them to remain here undefended until the cultists are found and apprehended. The family is safe though, you needn’t worry.”
Midhir scowled. Cait had them escorted to the capital, but this was their home. They been taken from their home with little explanation, and even less reassurance. He couldn’t help but worry for them.
Their growing group soon got moving again. They rode fast, reaching An’Larion about two hours before dusk. Only when they stepped through the city gates did Arwen seem to breath out in relief. That usual faint smile reappeared on her lips.
After passing through the city gates, they headed west, then turned north through the main street.
The silhouette of the Vermillion Keep on the island at the very centre of An’Larion towered above the city. As they neared, the silhouette became clearer, and the beautiful architecture became easier to notice.
As they neared the bridge leading to the Vermillion Keep, Willow began to scowl. Her brows furrowed as she shot a worried glance at her father. “Your highness,” she spoke out sheepishly. “We were-“
“I’m well aware of your current lodgings, Lady Aulorn.” Ilya cut her off as she rode forth. The hooves of her horse clicked on the stone paved bridge. “However, all four of you, and the Lord Enforcer were caught in unfortunate, and very perilous circumstances. The Veil is there for a reason, and any tears that it suffers has great effect on those nearby.” She turned on her saddle, looking directly at her. “Remember what we faced – that body belonged to a human once.”
Willow’s eyes widened, while Arwen seemed confused for a split second. “What did you face?” She asked, her gaze locking onto Midhir. “Was one of the cultists possessed? What happened?”
Before he could respond, Ilya spoke up again. “Not quite, but let’s leave these inquiries to tomorrow. Today has been challenging, and I’d rather all of you focus on recovering.” Her tone was sharp, and her words final. Arwen looked down, looking more worried than before.
Midhir raised his gaze as they crossed the bridge, watching the ever nearing Vermillion Keep.
He hadn’t seen much of the world yet, not even much of Eldoria – but he was quite sure there weren’t many structures more majestic than this.
A sharp pain struck his left eye. He flinched, quickly pressing his palm against it. A gasp escaped his lips before he felt his consciousness being dragged away from his body.
The sky was dark and starless, and the Vermillion Keep’s lights glimmered like a beacon. A man stood on the bridge. He wore silken clothes, and a long cloak. At first it was difficult to notice over his blonde, wavy hair, but a golden circlet rested on his head. A crown – one Midhir had seen countless times before.
“Tell me,” the man’s voice was uncertain, worried even. “How will your witches help me when my skies darken, and my sun is swallowed?” He turned around to a face a woman wearing a black cloak. Her crimson hair cascaded over her back like a waterfall. “How will they help my children fight that?”
The woman, the same woman he had seen before, the crimson witch called Circe, folded her arms. “They won’t.” She simply stated. “They can’t.” She raised her chin. “So make sure they know to come to me when it all begins.”
The man pressed his lips together. “Can you fight it?”
She raised her eyebrows. “Fight it?” She laughed. “No, no one can fight Leviathan.” She looked up, at the starless sky. “But I can help.”