Finn leaned in to whisper to Ria. “So, is this my bad luck or yours, cause I’m starting to get the feeling that-”

“Shut up, Port-Dogs!” snapped the supervising officer. The man turned his glower from the group towards the two.

“Rude, don’t you see we’re in the middle of a conversation here?” The boy merely side-eyed the man, then continued to whisper loudly. “We could definitely take them. I call the annoying one.”

Ria nodded slightly. “Fair enough…But we wouldn’t know how to open the gates.”

“We could always torture it out of ‘em,” shrugged the boy, tone nonchalant.

The girl’s face took on a thoughtful expression.

Meanwhile, the guards stared, gobsmacked. The lead officer openly gawked at them. Never in his years of service had he encountered such a ridiculous sight! His face turned a bright red. Did they not know that he could hear them? That they all could?

“Hmm, I guess they can probably hear us, can’t they?”

The girl shrugged, “Oh well.”

The officer’s patience snapped. That was it! He would not be mocked!

The man turned to the men behind him. “Capture those idiots.” His face turned ugly as he snarled, “Dead or alive.”

Nodding, the four guards slid out their swords from their sheaths.

“Wow. They have pointy things,” noted Ria, sounding not at all impressed.

Finn took out the curved saber he swiped from the armory. The miners behind them followed suit, pulling out their own axes and picks.

Ria whistled appreciatively at Fin’s blade. “Wow, a real pirate sword.”

Finn rolled his eyes at the comment. He brandished it forward. “I was hoping to get a chance to practice.”

“Be my guest,” Ria gestured grandly. She took a step back, allowing the armed miners to stalk forward.

The guards looked at one another uneasily but to their credit, they didn’t falter. The supervising officer looked behind his shoulder. The gate was still raising.

Ria smirked.

The officer glowered at the little brat’s expression. He yelled up at the men on the wall. “Stop pulling it- Mhhh!”

Derek rushed forward to hold the man’s mouth shut. Following his lead, the other miners hurried forward to apprehend the other guards. It was a short skirmish that ended almost as soon as it started. Outnumbered and definitely underpaid, the guards were quick to surrender once they saw their leader overpowered.

The gate continued to raise until a loud screeching sound filled the air. Suddenly, the gate stopped, frozen in place.

The miners cried out. What happened? Their holds on their weapons loosened as their eyes widened in fear. No. They couldn’t go back! Only death awaited them if the gate did not rise!

Finn cursed. Ria’s eyes narrowed. Something weird was going on…

“Ah!” screamed Derek. He clutched his bruised jaw.

Taking the chance while they were distracted, the officer had elbowed Derek in the face and spun out of the hold.

He grabbed Ria by the throat and held a sword to her neck. The girl gasped. He nodded towards the guard that had come out with him. The officer pressed the blade harder against the girl’s neck. “Release him, or the brat gets it.”

Glaring, the miners complied. The guard was quickly released. He hurried to the safety of his supervisor’s side.

“Cover my back,” murmured the officer. His eyes roamed around. They had the upper hand now… but it was clear they were outnumbered.

“Got it, boss.” The other guard nodded and pulled out his sword with his left hand. He held it up, ready for an attack.

Unbeknownst to the two men, Ria’s eyes narrowed at the action.

“Lower the gate!” hollered the officer.

As ordered, the gates began to lower.

The miners tried to push it up with their own strength but it was no use. The officer smirked. Now, they just had to wait for backup to arrive.

SCREECH!

The gate halted once more. Then, to everyone’s surprise, it began to raise. Then, it lowered. Then raised. It was as if the metal structure was having a midlife crisis. As it raised and lowered, it was unclear whether it wanted to help or hurt them. Ria sure hoped it was the former.

The gate came to a stop once more, suspended halfway in the air, raised to the height of Ria’s hip. She hoped they didn’t have to, but they could always retort to climbing under it? That was, if the gate didn’t decide to change its mind and just fully close.

The supervising officer breathed out through his nose. What were those idiots doing? He turned his gaze back to the miners, holding the knife closer to the girl’s throat. Seeing their uneasy expressions and lowered weapons, satisfaction soared in his heart. Looks like he had picked the right hostage.

The girl in his hold shivered. Probably in fear, the officer thought triumphantly.

“Lady, quit smiling so freakily!” said the guard.

The officer froze. The girl was what?

“It’s not freaky,” Ria sniffed. She paused and asked, “Hey, ever heard of a penny?’

The guard tilted his head. “No?”

“No, I guess you wouldn’t have.” Ria smirked, “But I bet you know what a sand dollar is.”

The guard frowned.

“Shut up!” snapped the officer, shaking the girl. Was the fear making her delusional? He shivered. A hostage with a knife to their neck should not be this confident. What did she know that he didn’t? “Stop talking or I’ll slit your throat right now.”

All he got was a laugh in return.

“And be left hostage-less? I don’t think so,” said Ria.

The officer’s brows furrowed. What in Niamh’s name?

“You shouldn’t joke around, kid. The sand dollar is illegal stuff. Dirty money,” the guard’s tone was monotonous as if he was reading off of a script. “Oh Admin, I can’t even say that with a straight face.”

“You! How dare you use Admin’s name,” the officer beat his chest twice and snarled at his underling, “in vain like that!” The officer frowned, shaking the girl in his hold. “And what are you two talking about? What is a sand dollar?”

The girl sighed as tears gathered in her eyes. “So that’s what’s going on. Hah! Nice one, mob boss.” Her eyes landed on the guard behind the officer. “You know identification theft is a serious crime, right?”

To everyone’s surprise, the guard shrugged, “Trust me, I’ve done worse.”

“What is going on, Steven?” snapped the officer. Why was the hostage talking to his underling? The man opened his mouth to continue, but a heavy weight hit the back of his head. It felt like the butt of a sword.

Oh, the man realized, that’s what’s going on.

The miners watched as the officer fell on his face. His blade fell to the ground, landing soundlessly in the snow.

“The name’s Tom, jerk. Never liked that one.” The guard sighed and tossed the sword away. He took off his helmet. “Niamh, I’m glad to be free of this stupid tin-hat.”

He turned to glare balefully at Ria. “What took you so long? Boss said you’d be here by morning.” The guard, who was actually one of Blaze’s lackeys, Tom, huffed. He was just as burly as the last time Ria saw him. The man pointed at the setting sun. “It’s sunset, ma’am!”

“Wait, what is going on here?” interjected Finn, stepping forward. He hated to be lumped into the same group as the unconscious officer, but he and everyone else were extremely confused.

Ria stepped over the unconscious body of the officer. “You know, I always did wonder how you guys smuggled that much copper past the gates. Actually, it makes a lot of sense that you would have people planted here.”

“Trust me, not by choice,” huffed Tom. He paused, “How’d you know it was me anyway? We met once, and I don’t leave that much of an impression.”

Ria shrugged, “Read some training manuals when I was bored of counting how many rocks were collected every day.” She nodded at the tossed-aside sword. “Citadel guards are trained to wield swords with their right hands. Plus, how’d you go undercover for so long if you talk like a gangster?”

The guard shrugged. “No one cared to ask.” He scratched his neck. “I guess the sand dollar bit really gave it away, didn’t it?”

“It only confirmed what I already guessed,” Ria offered.

Totally lost, Finn wiped his face. “I give up. How’d you even get mixed up with gangsters?” He shook his head at Ria’s sheepish look. “You sure get around, Your Highness.”

Ria flushed and laughed awkwardly. “Trust me, not by choice,” she repeated.

Tom let out a booming chuckle at that. He glanced at the top of the wall. “I know you’re bony, but please tell me you won against a pasty mountain boy, Timmy.”

There was a pause. A grunt and the sound of a metal-something falling to the ground.

Finally. a thumbs-up came over the top of the wall. It was followed by another familiar face peering down. “All good,” shouted Timmy. “Hi, weird girl.”

Ria waved, recognizing Blaze’s other lackey.

Tom rolled his eyes at the very visible black eye on the skinny man’s face.

The gate began to rise once more, this time without any hiccup. Ria turned to the miners and ushered them forward. Despite their confusion, their group was quick to pick up the pace as they headed out of the gates.

She glanced at Tom. “The ships I ordered are there?”

Tom crossed his arms as if offended Ria would even ask. “Boss always keeps his word.”

Ria sniffed. Surprisingly enough, she had no doubt about that. Especially when a price tag was involved.

The man watched as the miners shuffled forward. He murmured lowly. “You’re lucky we’re pulling out of here today. No other sailors would be so stupid as to sail in winter.”

“Didn’t realize I was so special,” retorted Ria.

“Don’t go gettin a big head. Turns out our little mining trip is coming to an end,” Tom paused as a thought struck him. “You wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with that, right?”

Ria shrugged, “No.” She paused, rethinking something. “Not on purpose, at least.”

“You’re pulling my leg,” the gangster gaped at her. “No way,” he murmured.

The girl only offered him a half-hearted shrug in response. The conversation was over. For now.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Tom stomped away, muttering to himself. “She’s bluffing. Girl’s gotta be pulling my leg!”

Ria watched with satisfaction as the last of the miners headed out of the gates. She didn’t know why, but the air seemed to be the best she had ever breathed. Fresh and crisp.

“It smells like freedom,” murmured Finn as he stopped by her side.

Ria nodded. It was cheesy but true. She couldn’t believe she had done it. They were actually going to leave the Citadel. For good. She clutched the satchel in her pocket.

The dogs yipped impatiently as they ran through the gate.

But, of course, things were never that easy.

A thundering warhorn sounded in the distance.

Their group froze.

Ria’s head snapped to the back. Her heart froze in her chest.

Charging toward them on horseback was none other than the Elite Guards. But as Ria watched with growing dread, she only had eyes for one. Eres.

The warrior queen was leading the charge.

And she looked pissed.

“Niamh,” breathed Finn.

So much for that breath of freedom.

—

The Sacred Piece gleamed. Sitting in the center of the table, the ancient scale gave off a formidable aura. It was Scalae, the eldest of the four Sacred Pieces.

In the earliest records, one of the first queens of the Capital described Scalae as the fairest and most royal of its siblings. The great wolf, Varae, was a brute, Sica’s dagger, Ikrelae was supposed to test loyalty of all things, and Carmae was a glorified piece of paper.

Daphne’s chest swelled with pride. She placed a hand on Scalae. Hers. The instrument of justice. How great could Varae be if the Citadel was still in second place? Ikrelae’s power had been useless against those that betrayed Sica. And Carmae’s truth was rendered useless in a land of criminals and liars.

But the Capital? It was the strongest, most united, and just, the best… and a good deal of that was because of its Sacred Piece.

Scalae had the ability to determine a kingdom’s past, present, and most importantly, future. It was something even the Temple of Admin desired but could not have. Scalae was Rex’s. Ask it a question and it could weigh which direction it would lead the kingdom into. The only tricky part was figuring out the right questions to ask.

Sighing, the queen glanced at the hooded woman that stood beside Scalae. Their arms were tucked into their sleeves and head bowed low.

“You are telling me that Eres’ bishop came for a prophecy?” Rex crossed her arms. “And you allowed it.”

The bishop nodded.

Rex tapped her chin with her long acrylic nails. “I wonder what has her so worried she would use such a favor.”

The bishop licked their chapped lips.

The queen glanced at the other woman. Rex’s brows furrowed. “Did you read it?”

The woman paused, baffled by the question. Finally, they spoke, voice calm. “My lady, you know my power only delivers prophecies. If the bearer doesn’t reveal their words, then I am ignorant.”

Rex hummed, “I know. Just thought I would check.”

The bishop sighed, “I would never lie to you, my queen.”

Rex’s lips curled into a sneer. “And yet, your name is a mystery despite your years of service.” Her words were sharp. “Do you blame me for not fully placing my trust in you? Maybe you’ve been playing me like a fool, deceiving and manipulating me for your own purposes.”

“I wouldn’t dare, Your Highness,” came the blank reply.

Rex sighed, “You are lucky you still have a use.” She crossed her arms once more. “I need you to investigate something.” Her eyes darted to the Sacred Piece.

Following the queen’s gaze, the bishop tilted their head in an owl-like fashion. “With a prophecy of Scalae? What could possibly hold such importance?”

Rex’s lips pursed. “Not what, but who.”

The room fell silent as the bishop mulled over the words.

“Do you mean Four?” The bishop's demeanor showed a hint of confusion. “Was she not already dealt with?”

Rex pursed her lips.

Three consecutive knocks sounded.

“What is it?” asked Rex.

Marcel poked her head in.

“My lady. Bishop,” she greeted. Marcel paused, then announced, “Queen Mother and some representatives of the Temple are here. They say they bring news about… the Tournament.”

The bishop straightened.

Rex’s eyes widened. “What?”

---

Eres' horse pawed at the snow. The beast huffed.

The queen curled her fists, eyes glowing with hate. "I'll kill them. All of them

The warrior queen growled, sounding more beastlike than human. Of course, she was here. Four. A cursed queen of a cursed land.

The warrior queen gritted her teeth. Her blood sang with fury. She would destroy this pesky weed with her own hands. The Citadel’s future depended on it!

She gritted her teeth. If only Varae didn’t scare the horses. It would have been satisfying to see the stupid traitors try and run from the powerful Sacred Piece.

Meanwhile, Ria was frantically looking around. What could they do?

Timmy jogged down the steps of the wall. “Could’ve mentioned you’d have a trail!”

“How was I supposed to know?” snapped Ria. She glanced at the risen gate. “How long will it take to lower it?”

Finn ran over, panting. “Everyone’s out. If we lower it out now, won’t they be stuck until they can raise it again?”

“Lowering it in time isn’t the problem, but the gate is designed that it needs to have someone operating it to work,” said Timmy, rubbing his forehead.

Ria groaned. Stupid ancient designs! Ugh!

Timmy continued, “And even if that wasn’t the case, with their manpower,” he nodded at the approaching elite guard, “they’ll open it and be on to us before we can even board the ships.”

Finn’s brows furrowed. “So, you’re saying someone needs to…” His voice trailed off.

“Stay behind,” finished Ria. She looked up, a rock lodged in her chest.

“Are you crazy?” shouted Finn. He glared at Timmy. “Eres is out for blood! Whoever stays,” he shook his head, “they’re waiting for a death sentence!”

“Actually, they’ll be lucky if a death sentence is all they get,” responded Timmy cheerfully… and very unhelpfully.

Ria turned her glare on the man as well. But it wasn’t like that was going to help. She sighed.

They could now hear the thundering gallop of the horses. Their pursuers were closing in.

Seeing the two’s expressions, Timmy sobered. A bit. He crossed his lanky arms. “The best option would be to close the gates and then cut the lines that operate them. The gates are operating on some ancient principles. It’s strong but not efficient.”

“How long will we have if we cut the lines?” asked Ria.

“Weeks at least.” Timmy shrugged. “More than enough for us to reach Oceanport, that’s for sure.”

The group fell silent. The option was clear. It was the sacrifice of one for the lives of the many. Ria clenched her fists. How cruel, unfair, stupid, ugly… she could go on. But time was running against them.

She glanced at Finn, but the boy looked away, refusing to meet her gaze. This decision... It was clear this time she was on her own. Ria buried the hurt.

How would she avenge Daisy if-

“It’s not easy,” offered Timmy.

Ria almost laughed. Her lips lifted sardonically. “None of this has been.”

The girl loosened her fist. Her voice trembled but she forced herself to stay numb. Don’t think. Slowly, she raised her hand. “I started this by promising the miners freedom.” She paused, breath stuttering. “It’s, only right that, that I-”

“No.” Snow crunched underfoot as heavy boots approached. “I will do it.”

Ria slowly looked up.

“Derek?” murmured Finn.

The girl immediately felt a thousand times worse. Her resolve strengthened. “No, I can’t let you do this...Rex is least likely to do anything to me. I’m staying behind-”

The man sank to his knees, kneeling in front of the girl. His head bowed low. “Please allow me to do this, my queen.”

Ria hurried to sink to Derek’s level. She tried tugging him up, to no avail. “What are you doing? Derek, get up! I can’t…” She sank to her knees, slouching over. “I can’t let you do this.”

“But you must.” A heavy hand landed on her shoulders, causing the girl to look up.

Smiling and peaceful eyes looked into Ria’s shiny ones.

“You have to lead them home.” His tone softened, “Bring them home.”

Ria shook her head, tears falling out of her eyes. She was so tired of this stupid game. Why did she have to keep losing people? “I won’t let you throw your life away. You can’t give up! You’re a coward that’s choosing-”

Her blubbering was rudely cut off.

“Is that what you think I’m doing?” snapped Derek.

The girl froze. She shook her head jerkily. “It shouldn’t be your sacrifice.”

“This is not a sacrifice. It’s an investment,” Derek’s eyes bore into Ria, “An investment in you. And the home I will return to…”

“What-” Ria started.

Derek shook his head. “The mines may have changed me, but I have been a gambling man all my life, little girl. This time, I’m placing all my bets on you.” He glanced at the people waiting beyond the gate. “All of us are.”

“I’m not going to throw my life away,” said Derek as he straightened. “You have given me a mission, and I will fight those dirty guards and their vicious leader with everything I got until I can stand by the side of the ocean once more.

His back straightened. “Oceanport is my home. And I refuse to die in a foreign land like my son.”

He took Ria’s hand. "Let me do this."

“You ask too much of me,” murmured Ria.

Derek smiled, voice gentle. “Lead them home, Four. I will follow close behind.”

For once, the winter winds were silent. The snowy world felt like it was frozen in time. Even nature itself was waiting for Four's decision. The future of Milror depended on it.

Ria breathed in shakily. “Swear on it.”

“I swear,” Derek let out a small smile as he reminded her. “Time is of the essence, Your Highness.”

The girl hiccupped. She reached forward and pulled the man into a tight embrace. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “And thank you.”

“No,” said Derek. “Thank you. For giving me a purpose.”

The man gently let go. He got to his feet and offered a hand to the girl. Ria sniffed messily and took it.

“We should go,” said Timmy.

Ria glanced out at the distance. She could clearly make out Eres’ face. The girl glared viciously at the other woman. Maybe not today, but the woman would get what was coming to her. Ria would make sure of it.

“Wait,” Ria said. She pulled the satchel out of her pocket and handed it to Derek. The girl closed the man’s hands over the precious item.

Derek’s brows furrowed. “What-”

“If you don’t bring Daisy home, I’ll never forgive you... Keep your promise.” Ria offered Derek a firm nod. Four briskly walked to the gates before her resolve could break.

Following her lead, the other two started to head for the gate as well. Derek stood still in place.

“Derek,” greeted Finn as he passed.

“Take care of her,” the older man said. He offered an arm. “Pirate.”

“Old man.” The boy nodded and took the offered arm. “I will.”

From his place, Derek could hear Ria as the girl gave the orders to move forward toward the ships. The sound of jostling gear and excited dogs slowly faded away as the group headed out.

Derek studied the satchel of ash in his hand. He took a cord from around his neck and tied the satchel to it. The man placed the cord back around his neck. The precious item now sat just above his heart. His eyes narrowed. Time to get to work.

Jogging up the stairs, Derek looked around. There! It was the levers and pulley system that operated the rise and fall of the gate.

He glanced at the unconscious guard. Taking their sword, he began to hack away at the contraption. Sparks flew as he broke through the metal casings.

The miner figured that it didn’t matter which-worked-what if his aim was to destroy everything, right? Hopefully.

Eres and her men were about ten horse-lengths from the entrance of the opened gate. The queen urged her steed faster.

She turned to the Elite Guards. “Full speed until we catch the traitors!”

“Yes, your highness!” came the thundering reply.

Nikolai’s face was set in a stern frown as he led the charge by Eres’ side.

“If you see Four, bring her to me,” ordered Eres. “Alive.”

Nikolai said nothing but gave a firm nod.

Hearing rather than see their approach, Derek’s motions grew frantic. He started to cut away at ropes and pulleys as fast as he could. Why were there so many? With a yell, the man cut through the second to last rope. Finally, it seemed that he had chopped the right one.

The ancient gate slammed down with a large crash. The remaining pulleys snapped and something within the wall even exploded.

Startled, Derek fell back onto his butt. He let out a bewildered laugh. He did it! Four and the miners would be safe. He closed his eyes, hand clenching his racing heart. Thank Admin.

The sound of frustrated screams and the neighing of frightened horses left a smug feeling in Derek’s chest. The man sighed tiredly as he glanced at his masterpiece of frayed and sawed-through rope. Gone was the ancient system.

It was probably time for an upgrade anyways. Derek was merely speeding up the process. The Citadel should be thanking him, if anything.

However, judging by Eres’ furious yelling, that might be a hard ask.

The man glanced over the other side of the wall. It was a breathtaking sight. Miles and miles of uninhibited forest grew as far as the eyes could see. He could make out the large river, the great body of raging water in the distance that carved its place through the land. Derek thought that if he squinted hard enough, he could make out the two ships and the small figures boarding them.

A victorious smile found its place on his lips. His fingers reached up to touch it. He had almost forgotten what it felt like to be so proud.

“Let us meet on the other side,” he promised the vast land before him.

Even as the guards overtook him and held him down, Derek smiled. With the sun disappearing behind the mountain, the warm rays were gentle as they brushed his face.

Derek grunted at the force of the kick to his stomach.

What a beautiful day, he thought.

—

Ria gaped at the two wooden ships. The history geek inside of her marveled at the lack of modern technology that built them. She had to squint against the light of the setting sun to study the towering mast. The sails billowed in the wind.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Tom crossed his arms, chest puffing up with pride. “Boss hired only the best shipwrights to craft our ships. Funny, isn’t it? Oceanport’s now got the fastest and biggest ships in all the lands.”

Ria nodded at the figureheads on both ships. “Any reason for the deer and wolf?”

They were beautifully carved pieces that managed to capture the essence of the animal. It looked so real. As if they had engraved an actual creature into the wood.

Tom scratched his head. “Each of the ships has an animal figurehead. Don’t know why but Boss specifically sent for the captains of these two ships. Something about the irony of the deer-ship outrunning the wolf-queen?” He placed a hand on his hips and sighed, “No idea why the other wolf though. He said you would get it.”

Ria’s brows furrowed. A wolf? A thought struck her. The masquerade! She had been wearing a wolf mask. The same wolf mask that had gotten her a front-row audience with Eres… and the Citadel’s cells.

Ria had only learned later how much of a lack of decorum the move was. Apparently, the only one in the Citadel allowed to wear a wolf mask was the queen.

Although, Ria smirked, technically, she was probably the only other person who had been fit to wear such a thing. Blaze had likely chosen the mask to piss Eres off, but it was funny to realize how symbolic the whole thing ended up being.

She huffed a laugh. “Your boss has a weird sense of humor.”

Tom barked out a laugh. “That I agree.”

Ria glanced over at the miners. The last group had just boarded the ships. On the shore, the dogs yipped and barked.

Finn approached Ria’s side. “Remind me why we can’t keep them?”

Ria side-glanced the boy. “Done playing?”

Finn had disappeared as soon as they boarded the ship, eyes lighting up as he darted off. Ria was pretty sure she had even caught a glimpse of him up in the riggings.

“It’s good quality, I’ll give you that. Whoever those guy’s boss is… he certainly hired the right people.” Finn huffed and crossed his arms. “Still can’t compare to the ships of the Sea Raiders… but it’s a close second.”

Ria shook her head at the reluctant honesty. She watched as one of the women tried pulling a sled and dog up the ramp. “Leave the dogs, we aren’t here to steal.”

“What about our swords and gold coins?” someone called from the back.

“Aww, do we really have to put those back?” asked another.

“What if we’re attacked?”

“Or need to buy something to eat?” asked a dramatic voice.

Ria calmed the crowd down with her hands. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I mean, those are extremely valid concerns, so I guess,” she smirked, “we’ll just take those as compensation for our work. Think of it as a paycheck from Eres herself.”

The resulting cheers made her chuckle.

“Ships underway!” came the hearty holler from the captain and crew.

Choosing a place by the bow of the ship, Ria settled herself against the wooden railing. The wind blew through her hair. She stared at the outline of the Citadel with a bittersweet feeling gnawing at her insides.

You better keep your promise, Derek, she thought.

“See you soon,” she called.

The girl lifted a hand and waved at the outline of the mountain kingdom.

Glancing up, the Port-Dogs followed their queen’s actions. Derek’s sacrifice had not been in vain. They were finally free. It was a quiet gesture in a moment none of them would forget. Two full ships worth of people solemnly waved off into the distance.

With a shudder, the boat began to cut through the raging water of the river. The miners huddled together for warmth.

They were heading home.

A one-way trip for Oceanport.