An aggressive knock was heard at the front door. The people in the house tippy-toed around, trying not to make a sound, but the sound of the creaking floor was heard nonetheless.

They opened the back window and tried to step out without being seen. The first to leave was a boy who appeared concerned, wondering if they would be able to make it, only to meet with the grin of a soldier.

"We are here to uphold the emperor's law. So come with me out of your own volition. Or the sword's decision."

Desperation appeared on the boy's face. He looked back at the people still in the house. Only his sister was visible to him, her silver hair was tied neatly not to disturb her, and she had a stern look in her eyes, guiding him to look in the other direction.

He then followed her sight to the forest - a place they thought would be suitable for them to run to in case of danger. A place where they can climb the trees and hide.

The boy started running; it was his only chance to either escape or distract the soldiers allowing his siblings to do so.

But, he was caught within moments - before giving anyone the chance to escape. That was the difference between a little boy and a grown adult, trained in the art of fighting. His hand was held tightly behind his back, and he was thrown to the ground with the soldier's leg pushing his body downwards.

At seeing that sight, the eldest sister spoke, "Please don't hurt him; we will come out."

The eldest sister stepped out. Behind her was another child attached to her leg with hair cut short and eyes filled with sparkle.

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The soldier was waiting in anticipation for more people to exit the house when the sister followed up.

"That is all of us."

"What of the eldest brother? he who shall make the emperor kneel?" he replied with a hint of disdain and sarcasm.

Without a moment's hesitation, the woman knelt on the ground and continued

"Hail the Emperor; under His might we live, under His rule we thrive, for he is the savior of mankind, delivering us from the land of torment to this glorious land."

She then raised her head and looked the soldier in the eye. The 2 other soldiers have checked the house and have made a full circle around it. To also hear her say

"We are but humble citizens of this empire. You have killed everyone in our village while trying to find my brother... West, he has taken his own life to prevent further heartache."

Causing laughter to erupt. "You think us children? to believe such bold tales?"

"They are not tales, he is buried on these grounds. I can show him to you - it hasn't been long, you can still see the mark on his hand."

The soldiers looked at one another. They all wanted to be the first, for they will have more to tell and be rewarded for.

They all moved together, following the woman in front of them, having indecent thoughts about what they would do to her once they got the information. One step, two steps, three steps behind her- and suddenly, she started running.

They smirked. What is a woman going to do against such a group of soldiers? But, their laughter was not long-lived as arrows filled their faces.

From atop the nearby tree sat a man with a bow in his hand and a scar with the shape of a compass on it.

"Is that all of them?"

"Yes - they were foolish."

"Glad I was out and with a bow so that we may follow this plan"

"No matter which way they would've come, they would've fallen to one trap or the other anyway."

"Okay, we need to move - since they managed to find our location, someone else might be able to do so as well."

"Yes, we must find the portal to the place of our forefathers as soon as possible."

The woman looked back at her younger siblings "Ellie, Nicholas - go back to the house- pick up your travel bags - we are leaving now."

***