With the book in Karn’s pack now securely in their possession, the collective Felren and Kraven had found themselves engaged in a heated argument on the bustling docks. That was, until Karn's friend Charles intervened and ultimately swayed the decision. It was then decided that the humans would be tasked with the burden of transporting the book, ensuring it was taken far away from the King's reach.
The Kraven and Felren refused to let this opportunity slip through their fingers, especially since the King's was so close. Yet time was not on their side.
As the menacing cries of the monster echoed through the streets, a wave of fear rattled the town. The once peaceful atmosphere was shattered, replaced by a chorus of outcries. The non-slaved civilians scurried in every direction; their faces etched with panic.
The ships that were on the horizon were now rapidly approaching the docks. To Ellie's dismay, Scarf swiftly recognised the potential danger and without hesitation, the nimble Elementlet leaped into the water, vanishing into the murky depths below.
Hope exchanged a glance with the others, their expressions mirroring hers. The realisation that they were now one member short in their plan weighed heavily on their minds. Nevertheless, they had to press on, navigating the perilous town with the resources at hand.
So, they ran.
Hope sprinted alongside Maze and Charles, clutching Karn's pack tightly as she trailed behind them. Ellie was by her side, while Alec maintained a firm grip on Charles' shoulder. Charles mumbled a few words under his breath while his hand deftly sliding into the depths of his green book. As his fingers gripped the pages, a subtle energy emanated from within. With a flicker of his gaze, their echoing sounds of their footsteps diminished, muffled by the newfound event.
The effect was immediate, like a veil of silence descending upon their surroundings. The cacophony of panicked voices and frenetic footsteps faded into a distant murmur, granting them a temporary respite from the clamour of the surrounding chaos.
The group exchanged glances, a mixture of relief and awe plain on their faces. Charles had tapped into the mystical power of his book, harnessing its magic to cloak their movements and shield them from prying ears. It was a small but significant advantage in their race against time.
With their footfalls now masked by the enchantment, they moved through the tumultuous streets. Their steps were light, their presence concealed from the enslaved townsfolk who would otherwise pose a threat.
However, they knew this newfound advantage was fleeting. The enchantment would only hold for a limited time, urging them to make haste and navigate the chaos with purpose. They pressed on, their eyes focused, and their hearts pounding with determination.
Charles threw a grin at Ellie as she followed closely behind. Both of their breathing was heavy and sweat beaded their foreheads.
Though she had only spent a brief amount of time with Karn's friends, Hope could sense their bond. The unwavering trust they extended to one another spoke volumes about the people Karn surrounded himself with.
Among the group, Maze remained a figure shrouded in secrecy. There was something about him that left Hope unsettled, a faint familiarity she couldn't quite pinpoint. She knew it had to do with his face.
"Follow me," Maze commanded, leading the way as they swiftly turned down another narrow alleyway.
Abruptly, he halted their progress, raising his hand to signal them to pause. A contingent of armed men marched across the intersecting streets ahead, their synchronised footsteps reverberating through the air.
The commotion on the docks had prompted the local guard into action. At the forefront of the warrior column strode a figure garbed in navy robes, clutching a blue book firmly beneath one arm. The warriors in armour all had the same eerie, white-eyed gaze as the enslaved homeless surrounding them.
"We'll have to find an alternate route," Maze whispered, his gaze scanning the surroundings as they slipped past unnoticed by the patrolling soldiers. He glanced over at Charles, who seemed eager to confront the magic-wielding man with his own green book. Yet, it was evident that Maze harboured doubts about his chance of success.
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"This way," Maze urged, leading them down another twisting alleyway, its narrow confines allowing only one person to pass at a time. The aged stone houses that lined the path bore the signs of time and weather.
Hope clutched the pack on her back even tighter as they crawled through the cramped space. Emerging on the other side, Charles furrowed his brow as his gaze swept toward another threat.
"There's another group of men approaching from that direction," he whispered, pointing towards their left.
True to his words, echoes of armoured footsteps reached their ears, coming from both the left and then the right. Maze nodded with a sense of urgency, guiding them toward the crevices between adjacent buildings. It became apparent that the guards were strategically attempting to block their path towards the town's outskirts.
“Do they know we’re here?” she asked.
Maze shot her a grim nod, confirming the worse.
Another metallic sound echoed, signalling the arrival of additional guards ahead. Their choices falling rapidly, leaving only the path back as a potential escape route.
"Damn it!" Charles cursed, his eyes darting between his girlfriend and the green book. "I'll create a diversion, and you all can make your getaway!"
Ellie, watching him intently, shook her head vehemently. "No," she pleaded, her voice strained and low.
The echoing footsteps closed in, blending with the chilling sound of swords being drawn, amplifying the tension that hung in the air. Maze offered a gentle smile to the young man and swiftly snatched the book from his grasp.
"Though I admire your bravery, young man, I don't believe it will be enough of a distraction," Maze remarked.
“What?” Charles eyed the man with shock. “But you? Will you have the energy?”
Maze only smiled in response, then turned his attention to the stone face of the Elementlet.
“Look after them.”
Alec nodded and Maze shoved Charles back down from where they came.
Not know what to do Hope followed Charles and Ellie as they backtracked, swearing under his breath.
A deafening explosion reverberated through the streets, sending shockwaves of chaos and destruction behind them. Maze, quick on his feet, orchestrated the collapse of a nearby statue, which crashed down upon one of the event casters. As armoured men charged toward the old man, he unleashed a string of powerful words, causing the assailants to collapse in a heap, their swords clattering against the stone floor. The echoes of the clash of metal faded into the distance as Hope, her heart pounding in her chest, sprinted away from the fray.
As she ran, she could hear the distant sounds of the other patrolling units converge on the storyteller.
Hope could feel her heart pounding through her chest as she ran behind Karn’s friends. They needed to find a way out. Yet as she ran, a strange feeling welled up within her. A feeling she had not felt since the day she met Karn. The day she was freed from both the ghost eyed tonic and the King’s curse. It was a warmth that she could not explain.
She felt her feet slow as she watched both Ellie and Charles disappear behind an alley way.
She motioned to follow but a curious power gripped her in place. She fought against it, but it made her turn down the alleyway and towards a new direction. The labyrinthine layout of the town had disoriented her, leaving her unsure of her precise location amidst the winding streets and hidden corners.
Uncertain of where this unseen force was leading her, Hope surrendered herself to its will, allowing it to guide her through the intricate maze of passageways. As she emerged from the shelter of towering houses, a breath-taking sight unfolded before her.
The grand amphitheatre loomed in the open space ahead, its magnificent structure beckoning her closer. Just as she contemplated resisting the unseen force and veering away from its direction, a familiar voice echoed within her mind—a voice she hadn't heard since her childhood. It was coming from the book behind her back.
The voice was warm and comforting. Guiding her forwards with words of reassurance.
With a wistful smile, she took a first step, then sprinted for the open doors ahead.