Gyrard kept running and running. Frantic and tired, he kept on running because Hunter told him so. He could’ve gone back to the camp but he thought it would be insane to go back. He can’t tell but he used to follow Normand’s orders no matter what but now, he felt free, free from any control, so he ran to the kingdom and abandoned the group. He reaches the walls and finds a gate. A soldier was guarding it, maybe he could help.
He panted in front of him, “Please help me!”
The soldier stares, “Where did you come from?”
Gyrard slams his hand on his chest while sweat bounces off his head, “I am Gyrard and I’m part of Normand’s group!”
“Were you ordered to come here?” The guard asked.
“No, I came here all alone.”
The guard got annoyed, “You were supposed to follow your leader’s orders. You will face punishment for disobeying them.” He swiftly grabbed Gyrard’s neck and raised him, choking him in the process. “W-wait…” Gyrard struggles to fight back as the guard’s hand was incredibly tight. He slowly blacks out from the lack of oxygen with the guard just giving him a deathly stare.
…
Riley is in front of you, walking forward with her arms crossed while you only follow.
She didn’t speak a single word ever since you both left the soldiers.
It was a quiet but grim moment with the sky darkening to prepare the night, as if it wasn't dark enough.
There were no monsters or zombies in sight, it was just the plain lands and a ruined tower leering close.
You couldn't take it anymore, "Hey, don't leave me out of the dark."
…
"What do you want?" Riley grunts.
Because both of you agree to leave them alone regardless of what happens in the end, even though you didn't say anything, you didn't ask what happened to them.
However, you remember Lancelet who left with a frown in his face last night.
You couldn't find him today so, "Do you know what happened to Lancelet?"
"Go figure."
…
You didn’t respond and so, the scene fell quiet again.
You ponder now, what happens to them? Will they make it out? Will they risk their lives again?
“I heard that Prouddapia Kingdom has most of its citizens under control by a new Queen. She tells anything to the people and they’ll listen, even if they can get themselves killed.”
“And how do you know all this?”
“I didn’t check it for a long time but someone else told me. Whatever it is, we shouldn’t go there yet.”
…
You try to point out, “New Queen? What happened to the old royalty?”
“They disappeared, and don’t ask me how they did.”
“Oh.”
You acquired a little bit of information.
Why was Riley emotional back there?
…
You both stop at the tall tower.
It isn’t clean on the outside, with stone bricks making it look like it’s about to break and moss surrounding it as if it’s supporting it from falling down.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
It isn’t leaning or unstable, but it feels like taking one single piece can make everything go wrong.
You keep staring, “We’re staying here, then?”
Riley walks to the rather broken door and opens it as dust falls off in front of her, “Yes.”
…
Riley sparks a campfire inside, giving some light to the previously dark room.
There was no window that could give way to the fire’s light but the wooden ceiling has some holes big enough to let the light slide.
A simple stairway was leading up to the second floor and the tower looked so tall that it might have room for another floor.
Empty boxes surround you with dust piling up over them.
The only thing that shows some life here is the numerous cobwebs placed around the corners of the ceiling.
…
“Don’t mind if we do,” You and Riley move some boxes near the campfire, creating a makeshift bed.
It looks uncomfortable but there’s nothing better.
You hope that no spiders or roaches poison you.
“We’ll be staying here for the night,” Riley sits on top of her bed.
You rest on yours.
…
This is the third time being alone with Riley while you both relax beside a pile of burning wood.
The campfire is the only thing you can hear in this barely lit room.
Normally, being alone with only the campfire feels scary but now, it feels like something to look at and be at peace.
It’s starting to feel like a common thing now, looking at the source of light.
Even Riley just staring at it, as if she’s reflecting on something.
…
You slouch as you lay your hands on your resting legs, “Why should we go to the Umi Kingdom?”
Riley snaps out of her moment, “Uh… We have to meet someone there.”
“And who is this someone?”
“He’s like me, he’s the Lord of Deepwaters.”
You raise your eyebrows, “Like you? And based on that title alone, he’s good at manipulating water then?”
“Basically.”
…
You point out that there’s two more, “How about the other two? What’s their situation?”
Riley doesn’t say anything for a bit and then, “I have no idea about the two, it’s been a while since I got into contact with them.”
“Well, do you know their titles then?”
“Prouddapia has Alchemist of Earthly Ground and Taigary has Angel of Blossoming Leaves.”
“Huh.”
…
Quietness returns to the room.
You manage to gather minimal but important information.
“Well, I guess this is good night,” You tell Riley as you prepare to sleep.
Riley slightly smiles, improving the mood a little.
But it doesn’t last long, she jumps off her bed and makes a cautious stance.
You halt from putting your head down as a pointed weapon touches the back of your head.
…
Someone threatens you, “Don’t move.”
You only freeze in place.
Riley speaks out, “What do you want?”
You couldn’t look behind you, but you think there’s only one person poking your head with something sharp.
So, you decide to risk it.
…
You swiftly grab the weapon, surprising the person and making them fall to the ground.
With the weapon off their hands, you bounce off the bed and use the weapon against them as they become defenseless.
“You’re fine?” Riley runs to your side.
“Should be,” You say as you tighten your grip onto the weapon.
The light slowly shines onto your side of the room and forces the person to show themselves.
…
She is dirty, or isn’t really the tidiest woman around.
Her clothes don't seem to have been washed for a long time, like she is wearing a dusty rug.
Not only that, her body is frail and skinny with ashes surrounding some parts of her skin.
Though her hair is braided, it is as messy as morning hair.
She seems weak, but you stay in your guard.
…
She is nervous, sweating heavily as she begs, “Please, don’t hurt me, I was only protecting myself!”
Riley calms down as she switches off from her stance, “Let’s not get too bloody now.”
You lower down your armed weapon while the attacker’s breathing relaxes, “So you want to reason out with her?”
Riley nods, “We’re just gonna stay here for the night and leave tomorrow.”
The attacker stands up, “Oh… okay.”
…
“I’m sorry, a lot of bandits come in here and try to take away my things.”
You hold one side of your hip as you exhale deeply, “We won’t be bothering you, just let us stay here for the night.”
“Yes, yes, it’s alright,” she rubs her hands while she makes an uncomfortable smile, “As long as you don’t do anything to me.”
You look at Riley as she does the same to you for a second, before turning back.
Slightly turned off from the attacker, you say, “T-thank you.”