"And the world's been blessed because of it." Merle's words were cold.

Emery gasped, "But-"

"He was my blood? Maybe, but you of all people should know how dangerous he was. How dangerous we made him."

His footsteps starting again I quickly went to load my crossbow. I got the arrow in place. My heart skipping like crazy, I couldn't breathe.

"Plus you're merely trying to distract me long enough for the Wanderer to strike, no?" His voice right at the edge of the turn.

I let the arrow fly, as he turned the corner. I stared wide-eyed as he caught the arrow in his grasp, breaking it in half. He threw me aside and kept moving. The gripping paralyzing feeling taking over, I lay on the ground unable to move. Trying to crawl after him, against time itself.

"I won't let myself get distracted." He looked back, before entering the room.

I went to call out, my mouth locked in place. I needed to stop him, rage filled my mind. I was going to find a way! I had to find a way. I was so angry I couldn't think. My blind rage, aimed at the monster who had taken everything from me. I would be his end, somehow, someway. I couldn't let him do this!

I managed to move myself an inch, probably a bad sign for the Queen.

I stared out through a slit in the door, her body limp on the ground. Merle tightened the lid on the vile in his hand, filled with dark red.

I felt sick, my mind spinning, trying to deal with the torrent inside of me. To not feel your lungs breathing, nor your heart beating was frightening enough without witnessing murder.

Merle walked back out of the room, slipping the vile in his cloak. He didn't even look at me as he marched past. So seriously determined that I faltered.

How could I stop this? How did I think I could stop this? My head hurt with the weight of it. My muscles began to loosen as he disappeared from sight. They ached as I sat up on my knees. Holding the broken arrow in my hand, I threw it. It rattled against the wall, alerting me to another sound. A sob from around the corner.

I stepped up, walking over, Emery wiping tears from her eyes. I was shocked to see her cry. She always seemed so unmovable.

"It's nothing Phyn." Her hands trembled, she frowned down at them. She looked fragile for the first time since I met her.

"Don't ask me about what I said." She warned me sternly. "If you value me even in the slightest, you won't." Her eyes wide in guilt.

"I won't." I paused, so shocked to see her like this. I watched her shoulders loosen, she stared at the ground, "Go check on the others." She commanded, pointing to the door. I nodded, following orders.

I slowly walked back into the room. The queen lay dead on the floor, Luca and Diggery standing back. Ari was preoccupied with the wall patterning. Broc knelt by her side. He looked ready to collapse. An anger in his eyes that was unfamiliar. I went to speak and stopped. His hand shook as he stood, "Let's keep moving." He growled, storming out of the room. Diggery looked at me wide-eyed.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop him." I muttered, a sense of guilt overwhelming me. He gave me a shallow nod.

"Broc's right, we have to keep moving." Luca stated dryly. He hung his head, following after Broc. I stood for a second, staring at the dead Queen. Her eyes dim and lifeless. There was nothing to say. I failed again.

I stepped away, back towards the doorway. Diggery following beside me, he kept his eyes on me looking for hope. "How are we supposed to do this?" He asked, a desperation in his tone.

"I don't know"

This was impossible. I couldn't change it. He nodded, his eyes still weighted.

Ari wandered in the hallway, he ignored the whole situation. I envied his ignorance. The rest of us, carrying the weight. I walked with clenched fists. I had to find a way.

Broc and Luca stopped, waiting for us down the hallway.

Emery stood close, with regained composure. Staring out the window she seemed preoccupied with something below. I stopped by her side, looking down at her view.

A dark shadowy figure skirting away. I barely caught sight of them just as I looked. Someone in a dark cloak I couldn't get a good view of. Emery tightened her fists. "History is about to repeat itself..." She whispered, barely loud enough for me to hear. The grass looked funny. I squinted my eyes trying to see if my eyes were tricking me. It almost looked like there was a circle flattened into the grass.

Emery stepped away from the window, physically pulling me away as well. I pushed her arm off, standing with the others. Something was going on. Too many things she didn’t want me to know. Her face, blank and unreadable.

I held out my hands, "Mirth next?" I asked the group. Luca nodded, taking my hand. Diggery took my other hand, Broc grabbing his. Even Ari ran over grabbing Luca's. Emery stood unmoved, I watched her waiting for her to join the connection.

"I'm not coming with you Wanderer." She concluded dryly, moving her eyes back to the window. I opened my mouth to argue.

"You cannot wait for me. I must go."

"Since when?" I bit back.

Emery scowled, stepping back. "This is what I do. I go where I'm needed." She stated. I frowed, why was she doing this?

"But you know more about this than all of us. We need you. I need you. " I argued back.

Emery shook her head, "No you don't." She said, unmoving in her tone. "Things are going to change Phyn, whether you succeed or fail. I thought I could rattle Merle long enough for you to take the shot but his mind is set. There is nothing else I can do for you."

"But-"

"Phyn." Broc interrupted, "We don't have time to argue." He said decidedly. I didn't want this. Our chances were already slim with her.

"It will be okay Phyn. This is for the best." She explained. I had to stop this.

"You won't change my mind." She read my thoughts. I hissed out a sigh of frustration. "I don't want to leave you behind." I echoed.

"You must." She returned, stepping back. I was torn, but there was nothing I could do. I bit my lip, finding my pulse reluctantly.

"You're insufferable." I muttered, in a hiss. Guilt hitting me as I said it. Emery smiled as if it was a compliment.

"Till we meet again Wanderer." Her voice faded as I locked into the pulse, bringing my mind to Mirth. Disappearing from Manic, my feet landed somewhere new.

I opened my eyes looking around a circular room. The Remedy's symbol etched on the floor, this was the room they trapped me. I felt shivers as the memory came back to me. I don't know why we landed here of all places.

Luca stopped staring down at the symbol on the floor. Kneeling, he ran his fingers along it. "What is this place?" He asked, looking up to me. I shrugged, "I'm not sure, they had me meet them here when they took Diggery."

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"Interesting."

Ari fidgeted awkwardly, Broc stopping to settle him. "I do know that this is the north tower." I added, peeking my head towards the window.

"Is anyone familiar with the layout." Broc asked, lifting his head with a frown, "Not well." I muttered. Luca stood up, "I know where the throne room is, I think." He offered, heading for the door. He held it open waiting for us to go through. Ari skirted out, a rattled look in his eye, Broc, right behind him. I marched out the door, hearing Diggery's footsteps behind me. I was losing confidence with every step.

"WHY DID EMERY STAY BEHIND?" Ari's voice bounced off the stairwell. His question hit me in the gut, I was wondering the same thing. It didn’t seem that even she believed I could do this. I was angry, I needed her here.

"Emery does what she thinks is best." Broc answered, his feet clicking down the stone steps, "We each have to do what we must." He added. Something in me aching as he said it. Our plan had fallen apart. I was hopelessly chasing after Merle. I wasn't a fighter, I didn't know magic, we didn't have a prayer.

We reached the bottom of the steps. Out into the courtyard, Ari almost ran right into me. Midday light, I stared out into the walled area of trees. Turning a reddish colour, they stood out brighter than last time.

"This way, I think." Luca muttered, walking forward. I walked after him, a silence falling on our crew. Walking between the trees, we crossed the courtyard.

I turned back briefly, watching something dart behind a tree. I jumped startled, scanning for any more movement. Were my eyes tricking me? No one else seemed to notice. I turned back forward, hoping this wouldn't come back to bite us.

"Anyone else feel that chill?" Diggery chattered, looking between us. I nodded, pulling my limbs close. Dread was weighing on me more than ever.

"It is colder here." Broc muttered, as we approached the entrance.

Ari popped his head around, running in between us. "WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THE MAN FOLLOWING US?" Ari boomed, pointing back. The figure just ducking out of sight as we turned.

"Who?" Diggery asked.

Broc drew his sword, Luca turned back warily. "Come out we know you're there." Broc commanded. A hiss of a sigh rang out, a black haired man, hung his head slipping out from behind the tree. His blue eyes flicked, a fresh gash on his forehead.

"Well isn't this awkward." Alexander Wren huffed, scratching his head. "I was starting to think I was good at this 'sneaking' thing."

I stared wide-eyed, unable to hold back my joy. "Wren! What are you doing here?" I laughed with relief. I hadn't left him to die.

"You know him?" Luca interrupted. I nodded, "Wren helped me with Remedy."

Wren shrugged, "It was no big deal, always happy to help out my favorite spunky redhead. No offense." He muttered to Ari. Ari blinked in confusion.

"And to answer your question kid, I'm mostly just trying to stay out of sight. Auggy isn’t exactly a fan of those who can’t keep promises."

I frowned, wanting to know what he meant. Wren stepped closer, a tremor in his step. "Do you mind if I join you guys for a moment? Ya know, the whole strength in numbers thing." He gave a chuckle. There was real fear in his eyes. Luca shifted his posture, studying him.

Wren gave a nervous laugh, his face twitching. "Well I would give you the whole story but I'm sure none of us have time for that."

Diggery twisted his face in a frown, "We'll make time, spill." He crossed his arms. I scowled at Diggery, why was he being so hostile? Broc stepped back not getting involved.

Wren nodded dully, "It's okay kid you're right to be suspicious." He scratched his head, "Look either way we're going to run into some trouble standing around here. I'm not with them and I have no intention of being. So let's get going before they intervene."

He walked past to the door.

Luca shrugged, "Okay, let's keep going." He followed after Wren. Ari and Broc walked behind me, as we entered the first doorway into the palace. Diggery shook his head, reluctantly moving forward. He'd get over it.

The hall was empty, tapestries lining both walls, we followed a red carpet. Luca slowly drifted back to me. Keeping his voice low, "Can we trust him?"

I frowned, "He's hiding something but I still think he's on the right side." I said quietly.

"He helped you though?" Luca asked.

"He did."

Luca turned back forward, "Then I'm grateful to him." He echoed, his big brown eyes making my heartbeat faster.

"Phyn." Diggery started from behind me. Luca looked sour at the interruption. "This isn't a good idea. We don't have time for any trouble he could bring." Diggery complained, matching my pace. I bit my lip, feeling caught.

"We don't have time to argue either." Broc advised.

Wren tilted his head back, "What are you guys up too here anyway?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. "Not something for Malachi I hope."

"Malachi?" Broc turned up his nose. I shifted uncomfortably. Diggery lifted his head sheepishly, "Ya me and Phyn used to work for him."

Broc scrunched up his nose, "No! not that piece of scum. That man is a disease." He said exasperated. My face went red, "I know but I didn't have many options." I defended, crossing my arms. "Still Phyn, Malachi?" Broc started.

Wren coughed to interrupt, "So then, what are you doing?"

Luca narrowed his eyes, "We're hunting a particular black bird."

Wren's eyes perked up, "Merle…" his voice trailed off. "That's no small thing, neither in significance or risk. Merle is a dangerous adversary." His tone turned serious.

"We're well aware." Broc shot back. Wren snorted, "No doubt. This would be what? King number three then?" His face twitched.

Luca stiffened, "Yes, the third monarch but how-"

"I am aware of the prophecies." He answered shortly. Diggery raised his eyebrows. I scowled at his skepticism.

"Do you have any suggestions then?" I asked Wren. He blinked back a little surprised, "Against Merle? Certainly not. I am perfectly happy to stay on neutral ground with that one."

"Well we don't have that option." I crossed my arms.

Wren pursed his lips, "True….Destiny bites, doesn't it."

I hissed a sigh, "Wren…" He looked back for a second, showing that same fear in his eyes. It chilled me, the tremor in his hand. What did they do to him?

"Can you at least help us find the king? '' Broc asked. Wren paused, "Yes...I can do that." He nodded, deciding on it.

Wren continued shaking as he went down the halls. He seemed much less sure of himself than before. If he didn't look so much like a scared rabbit I'd ask him about it.

I looked back at Ari, making sure he wouldn't wander off. Ari followed quietly, just as scattered. The mood seemed to start rubbing off on him.

I moved up, walking closer to Wren. My mind swirling with what to say. Whinnie's death coming clear into my mind. Should I tell him about Whinnie? It felt out of place, but he probably did deserve to know. I bit my lip, letting out a sigh.

"...Whinnie's dead. I saw Merle kill him."

Wren looked up, his face twitching. "Oh." He said, a pain etched in his eyes. "Good." He shrugged.

Maybe I was wrong in telling him, he looked more uncomfortable. He avoided my eyes. His response seemed cloudy. I hoped I hadn't upset him worse.

Wren limped up the stairs, the rest of us following as he stopped at a small door. The light low, we stopped in front of it. The door was carved with delicate plant-like patterns. I tightened my fists, feeling a rush of nerves. I didn't want to fail again. I was losing confidence.

"This is as far as I go." Wren asserted. His face twitched, something chaotic in his body language.

"I shouldn't stay." He added, his eyes darting.

I studied him carefully, "Okay." I gave him a brief nod. A sad look in his eyes he drifted further down this little hall. I hoped he would be alright. There was something strange about the way he acted. I couldn't quite figure it out.

I turned back to the door, everyone waiting for me to open it. I took a breath, turning the handle, letting it swing open. The door squeaked, as I peered inside.

A white-bearded man sat, slumped forward, almost dazed. He looked completely lost in his mind. A woman walked over to the window shutting the curtains. She stopped at the noise, turning. Her light blond hair shining against the light. She frowned, her eyes covered by a band. I froze, recognizing Valerie, I stepped back. We needed to get out of here.

"Who's there?" She said in a singsong voice. I made my breathing shallow.

"Now don't be shy." She smiled. Pointing between us, "One, two, three, four, five. Five of you all darkening my door and just silence." She echoed. Did Wren know she was in here?

"We're here to give the King of Mirth a warning." Luca called, stepping forward. I turned in horror, I didn't want her to know we were here.

A grin flickered across her lips, "Luca...Merle's infamous grandson." Luca's eyes grew wide. "How do you know who I am?" He muttered.

She stepped closer, "Who else do we have here?" She asked, waiting.

"Who are you?" Broc responded crossing his arms. She smiled, "Broc, ex-captain of Manic welcome."

Diggery shifted uncomfortably, "What do we do?" He whispered. Valerie smiled,"That's a familiar voice, Diggery. That must mean-"

"Hello Valerie." I growled.

She laughed, "What a crew you've got here. Who's the last silent party." She cheered. Ari looked up, his eyes glazed over, hiding a building fury. "SONG BIRD…." He boomed, his voice faltering on the last note. Valerie's grin dropped, she stepped back. Ari clenched his fists. His face twisted in an angry knot. I didn't know what he was going to do.

Valerie straightened her posture, "It's good to have you back, Darius." She echoed. Darius? I turned my head confused. She tilted her head amused, "Yes child, you're looking at Darius of Euphoria, the legendary lost king."