I can feel your guilt. Rha said to Aydan.

I thought I was dying.

I wouldn't let you perish so easily.

The assurance that came with the Phoenix’s words deeply affected the young man. Using the Wildlink, he could easily feel Rha’s emotions as clearly as the latter could perceive his.

Haven’t you felt all the power of the bond that unites us? Rha asked in a gentle tone.

I think I'm just beginning to understand its importance…

You still have a lot to learn, though, The Phoenix added.

I know. I have a question.

I'm listening.

How did you manage to hide your presence from the other familiars while contacting them?

The phoenixes are at the origin of the creation of the Wildlink. It is an entity that lives without us now, but we have mastered its subtleties for centuries. I can't hide my aura signature completely, but I can change it.

Do we need to still keep our bond a secret?

More than you imagine. It's no coincidence that I got closer to you. A threat looms on the future of the Republic.

What threat? The young man asked worriedly.

I wish I could tell you more, but the future remains unclear. Lara is one of the keys. She mustn’t fall into the hands of the Empire.

I already know about Lara. Your warning comes a little too late, Aydan added.

She’s still in Zeteria. You must hurry.

I'll do my best.

“And… done!” Kadir announced as he inspected his work with a critical eye.

“That’s pretty good,” Abbas commented. “Your sutures are perfectly regular.”

“My father was a tailor,” the Herald replied, putting his equipment away. “I must honor him.”

Abbas helped him bandage the two wounds; then the two Herald grabbed Aydan and gently pulled him to his feet.

Still a little pale, the young man staggered on trembling legs and would have collapsed if the Mecens had not supported him.

“You’re going to be fine?” Kadir asked.

“I’ll have to be,” Aydan replied, clenching his teeth.

Rha’s tears had saved him from certain death. If the magic of the phoenix had repaired the damage to the muscles and organs, it mainly used the target’s energy to work. Therefore, Aydan felt very weak and cursed his lack of power. Abbas searched his bag and handed him two cookies.

“Eat, you need to regain strength.”

Aydan thanked him. He wasn’t aware until then, but he was starving. He easily recognized the pronounced taste of the nut native to the high peaks of their home planet, known for its fortifying effects. A few minutes later, he felt invigorated and his face resumed colors. Naturally, the effect would be temporary; only rest would truly replenish his forces.

The three Heralds remained silent. None of them dared to mention the obvious topic, the disappearance of the young woman they were ordered to protect.

“I'll get her back,” Aydan finally said as he tried to walk on his own.

His steps were still a bit shaky. The other two Heralds exchanged a look.

“We’ll come with you,” Kadir said.

Their young colleague turned around without being able to hide his surprise.

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“What is your plan? Abbas asked.

“I…”

“You didn't think we were going to let you go on your own? Abbas continued, crossing his arms.

“But…”

“These young people are all the same. You're still a kid,” The Herald added.

Aydan clenched his fists. If Lara wasn’t missing, If he wasn’t in a hurry, he would have made him swallow these words right away.

“Nam located their camp,” Kadir interrupted.

Aydan's anger instantly vanished, replaced by a strong determination. Soon, he could free Lara from the Sraxs. He opened his wings, ready for take off.

“Where?”

“Let me finish. The camp is abandoned.”

Abbas cursed. They were too late.

“They are marching towards the Door. They seemed to be in a hurry.”

“They’re fleeing? Abbas asked, surprised.

“They’re retreating,” Kadir corrected. “The Commander is far from being a fool. He knows that Aydan is a Herald; therefore, reinforcements have been called. The Sraxs have everything to lose by staying still while their location has been exposed.”.

“But it will be challenging to reach them with these branches, Aydan commented.

“Not necessarily,” Kadir whispered.

His gaze was vague while he communicated with his familiar.

“They have prisoners. They are moving slowly. We will be able to intercept them.”

“Where?” Aydan asked in an impatient tone.

“Near Lake Perdu. When they come out of the forest… before reaching the Door.”

“So let's not waste time,” Abbas concluded. “Let's go.”

OoOoOo

Lara was advancing aimlessly, without even feeling the branches that were whipping her arms and legs. The forest around them was silent; only the steps of the prisoners disturbed the calmness of the place.

The young woman was exhausted. She had only been able to rest a few minutes before the camp of the Sraxs became busy. Soldiers had come to give them water. Then, they were ordered to line up, and their arms were tied to the same rope. Lara counted four groups like hers and had hardly any hope as to her chances of escaping.

The knots were far too tight, and if she slowed the pace of her group, the rope suddenly pulled on her wrists, already bruised. She would have tried to persuade her ropemates, but how could she hope to escape with nine other people in a forest with this long rope that bound them? There were too many obstacles... The only solution would have been to succeed in cutting the cord that held them prisoners. But how to achieve that without weapons?

The Sraxs were around them, attentive to their every movement. It was out of the question to slow down the progress of the group. Commander Zain had warned them that he wouldn’t tolerate any delay.

A thin branch whipped her cheek, and Lara immediately put her fingers over the cut. A few drops of blood flowed out. She panicked for a moment before pulling herself together. The soldiers had seen nothing. She put her wet fingers on the rope. The beating of her heart accelerated as a new possibility appeared to her.

It was her only chance. She spread the blood on the rope; the liquid dried in a few seconds. It wasn’t any blood. It was hers. A blue blood… The same one flowed inside the phoenixes. It possessed the strange property of igniting once dry, leaving only ashes behind. There were only a few drops there, and the flame that was born was tiny. It barely damaged the thin rope before going out. But this simple flame had given the girl hope again. She was the last prisoner of her line. She stood at the very back. She could burn the rope. And after... she didn’t dare to think about what she would do afterward. They were getting closer to the Door; She didn’t have much time.

The wound on her cheek had already stopped bleeding. Perhaps she could get more if she rubbed her finger hard enough on the rope? She had nothing to lose by trying. She felt the pain. But she kept going, hope had a price. It took her several seconds for the friction to draw blood. Drop by drop, hiding her work in the hollow of her hands, she undertook to burn the rope.

OoOoOo

The Commander of the Sraxs cursed and motioned to one of his soldiers to approach.

“Lieutenant Farlo, speed up the pace and place your men on high alert.”

“Are we being followed? The Lieutenant asked.

“We’ve been found,” Zain answered calmly. “We must reach the Door before night.”

“No one saw the enemy…”

“Look again,” the Commander said, pointing to the sky.

“It’s only a bird of prey,” Farlo answered. “No need to panic at the sight of a bird.”

“It’s a mountain hawk, you fool! Zain reprimanded. The high peaks of Phemacia are their natural habitat. Its presence here means Mecens aren’t far away! Now stop wasting time, and obey the orders you were given!”

The lieutenant swallowed his pride. Not only was his superior one younger than him, but he also belonged to a breed of slaves! He never should have been appointed as the Commander of the Sraxs. Farlo would personally ensure that someone would replace him soon.

“I’m on it, Commander.”

Farlo felt the gaze of his superior weigh upon him as he walked away to transmit his orders. Despite his courage, he still shuddered feeling the gaze of his superior behind his back. The Commander wasn’t known for his clemency. He should be cautious and look for other allies with sufficient power to precipitate Zain’s fall.

A suspicious smell of smoke rose to Farlo’s nostrils as he walked toward the prisoners. He thought it was strange. Was it a fire? In winter and with a wet ground, it was unlikely. He looked up; there were no wingmen above him, only the cloudy sky. The lieutenant swore between his teeth. It would be a miracle if they reached the Door before the rain fell on them.

Farlo turned his attention to the rear. The smell was stronger there. He discreetly looked at the group of prisoners. The rope linking the last one to the rest of the group was covered with blackish spots. The lieutenant smiled. Was the kid looking to escape using her magic? Commander Zain would soon have a new problem to deal with in addition to the Mecens on their tail.