Katherine (4 days later):
“Hey, Alec,” Katherine called out as she glanced over at her companion, her voice carrying a touch of curiosity.
She couldn’t help but notice the subtle roll of his eyes, a response she couldn’t resist smirking at. Settling down beside the crackling fire, she stretched her hands toward the dancing flames, craving their comforting warmth. Alec mirrored her actions, and for a brief moment, they both succumbed to the soothing embrace of the fire’s glow, each immersed in their own contemplative thoughts.
Breaking the peaceful silence that enveloped them, Alec voiced his curiosity, concern etched in his words, “So, what exactly did Veritas tell you? I caught snippets of it, but I don’t want to jump to conclusions without a full understanding.”
Katherine nodded in acknowledgment and resolved to address his concerns honestly, even though she knew the complexities of the situation could prove daunting. She had to try, despite the weight of the truth she carried, as lying was not an option.
She was effectively leading Alec into a perilous situation, and he deserved to know the facts.
“It’s a rather long story,” Katherine began, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Alec seemed to grasp the gravity of her words and turned to her, “What I really wanted to ask was, why are you traveling this far?”
"I could ask the same about you coming with me."
"Tchh."
Katherine had no answer to provide. In truth, she didn't even know why she had allowed him to join her.
She guessed it was a feeling of sorts, an instinct.
Alec appeared somewhat disappointed at her turning the question back on him, but she pressed on, hoping to offer a glimpse into the complexities of the situation.
“There are many weapons at play here, some forged by blacksmiths of extraordinary skill,” Katherine explained, choosing to omit the magic for now.
"Weapons!" He exclaimed, standing up.
“Trust me, Alec, this is of great importance to my family. It’s an ancient relic, and with it, I hope to fulfill my initial purpose for coming here. Moreover, it could change the tide.”
"Actually, on the same line, Katherine, do you know about the cursed mountains? Supposedly, the Riders found new ores in those regions, and set up a mine there too."
"Really?"
He closed his eyes, sighing. "If anyone is going to stop them, maybe you will, Katherine."
"Me? Going to the peaks?"
Alec nodded in agreement, his understanding evident. “The Cursed Spine,” he remarked.
Katherine thought for a moment, and changed her mind, correcting his misconception, “Actually, it’s not cursed at all.”
Alec was surprisingly open to her idea, barely flinching at the revelation. Instead, he was a lot more intrigued than she thought he would be.
“Tell me the punchline. What do I need to know?” He asked.
She spoke, “Promise me one thing, Alec. Never share this with anyone else, or countless lives could be at stake.”
“Alright,” Alec replied solemnly.
Katherine grappled with the weight of the secrecy that bound her, knowing that she shouldn’t divulge any more information. But just a little couldn't hurt.
“Those regions are occupied by people,” she began, her voice hushed and conspiratorial, “They’ve been concealed there for generations, silently supporting justice from the shadows.”
Alec’s eyes widened in shock, and his gaze bore into her, his full attention now fixated on her words.
Katherine pressed on, her voice tinged with determination, “We exist to safeguard the Kingdom, and I’m one of them. I have a sacred duty to fulfill, partially in Pinewick.”
Alec sat there, still processing this newfound revelation.
Katherine chuckled, masking the uncertainty she felt beneath a veneer of confidence.
He shrugged and turned his gaze toward the increasingly dark night sky. Stars began to twinkle overhead, painting the heavens with their celestial glow.
They both fell into a contemplative silence, their thoughts drifting with the night.
“So, tomorrow,” Katherine spoke up, breaking the silence, “a long day of walking awaits.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
A mischievous glint sparkled in Alec’s eyes as he insead suggested, “How about a swim?”
Katherine rolled her eyes, already sensing where this was heading. “I can’t swim,” she retorted.
Alec nodded knowingly.
Katherine felt a twinge of irritation building within her.
“Then what?"
“Just trust me,” Alec urged, his tone softening.
Katherine began to argue, but he repeated his plea, “Just trust me, it’ll be faster.” With a weary sigh, Katherine relented. She was exhausted and couldn’t muster the energy for further debate.
“Whatever.”
As night fully descended around them, Alec nodded in satisfaction.
“Better turn in.”
“May the moon's gentle glow cradle your dreams,” He offered.
Katherine responded with a playful smirk, “May the Void Star shine.”
“I’ve never heard that one before,” Alec remarked, and Katherine simply waved her hand.
"In my hometown, that's what they call the North Star." She said, surrendering to her fatigue.
"Winterfront culture, eh?" He quipped.
She snorted.
They had already set up their tents, and Alec had promised to handle the cleanup, so it was time for a restful night’s sleep. Katherine’s hopes for the days ahead were simple: retrieve the lost magic and go home. Or at least, that’s what she wished for as she closed her eyes, hoping to drift away to dreamland.
“Get up!” A voice whispered urgently into Katherine’s ear, jolting her awake as if the very fabric of the night had been ripped by something of utmost importance.
She was on the verge of responding with a startled shout about the ungodly hour, but a firm hand swiftly covered her mouth.
Startled and bewildered, her eyes snapped open, only to meet Alec, fully clad in his armor. His presence alone spoke volumes – something significant had transpired.
As her initial shock subsided, Katherine couldn’t help but blush fiercely, realizing that Alec was watching her in her nightclothes. He, too, appeared embarrassed and quickly averted his gaze. Though an odd part of Katherine wanted to capture the memory of his flabbergasted face, more pressing matters demanded her attention.
The hand covering her mouth was withdrawn, and they began communicating in hushed whispers.
“People?” she asked, her voice barely audible.
Alec nodded in response.
Swiftly, Katherine dressed herself, ensuring Alec had his back turned to afford her privacy. With a subtle gesture, she signaled to Alec that she was prepared. He acknowledged her readiness with a nod and briefly stepped outside their makeshift shelter. Once they deemed it safe, they silently slipped away, making their way toward a denser, tree covered area. They had been camping in an open space, and Katherine couldn’t help but wonder how Alec had sensed the impending threat in the middle of the night.
As they put some distance between themselves and their campsite, Alec began to whisper rapidly, “I’m truly sorry, but we won’t be able to retrieve your tent in time.”
A twinge of annoyance tugged at Katherine’s thoughts; they had only brought two tents after all. She couldn’t contain her frustration.
“And you had to sneak into my tent in the middle of the night! You dimwit! Don’t you have an ounce of decency?!” Her words were edged with irritation as she scolded him.
Alec appeared crestfallen, his expression filled with remorse.
“I’m sorry, Katherine. I didn’t have a choice this time. Can we just keep moving?” he pleaded, a hint of desperation in his voice.
Katherine refused to budge until she had answers. “Not until you tell me what in the damned Abyss is going on! I was peacefully sleeping…”
She trailed off when she caught the look in Alec’s eyes, his turmoil evident.
“Look, I'll let you yell at me as much as you want, but not right now, alright? I’m sorry, but let’s save it for later. We need to move. And please, lower your voice; they might have an idea of our whereabouts.”
She did her best to quell her rising frustration, though a grimace still clung to her features. Alec, for his part, gazed at her with what she thought was a mixture of guilt and appreciation.
The absurdity of the situation wasn’t lost on Katherine; after all, they were just acquaintances, weren’t they?
“Katherine.” He said.
She didn’t even glance at him. “Remember, it's probably the Rebellion, trying to clean me up."
Katherine softened up and quickly apologized, but Alec pushed it aside and asked her to focus. As they continued to move quickly through the tall grass, Alec looked back at her to respond.
“I can hear their marching. It’s very familiar to me.” He stopped in his tracks. “And I think we are in the clear, with just enough time to view the sunrise.”
Katherine didn’t share his sense of assurance.
“Hello? We were literally being chased to death, and now you want us to stare at daisies while they follow us? I’m out.”
“Who said I’m your tour guide?”
Katherine shot back with a teasing smile, “Then don’t sneak into my bed at night for directions!”
“I just woke you up.” Alec responded, looking severely distraught again.
She couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity, and he followed suit, with laughter that didn't feel genuine somehow. But it broke up once the stress immediately returned.
“We better get to the docks quicker.” Alec said.
Katherine agreed. They had to hurry before they got caught.
Days passed quickly. They were just a few hours away from where Alec said he had a plan. She couldn’t be more grateful. Walking this long was tiring, and she couldn’t even bear a few more days of walking, let alone a few weeks. They should have taken a horse on the way, but they walked with very light shoes so it would be hard for others to follow their tracks. It was extremely nerve racking that every single sound that they heard made them on edge. Being chased was no fun.
He always looked nervous as well, and he had stopped talking to her as frequently as before.
But a few more hours later, Alec stopped right in front of her.
She finally looked up and saw the marvelous sights of boats moving about around water that flowed like curls. The scenery was so beautiful that she couldn’t help but just stand there in awe. They had finally reached the docks.