14 the ARRIVAL (2/2)
”What? You've been carrying that for just a while I thought it's alright.”
”FOR A WHILE!? I”VE BEEN CARRYING THIS SINCE WE LEFT CAMP ABOUT TEN HOURS AGO! I AM NOT A DAOMAGAR SO YOU'LL FORGIVE ME IF I DON'T CARRY AROUND MY USSUAL STRENGTH!” he spouts forth angrily slapping Nemer a few times to hasten his movements in dismembering the tight contraptions and their knots.
”Okay, okay! There!”
”THANK YOU!” he replied in an unthankful tone while stretching his back to relieve his obvious tension.
”I only put that on you to measure your body's strength and vitality, that's what my master told me.”
”I thought we finished training that Thousand Blade Dash?”
”Well, the training doesn't stop. You must strengthen your muscles and bones so that you won't be having problems when you move around dashing.” The two was looking at him with strained eyes that he noted so he added, ”Well at least that's what he told me.”
”Well, your master isn't here, right!?”
”Well, he can...”
”SO, DON'T BUG ME AGAIN WITH HIS MYSTERIOUS WAYS!” he stormed away with his feet stomping being angry as he is, ”Come on K-Z, Let's find Yosh.”
As Kayzar waved his goodbye Nemer whispered with a very concerned tone.
”Well you won't find him.” They were both halted to hear what he was about to say. He paused for a few seconds scratching his head then he continued, ”I don't know how to say this, but I think Yosh ran away.”
”What!?” shouted Kayzar somewhat shocked at the explosive news he just heard and expected Nemer to explain.
”I don't know what happened, or where he is,” he defended, ”You should talk to your father; he created a search party to scour the jungles and the plains from the north up to the mountains. Maybe he knows something.”
”We'll meet you at dinner,” said Karus turning back the other way tapping Kayzar to follow. ”And be sure not to disappear this time!” he shouted as he was about a few paces away from Nemer.
The two sprinted without uttering words. Nothing stopped them from moving their hasty feet to the east where their father's military quarters is located. They were both concerned about Yosh, the brother they've been protecting for so long. They felt a little guilty having to spend their summer away, leaving him alone at the encampment. They were just confused as to why he would do such a thing. They reflected upon many things and among which is they figured he was happy finally spending time at the camp but clearly something has gone wrong.
They stormed their father's quarters and found their grandfather, Narra, and their father, Artemus, somewhat having a fight that was clearly interrupted by their noisy entrance. The intrusion made Artemus angry as he stood up with serious eyes to the twins.
”What are you two doing barging in here!?”
”Father,” Karus started beating Artemus to his reprimands. ”What happened to Yosh?”
”Do you not know how to knock!?” scolded Artemus. ”This is a military encampment and my quarters!”
”I'm sorry Dad,” apologized Kayzar, ”But we just found out that Yosh has gone. What happened?”
Artemus sat in his chair in silence making Narra to turn and explain. ”Your brother was grounded here at the encampment for stashing away the holy relics from the Nagozulian History Room. He was ordered to march back to the Palace to retrieve and return all of the items that belong there and then return to Artemus Kyrin's Battlegear.”
The twins were bothered by the news. No wonder Yosh made that serious mistake. He was looking forward to escaping their ill-fated experience at the Palace only to find out that he will be punished by his father to return. What Yosh did was wrong but it doesn't warrant for him to face the full wrath of the Queen and Prodea after disobeying a direct order from them. Their father doesn't know about these things. They haven't talked about it thinking it is all water-under-the-bridge. These sentiments among all others were all they can think about, but they dare not utter a single one. They just stood there listening to Narra's reports of Yosh's sightings.
”We could help,” suggested Kayzar, ”I have made a map of shortcuts in the Jungles of Narra so we can be of some help.”
”No, you should stay here and wait for the search party. It's their job not yours. Besides, there are too many criminals hiding here in the northern regions. Having one missing prince is enough,” Narra stood up fixing his robe that the two noticed looking as though he was about to leave.
”Where are you going Gramps?” Karus asked.
”I'm off to the capital. I need to apologize to Juni and give your father's regards.”
”Why, what's wrong?” pushed Karus both to Narra and Artemus.
”I can't leave,” finally entered Artemus, ”I got my hands tied to so many duties, I don't know where to start.”
”Mother.” Kayzar proposed, ”Mother can go with you Gramps, right?”
Narra sighed with grief, ”Your mother is still dashing off somewhere to find Yosh. We haven't seen her for two weeks now.”
”Juni is family!” pushed Karus, ”Please don't tell that he isn't worth of your attention! He's...”
”That's enough young prince!” scolded Narra, ”You have to learn to keep your tongue in line! With so much happening Juni would understand!”
”It's alright Narra,” entered Artemus, ”Let my son speak his mind. He is right, Juni is family.” He stopped and looked at Kayzar and Karus. ”I won't let anything bad to happen. That I can only ensure. Juni's distraught state is clearly the manifestation of his old age being a fire starter. Narra will give my regards to him and will ensure his safety until I can get my schedule together to prepare for his extraction. In the meantime, let us do our duties to Nagozul.”
”At least let us come with,” Karus boldly demanded which shocked Kayzar. They are not planning on returning anywhere near the Palace, so the thought just cleared everything on Kayzar's worried mind.
Artemus looked at Narra looking as though he's seeking for his approval.
”I suppose I can let them tag along with me. I think they wouldn't take much time lagging behind and besides, if someone can get Juni's emotions in place it's them.”
The two hugged their grandfather with great smiles on their faces looking very happy - though Kayzar is still puzzled to Karus's intents and is just going along his plans.
”When do we leave?” Karus asked with much enthusiasm disregarding his tired body from their apparent arrival.
”Uh - soon? Today...” Narra replied confused to the twin's wild idea returning. He knows that they didn't want any mission that involves returning to the Palace, they said it so themselves while they were travelling to the north two months ago and yet, with eager eyes, they are asking when.
”Great!” exclaimed Karus, ”we'll get our gear. Meet us at the gate?”
”Yes, but do hurry up.”
The two ran after bowing to their father to exit almost dashing leaving the other two in silence to return to their discussion.
”The prophecy states that Yosh's life will be in danger,” said Narra concerned breaking the seconds of silence.
”Yes, I know,” replied Artemus staring at the door across him in deep thoughts. ”But,” he added, ”It also states that he will become a changed man and will be the one to unite the Dwendells and us Mortals.”
Narra just scoffed to the idea as he walked near the door. ”You know very well how stubborn the Elves are. They will kill him.”
”I believe in my father's predictions.”
”Then all we need to do is to pray that they don't deviate from the divine plan. Otherwise you'll be hating yourself for the rest of your life.” Then he stepped outside locking gently the doors to click.
”I know, I already do,” Artemus mumbled.
-------ooO0Ooo-------
”Have you lost your senses!” argued Kayzar as they hurriedly stride to their house at the center of the Camp. ”I just arrived here! Do you know what I eat for the rest of the month in my stay at Kulog pass!? For once I want a home cooked meal! And you come here spoiling everything!”
”Well Kayzar,” Karus replied with a calm humorless face suddenly stopping for a moment, ”What do you think will happen if Yosh was found?”
Kayzar stood there silent knowing the answer but did not muttered a single word.
”We need to retrieve Yosh's loot. It's important that we return everything in its proper place in order for him to stay here for good. It's the only way!”
”I know, but will that risk us being seen?”
Karus now smiled finding Kayzar's words somewhat funny, ”Me? Being seen? That'll be the day!”
”Whoa!” reacted Kayzar confused, ”Back up, you said me? As in you? Not us?”
”Yes, I'll do it. I know where he hides his stash.” He said this with complete confidence, but it led for Kayzar to frown a little seeing that Karus made this elaborate plan all by himself not including him in it, so he reassured, ”But your mission is just as important. I want you to be with Gramps when he goes to Juni. I need him to feel that I just went somewhere and you two must hurry up and leave me be. That'll surely buy me some time while I go to the Palace stealthily to grab the articles to return them all to the History Room. After which, I'll be catching up with you just in time for our departure near the mango tree up the roads to the south.”
”Oh, well,” finally said Kayzar now walking in a normal pace hiding his disappointment, ”I need to personally make sure Juni's safe so that plan's fine with me.”
”As long as we stay at the southern villages, not the Palace, even if we're to split up with Gramps,” added Karus.
”Exactly.”
-------ooO0Ooo-------
”Have you seen my daughters?” asked Duke Tabarius to the other person across the table.
They are having their snack before dinner in their quarters at the Palace. The room is fully furnished with antique sets of comfortable furniture layered with alabaster designs that are crafted to look as if they are still in Leonus. Prodea made sure that their accommodations are top of the class. This is made ostentatious by having pillars and drapes with gold contours making the sunlight to bounce in different angles. The sunlight was reflected by the walls and the floor that is made up of shiny white slabs of marble lighting the room a yellowish dusk atmosphere when joined by the golden contours surrounding the room. The two envoys found this to be mesmerizing and uniquely calming.
”No Tabarius, I think not,” he answered still gazing at the walls and the golden ceiling. ”What I do remember is that they stopped by to shop down at the city.”
”Hmn, Eryk?” asked the Duke after a few seconds of contemplating, ”Do you think I just blew off my goodwill and my image is in serious need of repair? Do you think my charm is beginning to dull?”
He just laughed in reply but seeing his good friend's face turning sad he gave his words of consolation, ”I don't think no one can resist your uncanny charm. Why do you think the Emperor picked you for this assignment? Your eyes are borrowed from the angels they say. One look and you can sell your thoughts to anyone.”
”True. I do have my trustworthy deep eyes,” he smiled taking a bite from the red meat that is served to them.
”About the Emperor's request?” Eryk whispered quickly changing the topic. ”Do you think you're ready to exploit the natives?”
”What? No!” discouraged the Duke, ”That's not the plan of the Emperor.”
”But technically speaking, if you're to trick them into revealing the fountain of life and getting a bit out of there, you'll be exploiting them. Right?”
”Requesting will be a formal term apt to my actions, not exploitation. I can't risk severing my ties with the people here! I have to maintain my good friendship with Princess Prodea, after all I have a huge debt to her that I cannot pay back, and you know that.”
”Right,” sneered Eryk with a snide chortle.
The Duke noticed this and was annoyed so he sat there quietly to finish his meal chomping the red veal with much force.
Little did they know that the Daomagarian Muscle of Prodea, Karr, was listening to their boring discussions and this part of their chat is the only part that's worth reporting. The only thing he needed to bring down the Easterners once and for all. Surprised at their intents he hurriedly went his way to the quarters of his charge to state this alarming news.
Five knocks he did on the giant doors of Prodea. These five knocks mean that it is her guard knocking, and that means it is seriously important for Karr knows more than enough how serious Prodea is about disturbing her silence.
The giant doors opened as she peaked whispering.
”This better be a good thing Karr.”
”It is, your highness. I have grave news to report about your newly acquainted friends.”
Prodea waved his hands for him to follow her inside which he did and then she immediately closed the door to shut. Prodea went to the center of the room closing all the tomes that the easterners gave then she turned around smiling, signaling Karr to continue his report.
”Your highness, I have been posted to the hidden room as you requested and have heard their discussions.”
”And?” asked Prodea wanting to get him to his point.
”I have heard them speak of their malicious intentions to our Holy Lands.”
”Let me guess?” Prodea grinned, ”They want to get a hold of the Fountain of Life. The mysterious spring that they think would rejuvenate their tired old bodies.”
”Yes, your highness. But that doesn't work like that, does it not?”
”I know Karr, do you think of me as a child! Of course, it doesn't work like that. The fountain brings life to all living beings here in our world. Even the slightest touch of an impure spirit would defile the holy waters then, life as you know it would cease to exist. Do you think I would let them corrupt it?”
”So, what are your orders your highness?”
Prodea smiled leading Karr to the door to exit. ”Even if we wanted to participate in their pathetic plans, we couldn't, you know why my dear friend Karr?”
”Because we don't know the location of the fountain, your highness?”
”Right on point as usual,” she proudly said finally arriving at the door waiting for him to step out, ”I know you are sharp. Sharper than Zeba. Our brothers in Yagisiv Haya are very secretive about the whereabouts of the fountain so you need not worry.”
With this he stepped outside feeling confused. ”But your highness,” he added.
”Yes, Karr?”
”What should I do with this information?” he hesitated.
”Well,” she stopped for a second and then decided, ”We don't tell a soul about it.”
”No disrespect Grand Princess but that is wrong. Should we at least tell the Queen?”
”NO!” angrily shouted Prodea. She waited for a couple of seconds to compose herself and then she continued, ”Do you not trust me, your charge for ten years? Do you not have enough confidence in my plans unfolding at my will?”
Karr just stood silent. He knows Prodea and her stubbornness in regards with her intellect. She knows how to handle herself and he knows that she is the most arrogant being alive, so failure is not present in her vocabulary. The easterners are hiding something that Prodea needs so he just nodded with a smile in agreement thinking that she is toying with the easterners' minds not the other way around. He thought that by her knowing what they were thinking already means that she is a step ahead of them, so he put his fear to her expert thinking.
As the door came to a shut, he turned around and found himself wandering around the halls pondering. The idea of this secret being kept in private is enough to punish him and his family for treason. His loyalty must be to his clan not to the Grand Princess, so the strong urge to talk came struggling in his head. But, he reasoned, if he did go to the higher authorities, the plans of Prodea that took years to set up would be in vain leaving the easterners to be thrown to the sea to perish. This would be good in anyone's point of view but imagining the consequences against him overwhelmed him much more. He can calculate more or less what will happen and what will happen after is that Prodea will be embarrassed and that would certainly lead her to punish him severely by either placing him demoted in the ranks of the Palace guards or be thrown off to Daomagar, forbidden to enter Nagozulian soil in his lifetime. It is best if it is the latter but what if it is the former? He had trained all his life to become one of the most respected Daomagarian Royal Sentinel there is so he certainly wouldn't want his life to be thrown into the ranks of a lowly Palace guard. That, he thinks, is a waste of his talents. That could be considered, to him, worse than death.
In the heat of the battle between the two ideas wrestling in his mind he, immediately thought some what ifs. He figured to let this one slip sliding through the other end of his ear, removing the topic right out of his head. If he doesn't do anything keeping his mouth shut, nothing wrong will happen. Prodea would still continue with whatever plan she's plotting, and he will live normally, safe and sound, like the rest of all the people of Nagozul and the Holy Lands as a whole. He is convinced that she will not dare harm the fountain's secrecy much less let it be tainted by an impure soul. He knows as long as it's in her best benefit, she will do anything within her powers to play with fate. She always does calculated risks especially to people around her, but she won't dare play gamble with her own life. She is that selfish. She most certainly wouldn't want to lose to those idiotic Easterners too. He just smiled and resolved his decision of just forgetting about it. It's in everyone's best interest, he determined. What's the worst that can happen?