Vol 1 Chapter 2.7 (2/2)

But Cadmus VII sent off an expedition to Kanon. For the moment, he decided simply to blockade the highway to the south, prepare his military forces against an invasion by Marmo, and wait to see whether Marmo would move against any other country. He even gave orders not to recruit mercenaries nor to muster the troops. In this way, he half-heartedly acknowledged the Marmo’s attack and its continued occupation of Kanon.

The next day, signs were posted proclaiming the king’s decision. Reading one, Parn felt like grinding his teeth.

“Why!?!” Parn yelled, forgetting that he was surrounded by people going about their business.

“What should we do now?” wondered Slayn, placing one hand on Parn’s drooping shoulder as though to console him.

“How can he do this, the spineless fool?” Tears welled up in Parn’s eyes. “Let’s get to Valis somehow.” Parn’s voice was resolute as he straightened himself up and rubbed his reddened eyes. “Valis will fight back for sure.”

“But the road to the south is closed, and we can’t go west until the sandstorm abates. If the king of the spirits has been released as rumor says, the western route will be impa.s.sible for a good long while. I hate to say it, but we can’t go to Valis now.”

“We’ve got to get there, whatever it takes. Even if it means entering the Forest of No Return,” said Parn implacably, glaring at nothing in particular.

“Are you mad, Parn? You should know as well as I how dangerous that place is. As the name implies, no one has ever come back from the Forest of No Return.”

“Then I’ll be the first!” Parn snapped at Eto.

“I’ve even heard that there’s ancient elven curse on the place,” added Ghim with a glance at Deedlit.

“Parn…” Slayne tried to calm Parn in his turn.

“That’s a good idea.” Deedlit, who had been silently listening to this exchange, suddenly spoke up. “Let’s go through the forest. It’s the best shortcut.” Her voice was calm.

“Do you know the way?”

“Of course.” Deedlit glanced at Ghim, then continued confidently. “I’m a elf. To an elf, there’s no difference between modern and ancient times.”

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