Chapter 330: A surprise visitor? (1/2)
While Captain John Deere and his men secured the scene in front of the eastern gate, south from their direction, three figures have just stepped into a hidden underground tunnel, that would ultimately take them inside, behind the walls.
”What is this place? How did you know about it, Aiden?” Stepping onto the musty tunnel, Drake asked with a scrutinizing tone as his eyes darted around the place. He was beyond surprised, he was shocked.
”My Master showed it to me when we came to rescue my sister.” Aiden shrugged, speaking in a nonchalant tone from behind his black faceless mask. He was at the front his two partners, Drake and Galina disguised with the ring's illusionary magic as Scarlet the red-haired princess were following slightly behind.
”Just how many similar hidden entrances are there? Is this the case for the other cities as well?” Drake continued to voice his concerns, this time not aiming it directly at his friend. Instead, he was worried that each city in the Kingdom has been breached in a similar fashion.
”If this is the case in the capital as well, we are incredibly vulnerable against attacks… Just what has my father been doing…” He sighed, lamenting the sad reality.
For now, as heated, impetuous he is, he can do nothing against the current situation. What he needs is to reunite with all of his siblings then go against his father who has clearly lost sight of what's right or wrong. Just from their earlier ruction with that guard captain was a clear indicator of what state their once great and mighty kingdom is in.
Shady dealings, slave tradings, and other underground activities are running rampant, and the people that would be supposed to stand up against all of that, are actively supporting them instead. Assassinations, kidnappings, blackmailing, looting, and stealing in broad daylight and nobody bats an eye.
Thinking about all of that, Drake clenched his fists, the glint flashed through his determined gaze. This has to stop. He will do everything he can to put a stop to it, even if ultimately fails in the process, he will do everything within his power.
”Aiden.” With a stern look in his eyes and a somber tone, he called out for his friend at the front.
Slowing his pace, Aiden turned his head sideways taking a glance at his silver-haired human friend.
”Yes? We should be halfway in. We will exit at the Slums, in a small and empty house that should be familiar to you.” He revealed a cheeky smirk as he spoke. Before he could turn his attention back to the straight, dark, and empty tunnel ahead, Drake called out again.
”Aiden. Are we friends?”
His question was weird, it caught Aiden slightly off-guard. He stopped, putting a momentary halt to their venture, he turned around to face the silver-haired prince.
”Yes, we have been through thick and thin by now Drake. I do consider you one of my friends. Even if you are a bit too hotheaded at times.” Aiden smiled at his own jab, before asking a question of his own. ”Why the question?”
”Once I reunite with all of my brothers and sister… I will go against my father, the king. Ever since he made those deals and allowed our family to be torn apart, he just doesn't seem to care. He is driving this kingdom to ruin.”
He clenched his fist so hard that blood started dripping to the musty floor.
”Just look around. We are walking in an underground tunnel, sneaking into a city. I am sneaking into one of my OWN cities, have to hide my identity! This is not right! Nothing is! Corruption, slave traders… even the guards can't be trusted anymore!” He exclaimed with slightly more emotion and power behind his voice as he intended. His eyes were flooded with tears, as he continued with a breaking tone.
”I… I will stop my father and do whatever will be needed to take back the kingdom from those ruling it from the shadows. I will guide it back to the glory that it once had!”
Aiden nodded, and although it was hidden a slight smile appeared on his lips. With his usual calm and warm tone, he spoke.