Chapter 50 Prince to the rescue (1/2)

Leon looked around outside the horse stables to look for clues. That was when he saw the dagger he gave Alicia a while ago was lying on the ground not far. He kneeled down and took the dagger from the ground.

”There's fresh blood.” Leon said while examining the blade of the dagger.

'Alicia might have wounded her attacker.' Leon thought.

”Dimitri!” Leon called.

”Yes your highness?” Dimitri arrived with Midnight in tow. ”I have told our shadow guards to scout the area.”

”Alicia and her kidnapper cannot have gotten that far.” Leon said. He showed the dagger to Dimitri.

”This is your dagger your highness.” Dimitri said. He knew that the prince's dagger is coated with poison. Even just a prick from it's blade can endanger your life. The prince always carries this dagger for protection.

”I have handed this to Alicia a while ago for protection. I am sure Alicia wounded her kidnapper and by now he is feeling the effects of the poison. Tell the shadow guards to hurry.” Leon said.

'I want to see Alicia as soon as possible.' Leon thought.

Just the thought of someone touching his future wife infuriates him to the core.

Leon mounted Midnight and trotted in the vicinity. Not long Midnight started behaving unusual.

”What is it boy?” Leon rubbed Midnight's neck.

'Neigh' the horse was stomping his hooves on the ground like he was telling something.

Then Leon noticed something colorful on the ground. He unmounted from his horse and took a closer look.

Leon picked up the colorful round object and inspected it. After he smelled the sweet smell of candy, he knew right away that this was Alicia's candies. He had bought it for her this morning when she said it smells sweet and tasty.

Leon looked at the vicinity and saw the trail of candies. He smiled to himself.

”Clever girl.” Leon said. ”I see that my training and lessons paid off.”

Leon mounted Midnight again and rubbed his neck. ”Good boy Midnight. Now let's follow this trail.”

Leon followed the trail with Dimitri behind him.

***

The speed of the horse lessened drastically.

'What could have been the problem that the young man has slowed down?' I wondered.

The horse came into a stop. I can hear the young man behind me breathing heavily.

”Dammit.” The young man cursed. ”The dagger was poisoned.”

'Leon's dagger was poisoned?' I thought. No wonder the young man was breathing heavily. The poison must have started to take effect.

”I have to hurry and rendezvous with Clara. I am sure she can find an antidote for the poison in no time.” The young man said.

But when he was about to nudge his horse, he fell to the ground.