Chapter 3 City of Adoran

Amara was astounded by Radley’s offer. Given the situation, she decided to accept the offer. Radley was the only person who knew her and she knew as well. No matter how she avoided it, her trust for this man slowly grows on her.

Radley, on the other hand, was hoping that the princess would accept his offer. She needs to. But, if ever she declines it, he doesn’t have the plan of leaving Amara. 

After an overnight of thinking, Amara spoke to Radley about her decision.

Amara swallows her pride as a princess and accepts Radleys offer of help. Radley  made a deal to Amara that if she accepts the help of Radley, she needs to become his apprentice.

“Alright. Let me be your apprentice.” Amara shyly said.

Radly just shrugged his shoulders as if he already expected Amara to lower down her pride and let herself be his apprentice.

“Okay. Good.” a short reply of Radley.

“Tell me what to do!” Amara impatiently said.

“Hey, watch your tone.” Radley replied. “You are the apprentice, remember that.”

Amara felt a mild chill when she heard what Radley had replied.

“You are so impatient.” Radley added.

Amara wanted to get angry but she tried her best to keep calm. She does not want to be left alone again that is why she chose to stay with Radley. He seems to be a reliable man so far. She remembers how Radley pushed her off the cliff but saved her as well by jumping off too. He is still showing good things to her so far.

“I am sorry.” she sincerely said.

Hearing the princess apologize to him made Radley stop from continuing his cooking. He realized he was being slightly rude to the princess.

“Looked, I didn't mean to say that. I also am sorry.” Radley said calmly. “It’s just that it is morning time and I have to get up early to prepare food and I am a little in pain from the bruises I got from the cliff.” Radley explained.

Amara was shocked that Radley got some bruises from what happened on the cliff. It was days ago already and she never heard any complaints from Radley. Not until now.

“I never knew you got hurt.” Amara said worriedly.

“Yes of course you won't know it. I chose not to tell you.” Radly replied.

“Why?

Radley looked at Amara before shifting his gaze to the boiling soup that he was cooking.

“That is the very first thing you need to learn, princess. Observe. Be observant of your surroundings and the people you interact with. If you do not know how to filter, then you will be killed easily. Even if you are the world’s most skilled fighting person, it is nothing, if you do not know how to check people's character and the safety of your surroundings.” long explanation of Radley that made Amara realize her situation.

“He is right.I am so vulnerable. I do pay attention to what is surrounding me and the people I interact with.”

“Do you even know how to use a weapon?” Amara was brought back to reality by Radley’s question.

“No. But I am going to learn!” She answered with full conviction.

“See.” Radley said with confirmation.”You are very weak Amara. You do not observe, no skills in using weapons. You’ll be killed in a snap.” He paused for a while then said  “Common, breakfast is ready.”: he said.

Amara cannot still believe how straightforward Radley is. But she likes a person who tells her the truth in the face rather than praising her but stabbing her at the back. She always had people to do things for her, guards that would protect her. But now, she had no one, but this annoying man who is now her master. She just hopes she will really learn skillful things from him.

They were about to eat when they heard loud and unfamiliar voices. Radley quickly grabs Amaras hand. They quickly hid on a stack of hay.

They are palace guards. From Amara’s enemy. It seems like they are searching the old house.

Amara suddenly felt danger. She looks at Radley who is still looking at one of the palace guards who is slowly approaching their location. Then Radley shifted his gaze to a small hole on the wall of the almost rotten house. It can feat a person if they crawl. The hole is still hidden to the naked eye. They need to act quickly. 

“Go there and wait for me outside,”Radley whispered.

Amara nervously nods. She felt that she doesn’t need to be nervous and that she needs to do things bravely.

Amara started crawling and successfully managed to get outside. She waited for Radley while looking at her surroundings, she worries that there are also guards at the back of the house. Then she sees radley coming out of the hole.

Once out, Radley immediately grabbed Manara’s hand and pulled her up.

“Ru!” he explained.

This scene is familiar. Amara said to herself. It is just like the first time she met Radley. They also ran away from the palace guard.

Again, it was a never ending running till they ran out of bread. They head towards the forest.

“I think we can stop now.” Radley concluded while looking at their back.

“They didn't even run after us, '' Manara said to Radley.

“I know.” Radley replied. “I just wanted to make sure.” He added.

“Now what?” Amara asked while she tried to sit on the bulky root of the tree. She feels her knees trembling and her sweat falling from her back as well as on the face.

An eerie silence immersed on the two of them as Amara patiently waits for Radley’s response.

“We need to go to Adoran.” Radley said in a low voice. He is anticipating Amara’s reaction.

“What?! Are you insane!”

Just like what Radley expected, Amara will be shocked. It is understandable. The city of Adoran was the most dangerous city in the entire country. Even the imperial people avoid getting in touch with Adoranian. They kill without hesitation. May it be for good or bad deeds. Suicidal people often goes there to meet there demise.

“We have to!” Radley exclaimed. “If you cannot bear nor survive Adoran, then better kill yourself.”

Astound, Amara immediately got up. “No insane person will go there just to train Radley.” Amara said, trying to calm herself.

“Look,” Radley said,now facing Amara. He held her shoulder, trying to emphasize his point to the princess. “Adoran, yes it is a killer place. Adoranian, yes they are killers. But they do have the best equipment for fighting. They train their people excellently.” 

Amara removes Radley’s hand on her shoulder. “I am not going there!” she said.

“Do you really want to successfully avenge your people?.It seems that you are not trying enough!” Radley shouted. He feels the need to shout at Amara. He feels annoyed but at the same time understands why Amara refused to go there.

“Don’t you dare question me!” Amara’s voice was full of authoritativeness.

“Then prove  your eagerness for revenge, Princess.” Radley dare Amara. He needs to find a way to convince the princess. “It may be dangerous Amara, but you have to. This is the only fastest and effective way on how you will be able to gain skills and overcome fear. Make yourself powerful. That’s the only way you can avenge your people. There should be no place for fear.”

“You know it is not easy to enter that city,” Amara said.

“Yes I know. But I supplied liquor there before. I made a friend there. We just have to search for him discreetly, of course, since Adorianian are very keen to meet new faces there. They despise newcomers.”

Amara thinks for a while, but her urge to revenge is greater than her fear./ After all, she had experienced the worst.

“How far is Adoran here?” Amara asks.

Radley looked at Amara intensely. Worriedness and amazement was visible to his face.

“If we head north, we will be able to be there after 4 days. There is a town near here. I will try to look for a horse.” he explained.

“Okay then let’s go.” Amara said to Radley without looking.

Radley chuckles as he walks towards the marching princess.

“Wrong way, your majesty.” He grabs Amara’s hand and turns her the right way.

Amara surprisingly finds herself blushing.