The old man waited for Niffa’s decision, her mind was racing a mile. She thinks of a possible solution to get rid of trading someone. She will never trade anyone’s life or memory, she cared about anyone from the palace, from the palace guards to the maids.“What’s your decision?” asked the old man. She sigh as she opened her eyes.“What if it’s me?” she asked as the old man stared at her teary eyes.“Are you sure about that?” he asked. Niffa nodded.“Pick one then, is it your life or memory?” the old man asks. Niffa was hesitant to answer, her fidgeting hands are getting cold as she breathe heavily.“I choose my-”“Stop!” a voice yelled from behind. They look outside the wooden hut, it was Therens and Cannai running to get inside the hut.“Therens? Cannai? What are the two of you doing here?” she asked as she immediately stands up blocking the two.“Niffa, you don’t have any Idea what this hermit is up to,” Therens warned as he held Niffa’s hand outside the hut.“Why did you come here
The young man fall asleep on the couch, his body shaking uncontrollably with his folded hands. He seemed weak and sick.“Do you think he will be fine?” Liana asked Maru as they observed the young man.“He is cold and has a fever, I already told the maids to take care of him. For now, we have to wait for Merfoy to come and told him about the warning,” Maru said as Liana nodded.“I need to go, the kids are waiting for me,” Liana said as Maru nodded and watch her walk out the door with her brown leather scabbard around her. Her long wavy brown hair in a ponytail swayed behind her, Maru painted a smile on his face as Liana disappeared from his sight. He looks back at the young man and grabs a white warm futon beside him and covers the young man’s sick body.“There you are son,” said his father walking downstairs, he was shocked to see a boy sleeping on their couch.“Who’s that?” he asks while pointing.“He was a friend of mine, he was sick so I told him to rest,” Maru stated.“You’re not
Niffa, Therens, and Cannai stand up in front of the entrance of Mt. Filli. Niffa with her bow and arrow and a bunch of knives inside a sheath on her belt, Therens with his sword placed on a scabbard around his body, and Cannai without a weapon on him were ready on a journey inside Mt. Filli. They waited for the hermit to finish casting a spell so that they will enter the forest without the invisible wall. They observe him murmuring some words they cannot understand with his eyes closed while both of his hands are wide open facing the entrance. Niffa’s furious eyes were fixed inside the dark forest, she can sense danger as if she was eager to get there.“Are you okay?” Therens whispered standing next to her. She nodded still glaring inside the forest. She deepen her glare as she felt a sudden fear, she suddenly saw a blurry thing walking fast from the forest. Niffa gasped silently and decided to keep it to herself.“The forest is open, you can enter now,” the hermit said looking at the
Rico closed his eyes as he sniff the air of freedom with his arms wide open. Merfoy stared at the hole slowly widening as the daylight strikes them.“That means I need to go,” Merfoy said as he should suppose to snap his finger but they heard a roaring sound from afar.“What was that?” Rico asked as their attention turned below the mountain. They can see the tall trees moving and some trees are crashing down on each other.“It was awakened,” Merfoy uttered with a shocked look on his face.“What was awakened?” Rico asked with a confused face.“The behemoth,” Merfoy answered as he step near the cliff and narrowed his eyes using his far-sight power.“Oh no, this is not good,” Merfoy uttered. Rico was confused by what he is saying.“What is it Merfoy?” he keeps on asking.“You need to stay here and wait for the hole to gobble you up. I need to do something,” Merfoy said as if he was in a hurry.“Wait, I will go with you.” Rico should be supposed to catch him but Merfoy already snap his fi
Rico stay still up above with Niffa lying in his arms, he looked down and saw the water from the river rising creating a tsunami as it creates a way to destroy the grassy ground at the entrance of Mt. Filli. Cannai woke up upon feeling the ground shakes uncontrollably, he looked around and saw Therens outside.“Therens!” he shouted as he tried to get up feeling the pain in his shoulder. Therens look at him from behind as he quickly runs to approach him.“Stay still Cannai,” he said with his worried face while helping him to lie down.“What is happening?” Cannai asked still with his weak wheezy voice.“There is no time to explain, you need to get out of here,” Merfoy said approaching them inside as he hold their hands and snap his fingers. They looked around an empty room as they realized they were inside one of Veroma’s empty rooms. They heard shouts of men from outside as Therens and Merfoy went out to see what is happening. They were shocked to see some of the soldiers bleeding and
The tsunami seemed endless, Maru was getting tired, and his hands were shaking ready to let go of the white wall.“Not now Maru, remember the people behind this wall if you let it go,” Merfoy said, he was flawless and unbothered, he can hold his white wall for an extended period of time as if he was already prone to it. Of course, he’s a sorcerer after all.“Merfoy, I’m afraid my hand can’t take it any longer.” Merfoy can see how tired and hectic Maru was by the sound of his voice. He thought about his parents, the townspeople, and Liana as their condition came across his mind, what if the water draw its way in the opposite direction? It might trouble everyone’s safety, what if everyone from behind might be washed away? That is what troubled Maru’s mind.“Merfoy,” a voice said from behind. It was the hermit walking fast approaching them with his long dark rod.“How was the mountain?” Merfoy asks unbothered by the weight of the water behind the wall.“It was untouched. It was sealed on
The dawn was over, the darkness scattered, cold wind howls, ferrets, raccoons, rabbits, crickets, and all kinds of insects and small animals in the woods crawled to build back their own homes. The forests in all parts of the five kingdoms was untouched by the tsunami. Only the river of Mt. Filli was empty, the soil cracked, traced, and dried out like a deserted path surrounding the territory of the five kingdoms. The townspeople who were gathered inside the castle of Aldon were quiet, wanting to go out to see what they can witness from the darkness. Are they fine now? Can they return to their own homes? King Devion and Queen Rui together with the maids and palace guards of Thamali were under the care of Aldonian Maids. They offered the royalties a private room to stay in for the rest of the night. Townspeople of the two kingdoms are helping each other, Aldonians inviting Thamalians to their own homes for a stay.“I’m so thankful that Aldonians are so hospitable,” Queen Rui
Niffa woke up by the birds chirping outside, the window was open as the sunlight struck the side of the bed, already warm up from the sun’s exposure. She found herself wrapped around Rico’s hand, a skinny yet muscled hand. She cannot move, wanting to see Rico’s face as she felt his heavy breathing of him traveling above her head. Niffa smiled, remembering the kiss from last night. It was just a kiss but she felt a little too much from it. She was a princess ordained as the queen while Rico was a king, although in different kingdoms. Are they worth it? Yes, they are. Would Merfoy allow them? Would everyone agree? Maybe. Is there a consequence for their relationship? Those are her sudden thoughts. Rico groaned, he wrapped his hands even tighter as she felt Rico’s warmth from behind.“Rico, we need to wake up,” she muttered. No response.“Merfoy might find us,” she continued.“Let him find us,” Rico responded with his morning voice, even deeper than usual.“What if he’s with Maru and Lia
Rico opened his eyes, he felt the sun burning his skin and felt a cold touch on his cheek tapping it numerous times.“Rico, Rico,” he heard a woman’s voice but his ears cannot hear them properly but he knew she was calling him. His eyes half opened and can see a blurry figure, a face that was coming closer to him. He suddenly felt a warm sensation touch his lips, his wide open lips as he felt an air travels through his throat and into his lungs. The water came out from his stomach as he cough them out. Rico widened his eyes, realized he was alive.“Rico, are you okay?” He saw Niffa beside him, kneeled down with her wet hair and clothe dripping with water.“Niffa, did you swim all the way in to save me?” he ask as he saw her nod, she shed tears with a smile on her face staring at him. Niffa quickly hugged him, so tight that he felt her heartbeat syncing to his.“Don’t worry, I’m fine.” He caress her hair behind and push her slowly as he kissed her forehead.“Where is everybody?” he ask
Nanami opened her eyes, she can see the clear blue sky, and she cannot hear anything but can saw the blood spilled splattering on her face. She gasp and realized she was in the midst of war. Nanami suddenly heard Cannai’s cry from afar. She quickly stand up and find herself hidden in the entrance of the forest.“Cannai?” she uttered while peaking from the large leaves surrounding her, she saw dead bodies everywhere on the ground. They didn’t turn into smokes or burn into ashes like the way they had been killed before.“Are they real human in flesh?” she ask as she step out of the forest while the Cannai was far surrounded by bunch of the evil warriors and soldiers.“Nanami! Stay away from here!” she heard her lover as she gasp and tried to find him from the crowded ground.“Cannai! Where are you?!” she shouted through her lungs along with the sound of heavy footsteps and burning fleshes. Nanami step further as she dodge from one of the evil warriors’ flaming sword. She loo
The chirping of the birds was heard from outside, Maru opened his window and saw a welcoming message of chirps. Rico look back at the huge door, he was outside. He averted his eyes towards the horizon where he can see the sun rising, slowly emanating its light in the world. He heard the morning dews, droplets from the leaves wetting the ground for another plant to grow. Rico sigh and sniff the air of nature, it was peaceful, wonderful and always making him feel at ease.“I wonder if I can still smell this kind of peace,” Rico uttered.“Of course we will, don’t be absurd.” He heard someone.“Geuron? Why so early?” he ask and watch the young man stretch his body.“Come on, bring it on. I’m ready to be trained,” he said facing him and warming up in his fighting position. Rico chuckled.“What’s funny?” Geuron ask and fix his stand.“You said you can read minds right? Can you try to read mine?” Rico ask while lowering his head to fix his gaze into the young man’s eyes. Rico was taller, Geu
King Ciaran let out a smoke from the huge tobacco he get from Merfoy’s cabinet in the room he choose. The thick smoke can be seen, as white as snow from the darkness as he make his way out to the balcony.“It’s nice to be here,” a voice said from behind. It was Goryo approaching him.“You want some?” Ciaran handed him a stick of tobacco smaller compared to what he was smoking.“I’m sorry, your highness, but I don’t smoke,” Goryo answered.“Really? Well, I guess my granddaughter choose a fine man then,” Ciaran said as they chuckled.“What does she look like?” Ciaran ask as he let out a smoke.“My granddaughter and how did you meet her?” he added.“She was brunette, pale skin yet a healthy one. When she smile I feel at ease, knowing that she is fine and that smile is what I live for. When you look at Geuron, he actually had his mother’s smile. He was like her boy version.” Goryo was smiling while telling it.“I’m glad Merfoy saved me. I might not remember my lovely wife if I’m dead now.
Half day of travel, it was afternoon when they got to the forest of Aldon and crossing across the river outside of Aldon.“It was tiring and hot. Can I bath for a while?” Geuron ask panting while looking straight to the river. The water was low yet flowing fast, so clear that they can see the grayish stones inside the water.“That sounds refreshing but we have to go,” Therens said as he handed him his water canteen covered in leather.“Thanks.” Geuron uttered and poured the water into his face.“Hey, you have to share,” Maru said running towards them.“It’s fine, you have plenty of water around you,” Merfoy said as his eyes avert on the river.“You mean we can?” Geuron ask. Merfoy smiled and nodded.“Yes! Thanks Merfoy.” He quickly run towards the river while taking off his dirty white shirt. He jump off the river with his dark pants with the water splash across his entire body.“This is fun! You have to try it!” he shouted towards them.“I thought we need to get to your place as soon
I wonder where the others, what happened to them, and where is Merfoy all this time? Niffa thought looking behind her as she see the entrance way to the forest. It was part of Aldon’s forest, Aldon has the widest and longest forest out of the five kingdoms. She still doesn’t know if the forest near Mt. Sadeste was Aldon’s territory or its just what everyone know since no man got here at Mt. Sadeste like how Merfoy told her, only royalties and magical creatures can enter Mt. Sadeste.“Niffa! Watch out!” She gasp as she look back in front, the violet flame was coming her way, as she quickly crouch with her hands crossing above her head. He never failed, she thought, her body will surely marked with scratches and bruises and burns after this training.Niffa stands up to check her right elbow, it was bleeding, the burn was mark like a splattered blood, shapeless yet creating a map-like mark on her skin. The bleeding burn was not as serious as her wound in the back still wrapped in bandage
Not the end yet, the end of Geuron’s mind-reading power session for everyone. As they both return upstairs, across the dark hallway, and into that room once again, he can almost hear murmurs of thoughts passing through his ears. It was so loud, the murmurs are like buzzing bees that none of the words they are uttering are understandable. Geuron covered his ears as he crouch.“Geuron? What’s the matter?” Therens ask looking at him from below as he should supposed to hold the door knob.“Should I open the door?” Therens ask one more time.“I don’t know, my mind is uncontrollably reading a lot of thoughts. It’s so painful to hear,” Geuron answered with pain in his voice.“Okay, then let’s stay here for a-”Therens’ words were cut, and the door suddenly opened. He can see who it was even when the room was dim and the lamp was too far from them, it was General Malta.“Therens?” the general uttered, he was as shocked as he is.“I suppose to look for you and the young man as well,” the gener
They spent their night, sleepless nights talking about the happenings for the past days during the tsunami and after. The snoring soldiers were left downstairs, resting for the night after the cleaning and eradication of dirt in the entire kingdom happened the whole day.“You happened to be a hunter?” Nanami asks combing her long dark hair with the wooden brush.“Yes, my family is a hunter. Only hunting animals that were not forbidden,” Liana answered, them seated on the floor with their legs crossed. Maru and Therens were watching the moon through the window in the corner, their shadows are visible from where Liana and Nanami are seated.“You said you had a friend named Rico and he is out there somewhere? Is he royalty like you?” Therens ask.“Yes, he’s the King of Samari, the fourth kingdom among five.” Maru painted a small smile, it’s a smile of sadness, and he might be thinking about where Rico is for now.“If he is a flame holder like Niffa, he is safe,” Therens said seemingly co
After lunch, the sun was up making the cows and goats hide under the huge trees on every corner of the farm. Maru stands on the wooden platform balcony-like outside the wooden house. The air was different, it was warm, clean as if he was sniffing peace mixed with how he felt lately. He was in love which makes him unable to go back to do his obligation as a prince. He watches the goats run back to their cage as the other worker on the farm run towards them with his stick. He wonders why Liana had to go to the castle to work instead of staying in a peaceful place like this.“Isn’t it peaceful in here?” the voice of the man from before asks. He look behind him and he saw the man in his brown clothe with his dark pants folded up to his knees. The man removes his brown cap and wipes his sweaty forehead with the white towel hanging on his right shoulder. He stands beside Maru.“Uhm, yes it is sir,” Maru said stammering.“Who are you to my daughter?” he suddenly asks that making Maru widen h