Sunbarrow village appeared merry. People seemed affable. Greenery stretched the ground, making the village look like it was covered with green bed sheets.
From a distance there came a sound of a carriage approaching. It halted at the entrance of the village and four people got down.
"This village is beautiful!" Adi said, looking around at the village.
"Right" Leo said, paying the journey fare to the coachman.
They all wander around for a while looking for the right person to ask for the information. Leo reckoned asking a vendor as they provide legit information if they knew.
They approached a vendor who was selling green groceries. They asked him about the elemental ability holder.
Silence surrounded the dark forest, only the sound of a moving carriage echoed. Weather was good with no dark clouds hovering. Moon was glowing enough for the path to be visible. Carriage moved briskly to take it's rider to their destination as soon as possible."We now know about three elemental ability holders." Adi informed, smiling at others."Finally! Now there's only two left." Vivi added."You two seem very happy. Well, for your information, finding the other two will wreck your brain." Alex stated, trying to look stern."We are aware of that Alex." Vivi said, staring back at him."Now Alex," Leo caught his attention, "enlighten us on how we are going to find the other two elemental ability holders?" Leo demanded, joining the playful atmosphere and trying to tease him."Sure sir Leo," Alex replied in a similar tone.He gave it some thought and cleared his throat. "The other two elemental ability holders can be found anywhere."
"Finally leaving this dark inn." Alex said as he stepped out of his room."It wasn't bad Alex." Vivi said."Yes you are right. It was amazing and the owner was friendly or I would say over friendly." Alex gave a sarcastic comment, to which Vivi glared at him, crossing her arms."Ready to leave?" Leo asked as he saw them approaching."Always" Alex replied."Hope the owner doesn't give us a huge bill." Adi said, worrying."Hope for good." Vivi smiled.They walked down the stairs and saw the owner behind the desk looking sternly as always. She turned to look at the people who were approaching them."Come back before one o'clock in the noon, if you want lunch." The old woman said sternly, not noticing the bags with them."We will be leaving the inn now." Leo informed her.She looked up at him and bent sideways noticing the packed bags. She sighed. She took out a register and calculated the final amount and turne
Morning arrived making the atmosphere energetic for the four warriors. Leo informed the cook to serve all four breakfast in his room. It was decided that they would scheme a plan to find the last elemental ability holder during breakfast. Cook placed the breakfast on the table and soon the discussion began."We will ask any vendor about the elemental ability holder like we did in other villages." Alex said, taking a bite of bread."I think we cannot repeat that approach here." Vivi said."Why not?" Alex asked, knitting his brows."It's because, last time we did that, we accidentally approached the fire elemental ability holder and made him aware of us." Leo informed them."And he left the village." Adi added."We were lucky enough that we found him in the forest. Or else we would have kept on searching for him in the village when in reality he left it long back." Vivi said."I know" Alex sighed."What are we going to do then?"
Two days passed and there was no information about wind elemental ability holder. They didn't know if he was here in the village or left like Lavar did.Being clueless they wandered in the village continuously, observing people, for two days just to get a hint about the person. Exhausted, they got back into their inn for lunch."This isn't going to work. We need a plan to identify the person." Leo sighed."What can we do? We can't ask people about that as it might alert the person." Alex asked, taking a bite."Maybe try to ask the old man whom we met the other day?" Adi suggested."Yes, he seems knowledgeable." Vivi agreed."He doesn't know. We asked him already, remember." Leo informed them."Why don't we ask for help from someone?" Vivi asked."Someone who? We don't know anyone here and can't trust strangers, right?" Alex replied.Vivi sighed."Days are passing quickly." Leo murmured.Adi beca
"We still don't have any information about the wind elemental ability holder." Adi sighed."We got information about the weapon." Vivi said, softly."True, the weapon was a mystery until yesterday." Adi nodded."Are we all going to visit the kingdom? What was its name, again?" Alex asked, scrunching his brows, trying to recall the name."Tairia" Vivi reminded him."I reckon that we split ourselves into two groups. Two people will go after the weapon and the other two will continue the hunt for the person." Leo suggested."Sounds perfect." Alex agreed to that. It was better to split up and distribute the work as it would save time."I and Adi will be leaving for the kingdom and you both can look for the person." Leo said."How about, me and you go to get the weapon and Adi, Vivi will stay here, away from unforeseen dangers in that kingdom?" Alex suggested."No one will be there to take care of them here, Alex." Leo
"Yes, I accept the tasks and show my worth." Leo stated.After a great discussion with Adi, with many yes and no's, they came to a conclusion that it was better to accept tasks and try to achieve the weapon instead of showing backs and running away like cowards."As accepted from you." King murmured and asked loudly, "So ready for your first task today?" Leo nodded without taking much time."Fredrick will escort you to your task location and explain the further details." The king informed them.A man in his late 30s came forward. He bowed to the king. And gestured to Leo and Adi to follow him.Fredrick was one of the loyal ministers whom the king trusted blindly. He was an unmarried man and had devoted his w
"Ahem ahem" Fredrick cleared his throat.Silence surrounded the great hall. Everyone present there looked at him. Day of the second task had arrived. They were curious to know about the second task and how the couple would perform.Leo and Adi stood in front of the king waiting to know about their task. Fredrick began the announcement."Second task is all set to be performed. Are you two ready for the same?" He looked at the couple.Couple glanced at each other and turned back to Fredrick giving a nod in agreement to him."Second task will be held in Dawville."As soon as these words were announced by Fredrick, the hall gasped with astonishment. Looking at the shocked faces in front of him, Fredrick glanced at the king. He lowered his head and closed his eyes, remembering the conversation he had with the king last night."Greetings, his Majesty. I was called by you." Fredrick bowed to the king."How is the sec
Evening arrived and they still haven't found any sign of an invader in the palace. They were now on the 6th floor of the palace."This is not happening." Leo said in a low voice.Adi looked at him questioningly."This is not going to work. We need a plan to find that invader." He said loudly."What are we going to do?" She asked."Umm, sir?" Alfred called Leo, interrupting him.Leo looked at him, waiting for him to continue."Sir, I will be leaving now. I was asked to accompany you till evening. And I already stayed here long enough." He informed them."Are you scared of the ghost, Alfred?" Leo asked, scrunching his brows."Oh no, sir. It is just my past working hour. I need to go home as well. And about the ghost, I am sure there isn't anything like that exists." He appraised his opinion on ghosts."Is there something important about the palace we need to know? About any hidden door or something else?" Leo
"Adi, ready to leave?" Leo asked her standing outside their room waiting for her."Yes," came a reply from her as she exited the room."Let's meet the King before we leave," he proposed. Adi nodded and followed him. The weapon was securely placed in their bag, so there was nothing to worry about.As they exited the passage, they saw King standing there ordering something to Fredrick. Leo saw King smiling gently at them as they approached."Greetings my Majesty," they both greeted. The King nodded."We will take your leave, our Majesty. As we had informed earlier, we need to get to our mission," Leo said politely.The king nodded, understandingly and said, "I have a few things to discuss with you before you go."Leo looked at him confusingly, wondering what the King wanted to discuss. He didn't want to reveal their real identity to anyone as it might put them into serious trouble.The Ki
White castle was decorated with seasonal greenery, making it a heavenly beauty. It appeared like different colours were splattered on the white canvas in a particular design. It was well illuminated. Huge crowd had begun to gather to get a glance of Royal stone. Moreover, they came to see the brave couple who won the weapon."Leo, what will we wear?" Adi asked, looking at him."We should have brought the clothes yesterday when we were in the market," Leo sighed."Should we go quickly and get some clothes for us and Mick?" She proposed."Sounds like the only option,"They heard a knock on their door, which caught their attention."Yes?" Leo asked
Footsteps making a squeaky sound resonated in the dark passage. The smell of rusting iron bars mixed with blood flared Leo's nose. He looked into the empty cells. They were extremely dirty and had no ventilation either, making one feel nauseous.He frowned at the thought that the King had captivated Mick in these cells for a small crime he committed. He wasn't worried about Mick but it didn't feel right that he was suffering like this."Is Mick in one of these cells?" He snapped back from his thoughts hearing Adi's voice."No my Lady. These are punishing cells. The people who commit the brutal crimes are tortured here. Mr Mick is in the holding cell which is down another floor," The servant replied politely as he continued walking.Adi sighed in relief as she heard those words. She looked at Leo's face who too was now relaxed compared to a few moments ago."He is fine Leo,'' Adi whispered. It didn't feel right speaking
"HOW DARE YOU COME IN FRONT OF ME WITHOUT IT?" Chantal yelled at the two witches in front of her, making them shudder at her squeaky voice."S-sorry Master. W-we didn't know the guards were standing at the edge of the forest." One of the witches said, gulping."You came with the bad news." Chantal whispered. "NOW DIE!" She yelled, moving her hands in the air.Both the witches looked at her horror struck. Chantal set fire on them. Forest echoed with the agonizing cry of the both witches. They stood petrified screaming in pain, helpless.Chantal cursed under her breath, "You will be hunted human. You don't know whom you have a grudge against." She hissed and left the place, flying on her broomstick.*****Leo opened his eyes and found himself on bed, sleeping."ADI!" He screamed and sat straight."I am here Leo," Adi replied calmly, moving her hand above his head. Leo quickly pulled her into his arms and felt re
'Why is the Master so anxious about the thing in the trunk? I wonder what was there that even a mere human dared to enter the forest. Nevertheless, I have to find that man before the Master decides to kill us.' A witcher thought as he flew in the forest, looking for Leo. He wasn't bothered about neither the man nor the stolen thing. Fear made him search for Leo."There he is." The witcher said, looking at a man, carrying a woman on his shoulders."Okay Finn, time for some action." He said to himself and swept towards Leo.He was near Leo, when he heard a sound of two witches approaching the man. He stopped in his tracks and looked at the three people mocking each other."You are here, human. You have caused enough chaos." A witcher hissed."Our master is angry with you. Surrender the thing you stole and we will spare you and your mate." A witch jeered at Leo."Perhaps I feel, Master, is angry with your retardedness."
Adi stared at him with her wide, lifeless eyes. She was shocked as she hadn't expected Leo to shoot her, so did the witch. She looked at Leo horror struck."H-how did you know?" The witch asked, stammering.Adi's body hit the ground and began to melt. Soon the green liquid covered the ground. Leo smirked at the witch."I knew it wasn't Adi after she hugged me. My Adi won't smile after killing someone. Moreover she knows how important the task is for us. She won't argue with me. I didn't know the location therefore I used this shapeshifter." Leo answered."You knew from the beginning about this filthy creature." The witch hissed. Leo smirked at her again."Now, tell me where my Adi is." Leo demanded. Pointing
"Ugh! this place is making me feel nauseous." Adi commented, looking at the strange items scattered on the floor.Items contained nails, hairs, blood jars and other stuff which were so distorted it made one difficult to recognize them. As soon as they entered the hut, a strong rusting smell welcomed them. Hut had two rooms separated by a criss-crossed bamboo partition."I wonder what kind of rituals they practice." Leo said looking at the things, feeling uneasiness."This foul odor is making me uncomfortable. Where is it coming from?" She asked, scrunching her nose, displeased by the strong smell.Leo shrugged looking around and moved towards the other room exploring it."Now we know the source of foul smell
"How far do we need to go?" Adi asked, looking at the huge trees around them."Until we come across something or someone." Leo replied as he continued to walk deeper into the forest."Are we going in the right direction?" She asked again. She never left Leo's side ever since they entered the forest.Fredrick had provided them with sufficient weapons for safety measures. The weapons were effective against the witches. They didn't know how many witches they would encounter in the deep, dark forest. They didn't know if they would return alive from the forest, as the rumors say the forest is home to hundreds of witches.Nevertheless, they had to agree for their last task. Or else they would have to lose the weapon. Adi was tensed hearing about the witches.
Morning arrived with the sound of a carriage approaching the palace. Leo looked outside the window and saw two soldiers getting off the carriage. He wondered where Alfred was. He turned and looked at the yawning face of Mick.“Get back to your cat form, Mr Bones.” He said sternly as he knew he wouldn't listen to him.“But why? Anyways I will be revealing myself in front of the King.” Mick frowned.“Because you won’t be able to leave the palace unless the King gives permission. And we need you to prove that our task was completed.” Leo replied. Mick still looked confused.“Alfred explained the things. No one can exit without the King's permission. Palace is enchanted.” Adi explained.