"We cannot see it from up here," sighed Ane. She was peeping behind a rock, attempting desperately to view anything from Sharran's Valley. That was a disaster anyhow since Ane had no clue as to how Sharran's Valley looked like and she couldn't tell landscape from town.168Please respect copyright.PENANAy6Th8XWHxu
"Are you sure we cannot?" asked Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAhDa2Gb9qrm
Aethul sighed as well and planted rested his head on the patch of grass underneath the rock. A cliff was right behind the set of stones and it was quite a scary fall.168Please respect copyright.PENANAAGYm50Cj9V
"Have any of you ever been in Sharran's Valley?" he asked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAqMZi44QIgu
"Never been out of the Northern Bay," replied Ane.168Please respect copyright.PENANAjZZC3ddVJK
"Neither have I," added Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANANIzTpCXRSQ
"There's a very tough world out there," Aethul said. "It's strange royals like you have never explored it."168Please respect copyright.PENANAkgiyBlLSVE
"I am no royal," answered Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANATQmqmKPo0G
Aethul shrugged. "Anyway. Shall we leave?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAKa0XH1zROO
The trio descended the hill and distanced themselves from the cliff, safely making their way back into the woods. The rest of the day, the trio attempted to remain on the safe path and never. Whether that was actually working, was up to fate – like many things in their lives.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlD3PrfJE1M
Ane just kept thinking. She remembered when she had just moved into Elliot's, whom she had met through academy. Elliot's mother had always put him in that royal class and Ane never questioned why. She remembered when she had this huge thing for Hellen, the cute human in Kinslot. Ane was somehow convinced that she'd marry her. That light-headed romance quickly made place for an annoying feeling of love which Ane just addressed as "teenage hormones spun out of control"; her feelings towards Elliot. She cast them aside and locked them up in a tiny drawer which she hadn't opened since she moved into Elliot's. She hadn't forgotten – how can one forget who they're in love with? - but she definitely had tried to ignore it as well as she could. She remembered when the King had the important talk with her. Not that one certain conversation, but regarding Ane's departure. Many believed that Ane just ran away, but little did they know the King actually encouraged her to leave. Coward. Lame. Stupid. Dumb. Useless. Words were thrown at Ane from every single direction existent in this universe, but she couldn't bother to respond. She had never told Elliot though. He just agreed. Being a reign was tough, he had thought. He never asked more.168Please respect copyright.PENANAtFbpDIrTof
"What are you thinking about, princess?" asked Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANAhwiqMFa8U7
"Princess..." muttered Ane. Partially because of the coincidence, and partially because she couldn't recall when she had told him she was a princess. Maybe she was just confused.168Please respect copyright.PENANAjSAjedthDF
"It's not a miracle," replied Aethul. "Your locks and your eyes are everything a royal needs."168Please respect copyright.PENANAcbtXLrqKC3
"What do you mean?" frowned Anevay.168Please respect copyright.PENANArInZfCdgVA
"Don't you know that people with silver hair and silver eyes are royalties since time?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAicEI2gRgKx
"It could just be passed down," answered the princess.168Please respect copyright.PENANAM5CnjHpxsD
"Do you believe that? Descendants origin from way back."168Please respect copyright.PENANAzOfzmHjDUQ
"My hair is white and my eyes are grey," corrected Ane a bit delayed.168Please respect copyright.PENANAN94XcaJVzl
"In ordinary lighting, yes," smiled Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANAGWt45o5sIv
"My mother has brown hair and my father had blonde hair."168Please respect copyright.PENANAYmDiX2lo5y
"Are you so sure that your mother has brown hair?"smirked the horned.168Please respect copyright.PENANA1cySC9f94f
Ane recalled the moment when she returned to the throne and her mother didn't say a single word to her. Could a real mother be so indifferent to her child? Especially after raising her for about a dozen years.168Please respect copyright.PENANA3v4ADHSFvw
"I think it's better to try and think about your own family instead of others'," said Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANANI6fkHwQ3D
"Perhaps," nodded Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANA9CPAmotw06
The company continued in silence and Ane was thinking deeply. Has everything been a lie so far? Unreal.
"This seems dangerous," said Lewir. The group was standing on the edge of a cliff. It was a scary drop and none of them would really want to go down.168Please respect copyright.PENANAYsKV4HKzkf
"I wish I was like Bethil now," sighed Jarco.168Please respect copyright.PENANAyeIbtZCIJk
"Who is that?" asked Marrie.168Please respect copyright.PENANAn5CRoure3D
"A shapeshifter," answered Lewir. "He could fly us down in one of his majestic flying shapes."168Please respect copyright.PENANAVDZMGWNpcj
"I've never met a shapeshifter before," said Marrie. "They don't appear as often in the Western Bay. Nothing really does anymore."168Please respect copyright.PENANAS4IgLvkVdM
"Druids and doomed," shrugged Hallan. "Nothing special. Not a single human has stepped in our Bay with their nasty feet."168Please respect copyright.PENANAE9cdot4q4d
"Don't be so bitter on humans," said Marrie.168Please respect copyright.PENANA2LreVHEhUG
"They wronged us."168Please respect copyright.PENANAN8YOvPacfE
Marrie nudged Hallan. Hallan's sudden outburst of bitterness towards the human race contradicted his originally calm and peaceful aura that he had always carried around. Then again, it was no miracle. What happened between them was impeccable. The humans definitely learned their lesson.168Please respect copyright.PENANAN6nHI0xfHq
"We're now aiming at a greater enemy," Marrie said.168Please respect copyright.PENANAwkJWWOEoND
"Really? Who do you have beef with now?" asked Livi bluntly.168Please respect copyright.PENANAukQggwMrXh
"It's not a feud," said Marrie. "It's rather a war."168Please respect copyright.PENANABzOZL0C4as
"With whom?" asked Livi.168Please respect copyright.PENANAWkeVPcxwh8
"The demons, of course," Marrie answered. "They're opposing armies towards any single race alive in this world."168Please respect copyright.PENANAnZsdG7lpYR
"Why do they actually want to attack us now?" asked Lewir. "I'm seriously curious as to why they're so evil."168Please respect copyright.PENANAiX2gnzZVsh
"The first time they broke loose was simply because of their root of evil and their lust for destruction, agony and dystopia. Now, I'm not sure," said Hallan.168Please respect copyright.PENANAHaSV4pzdCr
"The seal was not properly sealed," Jarco said. "Maybe they took that as an opportunity to break out again and make another attempt."168Please respect copyright.PENANAigXL07TLgC
"What went wrong in the sealing spell, though?" asked Lewir.168Please respect copyright.PENANAvmmYxeZO7f
"What did not go wrong? I think that the person who performed the spell thought he mastered quartz magic," shrugged Livi. "He was a very praised student in the royal academy of Iccarslot and he was also a very richly acclaimed knight."168Please respect copyright.PENANA2YOJX3wOXt
"Who is stupid enough to think they master quartz magic?" cackled Lewir. "Nobody in this world fully masters quartz magic."168Please respect copyright.PENANAfKVhPvG88N
"When people continuously tell you that you do, you shall believe them," sighed Jarco. "Stupid child. At least it brought us peace."168Please respect copyright.PENANAco8fnFG0ji
"So which magic are you the best at?" asked Marrie.168Please respect copyright.PENANAbubyKTH4rM
"I have never tried out quartz, so I'm stuck at sapphire. I'm too afraid that I won't be able to control my magic as witches tend to go all out," answered Livi with a tiny smile.168Please respect copyright.PENANAfCRrvhVjpy
"Rubies, obviously," smirked Lewir.168Please respect copyright.PENANA5nUd5yFgV6
"Likewise," smiled Marrie.168Please respect copyright.PENANAsLtlfvoUyT
"I am trying to become a bit more experienced with quartz, but I do have to admit it has been a while since I have used any proper magic in general," mumbled Jarco. "And you, Hallan?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAUolOWWtJ9t
"Amethysts, of course," he smirked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlVbOL6Wjua
Sighs of envy rose.168Please respect copyright.PENANAoCRCyWKeF1
"I wish I could do that," sighed Lewir. He raised his hand and lit up an orb with a saturated light. Rubies. The golden aura around the orb mixed with a gentle crimson and created a magnifying, royal colour. He made the tiny orb explode like a little ball of fireworks. Sparks flew around and danced on imaginary dance floors in the sky before they disappeared into the flowery air.168Please respect copyright.PENANAOS6uSzjSfE
He let out a sigh. He wished he had his horns. People without horns wouldn't understand losing them. It was a vital part of being a doomed. Now he was just... a magician. Very few people knew the secret of the horn, too. The power that left Lewir's body along with his most sacred body trait was intense and it made him weaker than he had thought. He thought about Marrie, and how much power would disappear when her horns would be ripped off. To a horned, they are the cornucopias of your power, almost quite literally. To an Elf and Dwarf it were the ears. To an enchantress or a wizard, it were the fingers. To an Orc, it were the teeth – which, luckily for them, barely any people knew. To a Troll, the teeth as well. To a fairy, its wings. To a mermaid, its tail. To a shapeshifter and necromancers, its fingers as well.168Please respect copyright.PENANAt9Id46yWAg
Lewir sighed. It'd be best if that information wasn't spread out too much. People would definitely take advantage of that. Well, many already had. He wondered if he could ever redeem his lost magical abilities.168Please respect copyright.PENANA1dpcqoxZLM
"I'm curious as to whether people are born with bad intentions," he said.168Please respect copyright.PENANAFY6wEVcj6V
"No," answered Jarco. "I do not think so."168Please respect copyright.PENANAMuz96aAwlz
"We can't ask somebody who went insane," replied Hallan. "For their answers will always be biased."168Please respect copyright.PENANA3S9K9N01by
"Ninéya was born with bad intentions," said Jarco carefully. "It has not been embedded in her mind as a separate form of justice."168Please respect copyright.PENANAtyjmkhTXIG
"How do you know Ninéya so well?" Lewir asked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlpo8Juzguw
"Ninéya and I have had some former conflicts," replied Jarco, "but it's over now, luckily."168Please respect copyright.PENANAoShTd9DfUh
Lewir threw a mischievous glare at Jarco, who remained as calm as possible. Livi sensed the tension between the two and decided to spark up a conversation about where the hell they were going, as they were now purely walking wherever their feet would lead them.
Mounty and Mint were laughing loudly. They were walking in front of Daphne, who seemed oddly quiet that day, and Bethil, who was oddly quiet as well – partially because Daphne wouldn't really pay efforts to wrap up a proper conversation both of them could have enjoyed.168Please respect copyright.PENANATff5uwtcpC
"Are you alright?" asked Bethil, for the umpteenth time that today.168Please respect copyright.PENANAWOnkK1Nder
"Yes," replied Daphne, for the same umpteenth time.168Please respect copyright.PENANA7Bzb7bvkJP
"It's only natural I don't believe you," said Bethil. "Tell me what's really up."168Please respect copyright.PENANAIOMz5BqMTI
"You're in a far more uncomfortable position than I am," said Daphne. "I must be worried about you rather than you about me."168Please respect copyright.PENANAEqca8gvnZG
"We're both travellers searching for the same group and aiming for the same goal," said Bethil, "isn't that right, brawn?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAk7ExigYfjo
Right. Fortune, brain, heart, brute. Anevay, Elliot, Bethil, Daphnelle. And of course Jarco, Lewir and Livi.168Please respect copyright.PENANAwPrTz4xZPs
"Who would our friends have met?" asked Bethil. "We can't be the only ones meeting random strangers like this."168Please respect copyright.PENANA6j5iGGBuej
"Hopefully more helpful people," answered Daphne.
"I hate my life," complained Ane.168Please respect copyright.PENANAYx7q8OqfGn
The trio had run into a trap of some nearby horned. The raw rope around Ane's wrists itched and annoyed Ane even more. She was in a too uncomfortable position to raise the dead, and if she'd try, it could mean her end and Elliot's. And Aethul's too, of course.168Please respect copyright.PENANAYUsmyDkRSu
While the horned were packing up their camp to continue their trip with their new hostages, Elliot sighed deeply.168Please respect copyright.PENANAk2L70at4Kp
"Can you not do something? You are special, right?" he hissed to Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANA4pxRg9bGXp
"They are horned, just like I am. I will betray my own kind," he said.168Please respect copyright.PENANAEtbav1Uirm
"We are your friends, not them. Help us," muttered Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAech0Eot0es
"What should I do? Kill my own kind? I can't do that, Elliot. I'm truly sorry."168Please respect copyright.PENANA7xpgsLUir1
"So you would rather see us on a spit rather than us being free?" scowled Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAGQPFhCLYwx
"They are Hayres' men," whispered Aethul. "One wrong move, and we are definitely dead for it."168Please respect copyright.PENANA81Bh3utw4Q
"Hayres?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAID3fO6thry
"You do not want to meet her," said Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANAgHaKjQTR09
"Maybe I do," hissed Elliot, a tad too overconfident.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJtmKbnly4J
"Quit the babbling!" yelled one of Hayres' men. He approached the tied up trio and ordered them to stand up and follow them. A few men walked behind the freshly fetched trio and a few in front of them, locking them in.168Please respect copyright.PENANAd25T5LcvMk
"Where are we going?" asked Ane.168Please respect copyright.PENANALYvtddXzIg
"A very pretty place," said the spokesperson. "You'll love it there."168Please respect copyright.PENANAAFRx5kMjKj
Drawling accent, rough pronunciation. Raised in a waste of space, most likely. Strong pair of horns on his forehead. Thin and long. It didn't fit him.168Please respect copyright.PENANA8ZrBBimgm5
"Sharran's Valley?" asked Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANAqt6vpY65yw
"Our buddy's a smart one," taunted the spokesperson. "What's your name, young one?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAkbm50ic04x
"Aethul."168Please respect copyright.PENANAn1q2v68nLF
Abrupt stop. Silence. The spokesperson slowly turned to Aethul. Something upset showed in his eyes. Not anger or disappointment or anything like that, rather fear and guilt.168Please respect copyright.PENANAzBbwhFT98G
"Untie him, now!" he yelled. The men hurriedly freed Aethul.168Please respect copyright.PENANAKggrqWfMio
"Free my friends," he ordered.168Please respect copyright.PENANAEHSIGfwB61
"Just get the hell out of here," snapped the man. "Be happy you're free. Don't try anything funny, or your friends won't get the chance to see you again. Shoo."168Please respect copyright.PENANAlQMxyZGoNp
Aethul turned around, and he left. Ane and Elliot shared a flustered glare filled with disbelief and hatred. They both knew each other's feelings and they couldn't believe that Aethul would just ditch them. They weren't particularly close, but even then, they still thought Aethul would have tried a little harder.168Please respect copyright.PENANAnAOPOJGnYr
"Why did you set them free and not us?" asked Anevay angrily as soon as they continued walking.168Please respect copyright.PENANAz6QAG1KbJJ
"You don't know?" asked the spokesperson. "You were travelling around with Aethul, the prince ."168Please respect copyright.PENANAfEPAT3Nmvc
"Prince?" exclaimed Elliot surprised.168Please respect copyright.PENANAQMOc249xi3
"You didn't know?" scowled the spokesperson. "He's a seriously strange character."168Please respect copyright.PENANAHnmK8CoMsx
Anevay and Elliot shook their head, almost refusing the whirlwind of events that occurred around them nowadays. The prince of the Druids? That continuously high dude with some strange gift of visions? It was so obvious. The two had thought that Druids were extinct, so they of course couldn't consider Aethul a prince of Druids, let alone a prince or a Druid.168Please respect copyright.PENANACwigyCvbXy
In silence and defeat, Anevay and Elliot followed the group.
"Quiet," hissed Mounty suddenly. "I hear voices."168Please respect copyright.PENANA0xHmq3x7P1
The group hid behind some bushes and trees to be able to witness the group of horned men carry two slaves.168Please respect copyright.PENANA0AmrnbLWbF
"Ane and Elliot!" recognised Bethil immediately.168Please respect copyright.PENANAsSJUqDRo8X
"Are they your friends?" asked Mounty.168Please respect copyright.PENANAPn4LbVAXtK
"Our comrades," nodded Daphne. "We should rescue them."168Please respect copyright.PENANA9n1yiBUB7n
"Are you crazy? Those are Hayres' men!"168Please respect copyright.PENANAZIka6kmx7m
"That crazy bitch is still alive?" snapped Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAirKG4Rss2q
"Watch your words," said Mint. "You wouldn't want them to hear you talk about their queen like that."168Please respect copyright.PENANAf3jNXdy5ri
"She isn't a queen," sighed Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAM22JJEQbGL
"She sure is worshipped like one. Never forget what she did for you," Mint whispered.168Please respect copyright.PENANAEnB2BsHSxl
"I'm not grateful for what she did for me," said Daphne. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have been involved in this mess."168Please respect copyright.PENANAmrgRleVONz
"Yet you are, so deal with it," said Mounty. Daphne gritted her teeth. She wished he hadn't passed on her bluntness and wit onto Mounty during the endless hours they had spent together. A little bit of consideration wouldn't have been that bad.168Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7053VqOYD
"What happened?" asked Bethil.168Please respect copyright.PENANA7mwNisDYSh
"Nothing. Let's just follow them until we can save them," decided Daphne. That sounded like an alright plan, so the others agreed with her.
"We're walking in circles."168Please respect copyright.PENANARbm0R1qIpJ
Everybody looked at Hallan.168Please respect copyright.PENANAqVal5YPifl
"I don't understand this."168Please respect copyright.PENANAJc4qhqB2Fn
"What don't you understand?" asked Marrie, slightly worried. "Are we closer to Sharran's Valley than before or not?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAOV3UyNLsEB
"We're very close," whispered Hallan.168Please respect copyright.PENANAvcSsBQXhcH
"Can't you do something Druid-like and get us out of here?" asked Livi.168Please respect copyright.PENANACjqsVUpPlH
"There is no such thing as teleportation," Hallan replied as he tried to navigate and locate himself within the mental map inside of his brain. There really was no such thing as teleportation.168Please respect copyright.PENANAt4iV00OO84
The volume of voices rose and it was not a voice of theirs. Alarmed, the group hurriedly took cheap shelter behind bushes and trees and hoped for the best.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJ1QV5eNNaY
"I recognise that voice," whispered Jarco as he listened intently to the couple voices chatter.168Please respect copyright.PENANAT4pZz18pPu
"Isn't that... Daphne?" asked Lewir.168Please respect copyright.PENANAduNwJMPDCw
Jarco nodded and he peeped carefully. He saw two pairs of horns and a boy with a purple hood behind a foreign girl. He let out a relieved sigh when he noticed that they were friendly with each other. Jarco appeared out of the bushes and surprised the group in front of him. Bethil immediately greeted him excitedly and he gave Jarco a somewhat awkward hug.168Please respect copyright.PENANAp4HYzPw96w
"Do you know this guy?" asked Mint.168Please respect copyright.PENANAcDWVBb6arR
"It's so good to see you again, Jarco," said Daphne. "Where are the others?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAcxTvGuvH5j
"Livi and Lewir are with me, and we have extra company," answered Jarco. Jarco's group revealed themselves and the bunch of travellers collided.168Please respect copyright.PENANAb0KbGkTzuL
After some brief introductions and some kind greetings, Bethil's group explained their plan to follow Anevay and Elliot who were captured by some of Hayres' men. Naturally, the others agreed to join them in their search. That's what comrades were for, after all.168Please respect copyright.PENANAGqBFhyk3Mf
"Where were they heading?" Hallan asked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAPO2vbWulDG
"Sharran's Valley," sighed Mounty.168Please respect copyright.PENANAtO1hG2U2Ky
"Oh no," muttered Marrie. "We really can't risk this."168Please respect copyright.PENANAce97JuQnsU
"You can leave now, if you want to," Lewir said.168Please respect copyright.PENANAQfM11TaNbf
Marrie hesitated, but Hallan said that it'd be no problem for them as they needed to finish some business there.168Please respect copyright.PENANAZErSuwQKvV
"Then why were you so opposing to the idea of going to Sharran's Valley?" asked Livi curiously.168Please respect copyright.PENANAPeWEQjbJWx
"Because our priority was to safely help you get to the Western Bay, but as our plans have changed..."168Please respect copyright.PENANAmDGmHndzqn
"What about you two, anyway?" asked Daphne, referring to Mounty and Mint.168Please respect copyright.PENANAg5QyPGH6gS
"Must be exciting to see Hayres after all these years," smiled Mounty.168Please respect copyright.PENANA5BIykeHd8J
"You're crazy," said Mint. "Anyhow. Let's get going, shall we? We cannot let the little princess and her boyfriend die, right?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAl10fB5AdrB
"How do you know Anevay's a princess?" asked Bethil.168Please respect copyright.PENANAC9QGJyxLN6
"I read books, too."168Please respect copyright.PENANA19X5DObPKG
The group headed towards the west, where they'd eventually reach Sharran's Valley. As they were now with nine, they felt somewhat safer, especially with four horned. A wide variety of races.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJYWfsdYqrh
Not much later, the bunch caught up with Hayres' men. Anevay and Elliot seemed so helpless and Bethil felt really bad. It was crazy how, in such a relatively short period, he could feel so empathic towards people who were once just strangers. Maybe that was why he was the heart of the group. Would the others know his importance in this quest? Did they even really need him? It just seemed like they needed Ane, nobody else. He brought this up when he was catching up with Jarco.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJsRNkLDv0H
"I would not worry about that so much," said Jarco. "A hero can never be alone."168Please respect copyright.PENANAvULv3leH9z
"There are plenty of sole heroes," answered Bethil. "Ane can be alone, too."168Please respect copyright.PENANAS4wQgnZDUJ
"Ane is a strong girl, but she lacks the heart, brute and brain," said Jarco.168Please respect copyright.PENANAx6h04PkJ7b
"Ane is smart, strong and kind, though," frowned Bethil, feeling offended in his friend's place.168Please respect copyright.PENANAyhGy3mFOm5
"Yes, but her role is the fortune. The other positions cannot be filled by Ane alone. She may have a great amount of all four traits, she still lacks the traits of the positions she does not fill," Jarco explained. "You are strong and brave too, Bethil, but your kindness and empathy is overwhelming and that is why you are in charge of the heart."168Please respect copyright.PENANAHR7ErXoTgH
"Why did they not pick somebody else?" sighed Bethil. "I'm just a kind lad, like so many others."168Please respect copyright.PENANAPpFSHXqGbi
"The four allies must balance each other out," answered Jarco. "Where you lack wisdom, Elliot will complete you just perfectly. You cannot pick random strangers, you must be compatible. It is like a relationship; you should be able to complete each other where you lack something like two perfectly fitting pieces. Fate has chosen you four as perfectly compatible heroes."168Please respect copyright.PENANAVUagMfEuvz
"In the end, what do we even need to do to fulfil our quest?" Bethil asked, near hopelessness.168Please respect copyright.PENANA4I6KnAYVvZ
"That is not my business, as I am not of great importance to this quest," Jarco shrugged.168Please respect copyright.PENANAKsyZ83rwKZ
"You are a greater help than you think, Jarco," Bethil smiled. He looked at the dirt under his feet and he thought about Ane and Elliot, and Daphne. He thought about Livi and he thought about Jarco and Lewir. He thought about his parents.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlpIIuu18OT
"Why don't we just attack Hayres' men, though? We're with enough powerful fighters to be able to overpower them," said Mint suddenly.168Please respect copyright.PENANAHSt5OZ92Rj
"We can't take unnecessary risks," said Hallan.168Please respect copyright.PENANAxFxadEUhyZ
"We'll take a grander risk if we're inside of Sharran's Valley, trying to free them," said Mint. She had a valid point. It was much smarter to just attack them right here, right now, fair fight, rather than inside a circle where they couldn't just escape.168Please respect copyright.PENANAB8Vx1kYHeL
"What if something goes wrong?" asked Marrie. "We can have time to think and develop our plan inside of Sharran's Valley. If we mess up in the wilderness, we're doomed."168Please respect copyright.PENANAAZozNM1Jvr
"It's rather the other way around," Daphne frowned.168Please respect copyright.PENANAbZIJNtnE61
"If we can directly speak with Hayres, we can solve many things," said Mounty. No second guessing; the others knew exactly what Mounty was aiming for. She wanted to end her. Crazy ambition and very unlikely.168Please respect copyright.PENANAr7GXc42mJu
"Let's just enter Sharran's Valley," decided Marrie. "We can act as visitors."168Please respect copyright.PENANAfc0SBPexN4
They all eventually agreed, though lots of hesitations and worries were still very much present.
"How would our friends be doing?" asked Ane.168Please respect copyright.PENANATgTiXctFAc
The two were sat in some cold cellars after being dumped there. The moment they neared the walls of Sharran's Valley, they had been blindfolded. The only thing they could really say about Sharran's Valley was the horrid smell of rotten eggs with a mixture of corpses. The cellars were cold and one metal door led outside. Luckily their blindfolds were gone now. A tiny opening in the cellar served as a window and it didn't really show anything but sandstone and some dead plants.168Please respect copyright.PENANAcX0aE8Fqvz
Elliot sighed. He didn't feel the need to respond. He also hated the material of the door. Was it because they knew northern people hated metal or because everywhere else, they worshipped it? Perhaps it was a mixture of both. Why need weapons when you have magic? And why have magic if you only use weapons? He couldn't really speak a lot. It was him who carried swords in his belt. As protection, he'd say. He barely used them. Not his fault.168Please respect copyright.PENANAujZjksBRYn
"What will happen to us?" Ane asked. "Do you think this is our last stop before dying? I do not want to end up as food for the pigs."168Please respect copyright.PENANAXLqIAegSBQ
"I think western people hoard boars rather than pigs," muttered Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAnkftuohEQN
Ane's wrists itched and hurt. The rough rope scratched her fragile skin and she just couldn't stand it. It also limited the freedom of her fingers, which really shortened every shred of hope for summoning her dead ones.168Please respect copyright.PENANAOzSZk2buyI
"Let me use your sword for a second," said Ane. After a routine of changes in positions and carefully adjusting her hands towards Elliot's sword, the two sat in a very awkward and uncomfortable position.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJkgZheaFw9
"Be careful," said Elliot before Ane started rubbing her rope between her wrists against the sharp material of Elliot's weapon. She was slow and careful to not cut herself, and when she felt the ever relieving snap of the rope, Ane wanted to dance in joy. Instead, she proceeded to free her comrade.168Please respect copyright.PENANAbKMOKtafKY
"Now what?" asked Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAgq8kXDUXcA
A flick of Ane's damaged wrist made the earth crust crumble, but Ane only summoned one of her buddies.168Please respect copyright.PENANAaW00ZEzgGi
"Get the key if there is one, and free us."168Please respect copyright.PENANAam7O6O0XbA
The slave nodded and melted back into the ground. He had a familiar face and Elliot could've sworn he recognised him.168Please respect copyright.PENANAKVRfxqC4Eh
"Those dead ones that you summon..." began Elliot, "who are they exactly?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAnickHF5h7w
"Usually random people who died overtime. Sometimes I can summon certain people if I want to. This one just died. You could see it in the bright colour of his eyes."168Please respect copyright.PENANAbO8MUXMVKM
"Did he live in our town? Because I clearly recognised him," frowned Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAewBkEmcQay
"Possible," nodded Ane. "Why? Was he important to you?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAh5dRDq4mAv
"I am just impressed," shrugged Elliot. Only several minutes later, the door shoved open. Ane thanked her slave and took his key before he disappeared again. As soon as they exited the cellars, they could see hundreds of cells all stacked upon each other. A long corridor filled with locked, metal doors, and at the begin of the corridor was a desk next to a door. A corpse on the chair. How cosy. The key that Ane's slave had given to her was still clutched in her hand.168Please respect copyright.PENANA1w06nMcxFS
"Would this single key open all of these doors?" she asked aloud.168Please respect copyright.PENANAn4CYE9Om1b
"Only one way to find out," said Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAkA5cCIbk08
He grabbed the key and headed to one of the many metal doors. Elliot inserted the key slowly, looked at Ane who nodded reassuringly, and he then turned the piece of iron. An iconic click sound occurred and Elliot opened the door. Inside of the cell, however, there was nobody. Confused, Elliot moved onto other cells, but none of them seemed to have any prisoners inside. Was this why there was only one guard?168Please respect copyright.PENANA032UNDVQoP
"I think we were the only ones," whispered Elliot with a frown.168Please respect copyright.PENANAPL6Qdqsvhn
"Do you think so?" asked Ane, who checked every cell once again. Not that there was really a point to it, as it were just four grey walls.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJPEdmdyQNY
"You guys were indeed the only ones in this entire building."168Please respect copyright.PENANA9UhOm9KeET
Ane and Elliot shook up and looked at the main entrance, where a fierce lady stood. She had marvellous horns, curling all the way inside, and her slick, black hair made it even better. She had bright, red eyes that matched the colour of her cherry lips. A nearly perfect face, a slender and tall posture, and long fingers wrapped around a gold staff, with an eye on top.168Please respect copyright.PENANApsellpG5c8
"This is Hayres," whispered Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANA47hC3Lko5u
"Sharp one," nodded the doomed. "I am indeed the queen of Sharran's Valley. Nice to meet you, too."168Please respect copyright.PENANAy0spCkucCb
"What do you want from us?" Ane asked, more defensive than she should have been.168Please respect copyright.PENANAYCtZCS2N61
"Me? Nothing," shrugged Hayres. "What could I possibly want from a puppet dancer and a mere human?"168Please respect copyright.PENANADGZj6oNHVa
Both of the childish names stung, but Ane showed no weakness whatsoever. "Then why are we here?"168Please respect copyright.PENANArOIStD6ZM9
"Oh. Sacrifices have to be made," shrugged Hayres. "This world is better off without you."168Please respect copyright.PENANAw08QI8Lxay
"You must want the world to end," Elliot hissed.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlM1GPjQjdb
"Perhaps I do," said Hayres. "Now please, come with me."168Please respect copyright.PENANAGDfsjqx3vN
"What if we do not?" questioned Anevay.168Please respect copyright.PENANATKm5r9w1zr
"Then just stay in these cells. There are some things which you'd rather not see, though. We really need some better cleaners..." sighed Hayres before she turned around on her high, thick heels and walked through the entrance.168Please respect copyright.PENANAOBwmc3PV13
"Should we follow her?" asked Elliot.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlgClNXvDmM
"It is better than leaving this place later on and just coming off as escapees," nodded Ane. She followed Hayres and Elliot followed Anevay. The trio walked through Sharran's Valley; Hayres with her head held high, Ane and Elliot with their heads turning around at every step. There was just so much to see, but so little to actually aesthetically please.168Please respect copyright.PENANAjW1hIiq3Qv
One booth would be slaughtering pigs, another booth would be cutting flesh off a certain limb of a certain creature, on a table lay dead fish with their guts still hanging out of their cut open bellies, and in one certain booth they even sold humans for poor prices.168Please respect copyright.PENANAhGtcFSWK2L
"They're not sex slaves," said Hayres, noticing the disgusted glares from her hostages.168Please respect copyright.PENANAwaPZkn5quv
"Then what are they being sold for? Just regular slaves?" frowned Anevay.168Please respect copyright.PENANAz2leLASR1k
"Notice what they're selling all around you. That ends in your stomach. It's no different with them," answered Hayres.168Please respect copyright.PENANAPtgdPRXJmt
"So you mean that you eat humans?" scowled Elliot, a sick feeling rising in his stomach.168Please respect copyright.PENANAL63w0sv4un
Hayres nodded. "They are just chunks of flesh on bone. So are pigs, cows, goats and sheep. What really makes them different? They have nothing special."168Please respect copyright.PENANATfaM6GdsB4
"They have feelings and families," Ane said.168Please respect copyright.PENANApbOU5viTbg
"So animals do not?" asked Hayres with a viciously vile smile. She seemed proud of her cruelty. Anevay and Elliot decided it'd be a lot wiser to shut the hell up and not contemplate the everyday choices of these citizens of Sharran's Valley. Where did they end up anyhow? An absolute mess, that was what it was. The only thing that Ane noticed, were two guards, a man and a woman, always being strangely close to them. They were beautiful, but too far to observe. Ane decided that'd be a problem for later.
The large group had awkwardly entered Sharran's Valley, wondering how exactly they were supposed to act as visitors. They tried to act as natural as they possibly could, but adrenaline and worry took over their survival instincts and made them anxious and too obvious.168Please respect copyright.PENANAyPwRMjVh52
"Look," hissed Marrie, pointing at a trio walking through the market. "It's them."168Please respect copyright.PENANArzij3BUCFo
"We have to split up. We're too obvious right now," whispered Daphne. She and Bethil hurried over to Ane and Elliot, Jarco and Livi made their way down the other side of the market and pretended to be interested in the meat and ended up having to buy a pound of meat to convey their act as visitors, Lewir, Marrie and Hallan wandered around as if they were but tourists and Mounty and Mint had a naturally easy time to fit in and immediately found their way to the bar where they bought several beers.168Please respect copyright.PENANAsFcSWXCo5w
"There is a marriage soon," said Hayres, overheard by Daphne and Bethil. "The groom is nobody else but Sarkhan, a beautiful man. He needs a bride."168Please respect copyright.PENANAkDiyOs5oD7
"Who has a wedding with no bride?" frowned Ane.168Please respect copyright.PENANAvKa4rEOvDL
"Sarkhan."168Please respect copyright.PENANA9fe2W5gis0
Daphne told Bethil that Sarkhan was a noble prince and warrior. He had probably just turned eighteen and would now pick whichever bride that he'd want to celebrate that with. Daphne immediately knew that Ane would be delivered as some sort of offer to Sarkhan. When Bethil asked exactly why Hayres needed to offer a bride, Daphne explained that it's a common use for noble warriors to take their waves every which way, have a child, and later on kill them to get full custody of their own child, having the capability of raising their little boys into whatever monster they could wish for.168Please respect copyright.PENANAxX6w3hRh1U
"I've never heard that before," whispered Bethil.168Please respect copyright.PENANA2m2cGLnRmt
"Of course you haven't," replied Daphnelle. "Do you think that people willingly would write that down? Every single book that came close to exposing that was burnt, along with their pitiful writers. Ancient libraries still hold many more secrets of every single folk that you could think of, but those are hard to reach."168Please respect copyright.PENANAlqsleIzB2e
"Oh, is that so?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAwqb4pxwHAh
Daphne looked up, eye-to-eye with Hayres. Both of them were just as tall, so none of them were intimidated.168Please respect copyright.PENANAZAB9II0vHa
"Hayres," mumbled Daphne, "didn't see you here."168Please respect copyright.PENANANey0wYmG4Q
"You didn't?" smiled Hayres evilly. "Be sure to attend the wedding ceremony of Sarkhan! We'll hopefully sacrifice your little friend."168Please respect copyright.PENANAntOLCEDToZ
"Have fun doing so," bluffed Daphnelle. For their own safety, Daphne grabbed Bethil's wrist and pulled him back. She turned around and walked away, making sure Bethil would stay with her.168Please respect copyright.PENANAhM9nUWAuL8
"Why would you be so relaxed about it?" whispered Bethil.168Please respect copyright.PENANALv922fdPBE
"Show no fear, your enemies feast on that," Daphne hissed.168Please respect copyright.PENANAMExdpJQCnm
She gathered the others rather difficultly, but in time for the ceremony. They met up at one of the open places of Sharran's Valley, a type of tree-less park.168Please respect copyright.PENANAYDuJN4s9dF
"So where is this wedding exactly?"168Please respect copyright.PENANA6Fcke01Yra
"Probably at the grand plaza," said Mint. "Everything's there."168Please respect copyright.PENANAwinoH8YQoh
"How come females don't have this type of ceremony?" asked Lewir, genuinely surprised.168Please respect copyright.PENANA4sQbOFBzyH
"Oh, we do," said Mint, "but usually they cancel those plans as they're the ones with the children which isn't something you look forward to."168Please respect copyright.PENANA79C1f4GmKs
"I'd like some children one day. A nice little house and a nice little garden and the kids playing around," admitted Livi.168Please respect copyright.PENANADg8kA54Cpw
"For horned it's different. Who would want their child to live in a place like this? This tradition isn't as used outside of Sharran's Valley anymore," explained Mounty.168Please respect copyright.PENANABRuaVtuxNq
"Even the most vile women wouldn't put their children in these circumstances," added Mint, twirling a strand of her hair around her long finger.168Please respect copyright.PENANAw1x2D3mOrM
Horns blew a loud, sharp noise through the Sharran's Valley not much later. The group stood up, split up in smaller groups to avoid any possible suspicion, and headed to the plaza after Mint had given instructions to avoid getting lost in a vicious place like this one.168Please respect copyright.PENANADurnc3ptfD
Daphne and Bethil wandered off to the front of the plaza as they were some of the first to reach the place. They saw Hayres with Ane and Elliot. She had completely given Ane a transformation; her clothes were switched from the chrome-coloured base to dark shades mixed with some crimson red which matched the colour of her lips. She was holding Elliot's hand tightly, but very subtly behind their backs. Bethil and Ane's eyes met, and Bethil could tell the despair in Anevay's mind was very present.168Please respect copyright.PENANAU7cXgRuDu9
After a long speech from Sarkhan's father, he finally announced what was important: the wedding ceremony. Sarkhan came out, and applause broke loose. The hundreds and hundreds of horned clapped until the skin would probably fall off of their hands. Sarkhan had gorgeous locks of dark hair and bright eyes. Viciously bright eyes, Daphne'd say. His horns were identical to Daphne's, and were just as round and bold.168Please respect copyright.PENANAOjuzZLyOr1
"He looks... like Aethul..." whispered Mint, standing not far away from Bethil and Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAvbNCKC43PX
"Aethul?" frowned Mounty.168Please respect copyright.PENANAlBEipaSFUA
They both remained quiet, and not much later, Sarkhan's mother stepped out, along with Aethul, Sarkhan's brother.168Please respect copyright.PENANAFzL8olTafP
Elliot yelped at the suddenly increasing pressure in Ane's grip, but he couldn't withstand to increase his own pressure as well. Aethul, looking as dazed and out of his mind as always, sat down on one of the thrones next to his mother.168Please respect copyright.PENANAp6j2eJLjah
"They're the Retlings," hissed Mint, from in the crowd. Even Mounty could feel the few people around her turn their heads and gasp. Surnames. Family names. Forbidden words to spill in public.168Please respect copyright.PENANAwD2m2mOp3P
"Be quiet," shushed Mounty.168Please respect copyright.PENANAmFkaBNaDqE
Mint refused. "I won't be quiet."168Please respect copyright.PENANAfc8Bioi1y5
"What's your problem, Mint?" whispered Mounty. "You can't just reveal everybody's family names."168Please respect copyright.PENANApsVe0G6WBF
"Everybody knows that they're the Retlings, Mounty. Everybody."168Please respect copyright.PENANA27JfFwR8yn
Mounty looked around her, and the few pitiful glares that were thrown her way revealed that everybody indeed did know their family name. She was confused, thoroughly astonished. Every since she could remember, she was silenced about spilling her family name anywhere. Just like every other citizen of this entire land, of this entire world. Family names held roots, past and history that people did not want to share with others. It held many of their strengths, victories, but just as many of their weaknesses and defeats, shameful secrets and sorrows. Every father that died in war, every mother who died at the hands of their nemesis, every son who failed to prevail and went in shame and every daughter that shamed their family for the most impeccable things. However, most of all, their connection with each other.168Please respect copyright.PENANAUHCfkthjcd
Not much later after the growth of population, families were made. One of each race. Fights led to separation which led to separate families in every single race. After the first outbreak, the Grand Battles were fought. Within every race, every family fought as well. Allies or enemies. After the Grand Battles, family names were banished from the public mouth since the bitter grudge held by many would flame up again, and it was best to avoid the tiniest spark that could trigger the fire. "Know your parents and your siblings, but forget about their family name for that will inevitably cause your feuds to rise again."168Please respect copyright.PENANAfCshBy0YRr
Mint remained in silence for the rest of the boring speech, while Mounty did just the same. The moment that they both shifted their attention back to the front was when Sarkhan's father announced that Sarkhan would pick his wife now.168Please respect copyright.PENANAGUgfGfzaUw
Ane tried to breathe in and out in a calm, composed manner, but it didn't really work that well. Her breath was ragged, and she hoped that out of all the exposed women, she'd be least favoured. She knew better though; she stood out, even if it felt pretentious to admit. Everybody else had horns, dark hair and dark eyes. Ane was the black sheep between the crowd, and that'd enhance the chances of her being picked.168Please respect copyright.PENANAzTXDpfQfBT
Sarkhan stood up and revealed his tall and mighty posture. He was definitely the perfect man to put in front of an easel and spent hours trying to paint perfectly. Swooning, the seven girls besides Ane were thrilled to be chosen. Not because they'd want to actually have his child and later on face whichever consequences, but because they were thrilled to spend nights with such a man.168Please respect copyright.PENANABEDuJzYHqR
His eyes darted around the grand hall nonchalantly. His eyes scanned the pillars that held the marble roof. This was probably one of the very few beautiful buildings. The podium in front of the grand hall held about seven thrones, but merely four of them were filled. Two guards on each side of the row of seats, two guards at the bottom of the steps of the first podium. Two guards at the edge of the second set of stairs that led to the floor where hundreds of people had gathered. Eight girls and some of their acquaintances or friends next to them on the second stage. A wave of pride ran through Sarkhan's spine and he continued his search. He didn't really bat an eye for the eight girls presented and instead looked at the crowd.168Please respect copyright.PENANAH1iw6oQmco
"He will not pick you," whispered Elliot. "He is not interested in any of these girls."168Please respect copyright.PENANACyOQ8xjEKw
"I hope you are right," said Ane. She was convinced Elliot was somehow disgusted by her sweaty palm, but that didn't stop the princess from pushing her fingers harder into his skin due to the nerves.168Please respect copyright.PENANAIycwLcMFTe
"I want her."168Please respect copyright.PENANAsvQitvj7U7
Sarkhan's finger pointed at the crowd, and like an automatic wave, people moved away from the pinpointed person.168Please respect copyright.PENANAaVg4akmsv2
Bethil refused to move away like everybody else, but was pulled away from Daphne by a bystander who scolded him for interrupting the ceremony.168Please respect copyright.PENANAu2Tux6oBhz
"Excuse me?" were the only words that escaped from Daphne's mouth. "I can't –"168Please respect copyright.PENANABq4C36cHPK
The two guards approached her and grabbed her upper arms firmly, nearly dragging her up the two stages. Daphne tried to ask Ane and Elliot for help, but she couldn't raise her voice to become louder than the folk's noisy chattering.168Please respect copyright.PENANAsDpUdbhzf3
Once presented in front of Sarkhan, Daphne was guided next to Sarkhan, facing the entire crowd.168Please respect copyright.PENANAyfyce1R7pV
"Silence!" shouted Sarkhan.168Please respect copyright.PENANA4Y6RD2tbsv
Silence came.168Please respect copyright.PENANAzRrWQwvtdN
"What is your name?" he asked Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAYjqCUku95W
"Daphnelle," she responded, almost sarcastically.168Please respect copyright.PENANAkrWE4Dg75Y
"A doomed, or a Druid?" he continued.168Please respect copyright.PENANAAvsWKrSpth
She wanted to lie, but it wouldn't matter. She knew that very well.168Please respect copyright.PENANA3zMEABCGzd
"I'm a Druid," she said, but quiet. Not quiet enough for the folk to not be able to hear, causing another chain of rumours. Ane and Elliot shared a glare of confusion.168Please respect copyright.PENANAM1JPaq3NuC
"A Druid, you say? Then you must have a special name, Daphnelle. Tell us that name."168Please respect copyright.PENANAjU06Vg434m
Daphne looked in the crowd, searching for Mounty's eyes, who looked just as distressed and worried as she did. She shook her head, hoping that Daphne would refuse to spill her name.168Please respect copyright.PENANAJnocTWTAgQ
"I can't," said Daphne.168Please respect copyright.PENANAOyBdoOjHxw
"Why not?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAWuU84S1G9Z
Daphne looked straight into Sarkhan's eyes, no fear whatsoever. Instead, frustration and some type of challenging wit. Sarkhan knew that Daphne was aware of his own being, of his own true self. She could tell that he was a Druid, and to spill his real name would mean his own death.168Please respect copyright.PENANA4hKWkPUa2q
"It is alright, she is shy!" laughed Sarkhan, trying to laugh off the embarrassment. "Now, let the feast begin."168Please respect copyright.PENANApv8gZDWSUu
Daphne, dazed yet semi-excited for this new adventure, still had a great urge to spread her wings and fly. While the feast broke lose and half of the crowd erupted in cheers and left the grand hall to take the feast outdoors to spill as much wine as they wanted to, Daphne was led to the throne by Sarkhan.168Please respect copyright.PENANAL8QUWpoqHQ
"Are you happy?"168Please respect copyright.PENANA3y3UX2kkJj
"I'm sure you can already think of an answer."168Please respect copyright.PENANAKOHTf0JnEy
Sarkhan shooed away his family members to have a private moment with Daphne. She could see her friends gather in the middle of the plaza and discussed something – hopefully a survival plan. Soon enough, she noticed how Ane approached Aethul immediately.168Please respect copyright.PENANAgFd9HmJEai
"Just pretend to be happy, Daffarimelle," he said.168Please respect copyright.PENANACrL0C6kmtH
"Don't ever call me that again."168Please respect copyright.PENANA71SB5xA0n1
"Please, let me explain this all," began Sarkhan. "I was forced into this marriage. I can help you on your journey along with my brother. I thought that I'd just pick a wife, but when I saw you and your friends in town again my plan to leave Sharran's Valley and explore rose again. You were my only chance. Please allow me to have this one."168Please respect copyright.PENANAq5UcTM28fR
"Sarkahanel..." sighed Daphne. "I'm on a quest."168Please respect copyright.PENANAVL8oq1V4fO
"Let me live that dream as well. You know that it's what we always dreamt of," he said, nearly begging.168Please respect copyright.PENANAkuQicCZCce
"Until you ditched me. Later, Mounty left me too. Guess for whom? You're nothing but a puppeteer and I'm not being your favourite marionette anymore," hissed Daphne, trying to keep a calm face.168Please respect copyright.PENANALlwl4lhg9a
"Did you forget our vows?"168Please respect copyright.PENANA92kr42mCO9
"Yes."168Please respect copyright.PENANAVY6vyPcUhg
"You still need me as much as I need you," said Sarkhan, desperate.168Please respect copyright.PENANAQaKxPmJv8m
"Druids don't need anybody else."168Please respect copyright.PENANACBUMaUmHoJ
"You really forgot our vows, didn't you?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAg5E1DDNtea
Daphne nodded.168Please respect copyright.PENANArw2FjiX696
"We exchanged our elixirs. Did you forget that one of my horns is yours and one of yours is mine?"168Please respect copyright.PENANAIl7aDNglI2