Chapter Fifty-Six – Slow and Somewhat Steady

The smell of damp earth greeted Ailith upon reaching one of the many exits out of the pit cave. She was almost blinded when she climbed out of the shadows and was greeted by the morning sun peering through the trees. Raindrops clinging to the leaves fell onto her. She licked her lips, taunted by the salty taste.

Ignoring her dry throat, Ailith turned back to help the others out from their hiding spot.

Kuval needed no assistance, using one hand to hoist himself up while clutching the still imprisoned Cadere with his other. Despite no longer being muzzled, their captive remained speechless, merely staring at his surrounded with an expression as wooden as the trees surrounding them.

Nassandra was the next to follow, smiling gratefully as she accepted Ailith's tender hand. However, her eyes would glance over in the direction of Fethawi, who was being assisted by Turrock and Levana. It was amazing to see the Drasa still function with the huge gash running down his body. For how long that would last though, no one seemed certain.

Emlyn was the last to emerge, still pale in the face. After helping Nassandra onto solid flat earth, Ailith extended her hand to the swordswoman. ''Did we have to leave the food and water behind?''

Emlyn shakily nodded and took the warrior's hand. After the assistance, she shot Cadere a glare sharper than her finest swords. After last night, it wasn't surprising that anyone was hesitant to gorge on another meal that could have been within his reach.

''Then we have to forage for food and water,'' Ailith stated.

To her frustration, the only obvious response she received was a scoff from Turrock. ''I hate to be the bearer of grim news, diamond-rough. We're at the bottom of the food chain in this forest.''

''I know that. But, we're not going to make it to Fylian without provisions.''

Kuval set the entrapped Cadere down next to a tree and turned to the rest of the group. ''There are all manners of dangerous creatures and flora between these trees. And those are just the ones that we know of. We have to be cautious.''

Emlyn spat on the ground, still trying to rid herself of the lingering taste of Hetane Berries. ''I don't understand why you insist on bringing him.'' Her steely gaze locked onto Cadere.

''I'd rather keep him in my sights then be left to wonder where he might be.''

''That's only a concern if he's still breathing,'' Emlyn growled, slowly moving her hand close to the hilt of her sheathed Jian.

Everyone tensed at the threat. Ailith's skin bristled with dread. ''Emlyn...''

Surprisingly, Kuval stared at Emlyn with his familiar kindly expression. ''We're better than this.''

Emlyn's eyes narrowed. Seconds passed before she moved her hand away from her weapon ''I'm not. If you weren't here, we'd be using him as bait to catch our next meal.''

Turrock's face lit up. ''I like that idea.''

''No!'' Nassandra frantically hollered. She began to feel her heart race. Her chest tightened, leaving her rooted on the spot with half a dozen eyes overwhelming her. Shaking away her doubts as best she could, she gazed at each member of the group. ''No has to die.''

''Not even the one who wanted you dead?'' Turrock questioned.

''No,'' she replied instantly. ''I...I agree with Master Kuval. We watch him. And...I also agree with Ailith. We need t-to find food and water.''

A heavy sigh came from Emlyn. ''Keeping Cadere with us means we have another mouth to feed.''

Nassandra shifted on her feet and rubbed her sweaty palms together. ''We'll manage.''

Emlyn's face showed a complete lack of confidence. It was enough to cause the Princess's face to heat up.

''You are distressed, Your Highness...''

She jumped at the sound of Fethawi's voice. When she turned, she saw her companion try to move closer to her, only to collapse in Levana's arms. The trainee huffed, doing her best to hold the Drasa up.

Nassandra opened her mouth to speak, only for Turrock to interject with a harsh tone. ''Let's not forget your pet. If he doesn't get someone to fix him soon, he won't last till tomorrow.''

Unable to tear her eyes away from Fethawi, pained to see him in such a dire mess, she'd almost forgotten about Levana until she spoke. ''Forgive me, Your Highness...'' she mumbled nervously. ''It's also...it's just that...searching for clean food and water means it'll take longer to reach Fylian. I think we need a real plan.''

It didn't matter how sympathetic Levana's tone was, Nassandra could feel her heart sink all the same. She tried to find the right words, but her mind was a misty maze. Her eyes stung with tears and the world began to swirl into a black mess.

''At least she's trying!''

Nassandra was quickly pulled back into the light by Ailith's strong voice.

The warrior stepped forward, taking her place by Nassandra's side. ''You think that standing around scolding her is going to get us out of this forest faster?''

Levana bowed her head. ''Forgive me, Your Highness. I wasn't scolding you-''

''Yes, she was,'' Turrock said.

''Don't speak on my behalf!'' Levana snapped.

Kuval stepped forward and raised his hands. ''Everyone, please...''

The sound of Emlyn walking closer forced Ailith to turn and face her. The swordswoman dull eyes pierce's Ailith's. ''You told me you weren't blind anymore. Prove it. Tell us what we should do, other than relying on faith?''

''I don't know,'' Ailith admitted. ''All I do know is that attacking each other is getting us nowhere. We all have family back in Arsalan counting on us.''

''I don't.''

Ailith's fist slowly clenched as she stomped forward, her faces inches from Emlyn's. ''I'm sick of this. Why did you even become a Knight if you don't care about anyone?''

''Becoming a Knight wasn't my idea.''

''Could have fooled me.'' Ailith barked sarcastically.

''Wouldn't be the first Knight to do that.''

Something inside Ailith snapped. In that split second, she felt anger course through her blood like a raging storm and had forgotten who she was speaking to. She reeled her fist back and hurtled it towards Emlyn's face.

Her knuckles crashed into a wall of purple diamond that had sprouted from the ground between her and Emlyn.

A groan escaped her as she reared back. Clutching her sore hand, she stared at the wall, not even cracked by her strike, and turned to see a saddened Kuval looking at her. The longer their eyes remained locked, the more Ailith could feel herself drowning with guilt and shame. Her face lowered and her shoulders sank. With the hostility subsided, for now, Kuval lowered his arm and soon the diamond wall vanished into the ground, leaving behind an air of silence to suffocate the group.

''You have no chance.''

To everyone's shock and disgust, the next words belonged to Cadere.

He lifted his head high. ''You can't see eye-to-eye, even with a common enemy and goal. You're too different. You don't know each other. You don't trust each other. What hope do you have of reaching Fylian if you can't even agree on how to get there? I may be your prisoner, but I'm freer than all of you.''

Cadere wasn't met with any resistance or argument. No one was able to look another in the eye.

Ailith kept her lips sealed, too tired and exasperated to confront Cadere. She cupped her now red hand, stroking her sore knuckles tenderly to ease the pain. It wasn't until her neck started to ache that she finally looked up and stared at Nassandra. Her royal friend was frozen except for the rapid rise and fall of her chest and the sheen from her glassy eyes. Noticing the Princess's empty hand, Ailith began to reach for it, hoping to comfort her.

Before their hands could touch, a scent flared Ailith's nostrils. Taken back by the shockingly sweet aroma, she wondered if her mind was playing tricks. ''Do you smell that?''

Nassandra looked at her inquisitively. ''Smell what?''

''It's...it's like...'' Ailith stumbled over her words, disbelieving her senses. ''Honeyed meat.''

Levana gulped and groaned. ''We're going insane. This is the end.''

''Not yet,'' Turrock said, raising his chin and sniffing the air. ''I smell it too. What I fail to understand is how diamond-rough smelt it first? A Majan's sense of smell is twice that of a human's.''

''It was one of my favourite meals,'' Ailith chirped, feeling warmth return to her soul as she took another long whiff. ''It even smells exactly how...''

Her breath hitched.

''Wait here!'' She ordered before bolting forward into the trees, following her nose and ignoring the confused calls from her group.

She followed the delightfully scented trail, hopping over curled branches that lay on the ground and charging through thick shrubs. Small insects and critters scattered, trying to move out of Ailith's way. At a certain point, the critters darted in the opposite direction, catching her off guard. Looking up, she saw a tree in front of her move. The ground shook beneath her, rumbling loudly as she screeched to a halt.

Once she stopped, she realised that it wasn't a tree that was moving...it was the leg of a gargantuan creature.

It slowly trudged forward on four legs. Bigger than her parent's inn, even without the thick shell atop its back. Wood, stone, leaves and vines decorated its rough grey skin. Its long neck helped it to reach up and chomp on the branches of trees too tall for most other creatures in the forest. The beak-like mouth tore through the bark with ease. Yet, Ailith didn't feel threatened at all.

Ailith could only stand and stare in wonder as the animal came more into view. Her eyes scanned the tortoise, marvelling at its size until she spotted something quite out of place. On its back appeared to be a small cabin, strung up haphazardly. Wooden walkways circled the shell. An array of bottles, scrolls and maps hang from the wires used to keep everything together. A ladder hung from the side, almost reaching the ground. The makeshift cabin creaked every time the tortoise took another slow, methodical step forward.

Behind the creature's booming steps, Ailith could hear muffled voices coming from the other side. Careful not to become paste under the animal's foot, Ailith dashed around it from behind. Not only did the voices become clearer, but also the smell was now strong enough for her to recognise.

''You're just scaring the beast off with that!'' A voice heckled. ''It's not interested.''

Running around one of its back legs, Ailith could finally see three people arguing amongst themselves while one was holding a juicy meat slab.

''It needs vegetation to go with the meat. Once it's finished with the trees, it'll want this and we can lead it back to the others.''

Ailith's smile became wider than she ever thought possible. The man holding the slab of meat, trying to coax the tortoise to follow him, still looked as he did on the day they said goodbye.

''Bonamy!'' She cried out.

He, along with the other two camp travellers, froze and glanced at each other bewilderedly. ''Am I going crazy, or did that sound like-''

Bonamy couldn't finish his sentence as Ailith crashed into him like an arrow, sweeping him off his feet and spinning him around until they were a blur. ''I can't believe it! I didn't know if I'd ever see you again! I've missed you so much!''

''And I've missed your bone-crushing hugs.'' Bonamy squeaked, patting Ailith's back.

The two travellers accompanying Bonamy laughed and cheered, tackling Ailith to the ground, hugging her tightly as they exchanged frantic, incoherent words with each other. All the while, Bonamy lay at the bottom of the pile, not sure whether he was crying out of happiness or pain.

When they eventually let go of each other, Bonamy was blue in the face. Helped to his feet, he panted heavily and tried to dust himself and the meat clean. His wide eyes bore into Ailith, studying her. He poked her arm a few times to feel her strong muscles underneath. ''You're not a mirage this time. It's really you.''

''It's me. I'm here!''

''You're here!'' He shouted excitedly. Then, his smile vanished and his face became panicked. ''You're here? What are you doing here?''

''Hold on, you need to tell me why the three of you are trying to lure a Silverback Mameth Tortoise with honeyed meat.''

One of Bonamy's companions answered. ''Trying to get the beastie back to camp. This particular one is quite stubborn.''

Ailith gasped. ''The rest of the camp is here too? In Mameth Forest?''

Bonamy frowned. ''I don't know if you've heard, but there's been some kind of conflict going along the borders of Arsalan.''

''Yeah, I've heard.''

They were startled as Kuval and the others burst through the trees beside them. Coming through with their respective weapons ready, and with Cadere still imprisoned by Kuval's hand, this motivated the two travellers drew their swords while Bonamy shielded himself with the slab of meat.

''Wait, wait, it's okay!'' Ailith yelled, coming between the two groups. She was practically bouncing with excitement as she ran to Nassandra. ''These are my friends from camp. The one I told you about.''

Nassandra lowered her arrow. ''Your camp is here?''

Nodding enthusiastically, Ailith turned to face Bonamy. ''Guys, this is Princess Nassan-'' she wheezed as she felt Emlyn jab her in the back with the hilt of her sword. ''I mean, Cassandra.''

''Princess?'' they sputtered in unison dropping whatever they were holding to the ground.

''I'll explain everything on the way back to camp.''

~X~

It was a stark contrast to watch the giant tortoise slowly chase after the meat they carried, and then watch Ailith frenziedly recount to Bonamy everything that had happened since she left the camp weeks ago.

They marched through the trees until they happened upon a flat stretch of land filled to the brim with other Silverbacks and the rest of Ailith's camp. Much like the one who went for a stroll, the other Silverbacks had small cabins and tents resting on their shells, tied together to keep them from falling. Although, it wasn't encouraging to see a few of them swaying after every step, and some of the ladders missing a few steps.

A crowd began to form around Ailith, welcoming her. She didn't hesitate to try and introduce everyone within her reach to her new friends, even as Bonamy was still telling his own story to them.

''No one can get in or out of Arsalan. The border has been completely overtaken.'' He said. ''Anyone who tries to enter by force is slain. We had to move change course so that we didn't get caught in the fighting.''

Ailith scowled. ''But, what idiot said it would be better to hide in Mameth Forest?''

Something hard crashed on top of her head, causing her to crumble to the ground and cup her skull to stop a bump from forming.

''Your not even back for thirty seconds and you're already insulting me!'' Thwack screeched at the top of their lungs, towering over Ailith and sneering at her. ''You should have never come back, you half-pint muscle head.''

While the other campers laughed their heads off, Nassandra and the others from Arsalan weren't sure what to make of all of this. Their eyes were everywhere, trying to absorb everything happening around them. The Princess moved closer to Bonamy. ''Is this normal?''

''Don't worry, Your Highness.'' Bonamy bowed as low as he could. ''This happens all the time.''

Turrock smirked. ''That would explain why her mind works the way it does.''

However, the laughter died down when Ailith didn't get back up. She was still kneeling on the ground, covering her head and hiding her face. Sniffling could be heard from her. Even Thwack appeared unsure of what was wrong. Silence rolled over the camp, and it soon became apparent Ailith was crying.

She lifted her head to look at Thwack with tears running down her cheeks, and an infectious smile. ''I'm so happy to see you!''

Thwack's eyes widened. Their mouth opened and shut repeatedly. After only able to battle a few nonsensical words, they scoffed at her and turned away. ''I want these Silverbacks on the move five minutes ago. Do I make myself clear?''

''Is it safe to ride these?'' Levana called out, glancing over to one Silverback that trampled over a thick root that sprouted out from the ground, crushing it into dust.

Ailith rose to her feet. ''Silverbacks don't hunt, and they don't pay attention to smaller creatures. As long as we're not a threat to them, we'd be like birds perched on their backs. Plus, they always move in herds, so even some of the bigger predators will hesitate to attack.''

Kuval smiled. ''That's quite an ingenious idea.''

Then came a sound that was a rarity, Thwack giggling. ''Oh, thank you. I thought of it myself.''

A random traveller raised their hand. ''Actually, it was my-'' they were silenced by Thwack hitting the travelling on the head.

''Thwack,'' Bonamy approached. ''Ailith and her friends need to reach Fylian.''

''Fylian?'' Thwack shrieked, leaning over Bonamy. ''That's on the other side of the forest! No, we're staying with my plan. We're going to wait for the conflict to die down, then make a break for it.''

''From what Ailith has said, the conflict might not die down.''

Thwack stomped their foot on the ground hard enough to bury it. ''The Silverbacks won't travel that far, even with our food to guide them. We're not going.''

Ailith gritted her teeth. Words that she knew were inappropriate to say in front of a world leader edged up her throat. Before she could say anything, someone walked out from the crowd to challenge Thwack.

Breathing deeply, Nassandra gazed up at the Krilleg, holding her hands together to stop them from shaking. ''Please, we're in desperate need of your help. With all of us together, we stand a better chance of traversing this forest. If you will just-''

Thwack's leg hit the top of Nassandra's head...hard.

A collective gasp rang across the camp. Bonamy almost ripped his hair from his scalp. ''I think I'm going to have a heart attack.''

''Thwack, you can't do that!'' Ailith cried out, hoping she would be able to stop her Arsalan comrades from cutting Thwack's legs off.

''I don't know who you think you are, but this is my camp. My word is law.''

Nassandra was more shocked than hurt. Outside of those with the intent to kill, no one had ever struck her like that before. Her father never physically disciplined her, and Bricen only ever used words to hurt her. She felt her head throbbing, dulling all her other thoughts and senses. She quickly rose to her feet. ''My father is the King of Arsalan, and he is in grave peril. I have to save him, even if it means journeying across this forest...''

''Wait, did you say your father was the King?''

''Aye.'' Nassandra nodded.

''That would make you a Princess, right?''

''Aye.''

''So...you must be rich?'' Thwack asked with a twinkle in their eye.

Nassandra hesitated. ''Yes?''

Thwack stretched as high as they could to address everyone. ''We're going to Fylian.''

Taking a moment to catch up with their camp leader's switch in mood, the rest of the camp soon started rushing into position, readying the Silverbacks to leave. Many began to climb the ladders, ascending to the top of the shells and running along the walkways. With a flip of some switches, hooks of meat were threaded along the ropes until they hung over the front of the Silverback's shells.

Their noses lifted. Breath could be seen coming out of their enlarged snots. Drivers would be on hand to pull the on the rope, adjusting the position of the meat to guide the Silverbacks in the direction they wished to go. Dirt was lifted under their thunderous footsteps. Even the trees couldn't stop them as they walked right through them, pushing them down and walking over their fallen remains. Smaller animals were quick to evade their march.

Nassandra found her smile again. She turned back to Thwack. ''Do you also have anyone that can assist with my friend?''

She pointed behind her to Fethawi.

Thwack's brow arched. ''A Drasa? Sure, we've got someone that can help. Sort yourselves out a home on one of the Silverbacks near the rear and we'll get everything sorted.''

''Thank you. I don't know how I can repay you.''

''We'll talk business later.'' Thwack winked.

Before the Princess could question Thwack's motives, Ailith grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side so that she could regroup with the others. At the same time, Levana and Turrock helped Fethawi to where Thwack was signalling. The Drasa turned to Nassandra. ''Are you in need of any medical assistance, Your Highness.''

''No, I am fine,'' Nassandra assured him. ''We're going to have you fixed. We can worry about me afterwards.''

''Very well,'' Fethawi replied before being carried away.

Behind them, another traveller approached. She stared at them and then at the encased Cadere, still being held by Kuval, more like an accessory than a prisoner at this point. ''We have somewhere we can hold him.''

''Lead the way,'' Kuval said. Before leaving, he turned to Nassandra and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. ''You did well. You should be proud.''

Nassandra nodded. ''I think I am.''

Staring around at the advancing herd, Kuval nodded. ''Let's hurry. They will not wait for us.''

As Kuval and Emlyn departed to make sure that Cadere was properly secured on their travels, Ailith and Nassandra were ready to make their way towards one of the Silverbacks. While their size was frightening, their slow movements meant it wouldn't be any trouble for them to latch themselves onto one of the ladders fastened to them.

''Ailith?'' Bonamy called out, catching up to Ailith before she could jump onto one of the moving ladders. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out and handed Ailith a sealed letter. ''I thought you might want this. A day after you left, a letter from your parents came to the camp. I've been holding onto it for you.''

''Thank you,'' Ailith said, accepting the letter. She wouldn't let Bonamy get away without another crushing hug. He grunted, but happily returned the gesture.

Another step forward from the Silverback meant that the ladder was now right next to them. Parting ways from Bonamy, Ailith grabbed Nassandra. The Princess trusted her to get them onto the ladder. It wasn't much of a leap to grab the steps, though the climb upwards was a troublesome one at first. They shook whenever the giant animal's foot pressed into the ground. Before long, they reached the top of the walkway joined to the shell.

Nassandra stared over the edge, awestruck as she watched the herd move with everyone working to keep things organised and fixed on each shell.

Ailith tore open her letter, surprised to see that there were two parts to it. One item made her stomach turn. It was a pamphlet for the tournament of magic she entered not so long ago. Another was the letter from her parents, written in finer ink that what they had at the inn, and neatly cursive with her mother's signature handwriting.

'Dear Ailith,

We hope that this letter finds you well?

We know that it hasn't been long since our last letter to you, but we thought we'd bring you interesting news. There will be a tournament held in Arsalan, within the castle of the royal family. I fear I will be forgetful of the details, so I have sent the pamphlet with this letter to show you.

The moment we heard of this tournament, we knew that we should inform you immediately.

We worry about you. We hate to think of you in danger. But, we would never want to keep you away from anything that makes you happy. You probably know that we haven't thought of Knights the same way you do. But, we know in your heart you wish to become a Knight. Perhaps, your pure heart is exactly what the Knights need. We like to think that.

As always, we wish you safe travels. Whether you're with us, or on the other side of the world, you are in our hearts forever.

Mama and Papa.'

Ailith clutched the letter to her chest and closed her eyes. ''I hope they're okay.''

Her eyes snapped open when she felt a hand gently hold hers. She turned to see Nassandra staring at her hopefully. ''I know they are.''

After last night, things for them seemed bleak. Now, as they rode the Silverbacks deeper into Mameth Forest, they felt ready for any challenge thrown their way.

A/N: Hello guys, girls and everyone else. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I've been waiting so long to write this one as it is the return of Bonamy and the camp. Were you happy to see them return? How do you think the rest of the journey will go? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you all so much for your patience and support. Take care.