Chapter Forty-Eight - A New Plan

Forever seemed to have passed for the group as they followed Turrock to an open cavern. Nestled between two overgrown and barbed bushes, it was hidden from their sight until the Majan dug his heels into the ground to halt and gesture for them to move inside.

With Demeka and Sinley's help, Nassandra was the first to enter the underground entrance. Even the most slender among the group had difficulty squeezing through the opening. One-by-one, they disappeared into the void until it was only Turrock and Ailith left outside. The warrior looked over her shoulder. Kardas was nowhere to be seen, yet, she could still feel his aura. Her arms were still throbbing.

She turned and grinned at Turrock. ''Looks like I owe you one.''

Turrock smirked. ''I would consider us even, but the night is still young. There may still be more daring rescues yet to come.''

With that, Ailith crawled into the cavity. Turrock wasn't far behind, grabbing parts of the thorn bush and moving it until the entrance was partially covered. They strode quickly through the dark tunnel. The underpass was lively with the warm glow of fluttering fireflies and sound of water trickling down the walls. Guided through every twist and turn, they finally came open the vast where the rest of the gang stood waiting and Duron sat upon his throne. Those unfamiliar with the large Majan stopped to stare at his unusual posture, particularly the chains shackled around his wrists and ankles.

Duron leaned back in his throne. ''I welcome you all. Old and new.''

The group was hesitant to respond. The shock and confusion of what had transpired above ground still overwhelmed them. Standing in a cave surrounded by dozens of gangsters made it difficult to judge if their situation had improved or not.

During the silence, Ailith's eyes wandered until she spotted Turrock walking over to Duron's throne. Her gaze drifted downward, noticing the bandage wrapped around the gangster's right hand. Her thoughts turned to the past, remembering both the gangster's cry of pain and the shriek of the Ayek that crushed his hand and would have claimed his life if not for her actions.

She glanced back up to see that Duron was looking at her with a knowing expression. ''I told you, saving my son is not something I will forget.''

Ailith smiled and bowed her head. ''Thank you.''

With uneasy introductions set aside, Duron was fascinated to hear the story of what was happening in the Kingdom from Ailith and Emlyn. Between the women's explanations, Cadere stood close by to fill in the gasp where they couldn't. Whenever he was speaking, the Marshal's steely eyes would lock on Nassandra, making sure that the Princess was never out of his sight.

Nassandra's eyes sank to the floor. Fethawi floated next to her, always watching how she breathed. ''May I get you something to drink, Your Highness?'' he asked.

''No, thank you,'' she replied, licking her dry lips.

Nassandra flinched when she felt someone brush a loose strand of hair from her face. She found Demeka's soft eyes. Sinley shuffled closer to his wife. The two parents offered silent support for the young woman. While their eyes couldn't mask their concern, there was a slight spark of warmth that helped Nassandra find her smile.

However, her smile faltered when she heard Levana's yelp. The trainee sat across from her, writing in pain as a Majan tended to the wound across her shoulder, stitching it and wiping away the blood that dripped down Levana's brown skin.

Guilt carved into Nassandra's stomach like a knife. She swallowed hard. ''I'm...I'm so sorry.''

Levana gritted her teeth to stop another howl of pain from escaping her. She arched her brow at the Princess. ''For what?''

''I froze. I...I c-could have helped. I just...I just...I don't know.'' Nassandra stumbled, feeling her chest rise and fall at a growing rate.

Levana felt a lump at the back of her throat. ''I should be apologising. It's my duty as a Knight to protect you. I embarrassed myself.''

Demeka moved quickly between them, placing a firm hand on each of their shoulders, silencing them immediately. ''Stop it! I don't want either of you to blame each other. Feeling sorry won't help anyone. We're all alive. That's the important thing. Right?''

The strength conveyed in the woman's voice somehow stalled Nassandra's heart, stopping it from beating out of her chest. The darkening spiral inside of her mind cleared, allowing her to see the path ahead. She knew that Demeka was right. They were still alive. They still had a chance to rescue her father and save her kingdom.

''Right,'' Nassandra said.

''Right.'' Levana nodded, then screeched as the healer continued their work on her shoulder. Her cry was loud enough to attract the attention of everyone in the cave, including those still detailing the story of the attack on the kingdom to Duron. ''Sorry.''

Ignoring the trainee's sheepish apology, Emlyn crossed her arms over her chest. ''I was powerless against Kardas.''

''He caught us off guard,'' Ailith said. ''We'll be ready next time.''

Duron scoffed amusedly. ''If your strategy is to fight Kardas Valkoinen sword for sword, all hope is lost. He is a master of Spathísorman.''

Ailith's brow creased at the unfamiliar term. She looked to Cadere for help, but the Marshal seemed more interested in Emlyn's reaction, and it soon became apparent why. The swordswoman's clenched fist rested against her lips as if to stop an obscenity from slipping past her lips. Ailith saw rage threatening to break through Emlyn's usually distant eyes.

''Sword manipulation,'' Emlyn growled.

Duron drummed his fingers against the arms of his throne. ''Your family may have studied the way of the sword, but that's nothing compared to the second nature of one's magical ability. Miss Baldur, you have faced a man who can outmatch you no matter how skilled you are.''

Without warning, Emlyn punched the wall so hard her fist marked the stone.

Turrock cleared his throat. ''We'd appreciate it if you didn't damage our home, thank you.''

Ailith sighed through her nose. She couldn't blame Emlyn for her reaction. With how skilled the swordswoman was she couldn't have come across many who could best her in a fight so easily.

Wanting to get the subject back on track, the warrior turned to Duron. ''Do you know if this is happening everywhere?''

''Across the Kingdom,'' he nodded. ''We've witnessed Knights set a curfew, keeping the citizens under control as they patrol the streets. Those bordered along the outskirts are preventing anyone from escaping the country. Some even say they have seen Knights fighting amongst themselves.''

''The White Sword is behind it all. The assassination. The unrest. Everything. It's all them, and Kardas has been leading the charge.''

''A man who was once a Knight,'' Duron stroked one of his long, twisted tusks. Once he had Ailith's undivided attention, he continued. ''It may not be a question you want to ask, but it needs to be. How could The White Sword have permeated themselves so deeply into the Knight's roots without their notice? At this point, I dare say the Knights and the White Sword are one and the same.''

''But, there are Knights fighting back!'' Ailith snapped before gesturing to her friends. ''Look at Levana! Look at Cadere and Emlyn! How can they be the same if they're still fighting back, along with everyone other Knight trying to protect their home?''

Adjusting the sleeves on his jacket, Turrock stepped forward before things got too heated. ''What Father is suggesting is more than who in your eyes is good and evil. The White Sword has been shadowing the castle for a while. In that time, certain behind-the-scenes actions could be taken to ensure the right people are knighted to make infiltration easier when the time was right.''

Ailith felt her neck burn. She couldn't bring herself to see the image of the Knights tainted. ''But, if they were doing this for so long, someone would have discovered them at some point.''

''Who would dare attack the noble and brave Knights and hope to come out a hero? Would you have stood for someone making such accusations?'' Turrock challenged.

The voices of all those throughout Ailith's life who had declared antagonism towards the Knight choked the warrior's fire. She could still picture their faces vividly in her mind. All she wanted was to prove them wrong, that the Knights were heroes and that she could be one of them. She never stood for anyone mocking their name. Her shoulders slumped and her eyes were cast downward to the floor.

It hurt Nassandra to see the pained look across Ailith's face. She could see the shattered dreams fall from her friend's slouched body with every breath. A chill crawled along the Princess's skin thanks to a breeze from one of the tunnels. Looking down the dark passageway, wondering how far it went, lightning struck in the back of her mind.

''The passageways!'' She sprung to her feet, snatching everyone's attention. She didn't care if all eyes were on her as she looked to Ailith. ''The ones we used to leave the castle. My father might have escaped through them.''

Cadere tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. ''Could he really evade the White Sword with these passageways?''

''Yes. They're like the tunnels under the Kingdom. As this is its own world, the passageways are essentially another castle. We explored them and created a safe space if ever an emergency was to occur. He would be there, waiting for help. The White Sword won't know as we never even spoke of them to the Knights.''

The renewed hope and passion Nassandra displayed lifted the group's spirits. Except for one.

''What if we're caught?'' Emlyn questioned. ''Ignoring Kardas, which is already unwise, there is an army in our path. Because of Slater, we know that even ranked Knights are corrupted. We may be all that's left.''

Silence fell on the group once again. The cold tone from the swordswoman might not have been welcome, but it was unquestionable. As strong as they were, even unified, they would be no match for the full force of the White Sword.

Nassandra fidgeted and cupped her hands together. Afraid that she had raised their hopes for nothing, she looked away. She froze as she saw a map of Arkhia hanging on the wall. Knives marked specific points around the continent. A large section of green sat between Arsalan and their neighbouring country of Fylian.

Another idea rooted itself in Nassandra's mind, and she returned her gaze to the group. ''Together, as we are, is not enough. B-b-but...if we had help from the outside, it could turn the tide.''

''Where would you find help like that?'' Duron inquired.

''My father was going to send word to the Baroness of Fylian asking for the aid of the National Guard. If we contact her and got word to the other world leaders, they could assist our cause.''

By the end of her speech, Nassandra was breathless. Slowly, the nauseating sensation of doubt threatened to creep into her being the longer the silence dragged. Everyone shared anxious looks with each other.

''I think it'll work!'' Ailith spoke up.

Nassandra stared at the warrior in shock. Ailith beamed in her direction before turning to Turrock, missing the Princess's slowly growing smile.

Ailith tapped her ear a few times at the gangster. ''You wouldn't happen to have an Earpiece thing to call the Fylian Baroness, would you?''

''Considering our unorthodox occupation, holding ties with one of the world leaders isn't a beneficial policy.''

''You could have just said no.'' Ailith frowned. She glanced over at the map, setting her eyes over the path leading to what may their only allies left. ''Then we go to Fylian.''

''There's plenty to admire about your resolve, diamond-rough.'' Turrock walked to the map and pointed to the green section between the two countries. ''You would have to traverse Mameth Forest. Spanning almost half the continent, it's one of the most hostile environments in the world. Even the most experienced warriors rarely come out in one piece. If the stars smile on you, it will still take weeks to make it to Fylian. By that time, the King could already be dead. A fate you might all share.''

''Which is why you will aid them in their quest, my son,'' Duron said with a controlled, booming voice.

''Father?'' Turrock questioned, surprised as everyone else by the sudden declaration.

''You have knowledge of the forest...''

''Limited knowledge, admittedly.''

''This is your Mightross now. No family should be kept separate, no matter the sins etched in their soul.'' His eyes found Nassandra, staring at her with such intensity that the Princess was forced to look away. He turned to Turrock and continued. ''Earn this...and your life will be spoken of with more greatness than mine ever will be.''

Turrock no longer showed hesitation as he bowed elegantly. ''It shall be done, Father.''

Putting extra force in his step, Cadere took centre stage. ''I understand emotions are running high. Let's take a moment to think rationally. If we die before we make it to Fylian, there will be no one to help the King.''

''We're no help to him hiding underground.'' Nassandra interrupted. Clutching the fabric of her dress tightly, she eyed the map one more time. ''We go through Mameth Forest.''

~X~

Barely an hour had passed when the group was almost ready to depart. Time was of the essence, so rest was a luxury they couldn't afford. Their time had been spent getting prepared for the dangers they would inevitably face crossing Mameth Forest.

Thanks to Duron's sons and daughters, they had a steady supply of weapons and equipment to choose from. Although, the gangsters were in no rush to explain where and how they acquired their armoury.

Cadere and Emlyn refused to shed their armour, whether it was because of distrust towards Duron's gang, or their loyalty to their symbol was uncertain. By now, the crest displayed on Emlyn's attire was scarred and dirtied. The Marshal collected a study broadsword without a second thought. However, Emlyn's hand continually and tentatively glided over the collection of blades. Her eyes flickered for a moment. She finally retrieved a bronze Jian from the pile. The double-edged bladed glinted under the light from the torches, revealing small marks etched on the metal, speaking its history towards the swordswoman.

Next to her, Levana inspected one sword after the other. With her torn shoulder plate and ripped shield, a change in equipment was a necessity for her. Her new armour fit her snugly. The upper arms were protected by squared braces, which sat perfectly under the shoulder plates. The breastplate was made from a couple of layers of crafted leather, mimicking dragon scales. The trainee was thankful to be sheltered from the neck down.

''Right,'' she murmured to herself. ''I need something that will go well with a shield. Something that won't tip me over like my last sword.''

She saw a swift movement to her left and turned just in time to see Emlyn toss a short sword in her direction. Levana panicked and fumbled before grabbing the sword, thankful that it was still sheathed.

''One-handed Karisa Short Model,'' Emlyn said. ''Ideal for your fighting style.''

''It is?'' Levana gasped. ''I've been using long and broadswords this whole time! Why did no one tell me?''

''It's something you should have figured out yourself.'' The white-haired swordswoman replied, attaching her Jian to her belt before walking off.

Levana bit her tongue and hid a groan that climbed up her throat. She hugged her new sword tightly.

''The face is longer than your weapon.'' Turrock's voice emerged from behind her.

Levana scowled. ''If you don't have anything insightful to say to me, you-,'' she turned to the Majan, only to see that he had thrown a small object in her direction.

Luckily, she could catch it with one hand. Turning her hand and inspecting it, she was puzzled to see a circular item clipped to a metal strap. The material felt cold and smooth in her palm. She was also surprised by the weightlessness of the object. Staring at the blank material for a short while, she furrowed her brow at Turrock.

He held back a chuckle. ''You might prove more effective in a fight if you weren't dropping your weapons. Strap it on your wrist. Preferably, the one you use to hold your shield.''

Too baffled to argue back, Levana followed Turrock's direction, tightening the strap over her right wrist and with the bulbous portion of the object facing outwards.

''Now, will it to open,'' Turrock instructed.

''Open?''

With a heavy clang, a spiral of metal erupted from the device until it formed a large shield. Levana yelped and, under the new weight, collapsed on her back. The shield clattered on top of her, covering almost the entire upper half of her body. Almost as quickly as it appeared, once Levana wished for it to disappear, it folded itself inwards and returned to its former, innocent appearance.

''At least you didn't drop it.'' Turrock knelt down next to the staggered trainee with an amused glint in his eye. ''The Pryor Shield. You won't find anything like that unless you travel to the sky continent of Sorasama.''

''And you're trusting it with me?'' Levana questioned breathlessly.

''I like to take risks.'' Turrock shrugged.

A short distance away, Nassandra had finished filling her quiver with numerous arrows. Their feather tails were painted in an array of different colours, each marking a different ability and attack the arrow processed. She hoped that she would never have to use them, especially after learning that some of the gangsters didn't even know what a few of the arrows she was carrying were capable of.

Gulping loudly, she adjusted the quiver over her shoulder and straightened her new clothing. A durable jacket that allowed for plenty of movement if needed, while protected by a thin layer of thick hid and leather along her arms and down her legs. The last piece to her attire was a sturdy bow made from Drasian Timber. She smiled slightly, knowing it would be strong enough to withstand a great amount of damage.

Always by her side, Fethawi's watchful eye observed the bow, no doubt noting the wood used for the weapon was the very same that he had been made from.

Nassandra turned to her companion. ''Fethawi, this will be dangerous. I don't know if you should come.''

''I have accessed the situation and found that it would be best if I were to accompany you. I have noticed you have exhibited a great amount of stress in the past few hours.''

Humming in agreement, Nassandra stopped herself from throwing a sarcastic comment. ''I...I don't want you to get hurt because of me.''

''I cannot be hurt, Your Highness.'' He stated.

''That doesn't mean...'' she stopped herself, realising the futility of arguing with him. ''Just...if anything happens, try to stay out of the way as much as possible.''

Fethawi blinked before tilting his head slightly. ''As you command, Your Highness. I shall only come to you if you feel another attack.''

Nassandra clenched her fist and shook her head. ''I'm not going to let that happen. There's too much at stake. I'm going to keep my emotions shackled until my father is saved.''

''That is not a helpful way of dealing with your anxiety.''

She was quiet after that. Keeping her mouth closed and breathing through her nose, she opted to look elsewhere and focus on something else to try and ease her mind, if even for a fraction.

Her wandering gaze soon found Ailith with her parents. The warrior's arms were wrapped around them while they hid their faces in her strong shoulders. Their hold was unbreakable.

''I can't leave you here,'' Ailith whispered in their ear.

''We know,'' her father choked. ''But we'd only hold you all back.''

Ailith felt her mother sob lightly against her. ''We're the ones who should be worried about you. All those stories about Mameth Forest? If you...'' she couldn't finish that sentence, so quickly moved on. ''Ailith, I know we can't change your mind, but please, be safe.''

''I will,'' Ailith said, finding the strength to finally pull away. The family could each see the red in the other's eyes. ''What will you do? The Kingdom isn't safe.''

Demeka flashed a reassuring smile. ''The White Sword have no reason to come after us. We will be safe as long as we stay out of trouble.''

''I can do that for the both of us,'' Sinley said.

Ailith smiled and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. She felt her chin being pinched and became lost within her mother's mystic eyes. ''She needs you.''

Turning to where her mother was looking, Ailith glanced over her shoulder and saw Nassandra watching them. The Princess flinched realising she had been caught and looked away to hide the blush creeping on her cheeks.

With little more to say and everyone ready, it was time to depart.

Turrock gave a few heartfelt farewells to his many brothers and sisters, though his confidence swagger never faltered. He eventually led the way for the group. As they journeyed down the dark path ahead of them, Duron closed his eyes and leaned back against his throne.

Under his breath, he recited a song. Though his voice was softer than a whisper, it carried itself through the tunnels and journeyed with the group. They sensed something was with them. Not guiding them, but accompanying them.

''Many paths take many forms,

Dangers and perils come like thunderstorms.

The journey that is life holds no mercy,

It tempts us with promises and ecstasy.

Cast blindness on those that seek more,

Until doubt and fear become war.

Many paths take many shapes,

Our hearts yearn to cross the landscapes.

In the destination we find solace,

Bask in the glory that befalls us.

But, the adventure will never end,

For those who wish to ascend.''

Ailith stalled in her stride. She looked over her shoulder, staring down the seemingly endless darkness they walked through. The wind whispered to her, encouraging her to go on. And so, she did.

Her body chilled thanks to a cold gust that seemed to grow the further they ventured. Looking ahead, she saw a thin ray of light in the distance, signalling the end of the first stage of their journey. Turrock grabbed a large piece of wood jutting out from the wall and pulled. The earth above them opened up. Stepping outside, they could breathe once again. Ailith felt a tug in her heart as she looked behind. The Kingdom was now nothing more than a distant backdrop. Turning back, she froze at the sight.

Tall, primal trees stretched high above them, more resembling a fortress than the entrance to a forest. Their thick branches were twisted and elongated. Tangled together, they swayed in the wind, causing dark leaves to rain down on the ground.

Ailith and Nassandra shared an apprehensive look. ''Now comes the hard part.'' The Princess whispered.

A/N: I apologise for the delay with this chapter and also the length. It went on longer than expected, but I wanted to give each character a moment before they departed. Do you think the group will make it through Mameth Forest? And if they do, will all of them come out alive? Let me know what you think and your overall thoughts on this chapter. Thank you all so much for your support. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the adventure. Take care.