Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!
They fell at the feet of their leader—Hilal, fatigued from the distance and pace at which they ran.
"There are...men...hor–" one of them gasped as trees rustled above.
"Take your time. Please bring water for them to drink." Halil commanded, gesturing at one of the maidens.
After they had calmed down a bit, Hilal asked them to relay their message.
One of the men—Deran—said, "While we were scouting, we saw armed men on horseback heading this way."
The eyes of the other members who overheard the news widened. Then began bickering amongst themselves.
Hilal noticed how one of the strangers looked away, and he asked, "They're coming here for you people, aren't they?"
The two strangers exchanged glances.
"Yes... We're sorry for not telling you the truth earlier we thought we had lost them, but please help us. Our lives are in danger." One of them replied, bowing.
Hilal proceeded with hiding the strangers and ordering everyone to act as normal as possible, but to still be on high alert in case the enemy decides to strike.
Click! Clack!
As the steps of the horses drew nearer, so did the tension in the encampment increase.
***
Two days ago, the horsemen—guards of the empire of Qwelqia—were taxed to capture the "traitors" of the empire. It was an order issued by the King—Melzar Qwelqia, but in actuality, it was influenced by his wife, Morrie. Some of the Aristocrats who had been branded "traitors" caught wind of the King's decree before it was formally issued and began fleeing for their lives before the search started. The guards tore through every nuke and crany of the empire. No stone was left unturned. Some of the peasants were affected due to the harsh nature of the search. Their goods, trampled by the guards while chasing after some nobles who tried to escape. After every successful capture or otherwise, The Knight Commander was obligated to report to King Melzar.
King Melzar was seated in the throne room with his wife, when suddenly the lightweight metal doors swang open.
The Knight commander—Pelas walked through and knelt down on ome knee. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, Your Highness."
"Oh, come on, no need for such formalities, Pelas. You've saved my life countless times at this point. We're practically friends.Do get up and relay your message."
"Okay, if his majesty wishes it. During our raid to capture the traitors. Some were able to escape. So—"
"Chase after them." Morrie interjected. "Why allow them to go freely? What if they form a rebellion and attack the empire? Huh! What then?"
Pelas ignored Morrie and turned to King Melzar. "What do you want us to do Your Highness?" He asked.
Morrie slowly grasped King Melzar's hands and nodded. "Chase after them. And if need be eliminate them." He commanded firmly.
***
"We'll be approaching the land of the lost gaurdians be on guard." Pelas instructed. They swiftly pushed the tree branches out of their path until they finally reached the encampment.
They got off their horses and started walking towards the center of the encampment while their hands were on the hilt of their sword.
"BY THE DECREE OF KING MELZAR WE ARE TO CAPTURE THE TRAITORS OF THE EMPIRE!" Pelas shouted.
The two strangers were overwhelmed with fear as Pelas continued.
"TWO OF THEM RAN TOWARDS THIS DIRECTION, IF ANY OF YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN THEM DO LET US KNOW. AND I HOPE... YOU'RE NOT HIDDING THEM!"
Hilal walked up to him and said, "You won't find them here. Please leave, do not cause anymore ruckus."
Pelas took a step back as if he was backing away and swiftly took a jab at Hillal—but Hilal didn't flinch. It was as if a pebble had hit him.
Pelas noticed the glares of the Red Men, then said
"You're fortunate this time. We will be back, and you won't get it this easy."
The steps of their horses clacking faded as they rode into the horizon.
"Bring the strangers," Hilal commanded. They slowly walked out of the tent further from Hilal.
***
"So that's where they were hiding." A spy of the empire uttered as he stood on a towering tree watching over the camp. A few seconds after the completion of his task, he returned to the empire.
***
"He referred to you two as traitors. Why is that?"
"Well–"
"Wait! Before that, tell us your names i can't keep referring to you two as strangers." Hilal interjected.
After they told Hilal their names—Roland, Sylvia—they explained to Hilal that they also had no idea why they were branded traitors of the empire and that it was all so sudden, the guards just began raiding the homes of the 'traitors' and arresting them. In extreme cases, for those who resisted arrest, they were slaughtered. If they had kids, their children were sent to work as servants for the empire.
Hilal, although he didn't completely believe what they said, allowed them to stay for as long as they wanted.
The events that would lead to the reawakening of a long lost legend were slowly unfolding before Eldwyn and the rulers of the world. As for the shadows, they began to crawl out of their darkness to play with the light they've been chasing for such a long time.