The World Of Sally

Chapter Eight (Part Two): Bad Things Happen Sometimes

Unlike the sunny day earlier, the sky turned gray and the sunlight disappeared after they entered the woods.

“Looks like it will rain soon,” Felix mumbled as he looked to the sky.

“We better hurry,” Athena said as she followed Helios closely. Ethan who was in the back remained silent and followed them as well. They arrived at a little town surrounded by a magic barrier. Imperial knights guarded the entrance of the town. Helios paused for a while before resuming to walk.

He remembered the letter that arrived from the imperial palace. It said that a crisis happened in the north and the king personally managed the north by sending his loyal knight and the captain of the imperial elite force, Captain Kenneth Locksworth. He didn’t remember much about that man but all he knows is he’s very loyal to the kingdom. If he was to encounter that man, he would rather take him by his side than to make him his enemy.

“Halt!” Helios stopped as the guards stopped them from entering. The knight who saw the crown prince startled and kneeled in terror. He knew the ill rumors that surrounded the crown prince. Despite the elegance and noble aura surrounding him, he’s a fierce, terror, and an impatient person. “I, I apologize, Your Majesty the crown prince.” The knight muttered in a hurry.

“If you knew, you better let us in.” He growled and continued walking. He stopped again when he saw a man in front of him. His platinum blond hair was brushed backward showing his forehead. His nose is high and his brown eyes were sharp. He wore silver armor and a red cape with the symbol of the kingdom embroidered with golden threads.

“Greetings to the future sun of the empire.”

“Capt. Locksworth, it’s nice to see you for a long time.” He said while his face remains stern. Despite his admirable traits, Helios chooses to be indifferent. He noticed the prince’s companions behind who were also looking at him.

“I apologize, Sire, but the king prohibited outsiders to enter the vicinity.” He stated.

“They are my company, captain.” He answered. Other than being hot-tempered, Helios values loyal people on his side. Capt. Locksworth stared at the prince. “Are you going to block our way too, captain?” He asked again.

“… I apologize, Your Highness. It’s wrong for me to block your path.” He apologized and slightly bowed down. A person abruptly appeared in front of the entrance as well. It’s Mr. Bolton who’s still wearing his white lab coat. He swept his hair backward and looked at them.

“Am I late?” He asked.

“Sir, you’re here?” Ethan asked approaching him.

“I received a personal request.” He answered remembering Sally’s face while pleading in front of him. He saw Capt. Locksworth in front of Helios and greeted the both of them. “It’s nice to see the both of you again, captain and your highness the crown prince.”

“Mr. Bolton, it’s nice to see you as well. May I ask why you are here?” The captain asked him. Mr. Bolton is also popular outside the institution as a genius in botany (a study of plants). Other than that, he’s also a clever person when it comes to magic and sorcery because if not, he will not be part of the best school in the kingdom.

“I came here to ask for the leaves of the silver tree which was under the elderly elf, Noris. That is also the reason why some of my students are here. I came to accompany them.” He replied.

“The leaves of the silver tree? Why?” He further inquired.

“I apologize, captain but it's confidential. I hope the captain respects my answer.”

They stared at each other. His eyes shifted to the prince who was gazing at him as well.

‘When was the last time I met the crown prince? It was when a war ignited between the Grandalia and the Yorian Kingdom. He was just a small child who can’t even speak properly, yet now…’ He sighed realizing that he can’t win the argument. ‘He’s a grown-up man now. I’m glad he became strong.’ A small smile formed his lips which Helios noticed.

“Alright. I’ll report this to the king and will include the crown prince’s presence as well.”

“I understand. Thank you, captain.” Helios said. Kenneth’s eyes slightly widen for a second. He never thought that the prince would thank him.

‘He’s also kind.’ He complimented.

“I’ll escort you to the elderly elf’s house.” Capt. Locksworth offered. They started walking towards Noris’ house.

“I am glad that I saw the prince. Perhaps this is a good day despite the crisis rising in this area.” Kenneth expressed with a small smile on his thin lips. The prince only stared at him. “You’re so small and fragile the last time I saw you. Now, you turned into someone that everyone can depend on.”

“I am not that capable. You flattered me, captain.” Helios answered.

“I can see it in your eyes, Sire.”

“In my eyes you say?” Kenneth glanced at him and replied.

“Those eyes are of a king and a hero who will protect everyone equally.”

Helios did not reply. He usually hears a lot of compliments from other people but hearing it from the most loyal knight in the kingdom made it quite a little different among the rest. They arrived at the place. 

The house was surrounded by different types of flowers and ivy plants that crawled in both the walls of the gate and the house. The gate opened and they entered. The door opened and an elderly man with pointed ears welcomed them. He had long white hair and his face had wrinkles but his eyes showed great wisdom, evidence that he’s a man who experienced a lot of things in life.

“Greetings to everyone. Welcome to my humble home.” He smiled and brought them to the drawing-room and served refreshments.

“I would like to be here longer but I still have work. Excuse me.” Kenneth exited himself from the room.

“Let’s all take a sit. Mr. Bolton, it’s been a while since we had tea together, you should visit me sometimes.” He laughed.

“I’ll think about that, Sir Noris. However, we are not here to drink tea.”

“Is it about the silver tree? That would be, hard.”

“Why?”

Mr. Noris  looked at them gravely. “Three days ago, the goblins managed to infiltrate the forest,  good thing that we managed to build magic barrier immediately. I highly recommend that you should not enter the forest for now.” He explained.

“I certainly can’t abide by your suggestion, Sir Noris. I need the leaves by any means. No goblins can stop me from obtaining it.” Helios said firmly. The old man’s eyes went to him. He asked,

“Your Highness, may I ask why do you want the leaves badly? Is there someone who needs it?”

He did not answer. He can’t imagine himself speechless to a simple question. Athena, who was looking at the crown prince, felt downcast.

‘Yeah, why, Helios?’ She asked as well in her mind while staring at the prince with gloomy eyes. She suddenly thought that if she’s in Sally’s condition, will the crown prince act like what she’s seeing right now? Perhaps, but the reason would be because she is the sister of Helios one and only friend. Because she’s in deep thought, she didn’t notice Ethan is staring at her.

“Sir Noris, we badly need the leaves due to, an important matter. I hope you’ll give us your consent.” Mr. Bolton asked. Mr. Noris stared at Helios whose eyes were apathetically looking back at him, yet he wasn’t deceived. Deep in those amber eyes, a fire was burning bright…

“The forest is extremely dangerous for goblins lurked in there. They are much more cunning in the dark and killed their enemies without mercy while women, they take them and force them to be the bearer of their children.” He informed them.

Their faces turned dark and pale, except for Mr. Bolton who was gravely staring at Mr. Noris.

“I understand, then I’ll be the one to go in there myself…”

“I’ll go as well.”

“Your Majesty!” Felix called to stop Helios. Athena stood up as well to oppose his decision but he ignored them and remain staring at the old elf in front of him. “I’ll go as well,” Felix said.

“Count me in.”

“Athena, I won’t let you,” Felix told Athena as he throws her a serious gaze.

“But brother!”

“This mission is dangerous and something might happen to you. You heard Mr. Noris.” Felix explained.

“Brother, I am aware of the danger. Please don’t think of me as a weak person.” She argued with him, feeling offended at what he thinks of her.

“Ms. Robia, pardon my rudeness but, your brother is right. This mission is extremely dangerous and he just wants you to be safe. Please consider.” Ethan agreed to Felix’s decision. Athena looked at him with her mouth gaping slightly.

“Ha! Even you, Mr. Lionel? I thought you knew me?” She muttered in disbelief. “No, I refuse. I’ll come with you! I…”

“Ms. Robia,” Helios called in a cold voice. Athena stopped talking and flinched at his call. “Don’t burden us.”

Athena’s eyes widen and shook terribly. Felix was about to speak but he knew that the prince wants Athena’s safety as well.

‘She’s stubborn sometimes.’ He sighed and shook his head a little. Athena’s blue eyes became teary as she gazed on the floor. She clenches her fists and bitterly feels her pride crumbling as well her heart.

“How can you say that, Your Highness? Do you think of me as a burden?” Tears flow down from her eyes and her lips trembled trying to control the sobs going out from her mouth. She can no longer stand in front of them, so she left the room. Helios sighed and brushed his hair in irk. Felix approached Helios.

“Don’t worry, Sire. I’ll explain your side to her.” He spoke gently.

“No need. There’s nothing to be discussed between us, Felix, and I don’t want to be misunderstood. It’s better to be like this.” Helios said.

Felix turned speechless and did not think of any words to talk back to the prince. Mr. Noris stood up with a firm expression on his face.

“Please follow me. I shall take you to the entrance of the forest.” He stated and turned his back from them.

“Excuse me but, how about my…”

“Don’t worry,” Ethan said to Felix, “I’ll take care of her.” Felix stared at him for a while before nodding.

“Thank you, Mr. Lionel.” He smiled at him.

“Excuse me. I’ll find her.” He said and followed Athena’s track. Felix watched him left the room before Mr. Bolton told them that they must leave as well.

---

Athena arrived at the garden of blue hydrangeas. In there she cried silently. How can they say those things to her when she just wants to help them?

‘Am I that weak?’ She asked herself feeling depressed. She saw all of them went out from the back door while Mr. Noris leads the way. She closed her lips tightly and with a determined look, she followed them secretly. She’ll prove to them that she’s a strong and capable person too. ‘Just watch.’ She thought.

They arrived in front of the gate with blue roses intertwined to the curve structure. It was surrounded by a strong barrier that can electrify an individual if he insists on entering the area.

“We’re here.” Mr. Noris mentioned in a serious tone. He turns to face them and handed them two magical golden lanterns that produce starlight. “This lamp is brighter than ordinary torches and it’ll not die down easily. Goblins are afraid of light and they become more alert so please be careful.” He said.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Noris. I won’t let my students get hurt.” Mr. Bolton reassured him.

“I know, Mr. Bolton. You are a capable professor of the Lavrielle Academy, but, bad things do happen sometimes.”

Mr. Bolton flinched. That’s the second time he heard that phrase today. He felt unease all of a sudden and unconsciously gripped the lantern tighter.

“Bad things happen if you think that it’ll happen,” Helios muttered and looked at the dark forest which was once pretty and bright. “You just have to believe in yourself and trust that this s**t will be finished soon.”

“The crown prince is right. Let’s not let fear cloud our minds and trust more on our abilities.” Felix agreed to Helios. Mr. Bolton took a deep breath and sighed.

“Let’s go and remember, we mustn’t fail.” He reminded everyone as the barrier weakened and they went out, but before the barrier returned, Athena managed to go out and Ethan saw her who, thankfully, managed to follow her.

“Lady Robia! What do you think you’re doing!?” Ethan called as his voice rises in anger and worry.

“I’m going with them, and you can’t stop me, Mr. Lionel.” She insisted and followed their track.

“Are you nuts? Goblins lurked in this area!”

“You can go back if you’re scared,” Athena said to him without glancing in his direction. Ethan sighed in frustration.

“You’re so stubborn. Fine. But I’m coming with you.” He answered and followed her. Athena smiled and was about to approach the prince and her brother when goblins suddenly appeared in front of them, surrounding them. “Oh, shit.” Ethan cursed as he grabs Athena and they started running in the other direction. The goblins chased them with spears and arrows throwing at them but Ethan managed to block it all with his lightning spells.

“Altos!” Ethan repeatedly said as lightning bolts attacked the goblins. Small explosions can be heard and they reached the prince’s and the others' ears. Felix knew what’s happening and cursed in anger.

“I’m going to them,” Felix suggested and was about to go in their direction when Mr. Bolton stopped him.

“No, don’t. It’s dangerous when you’re alone. Goblins are…”

Arrows flew directly towards them but Helios burned everything before it touched their bodies. His eyes glowed dreadfully and swords made of fire appeared in the air. It flew in all directions but it didn’t burn the forest.

“Mr. Bolton, Felix, you should head to them. I’ll take care of them.”

“I can’t do that, Your Highness. What if…” Helios cut Mr. Bolton’s words and told him sharply,

“I hate disobedient people.” His lips lifted into a creepy smile as his eyes glowed like embers in the dark. “Do you think of me as a weak person? I can burn everything whenever I like, Mr. Bolton.” He added. Another sword appeared in front of him. He slew the goblins running towards his direction swiftly. Blood splattered in his clothes and face making the goblins terrified.

“… I understand, Mr. Robia, accompany the crown prince.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Mr. Bolton left him the lantern. He gritted his teeth and turn his back away from them. He used the teleportation magic and landed safely near the area where the explosions happen. He’s certain that the traces of mana is from Ethan. He chanted a spell and a small ball of light appeared before him.

“Locate the owner of this mana.” He ordered to the ball of light. The light flew fast to a certain direction and he followed him. He was not a religious man but right at the moment, he prayed that his students will be safe until they go back to the academy. He kicked his tongue and muttered,

“Shitty things do happen…”

***