REDEMPTION

41. UNDERWORLD.

A body dropped on the ground as someone casually walked by. The person on the floor did not move neither did he seem to be breathing. The other simply walked out of the room not bothering to look back. The floor was bathed in red as it spread. Their eyes were wide open and he lays on his right hand. Light penetrated through the window as morning came. But, in this room, no one was there to welcome it.

After the incident with the demon race in the forest, Shawn made a mental note to fetch firewood from that day. Ralph always went out hunting and they both made sure Achlysa had little or no work you do at all. That night, Ralph felt completely useless. He was glad they both called back safe but he wished he had done more than just stayed there. He was going to prove he was worthy of the task somehow.

Shawn had been about to send a message to Bendra when one of his spies appeared. Only Achlysa had noticed them and headed into the bush to ‘relive’ herself. She made sure to convince him that she was safe. He immediately left to report back. By the time she called back, Shawn had already sent out a message. They spent one more night there while preparing and coming up with ways to keep themselves alive while they were in Underworld.

They set out for their journey in the morning and arrived there three days later. The gates to Underwood were splendid. An earth wall served as the boundary between the outside and the country. The gates were two black poles that stood on each side. A single red dragon wrapped itself around each pole. Atop them sat two golden gargoyles that watched as people entered. It was clear to any smart person that these were more than just great works of art.

Upon entry, one's race would be determined. And depending on who they were, they would either be let in or not. Those who walked in and were unwanted ended up somewhere, but no one had ever found out where they were taken. They were never killed, but for some reason, whenever they were asked what had happened, they would not talk. It was later confused that their memories had been swiped clean.

These three were still on horseback. There was a long line, awaiting entry. Each person got in one after the other. Unless, they came as a group. Only then, would they enter all at once. As they entered, the space between the two magnificent poles and the country became distorted. They awaited their turn but Achlysa knew that this would be problematic.

It was better for the Angel’s to be found out in this situation but not her. She was trigger, a race that was not accepted anywhere and everywhere. Achlysa had leaned on how to mask her race but the technique was nowhere near complete.

Plus, she could not turn back after beginning her journey. She masked her entity as much as she could and prayed that things would not go sideways. Ralph had noticed that she was tense. He approached her and gave her a pat on the back. She was struggled by this. He told her that everything would work out and if it didn’t, he would have her back.

This gave her more courage. She nodded and they proceeded to enter the gates to the foreign land. A land with excellent dark art and medical techniques. Shawn was at a disadvantage if a brawl broke out. He had been taught how to counter dark arts, but there was a limit to just how much he could handle. He saw Ralph waving at him from the corner of his eye.

When he turned to look at him, Ralph gave his brother two thumbs up. He sighed, shaking his head. It had been too long, he had forgotten what fear felt like. And the last time he was here, he was accompanying his father who had come to in acceptance to a royal invitation. This place was bound to bring memories but his sister's life was more important.

It was their turn. The steered the horses into the gates. Upon entry, the whole country shook. All the residents felt it, someone with great ability had passed through their gates. To lake matters worse, the poles that protected them cracked from the pressure of their entity. Whoever had come in had yo go back.

Soldiers appeared, weapon in hand as they got ready to attack. They came face to face with three travelers. They all had cloaks on. Their faces were covered. Two of them had cloaks with an elegant design which leant that these were not your everyday travelers. The head guard noticed this and lifted a fist into the air. The rest, lowered their weapons but still remained on guard.

He stepped forward.

“It’s been far too long.” As he said this, both his hands were over his chest. He di not bow but rather stared straight at the three. Upon hearing his words, the soldiers with spears struck the ground once while those with swords unsheathed them and struck them into the ground.

“State who you are and the nature of your visit.”

One of the horses came forward. The owner had a white cloak that matched the complexion of the horse. The attire beneath was slightly visible as well. Whoever it was had a blue cloth inside. As they stepped forward, the other two were tempted to follow but they were signaled to stand down.

“It's been far too long. Research on ‘Entity divisibility' in the Lonhowlled library.”

The soldiers were all perplexed. No one had expected such from a couple of visitors. Especially since one of them held such enormous entity power. The Lonhowlled library was one that the nobles as well as guardians who had ever existed in Underworld had collected and written. And the entity divisibility was one of the greatest works that had been yet to be proven. It was a thesis.

Many had come wanting to read and test it but no one had been able to go passed the first stage. Opening the book. It had been sealed by the writer. And it had since been said that the unworthy shall be eradiated by the will of the book.

“Hoooo… another one, huh. Better give up.” A female voice rang. The soldiers made a way for her and bowed. Shawn shifted. Ralph and Achlysa sensed it but they did not look at him. However, the zlessage was clear, this lady lust have been acquainted to him.

“Give up already. It’s pointless…”

“It's been far too long, Princess.” Shawn cut to the chase.

Her eyes widened. She recognized the voice. She must have been little then but she had never forgotten the sound of his voice. It had gotten deeper but it was still the same. It held the same gentleness it had before. The same kindness and sincerity.

“Shawn?”

The rider on the right came forward. He lifted his hand and removed his hood and revealed his face. The Princess' face softened. She smiled. The soldiers' jaws dropped on the ground. Their princess had never smiled. So, who was this man that made her smile.

“You've grown more beautiful since the last time.”