Chapter 8 - Did he say where...?
1151 Words
When Aaron got closer to the house, he could hear someone crying. He walked faster while frowning. The front door was open and he found Selene crying on a chair.
“What happened?” He approached her quickly. She wailed louder as she came to his arms. He hugged her awkwardly. She stuck to his waist and he clumsily patted her back.
He looked around the house. The table is set, nothing seems amiss.
“Where’s Pyro? Did something happen to him?” He noticed the kid wasn’t waiting for him tonight. His face paled.
He pushed Selene gently so he can speak to her properly. He crouched on her level.
“Where’s Pyro? Did someone take him?”
“Elder brother took him.” She sobbed, and the words were a little garbled. “Said he’s not safe here. He must take him away to protect him. They left. I said I wanted to come, too, but he wouldn’t. He said you’ll take care of me. Where did they go? Are they going to come back?” She kept rambling on, but the first part made things clear to him. Philip ran away with Pyro. Heck, what should he do now?
“Did he say where they’re going?”
“No. He wouldn’t say. I don’t think he has a place in mind. He took father’s horse.”
He exhaled, trying to straighten his head. Even he is feeling the child’s panic.
“Let’s go to the castle. We should tell the king.” As soon as he said it, Selene recoiled away from him. Then, she reached for his arm, holding him tightly.
“No. No, we can’t do that. They’re going to kill Pyro if they knew. Let’s not. Please.” She pleaded while crying.
“They won’t hurt him.”
“They will. I heard about the girl.” She insisted, pulling on him.
“Selene, look at me.” He managed to wipe away her tears with his other hand.
“They won’t. I promise. We have to make them come back. It’s dangerous out there. There are mercenaries, like the ones who captured me and Nate.”
At the mention of mercenaries, Selene was torn. There’s danger everywhere.
“How can you promise they won’t hurt him?” With Selene’s question, Aaron turned towards the door. He tugged Selene with him as he closed it. Then, he showed her what he can do.
She gasped at the goblet that flew to his hand. He held it in front of her.
“You…”
“They didn’t hurt me. They had me train so I can control it. They would treat Pyro the same way.”
“Why didn’t you tell Philip? He couldn’t have decided to go if he knew…” Though still a kid, Selene is smart.
“I wasn’t sure how to tell him yesterday. I planned to tell him tonight. I didn’t think he would go. We must tell the king so they can go after them and make them return.”
“Then…” Selene hesitated before she opened the door. She hopped over the threshold.
“Let’s go.”
They almost ran. He held Selene by the hand as they walked towards the castle. He could tell she’s not used to the exertion. They walked as they ascend the stairs and continued along corridors. He thought it’s best to bring the matter to the prince first. The king must be in his chambers already.
“What’s wrong?” Vince asked as he surveyed the two of them, disheveled. Thankfully, his guards allowed him to knock when he insisted it’s urgent.
“Why did you bring Selene?” Nate poked her head out from the door.
“Philip took Pyro. They’re gone.” He delivered with a grimace.
The royals have only finished their meal, they’re sure the king isn’t resting yet. Besides, he still has some matters to think about.
Vince brought the news to him. It was too dark to assemble a team, he noted.
“But…” Before Nate could continue, the king raised his hand. He called on a knight, Sir Ron, assigning him to lead the mission. They will set out very early next morning.
“Philip is bound to rest for the sake of the kid. They can catch up to them.” The king explained, seeing Nate’s worried expression.
The king emphasized that they are not to be harmed and have to return to the castle immediately. As these are knights, they do know the internal setup for people with magic. Should the boy exhibit his ability, he will still not be harmed. Nate offered to go.
“Philip will see them as threat. I can understand his decision. Pyro is his brother.”
“He will not be able to fight so many. He would surrender. Ron, make sure you tell him that the boy will not be harmed. He, Philip, will have to face punishment, though. He may not be knighted yet, but he’s still subject to loyalty to the throne.”
“Yes, my lord.” Sir Ron bowed as he set out to call his team.
They all stood silently, looking at the others. Nate walked over to Selene, who was crying silently.
“Do you want to sleep with me tonight? I can show you the dress I told you about.” She stated as she kneeled next to her. Selene threw her arms around her neck and embraced her. She sobbed, and Nate tried to comfort her.
Aaron sighed as he watched this.
“We haven’t eaten yet. Should I bring dinner for her?” He suddenly remembered as his stomach grumbled.
“Well, I wouldn’t ask you to sleep with me, so…” Vince joked.
He couldn’t help chuckling at the prince. He sighed again, “It was a long day.”
“It is.” The king interjected as he stood from his throne. He hasn’t made a plan yet concerning his wife and this problem arose.
“I will see you all in the morning.”
They all bowed as the king turned to go, except for Vince.
“What are you guys busy with?” With the king gone, Aaron felt he could finally ask this question.
“An enchantment I came across the other day.”
“When you disappeared?” He frowned.
“Yes. It’s a little private, concerning the king, so we’ll probably let you in on the details much later. We still have a lot to figure out.”
“I see. Anything I can help with?”
“We’ll try something tomorrow or the day after. If it doesn’t work, we’ll get you to try something else.”
The word “try” didn’t sit well with him. He squinted at them.
“Is it dangerous?”
“Scared now, huh?” Vince walked over to lead them out of the room, putting a hand on Aaron’s shoulder.
“Well?”
“So far, we don’t think it’s dangerous. Nate came back without a scratch, so there is that.”
“Where did you go?” Aaron craned his neck to look at Nate, who has an arm around Selene’s shoulder as they walk.
“You wouldn’t want to know.” She stated it very seriously. Well, it was a serious matter, but seeing Aaron’s expression, she might have said it in a way that was distant and cold.
She sighed, “I didn’t mean it that way. We still haven’t figured it out, that’s what I meant.”
Aaron gave her a small smile, “Got it.”
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