Chapter 52 - No way!
1776 Words
“Wasn’t he interested in you the last time we saw him?” Aaron asked as they watched the others went out of the room.
“Do you want him to remain interested?” Hannah asked back with a raised eyebrow.
“Well, no. I might have expected him to, though…”
Hannah grinned. “All I can say is his thought process changed.”
Yes, she did read him.
Aaron nodded, “That’s good, then.”
“What did you find out?”
Aaron sighed, not satisfied with this visit. “Well, it took too much energy. I couldn’t see much unless I redirect the rain somewhere else. I might have spotted a few areas good for camping. But there’s something else…” He could be mistaken but he’s sure he saw them.
“What is it?” Hannah noticed the change in his expression. It looks grim.
“They are able to step into the light. They’re not exactly confined to the dark lands. It was very brief, though. The beast and the fae returned to the dark land in just a few seconds. I’m not sure what they did. I couldn’t see clearly.”
“Are you… sure?” Hannah hesitated. He won’t lie to her. There’s no reason to.
“That’s why I wanted to observe longer. I’d like to be sure as well.”
By now, the dark fae must know that something is happening. A group is invading their territory, that should be clear to them by now.
In their meetings with King Florian’s people, there are some bright minds and experienced warriors. Most of them would be scouting the territory while they’re gone. As for the dark lands, they would have to acquire large amounts of that potion if they want many people to join them in exploring.
As soon as they return, he and Hannah would go and meet the old man.
They were silent as they absorbed this possibility.
Hannah took a deep breath before sharing another detail they discovered.
“You remember how one hour of staying here results in a day’s absence in our world?”
“Yes? What about it?” He’s curious. As there’s nothing else to discuss for today, everyone already cleared the hall and only the two of them remained.
“When we’re in our world, it would seem the time that passes by in this one is equal to what we experience. If we’re there for one day, the fae also experiences one day. Not one hour. It’s only when we come here that the timeline seems convoluted.”
“Well…” Aaron searched his mind and tried to analyze the implications. Is it a good thing? In a way, it should. That means the fae would have enough time to execute their plans.
“It would be a while before we are able to properly monitor the flow of time on both worlds.”
“Didn’t they say time stood still?” His lip twitched.
“Time apparently did. But that’s only because their sun and moon no longer move. The people remain moving, though. Magic is such an illogical subject sometimes.”
“Well, we should inform both kings about what I saw before we go.”
Hannah stood up, offering one hand to him. “I’m afraid we should seek King Florian on our own. The others are busy.”
Aaron grinned, holding her hand firmly. “They are.”
After talking to King Florian who expressed concern, they went to find the others in the training room. Alec challenged Aaron as soon as he saw him.
He was spitting mad when he realized Aaron was using his magic.
“I’m no warrior or knight. Did you really expect me to fight you without my magic?” He was nonchalant about it. Even so, he didn’t use his ability directly on Alec. It would be too easy to stick him on a corner in the ceiling.
“Why don’t you challenge me instead?” Hannah offered. She’s the only one in the room who hadn’t participated in combat.
“No way!” Alec walked away. She can’t remember if they are made aware of her use of twin daggers. She’s truly willing to spar with Alec.
Erik looked at her with a frown. Why would Alec refuse her? Aaron, noticing his gaze on her, pulled Hannah behind him. She chuckled as Erik showed a stunned expression. His gaze travelled to Corrine instead.
“Oh, dear…” Hannah muttered quietly that only Aaron heard. He noticed the action as well, making his lip twitch. Corrine, huh? Well, she is available.
They had enough time. This time, they decided to use the enchantment to go back and not wait for their time to be used up.
After telling the king the activity Aaron saw, King Edward told them to convince the old man who made the potions. Either he comes to the castle to make them huge amounts of the potion, or they send the equipment and ingredients needed in potion-making to his residence so he can produce much.
Aaron and Hannah exchanged a glance. Well, at least they would be doing the mission together. In a way, those four days allowed them to relax and have fun. Those nights, they remained intimate. They visited the falls again and they bathed together. Aaron took her from behind as she pressed herself against a huge rock. They’ve exhausted themselves in pleasure every other way possible before going back to the old man’s house. Also, Hannah was embarrassed of the time they spent the night there. He must’ve heard her when she screamed her release in the darkness. If he did, he didn’t mention it the next morning. He chose to have everything sent to him instead of going to the palace himself.
That would take a while. Hannah shrugged. Both options would take a while. After getting a list of everything he needed and the potions already made, they went on their way to return to the castle.
The king immediately ordered his people the acquisition of everything on the list, in large quantities. No doubt a proper carriage would be needed to transport everything. Still… the old man requested that only the two of them would bring everything. The old man doesn’t like other people knowing where he lives. Hannah has been trusted by him so she can’t exactly deny his request. He would most likely move away if his peaceful life was disrupted and he’ll never tell her where to find him again.
They hoped the weather would be good today. They returned to the fae and the sky was cloudless. Alec let out a whoop. As Vince and Nate would be using another enchantment today, they figured they would have very limited time. Vince disappeared to get her mother and a number of knights to join in their exploration. The potions were immediately distributed. They were mildly surprised to see Erik. Corrine seemed glad. He’s not so bad, she thought. Elise helped him convince their father to let him join.
“Be on guard. Nate, after one hour, you return them all to the castle.”
Nate acknowledged the order with a nod. She’s a little nervous. The enchantment drained her more than it did to Vince.
“When she calls for you, go to her. We don’t want anyone to be trapped in there.” King Edward reminded.
“Understood, your majesty.” Some of them replied while others nodded.
They chose a different location, away from the previous ones. But it would seem they scattered patrols in the borders. As soon as they stepped into the darkness, they already encountered several beasts and dark fae. With their number, they are able to fight them with ease compared to last time. Aaron’s more comfortable now, calmly watching the area and its surroundings. Hannah was more active. Alec did a double take to confirm she’s actually fighting. There were shouts of orders, warnings, and the occasional grunts of exertion. At this pace, they could cover more distance. Erik was tempted to go ahead, but alas… their enemy also has wings. They can only push forward step by step. In a while, after an uphill battle, they heard the sound of a stream.
Corrine was delighted as she uttered, “Water!”
Erik glanced at her for a moment before returning his gaze ahead. He can make out the eyes of the beasts.
“Ready, now.”
They hefted their weapons after taking a short break to breath.
During a previous meeting, Nate asked if it would be wise to set the dark forest in flames. The answer she received was: in the last battle, yes; but not now.
Corrine wanted to know where the stream was so she called for the water to come to her. It only took a minute, so it shouldn’t be far. She’d be glad to send them all swimming. Hopefully, they drown as well.
They fought well. Still, it was unavoidable that they would sustain some wounds. Scratches.
It was tiring. Exhausting. An hour seemed so short but with this much activity and chaos, Nate would love nothing but to end it now. And then, there was that tug inside her. It won’t be long before they return. She’d noticed it last time. Well, not the last time but the one before it.
“On me!” She shouted immediately and it was clearly an indication of movement. The fae went to move near her. Aaron assisted by holding off everyone after them.
“Go, now.” He can only control so much. Alec and Corrine were both ready to take over when he slips.
In a minute, they disappeared and now they have to face these enemies with only six of them. Vince quickly chanted shields on everyone. He has to be careful or the lights might appear much earlier. When Nate returned two minutes later, looking pale, the king shouted for everyone to get ready. More beasts are coming. It was chaos and then the lights.
Despite feeling weakened, Vince quickly went to check Nate’s condition. She had passed out on the floor. Everyone is panting. As he looked around, Alec couldn’t find Corrine.
“Where’s Corrine?” He suddenly stood up, counting. One, two, three, four, five… where is she? He whirled around to check the rest of the room. There’s no Corrine in sight. Hannah and Aaron scrambled to their feet. Even the king was concerned. They opened the doors on both ends of the hall and shouted for her. The king ordered the guards to search for her.
“Did you see where she was?” Hannah would be the second most concerned about her, after Alec.
Alec shook his head. “I didn’t… it was all…”
Well, he didn’t need to say more. They were all there. They understood.
“Anyone saw where she was?” She asked the others, who also shook their heads.
The king’s expression was grim. He didn’t want anyone to be endangered because of his personal desire.
- Writer
