Tales of Zestiria The X: Calamity's End

Chapter 3: To Avoid The Worst

The pendragon castle was in a state of emergency and buzzed with the Hyland imperial soldiers flooding the halls. Long queues of medical stretchers and injured guards spread all around. Alisha walked down the corridors among the casualties, glazing over them with distress.

One of the injured guards let out a loud pained groan as a healer bandaged his broken arm. Alisha glued to her spot, witnessing him twitching in agonizing pain.

"Too many people are hurt," Alisha mumbled, her eyes staring over the casualties with dread. "And it's all because of me..."

"Alisha!"

Alisha whipped her head to see Maltran running towards her. With frowned brows, Maltran swept a worrying gaze over Alisha, checking her for any injuries. "Thank goodness you're alright."

"Senpai!"

Maltran's glance shifted to the emerald medallion on her wrist guard and seemed to recognize it. "It's better to talk outside."

Alisha followed her to the courtyard. In the distance, she spotted Rose and Magilou helping the unconscious Sorey on a large wagon.

"The destruction is more than I expected," Maltran said. "Could you identify the attackers?"

"It was a single Hellion. It summoned a few others to do its bidding." Alisha looked back at the castle bitterly. "They were hurt because of me."

"They followed their duty and their orders." Maltran turned slightly to look over a new division of guards pouring into the opposite courtyard with doubt. "Can't be said for everyone now. Bartlow ordered to escort you back into the Ladylake royal palace." Maltran's voice was low enough for Alisha to hear it.

"Is it because of Galivend?"

Maltran gave her a slight nod. "A lot of soldiers decided against the war with Rolance. Bartlow is not happy about it."

Alisha felt a tightness in her chest. Bartlow, the Hyland chancellor, decided to go to war with Rolance in the first place. He had power over armies, but Alisha held power to people's hearts.

"So he wants to imprison me." Alisha turned to the parked wagon and saw Sirel and Ian, on their horses, leading another wagon of supplies and joining her friends. "The enemy we faced was far more dangerous than any we ever knew. Shepherd Sorey is affected, and he needs outside help. Without him, we can't purify the land, and we cannot stop this "Age of Chaos." Alisha turned to Maltran with a determined gaze. "If I don't leave, the Ladylake and my men will be in great danger."

A heavy silence fell between them. Amidst the sound of marching soldiers around them, Maltran sighed silently. "Very well. I will spread the misinformation about your whereabouts as much as I can until you come back with the Shepherd." Matlran gazed behind her at the regiment of guards before turning and nodding at Alisha. "Go."

"Thank you, Senpai." Alisha bowed slightly. "And take care of yourself."

She hurried to the wagon and grabbed Rose's extended hand, climbing on the top. The driver lashed his whip, and horses pulled the wagon, gaining speed as they distanced themselves from the castle. Alisha's gaze clung to the palace all the way as they passed through the bridge until it disappeared behind the trees.

"Where are we headed?"

Ian placed her and Sirel's swords behind them as she joined Sirel in the carriage's driver seat. "Mrs. Mayvin gave us the direction to the border with Rolance."

"Why there?"

Ian turned fully to Alisha. "In her words: To avoid the worst of them, princess."

Alisha felt a slight chill in her stomach. She turned and looked over Sorey's peaceful face. Whatever the witch cast on him seemed to be working. He didn't wince or groaned in pain anymore. Mikleo was sitting beside Sorey, hugging his sceptre and looking down in silence. Alisha turned to Rose. She nodded at her as it was the time for Magilou and Lailah to come clean about everything. The immense loads of questions they had, weighed down heavily on their minds. The girls moved to the back of the wagon. Before Alisha could open her mouth, they noticed Magilou was laid on her back, arms locked behind her head and her large jester hat over her face. The witch appeared to be sleeping soundly, uncaring at the danger that happened to them a while ago.