Beyond the Stars

Chapter 12: King Caspian and King Therondia

The hermit brought us to a place somewhat far from the forest. I assumed he took us into his home since we saw a place I barely even call a house. There was only room for 1 person in the hermit's house that's why we stayed outside his house, sat on the logs across it. I just realized that this place is a campfire. So this hermit is open to visitors then. I assume he just doesn't want people in his house.

"Oh, I just realized I'm out of woods to make a fire. The last ones are there that serve as the base of the campfire." The hermit reported sadly. "I'll gather wood for the fire." Baron volunteered which made Alon scoff. "Don't act like you're a hero. I'll make the fire." Alon debated. "The fire might die if you're the one who'll produce it." Baron rebutted. "What did you just say?!" Alon was about to stand up so I stopped him. I stopped them before they start fighting again. "I'll be the one who'll make the fire okay? You're all so annoying." I said and started using my bending powers to make a fire. Cedric, Baron, and Carmen were all amazed at what I did.

"You can't do that can you?" Alon teased which made Carmen roll her eyes. A few minutes after warming up. The hermit went outside and sat on the biggest log between so we could face him. "I haven't seen you, children, around here before. Where are you from?" the hermit asked.

"from Caspian" "from Therondia" they all simultaneously said which created another tension. "King Caspian and King Therondia." The hermit was amused. "Two of the greatest kings in Cassiopeia." he said while smiling. "But King Therondia poisoned King Caspian for Cassiopeia's ring of immortality though? That doesn't sound so great." Cedric explained which made me intrigued. That's not the version of Queen Marikit's story. It seems like there's a different story in those two different kingdoms.

"King Caspian and King Therondia are two of the greatest kings in Cassiopeia. They won't do things unless the goddess asked them to. They're loyal to Cassiopeia." The hermit explained. "I know because I was already born when they were still alive. I was an infant but my parents told me how great they are. Also, being alone bores me that's why I do research from time to time and gather pieces of evidence. It is evident that King Caspian and King Therondia won't kill one another for Cassiopeia's ring." he explained.

"If they were both so loyal, why would they want to get Cassiopeia's ring? It's hers in the first place. They shouldn't have their hands on her ring." I asked. "I don't know the details of the story but all I know is that the ring gives you immortality if worn. Maybe they both want to live long for their kingdoms? I don't know the whole story." he apologized. "Are you one of the people who want to get the ring?" I asked. "The ring is missing, it's long gone since then, we don't know where it is located at the moment, but would I want to have my hands on that ring? No, I lived long enough. I'm contented with what happened in my life and I can say that I did a great job. I know that someday, all my knowledge will no longer be needed and if that day comes, I'm okay to rest in peace." he explained. I learned a lot from this guy.

"Children, it's getting late, you should be staying the night here. I'll go get you some blankets and something to use as a pillow." the hermit said. It's not a bad idea to sleep, we're tired from walking along a barrier, hiking on a mountain, and battling with wolves. Rest is the first thing we need. I told my friends to rest and tomorrow, first thing in the morning, we continue with our journey.

The next morning, I woke up and saw my friends snoring. Those two different kingdom friends looked allergic to each other. They even did their best to have a barrier between them as they sleep. I used my bending skills to create a strong wind to wake them up all at once. 

We were walking but the atmosphere is weird. It's quiet but weird. I can still feel the tension between them even if it's quiet. I can't take this anymore. "Hey! Aren't you going to get along with each other? The hermit said King Caspian and King Therondia are great leaders and they won't kill anyone unless Cassiopeia said so right? And the Goddess won't ask anything that vile since she wouldn't want one of the great kings to die right?" I explained. I hope they'll come to their senses after my talk. "Why would we get along with the people who belong to the kingdom of the prince that rapes?" Blessica asked which made the Caspians angry. "We also won't get along with the people who belong to the kingdom of the princess that cheats!" Carmen snapped and after that, all of them went physical to one another. I'm surprised they aren't using their weapons and powers to hurt each other. They're merely just pulling each other's hair and punching each other. I'll just ignore them until they get tired of fighting.

I want to get this thing done already. The faster I found out the truth, the faster I finish. After this, I'll learn about myself. The sooner I found out about me. The sooner I go home to my mother. I checked my map and it seems that we're headed to another forest and this time it's darker than the one we found Belle. It's kind of eerie in this place. I think my friends think so too since they become quieter. Oh I hope we're going the right way. I'm too afraid that monsters will haunt us as we walk here.

Just as I thought about monsters, someone grabbed me by my waist. Help.