After few minutes of unwanted debate we decided to leave the cellar for good.
"If we are to die, cowardice is not the way." Young elves clamoured.
They shouted slogans of defending their monarchs, even if it meant their death.
All I wanted was to get out of the dungeon and see my friends.
And Yumiko.
If it meant boosting some courage in them, then I'm all for it.
But there was a chink in the armour of my plan after all.
My feet practically rendered me useless. Simply planting my right foot on the ground left me convulsing in pain. And that is not how I want her to see me.
A weak and powerless man with a massive responsibility to this Realm.
In fact my entire body was sore but it didn't hold a candle before my feet. Ciaran offered to carry me on his back but my pride didn't allow it. Eventually he made me swing my arm around his neck.
"Wait, I can help too! " The maid screeched her offer in my previously bleeding ears. Before I could deny, she grabbed my partially burnt arm and forcefully wrapped it around her neck. The gash in the burn was slowly mending itself, thanks to Ciaran's expertise.
"Woah! Easy there-- " I bit my lip and smiled weakly at her.
Other ministers gave way for the three of us, as I limped with great difficulty.
The steep flight of stairs seemed never ending. On reaching the last step on the top we collectively stopped to catch our breath, especially the maid.
She didn't say it, but I knew my body weighed extra on her.
"Hey, I can walk on my own. . . thanks. " I nodded gratefully in case she felt hurt.
"O-Oh no sir, I don't m-mind at a-all." She panted.
"He's right Jolie. You are out of breath." Ciaran looked at her with concern.
She took a deep breath and looked me in the eye, " I hope you're not denying my aid because of your relation with Her Highness."
Oh shoot. I forgot we were a thing.
"Ah yes, I do not want to upset Zia. You know how it is." I shrugged absentmindedly.
Ministers behind us cleared their throats awkwardly and that was our cue to drop the discussion. Ciaran signalled and two young men pushed the heavy metallic doors. It opened with a loud screech, with the daylight blinding us.
I squinted and found ourselves in the one of the ignored rooms of the palace. The secret cellar was concealed by a phony fireplace.
Few ministers pressed their slender ears on the door and waited for any external movements. Once it was clear we left the room.
The drastic change that the palace underwent in matter of hours astonished us all. Just yesterday this place was brimming with officials strategizing, servants carry goods, cooks delivering food to various noble's chambers and my friends sitting in the hall after days training.
And now, within no time was it deserted.
A knot formed in my chest realising I may never see some faces again.
YOU ARE READING
Help from the OtherSide
FantasyA 23 year old Deccan was on a trip with a friend for losing a bet. The two travel to an island as a reward for successfully graduating with flying colours. When his innkeeper gave him a mysterious object for safekeeping. ***** Initially the object...
