Kismet (Book One - Completed)

Chapter 10: Foray, Merdice

Chapter 10: Foray, Merdice

"There we are." Oliver announced as he carried Kayla on his back, "Merdice Village. I was hoping that we would arrive here earlier, but too bad it is already nightfall. Otherwise, I would have shown you around the village."

"This village reminds me of Ferr..." She said, "I miss my home. I miss Lanet and I miss my friends. Now look at what you did. My legs are hurting like hell, go away!"

"I am sorry." Oliver said, "Are your legs still hurting from the trip? Once we get settled, I'll set some ointment on your wounds."

"This is it." Kayla thought, "Oliver is going to take me hostage. He's going to persuade Lanet to exchange his emerald orb for me! I guess that he is willing to do anything to keep the prophecy from coming true. Even though he has helped me, I now know that it is nothing more than a ploy for him to gain my trust. Right now, he is using me as a tool...and there's nothing that I can do about it!"

She hasn't been looking forward to this deal. At the back of her mind, Kayla was hoping that Lanet would stay away so that he would not be sucked into Oliver's trap. With each passing day as they walked through the tunnels, however, she realised that the meeting was inevitable. She dreaded to think of what would happen to Lanet if they come into contact. "That is not permissible. I must turn Lanet away the moment he reaches Merdice. Otherwise, he can kiss his emerald orb goodbye." Kayla thought.

"Anyway, put me down and find a place for us to stay for tonight." She said to Oliver.

"Alright, it's up to you." Oliver replied and let her down from his back. "There should be a place for us to stay in this village." He continued, "I will ask the villagers and look around."

Kayla observed the village's surroundings. "This place is foreign and secluded." She thought, "I better protect myself. Otherwise, no one's going to protect me." She shuddered as she followed Oliver.

Oliver led her to the village square where the main guard was waiting for them. Apparently, they knew each other very well. The main guard introduced himself to Kayla. "I am the main guard, the Vice-Chief has asked me to bring the both of you to the village hall. Please follow me closely." He said.

"We appreciate your thoughtful gesture." Oliver replied. The chief guard led them both to a simple building down the road. The hall was an unassuming building made with teak, plywood and cedar.

"Please wait outside." The main guard instructed. "I will inform the Vice-Chief that you have arrived."

"We are indebted to your help." Oliver thanked him profusely. He was about to send the guard on his way when he remembered something. Producing a white envelope from his pocket, Oliver continued, "Please bring this letter to the Vice-Chief as well, tell him this is from me."

The main guard nodded and went on his way. Kayla and Oliver watched as the main guard entered the hall.

"I wonder what is his relationship with Oliver? What are they planning to do?" Kayla wondered. She could not read Oliver's mind. Oliver retracted into the comforting space of his thoughts, trying to predict how the Vice-Chief would react to his letter. The success of his plan depended on the Vice-Chief's decision. The Vice-Chief had to acquiesce to his request of opening the silver gate behind Merdice's waterfall. Now that he had Kayla where he wanted, his goal was to retrieve the Water bracer. "I must win Kayla's trust no matter what. I must show her that I'm on her side. If not, this village will drown in a flood. A flood that's going to sweep the region." He thought.

"Oliver! OLIVER!" Kayla called out, shaking him on the arm. "Are you listening to me? Shall we enter the hall right now?"

"Wait, Kayla. I have something to tell you." He said, "I've received the news that Lanet and Ehiara are staying at a nearby town. They'll be here by the end of next week. As D. Sareus' spies may be around, I want you to be careful. If someone asks you where you come from, just tell them that you come from Azure Lakis, understand?" His gaze bore into hers, making it impossible for her to pull away from his gaze. The seriousness of his tone told Kayla that he was concerned about her safety.