The Lost Kingdom (The Fifth Element Chronicles)

Chapter 9 [part 1]

The sun was beginning to rise, awakening every corner of our world.

We were running late, but neither of us wanted to admit it.

Apparently, Caelus was on my side, or at least on the side of the Tree. However, I couldn't trust him anymore. I didn't know what was real or not, and I was afraid of feeling betrayed again.

I would get revenge on him later, now we just had to get to the portal.

The speed at which we rode was impressive, so much so that I had to hold on to him tightly, otherwise I would fall. I noticed his body tensing, as if he was uncomfortable from the contact.

I didn't want to hold him either, but I had no choice.

My mind became clouded with illogical thoughts because I was so nervous. We were not going to make it.

A glimmer of light confirmed to me that we were about to miss the opportunity.

'Come on, come on,' Caelus encouraged his horse who was doing her best.

We thought we wouldn't make it, and if we didn't it would be his fault. I didn't quite know what had happened, but I knew he had delayed our arrival.

He would be the one to blame for not making it to the Tree and if he thought I would never forgive his betrayal, he had no idea what I would be capable of if he took away my chance to save Bieno... and well, Russell.

Even I didn't know what I would be capable of.

Until the cave appeared before our eyes and gifted us with a sense of inexplicable relief.

We got off Thunder, whom Caelus quickly petted, and walked straight into the cave.

Beaca was standing, arms folded.

'Almost late, but just in time,' he concluded, pointing towards the horizon.

And at last we could breathe.

'Now, are you ready?'

We both nodded, still trying to catch the breath we had lost on the way to the cave.

'Can we take our horses?' I asked between breaths, in a way that doubt just popped into my head.

'I'm sorry, but only you can take the path, the horses will stay here with me.'

I don't know why I didn't expect that to happen.

It felt wrong to leave Lightning, and for some reason, I sensed that Caelus felt the same way about his horse.

Regardless, we had to do what Beaca told us to do. It was too late to think about changing things.

We approached our horses and each one said goodbye in their own way.

I got close to Lightning's muzzle and between caresses, I said goodbye.

'You'll be fine, Beaca will take care of you, I'll see you when I get back.'

Lightning seemed to understand my words, but it didn't mean he took them well.

Thunder whinnied at Caelus' farewell and for the first time I felt we had something in common. We had love and respect for our animal companions, and we suffered at having to leave them behind.

But it had already become clear that we were both willing to do anything to get to the Tree.

And this was strong proof of that.

After saying our goodbyes and taking our belongings from the horses, we stared at nothing, not knowing what to do.

What was to happen?