The sun was setting in the city of North Castillo. A fierce battle had taken place in the city palace which of course caught the attention of everyone living nearby. The people who were intrigued didn't dare to check what was causing all the boom and cracking sounds that came from within the palace.
When it was finally quiet, both guards and civilians alike decided to check. Soon a crowd turned up to the gates of the city palace, wondering what had happened. Their city had not been the safest city around, given the ongoing struggle between the Erasthian forces and the radical Aranguizan loyalist rebels who were trying to retake control of the city.
Most North Castillans who were just looking for the return of peaceful days to their city after many years of war were starting to speculate whether whatever happened at the palace meant one side has finally defeated the other or not. Most importantly, whether peace has finally returned to North Castillo or not.
Meanwhile inside the palace, the 'hunting party' had gathered at the main lobby of the palace. Rosa had told everyone about her past and her connection with Antonio, the palace, and the city.
"I... I'm sorry for what you had to go through, Rosa", said Kyleas.
"Thank you, Sir Kyleas. But I'm already fine now", replied Rosa with a smile.
"Maybe, you should've comforted Lady Irina instead...", she added with a nervous laughter.
"*sob* R- Rosa... Why you never told me *sob* about this!? You poor, poor thing *sob*. I- I-", said Irina as she was hugging Rosa and crying and sobbing on her shoulder.
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Irina. But I've told you multiple times by now, I'm fine *laughs*", replied Rosa while stroking Irina's head.
"Well, good for you Rosa. You obviously seems like a person reborn, with no massive burden over your shoulder", said Adran.
"Ah thank you, Sir Adran", she replied.
Suddenly Kyleas stood up from his seat, the others looked at him.
"Kyleas, what's wrong?", asked Adran.
"Did none of you hear that? Sounds like there's a crowd gathering around here", he replied.
"Hmm *sob*, now that you mentioned it *sob*. I did hear it as well", responded Irina.
"Lady Irina, let me wipe the tears off your face first", said Rosa while wiping Irina's face.
"Wait, the crowd are actually gathering right outside this palace. There are more than hundreds of people out there", said Kyleas as he checked with his mana detection spell.
"And looked like a group of seven are approaching the palace", he added.
"Alright, brace yourselves! Maybe it's more of Antonio's rebels that wants to try to retake the palace...", Adran told the group.
Everyone stood up from their seats and picked up their weapons. They got themselves into battle stance, fully expecting the door to be slammed wide open in any second. Instead, they only heard a knock and then the door slowly opened.
"State your business!", shouted Adran.
"No! You state your business, stranger! Tell us which side you're on!", replied one of the guards that looked like the team leader.
All the guards drew their sword and were ready to attack if their leader ordered them to do so.
"Neither! One thing you need to know is that we just killed the duke, so if all of you outside want to stop us, then you're welcome to try!", said Adran.
YOU ARE READING
Caught in Time
FantasyArchmage Kyleas, a former magical prodigy, was once a highly respected mage from a prestigious wizarding school. But one day, for no apparent reason, he left his past life behind him and started making easy, dirty money. Things changed quickly when...
