The Enchantress

25.

Prince Chaeyoung.

I was on the way to a room where the general and my boys were waiting. I thought I could stay for a few hours. My heart felt heavy as soon as I turned away from her. I have no choice for I have a duty as the leader of my troops. The safety of all the kingdoms of Kyria are at stake here. There are only 2 kingdoms left and then we're done with completing the treaty.

Isn't it ironic that it was Rowan who have to deliver news everytime I'm with Mina.

I arrived at the room. The boys and the general were all standing. They knew the urgency of our next mission. Upon seeing me, they all bowed and said "My Lord."

"Is it confirmed?" I asked the general.

"Though we can't confirm if it was a spy who took it or a thief, either way someone's not to be trusted took one of the horses when everyone's asleep." The general said.

I then noticed from my right peripheral vision that someone came from the open door and slid behind the boys.I instantly knew it was Rowan who just came in, he's the farthest out of all the boys. Did he talked to Mina?

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud Momo who's juggling 3 apples.

"The items given by the king were already been taken care of..." He then sat down and took a bit on the apple. While he threw the other two to Mason and Sato. "What did I missed?"

It was Mason who answered him. I then thought of a plan. I discussed it to them. After the planning, we then head out and was escorted to the kingdom's gate by the general. We headed towards the forest which is the quickest route to the Kingdom of Nahim.

Half an hour later into the forest, I dismounted my horse gave the reigns to a servant and quickly hid behind a tree. A few soldiers and Half of the boys stayed with me including Rowan.

We checked if the coast was clear before I changed into a soldiers clothes and gear.

We then sprinted forward towards the north. A few minutes later we reached the edge of the river and saw horses tied by the trees. We each took one and rode north.

The plan is if it was really a spy, we'll deceive them. They might plan an ambush which we'll intercept. Aside from us, who's by the east side, the other, took the west side path while the remaining troops rode at the center of the forest. I instructed those at the center to ride slow. The east and west side troops will run ahead.

The sky was getting dark fast. It's not because the night is approaching but the clouds became heavy. The path that I predicted where they'll hide on is getting near. I signaled the boys to stop then I dismounted and continue walking.

I signaled the boys to stop as I spot a bit of clearing in which at first glance I noticed right away few poorly executed trap. They dug a hole which probably has spikes below. It was covered with leaves that doesn't match the color of the leaves on the ground.

Suddenly at the corner of my eye I saw a movement, Rowan. He probably didn't see my signal for he continued walking.

The others didn't noticed him for they were busy looking around. I was a bit far from him and I couldn't risk shouting. But if I won't stop him he'll plunge to his death. So what I did was I hurriedly took my dagger and throw it towards him. It landed at the ground in front of him inches from the trap. It startled him which took him off balance and fell on the ground.

I angrily went to him. Took hold of his garment, lifted him up and pushed him hard towards the tree.

"Fool! You almost died you idiot." I hissed at him in a whisper. "I told you to stay alert at all times specially for my signal."

My blood is boiling with anger, so much that I want to punch him hard. He looked shocked at first then looked apologetic.

"I apologize, my Lord."

"Apologize? It's not just you being killed, but the plan would've been jeopardized, we'll be exposed and blood would be spilled. Do you understand the gravity of that?"

He just went silent and nodded. I let him go and walked back to where I was. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself. I went back in surveying the area. When we we're sure it's clear we moved forward.

Rowan appeared beside mem

"My Lord... I... Thank you for saving me."

I looked at him and gestured for him to go back to his position.

After a few minutes heavy rain fell. I stopped trying my best to be observant despite the poor visibility. Then just a few feet ahead I saw some movements.

I signaled to the boys where it is then we walked slowly towards it. There they were 25 to 30 men crouching ready to ambush. I felt a tap on my arm, It was Sato who pointed up the trees. there were 5 men with bow and arrow stationed by the trees. They have ropes that tied them to the trees.

I signaled Kern to come closer. I whispered to him that tell Lopi, who's with us yet keeps an eye on the other west side troops, to send message to stop and observe well the discussed path as well as inform them about the soldiers and arrows we've found. I then whispered to Sato get 5 men up there don't let those men fall and once they're in position they have to wait for my signal. He was about to take Rowan but I signaled him to come to me.

I whispered to Rowan to sharpen his senses and to keep close. I didn't know why I said keep close when I shouldn't baby sit him. He's practically my rival. I saw Sato and the others climbed the trees at the same time then stopped almost near the enemy. Kern gave me a signal that the center troops were near. I then gave signal to Sato to proceed. They moved swiftly climbing fast then knocking out the enemy. Meanwhile me and the boys positioned ourselves slowly behind the enemy at he grounds.

A few seconds later the enemy started to attack they ran towards the our center troops. Before they reached them, our west side troops emerges from where they're hiding. They were shocked to see them that they stopped instantly then backed up. That's the time we emerged from behind them. They looked confused and slowly lowers their swords.

"Who's in charged?" I said as I stepped forward.

"Who's asking?" A man from the front made his way towards me.

"I'm Chae, the most trusted soldier of the King of Twice." I said, concealing my position.

"Leo, general. You have no place in our kingdom. We'll never surrender." He raised his sword in a defensive position his troops following him.