Mirage ✔️

Chapter 11: Kidnapped

Once the family leaves the swamp forest, they continue what they have always done and hunt down slave traders. At night while around their campfires, the many groups of slave traders tell horror stories of a group of ghosts that kill the slave traders while freeing the slaves. As they whisper amongst themselves, the captured slaves pray to their various gods to send the five ghosts to rescue them.

Out of fear, the slave traders drive the captured slaves harder and faster through the deadly desert. The haunting eyes of the five ghosts chase them through the desert.

When arrows suddenly fly into the campsite of a group of slave traders, they all scream in horror and scatter throughout the desert as the hunt begins. As they scatter, the five hunters chase them down and quickly put them out of their misery.

"You are free." Seokjin softly tells the crying people as Jungkook and Namjoon release them from their chains.

"Thank you." They cry out in their many different languages.

"We will guide you to the nearest city," Namjoon informs them as Jungkook summons his shadow horses.

Once everyone has mounted up, the group of five ghosts guides the newly freed slaves to freedom. When they arrive at the nearest city at dawn, many of the previously freed slaves wait for them at the gates of the city to welcome the newly freed slaves. The previously freed slaves quickly wrap the newly freed slaves with blankets to keep them warm from the cold desert night air and bring them into the city to feed them and care for them.

As the group of five prepares to leave the desert city, the young ruler of the surrounding kingdom comes out to greet them.

"My Lords, may I request a conference with you?" He asks as he approaches the group.

"Very well." Namjoon answers and then looks at his family to see what they think. When they all nod, they enter the city following the sultan and his entourage.

As they ride through the city, the many people of the desert city come out of their homes and workplaces to see the powerful people who free the slaves. A few curious children wander into the street to have a better view of the group of warriors. When one child steps in front of Namjoon's horse, her mother gasps in horror and calls for her small child.

"Hey there, little one." Namjoon smiles and looks down at the curious toddler. "You should be careful and not step out in front of horses." He softly tells her then dismounts his horse and picks her up. "You startled your Mama." He hums and hands the toddler back to her mother.

"Thank you." The mother smiles in relief as she holds her daughter in her arms.

"You have a beautiful and curious daughter. She will do well in her life." Namjoon smiles and pats the toddler's head then returns to his horse.

When they reach the palace, many servants greet them and welcome them to the palace.

"I usually have a no-weapons policy for guests, but since I am the one who invited you here, you may carry your weapons with you into my palace." The Ruler of Ramil informs them and then leads them into his royal home.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Namjoon hums as they follow the young ruler into the pure white palace.

The ruler leads them to the beautiful, open seating area that is filled with many luxurious items and then motions for them to be seated. Once they are seated, many servants enter and begin laying out breakfast for the group and tend to their needs.

"What is it that you have requested a conference with us?" Namjoon asks once they have settled in.

"My people are disappearing in the night. I am unsure of whether night monsters are taking them or if another kingdom is attacking in the night. I wish to request your help with the matter." The ruler bows his head as he requests their help. "I will pay you whatever fee you ask of me."