Adventures in the Sacred Forest

Chapter 8: A Treacherous Escort

The sun had barely begun to peek over the horizon when Lord Aguerius roused his sons from their slumber. Almas and Creetan rubbed their sleepy eyes, trying to grasp the reality of their father's departure. He stood before them, dressed for the journey, his countenance a mix of pride and concern.

"Remember, boys, behave yourselves and show respect to your escort," their father reminded them, his voice firm but filled with fatherly affection. "You'll be returning to the Aguerius Estate under their protection. I have faith in you both."

Almas and Creetan nodded, their expressions a mixture of determination and reluctance. They understood the gravity of the situation and the need to maintain composure. With a final embrace, their father bid them farewell and headed towards his own destiny.

As the morning sun rose higher, Almas and Creetan, accompanied by their escort, made their way back to the Provincial Palace. The King and the Prince awaited them at the entrance, offering their good wishes and ensuring their safety.

"Safe travels, my young friends," King Yucaipa said, his voice warm and reassuring. "I have personally selected this escort to accompany you. They are among the finest soldiers in the kingdom."

Almas couldn't help but feel a shiver crawl up his spine as he caught a glimpse of the Prince's smirk. There was something unsettling about the way the Prince regarded him, an undercurrent of mischief that he couldn't quite decipher. He wondered if the Prince might have had more of a hand in picking their escort than the King. If that was true it could be a problem, particularly since they would be walking this time and were only bringing a pack horse and no mounts.

With a courteous bow, Almas and Creetan accepted the King's wishes, their expressions masking their growing apprehension. As they set off on their journey, Almas couldn't shake the eerie feeling that this escort might not be what it seemed.

As the day wore on, Almas noticed a shift in the demeanor of their escorts. They became increasingly short-tempered, their patience wearing thin at the slightest provocation. Even Crusty, usually a playful and friendly companion, growled and snarled at the guards, sensing their malevolence. He stayed close to Almas and seemed to extra protective.

Creetan's unease became palpable, his normally confident demeanor giving way to nervous fidgeting. Almas observed his older brother's discomfort, his own worries mirrored in Creetan's eyes. Something was amiss, and they couldn't ignore the signs any longer.

"It feels like we're taking a different route," Creetan whispered to Almas, his voice laced with worry.

Almas glanced around, noticing the unfamiliar surroundings. His brow furrowed as he realized that their escort had indeed veered off the usual path. His suspicions deepened, but he knew they couldn't confront their guards directly without risking further danger.

"Our leader said it's a shortcut," Almas responded, his voice hushed after making a subtle observation to the escort leader. "But I don't trust them. We need to stay alert and watch our backs."

The afternoon sun beat down upon them as they continued their journey, their path twisting through unfamiliar terrain. The tension hung heavy in the air, the atmosphere charged with uncertainty. As dusk settled, the escort finally announced that they would make camp for the night.

Setting up their modest camp, Almas and Creetan exchanged worried glances. They couldn't shake the feeling that they were at the mercy of their treacherous escorts, and their hearts sank with the weight of the unknown.

As darkness enveloped the camp, they huddled together, seeking solace in each other's presence. Almas couldn't help but wonder what the next day would bring. Their fate rested in the hands of those who were meant to protect them, and the uncertainty gnawed at his core.

With a silent prayer for their safety, Almas closed his eyes, hoping that their journey would soon lead them back to the familiar embrace of the Aguerius Estate. Little did they know that the trials they would face were only just beginning.

And so, under the watchful gaze of the moon, they slept, their dreams haunted by shadows of the unknown, their minds racing with unanswered questions.