The Silver Princess

Farewell

-Thud -Creak

As the two teenagers hurried through the dense forest, their surroundings echoed with the sounds of their frantic escape. Footsteps, breaking twigs, and huffed breaths mixed with the natural sounds of rustling leaves and distant splashing water from the nearby river.

Rina's robe was now tattered, bearing the scars of being snagged by branches and roots. Holes and tears had begun to mar the fabric, and she realized it wouldn't hold up for much longer. Her mind raced with questions about their destination, as the boy had vaguely mentioned reaching it soon. She had no idea where or what "it" was, but her options were limited. She had to follow.

The sound of splashing water grew nearer, signaling their approach to the river. Rina's anxiety heightened. How did the boy intend to cross it? There were no bridges in the vicinity, and the river according to what she had learned, spanned approximately eight meters in width, making it impossible to leap across. Swimming would be a time-consuming endeavor, with no guarantee of overcoming the strong current.

"Can you pick up the pace a bit?" he suddenly asked.

"Yes!" Rina responded with determination. 

Her royal training had endowed her with endurance, strength, agility, and various skills, allowing her to push her limits. She was resolved to keep up with the boy, whose surprising strength and swiftness puzzled her. She began to wonder if years of farm labor had forged him into the robust and agile individual she now witnessed.

"Good, we need to gain some ground," he urged. 

The gap between them widened as he propelled himself forward. Rina pushed her aching muscles to their limits, determined to stay in close pursuit. Despite the fatigue that had accumulated from their day of frantic escape, she continued to persevere.

As they approached the river, the sound of flowing water grew stronger, accompanied by the earthy aroma it emitted. On the riverbank, Rina noticed a small group of teenagers. Among them, a girl with striking red hair stood out, her fiery locks making her appear as if she wore a blazing crown.

"Jes!" the boy suddenly called out to one of the teenagers. The entire group turned their attention toward them, and the red-haired girl began speaking.

"Finally, do you know how long we've been waiting? You're becoming more and more like Jack. By the way, have you heard about that monk and the mer..."

Jes seemed to finally notice Rina trailing behind her friend. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"You're that sicko!? What the hell are you doing? And who is that drug dealer?"

Rina was about to respond, offended by the accusation of being a drug dealer. How dare she? That girl is out of her mind!

"Jes, I don't have time. The guards could be here any second. I need you to jump into the river and create a smokescreen," the boy urgently requested as they approached Jes and her friends.

Jes turned her gaze toward the river and then back at them, her eye twitching with apparent irritation.

"Jump into the river... hmm... sure, want me to catch some fish too, maybe prepare a nice fish meal for you and your guest? I can open a bottle of wine and..."

"Jes!"

"Fine..." the girl sighed, "You know how much you owe me."

Jes moved to the river's edge, muttering something that Rina couldn't quite make out, but it appeared to be a string of curses she had never heard before. Then, without further hesitation, the red-haired girl plunged headfirst into the river.