The Absolute Surrender

Chapter 7: Commander's Grasp

"Well, that was helpful," Kalen said sarcastically as they left the wise man's cave.

Ardan remained silent, focusing on the sleeping boy resting against his chest. "Even the wise man from the North couldn't confirm if Lilian was the prophecy. His words were so vague that we still don't have a clear answer. What could his cryptic message mean? Destruction or salvation, hope or doom..." Ardan reflected on the wise man's confusing words.

Watching Lilian as she slept, Kalen wondered if she would truly be their savior or downfall. He gently brushed the hair from her face, thinking She was beautiful.

As they made their way back to Silla, they re-entered the forbidden forest. Suddenly, both Ardan and Kalen were alert to an unusual disturbance in the bushes, drawing closer to them.

A wave of dust and the loud sound of galloping horses surrounded them. Ardan and Kalen swiftly drew their swords, bracing for the worst.

"This is an ambush!" Kalen exclaimed.

Their eyes widened in shock as they saw the banner of Lavitica's men surrounding them. Kalen assessed the situation quickly; they were outnumbered and any attempt to fight could endanger the boy and Lilian. He tightened his grip on his sword, glancing at Ardan, who was also considering an escape plan.

Before they could react further, the soldiers parted to reveal a fully armored figure on a massive black horse. The man exuded confidence and authority, his long black hair tied neatly in a ponytail, and his eyes sharp as he observed their movements.

Ardan and Kalen watched the man, his presence both calm and dangerous.

The armored man scanned the line of people before him. When he spotted the child, his demeanor softened and his face brightened. He dismounted his horse and approached the child, touching his hair gently.

"You were the dark-haired man who saved me!" Alre recognized, waking amidst the commotion, feeling Ardan's large hands around him.

"We meet again, little boy," the man said with a calm smile, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he looked at the child.

Ardan's grip tightened, his jaw clenched with anger. These were the men who had devastated the village and killed the boy's parents. The man's apparent sympathy felt contradictory to his actions.

The man's gaze shifted to Ardan, pausing briefly before focusing on Kalen and Lilian. "What business do you have in these woods?" he inquired.

Ardan sighed in relief that they weren't immediately recognized. "I am just a humble merchant from Timura. We found the boy and the woman in the destroyed village and decided to help them," he explained.

"You don't look like a merchant," the man said, pointing at Kalen, who still held his sword at the ready.

Ardan replied calmly, "You're right. He's my bodyguard, hired for protection in dangerous situations."

"And who is this woman?" the man asked, moving closer to examine Lilian. "She wasn't with the boy in the village."

"We found her near the village," Kalen said, instinctively stepping back.

The man considered this. "King Marlin wants the survivors gathered and taken back to Lavitica. I let the boy go because a child shouldn't witness such violence, but I need the woman to come with me," he ordered.

Kalen's displeasure was evident, but Ardan quickly intervened. "We can't fight them, Kalen. We're outnumbered."

"But we can't just hand her over," Kalen argued.

"We'll get her back. For now, we must be patient," Ardan pleaded. "Look at the situation. Fighting would put Lilian and Alre at risk." Alre watched the conversation silently.