Caged (Book One)

Chapter Seventy-Four

Kristine had never seen Harvestwood before, but she already imagined how she thinks it will look like.

Judging from the name, maybe the area is perfect for farms. Maybe they'll even be a lot of livestock and friendly people.

"Stay quiet." Philip warned her. She sat in the carriage while he drove. He's been around here before, it's better he navigates.

Kristine opened the door to peek outside, why would he want her to be quiet?

Kristine gasped at all the dead trees, the rotten smell of produce, shriveled grass. Even the sky seems ominous.

"This is Harvestwood?!" She whispered to Philip.

"This is the Sinnothra region. Harvestwood is still a couple miles away." He told her. Kristine ducked back in the carriage, a little bit longer. She just needs to wait longer, then she'll find her family.

She dreamed they were loving, that they would cry once they saw her. Anything but how Eve's parents are.

The road got darker, creepier. Until Philip finally saw a large sign reading "Harvestwood"

"We're here." Philip announced, slowing down to barely moving. Krisitne peeked out the door again, shocked at all the dread in the air. The only thing missing is fog. Buildings looked musty and dangerous, trees even deader. The smell is different, it's not rotten. Philip parked, jumping down from the horse.

Kristine already stepped out, gazing around.

"Of course my family would be here." She complained.

"Maybe there's more to it, come on." Philip tried to make her smile, giving her a nudge. Instead she shuddered, gripping the handle on her sword.

Her and Philip carefully walked on the sidewalk through town. Everyone spoke quietly, barely glancing at them. Kristine raised a brow, could everyone be like this cause of the Skeletons?

"Have any clue who to talk to?" Philip whispered.

"No idea, who do you think?" Kristine nervously watched every person that ignored them.

"I'd say, whoever is in charge or some type of authority." He guessed. Kristine agreed, racking her mind on what they should look for.

"I wouldn't go that way." A raspy voice spoke up, launching a cane out in front of them. They looked to see three ladies sitting at a table near an archway. Each of them dressed heavy and covered most of their body.

"Why not?" Philip asked.

"Cause you two lovely kids are not from here. That way leads straight to the bandits that stole this town." The first one warned them. Kristine and Philip sighed, sharing an annoyed look.

"That's one way to find out." Kristine mumbled, walking with Philip past the archway up a long hill.

~~~~~

"I owe a lot of people an apology," Prince Fred spoke, standing at the top of the stairs as he gave his speech, "Firstly to two innocent people. Kristine and Aiden. I also would like to say sorry to Eveleen Moons, who got caught in the crossfire." Fred pointed out Eve as she stood with Ada, Max, and Noah.

"I also would like to apologize to the people. So I am bringing back the Jade Lion Tournament!" He cheered. The crowd actually cheered back, like they never heard the awful things he did.

"We're working on getting it arranged. I have also tweaked a rule. Instead of the winner getting a jade gauntlet, the winner will get to choose where all the money we earned gets donated. That way the real winners of the dangerous games will still be the people of Selle." Fred beamed at the crowd as they cheered more.

Eve rolled her eyes, it's not even his idea yet he sold it to the crowd easily.

"Lastly, I'd like to encourage everyone to attend our annual ball we're having tomorrow night! Remember tho, no children allowed, there's gonna be a special event." Fred waved off.

Eve blinked with her family. Special event? He already announced the tournament, so what else could he be planning?

Noah grabbed Eve's wrist, pulling her from the crowd. They walked down the stairs, heading into the city more.

"Who do you think came?" Eve asked, carefully glancing around.

"Wouldn't mind if it was Leo, he's nice to look at." Noah smirked. They both arrived at a small little tea shop. They stood confused until an older man waved at them, dressed in very loose robes.

"I remember you! Eve, right?" Wallace smiled big, walking up to them. Standing near them, Eve is almost taller.

"Hello, I'm Wallace." He shook Eve's hand before snatching Noah's.

"Thank you for getting here quickly, did you travel safely?" Eve asked, sitting down at a small round table with Noah and Wallace.

"You know, thank you for asking, I did as a matter of fact. It was no trouble, I haven't been able to ride that fast in a good while." Wallace chuckled.

"So, how can I help you?"