The Path of the Doomed

Chapter 3: The Three Kingdoms: Ghandor

The sun was setting when I reached the fjord. Before this place was abandoned, it used to be a very famous and thriving trading place. All sorts of goods come in and out of here. But considering its location, the dispute between Tulgar and Albione drastically affected it, leading to its abandonment. Now, it is no more than a place of shady business.

I decided to roam the area, hoping to find a trace of Ion and his men from Tulgar but there is none. The man was right, he's no longer here. But knowing that he is still alive is enough. I can still kill him.

When I was about to leave, a familiar voice reached my ears. I looked towards the source and saw him steadily approaching. His black hooded cloak covered his face like mine.

"A new order has been issued." He said, stopping his horse on its tracks when he was near enough. I frowned. It has not been two days since my last mission. I waited for him to speak again.

"You are to return to the palace. She will give the particulars of the mission herself." I nodded without asking further questions.

Argon is the best there is in tracking anyone. Using only any information he is given of his target, he will find them without fail. He would've found Ion faster than me and old Rob, if only he were my acquaintance but he is no one of importance to me and so it never crossed my mind to ask for his assistance.

When he disappeared from view, I looked back towards the fjord. He crossed this river, the boundary between Albione and Tulgar, and the urge of going after him now is rather tempting. I am so close and yet so far. But I have to return to the palace for now. I cannot risk the agreement between me and the queen. Not now. Not yet.

Following the track I took before, I hurriedly made my way back to Albione. I will arrive late but considering the tracker knows where I was, my being late will no longer require an explanation. Argon is indeed the best tracker but his horse is also to be given credit. It is so fast, one could say it is not a horse but rather a demon.

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I arrived in the underground passage when the moon was already high up.I walked through the familiar dimly-lit deserted hallway. I am nearing my destination when a presence makes itself known. The prince emerged from a pillar in front of me. Nonetheless, I continued walking without slowing down, passing by him.

"Halt." He commanded but I kept walking, not heeding his order.

"I said halt."

"Hestia!" He called and this time there was a hint of desperation and annoyance in his voice.

I heard his footsteps getting near, but I kept walking anyway. I have no business with him. As I was about to knock on the door, he took off the hood of my cloak. Had his hand touched my skin, he would've been lying on the floor.

With my back against him, I stared at the door, waiting for him to speak but when he didn't, I turned around to face him. Brown eyes to gray, stared at each other. We stayed like that for a while. I was starting to get annoyed but adamant to be free from his presence, I patiently waited for his supposed inquiries.

Surely he has something to say for getting out of his way to come to me. Regardless, I was able to observe him closely. The way his breath heaved, the way he clenched his jaw, the way he blinked rapidly.

He looked shocked and almost out of breath. Completely different from how he looked moments ago. It looked like he ran miles to get to where I was. I frowned when the realization came to me. The prince, he is weak. Physically weak. He noticed the change of my expression and asked;

"What?"

"I believe you were the one who called for me." Now he is the one frowning upon realizing it himself. He was about to speak again when the door forcefully opened.