Whispers of Desires: A Sense of Duty {Book 1}

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 34: 𝕵𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖓𝖊𝖞 𝖙𝖔 𝕱𝖗𝖊𝖊𝖉𝖔𝖒: 𝕷𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝕭𝖊𝖞𝖔𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖆𝖗𝖐𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘

Kiyoshi stormed out of the castle gates, his men falling into formation around him. The wounded were supported by their fellow soldiers, while the goblins from Madoc's army were roughly bounded.

"My people!" Kiyoshi's voice boomed, echoing through the courtyard. "Today, we take back our kingdom from the darkness! We will find the children that Madoc has stolen from us, and we will bring them home!" The words seemed to ignite a spark within the soldiers, their weary faces transforming into determination. They cheered, their voices raised in defiance and hope.

Suddenly, a new sound cut through the air – Thalasar and his elves. Every elf, from the seasoned archer to the young archers were unharmed by the previous battle, their faces harsh and fierce. Moments later, Captain Shale and his band of pirates, their swords gleaming in the sunlight, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. Several goblins, bound and gagged, were dragged alongside them.

Kiyoshi nodded his thanks to both leaders. "Thalasar, your presence is more than appreciated. Captain Shale, your support is invaluable. We stand united against the darkness that has plagued our kingdom." The elves and pirates bowed their heads in respect as the soldiers cheered.

"It was nothing, my friend," Thalasar replied, his eyes glinting with determination. "You saved my kingdom from the plague Madoc had caused. It is the least I could do."

"Aye, it was our honor" Captain Shale agreed, his gruff voice carrying across the courtyard.

"We move out at dawn," he declared. "I have found the map that will lead us to the children. We will take back what Madoc has stolen, and we will restore peace to our kingdom." His voice was strong, unwavering, and the soldiers around him nodded grimly in agreement. The wounded were tended to, and the captives guarded, as the night fell over the castle.

Meanwhile, within the castle walls, Queen Nia laid on her chamber's bed, her dark skin pale and her breath shallow. The connection with Kiyoshi had left her drained, a constant ache thrumming beneath her skin. Nia shifted restlessly, her hand instinctively rubbing her very small baby bump. "Serena, I appreciate your concern," she said, her voice raspy. "But truly, I feel fine."

"Fine?" she scoffed, glancing down at her sister-in-law with a knowing look. "You collapsed in the courtyard. I have never seen you like that. You need to rest. You are carrying my nephew or niece, after all."

"The physician said absolute rest, remember? The baby needs it just as much as you do," Serena insisted, frowning slightly as she studied her sister-in-law. Nia let out a small sigh, knowing that Serena was probably right.

Two days had passed since Kiyoshi and his army had departed Niameda to rescue the children. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the edge of the Whispering Glade. Kiyoshi had been here twice, yet he had never suspected that the children would be held in the very center of the glade. "Whispering Glade," Kiyoshi muttered to himself. "What a cruel irony."

Kiyoshi scanned the area. In the distance, the opening of a cave could be seen. "Thalasar," Kiyoshi said, his voice firm, "I want you and your men to stay outside. Guard the perimeter. If anything approaches, anything at all, sound the alarm." The elf nodded, and quickly moved to gather his men. They spread out, forming a circle around the glade, their bows at the ready.

"Captain Shale," Kiyoshi addressed the pirate captain, "I need you and your men to secure the entrance and the surrounding area. Take no chances. If you see any goblins, capture them. Alive, if possible."

The pirate captain nodded and gave a curt salute before leading his men to the cave entrance. With a nod, Kiyoshi and Captain Loran entered the cave. The air inside was cold and damp, and the sound of dripping water filled their ears. As their eyes adjusted to the darkness, they could see the outline of the tunnel leading deeper into the glade. Kiyoshi took a deep breath and began to walk, Captain Loran following close behind.