Seeds of The Seven (Rubia)

36. Rose Marble Mine

The sun nears it dipping into the horizon as the youngsters and the Crimson Knight made their way along the dirt path from East Rose Farm to Rose Citadel. The air was filled with the scent of blooming red hued flowers and freshly tilled earth, a testament to the hardworking farmers of the region. Despite the tranquil surroundings, a palpable tension simmered among the group, centered on Markenzo.

Eliya, walking just behind Markenzo, seized the moment to interrogate him. "Markenzo, can you remember anything else about that night? Besides fighting the man in the shadowy robe?" Her voice was steady, but her eyes cold, piercing through his soul , and probing, searching for any sign of hidden truth.

Markenzo's face remained impassive. "I can't remember anything else," he replied coldly. "Just that encounter."

Eliya pressed on, unwilling to let the matter rest. "What about the plants and the things you were yelling to the farmers when you were... corrupted? Any of that coming back to you?"

Markenzo's jaw tightened, and he turned his gaze away. "No," he said flatly. "I can't remember."

"How come your in the East Rose Farm when Mt. Bunio is located at the North?" Eliya again asked.

Markenzo stopped, competing with her cold gaze, released a deep sigh and answered. "I travelled through the forests avoiding contact with the townsfolk of Rubia, until I met that MAN and until I was unconscious. Satisfied?!"

"Indeed." She replied sarcastically, flashing a sweet smile.

Mori is surprised to what Eliya is displaying towards Markenzo, again, she nerver saw this side of her, as if her confidence rocketed high. While Ser Bennington is hiding his smiles, she's the daughter of The Great Healer indeed, feisty if needed, sensing the futility of the interrogation but understanding Eliya's need for answers. The group continued in silence, the atmosphere heavy with unresolved questions.

Suddenly, a loud rumbling echoed through the air, followed by a thunderous boom that seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet. The sound came from the direction of the Rose Marble Mines, situated beside Rose Citadel and the western part of East Rose Farm.

Eliya's eyes widened in alarm. "What was that?"

"Sounded like an explosion," Mori replied, already picking up the pace. "Let's go!"

Fortunately, the mines were far enough from any village or noble estate that no civilians lived nearby-only the workers might be at risk. Still, the potential for injury or worse was all too real.

The group's conversation ceased as they broke into a run, heading straight for the source of the noise. The path took them over rolling hills and through a small grove of trees, the towering form of Rose Citadel growing larger with each step.

As they approached the mines, a cloud of dust and debris billowed into the sky, and the sound of frantic voices grew louder. Workers were scrambling, some helping the injured, others trying to assess the damage. The sight was chaotic but focused, the workers' determination evident despite the disaster.

The group joined the effort, their immediate goal clear: to aid the workers and understand the cause of the explosion. In the midst of the turmoil, Eliya couldn't help but wonder if the answers they sought were somehow connected to the chaos now unfolding before them.

Without any hesitation, Markenzo and Ser Bennington quicly plunged into the mine's entrance. The flickering light from their torches barely illuminated the chaos inside. Miners, covered in grime and fear, stumbled toward them.

"Grab as many as you can!" Ser Bennington yelled over the din, his voice strong and commanding.

Markenzo nodded, his muscles straining as he lifted a collapsed miner over his shoulder. Together, they worked swiftly, dragging the miners out of the treacherous depths and placing them a safe distance from the mouth of the cave.