The Legacy of the Alliance

Chapter 32

As the group rushed through the door, they desperately searched for anywhere that could even hint at where they were. Theo had become fully conscious but was still unable to walk on his own, so he remained on Zeke's back.

"We're in mage territory. I don't know where, but that I know for sure." Theo turned to Atlan.

"How do you know?" Celeste looked around for any sign of their location.

"Look at the trees. I've heard these types are only found on the mage island."

"He's right," Val spoke up. "My dad used to teach me about some of the different territories. Mentioned something about the mages' magic affecting the plants."

"Your father's a smart man," Theo smiled at the shorter woman.

'Was' the researcher thought. Ever since she had told the group about her gills, she hadn't thought about her dad. It was most likely that he died in the fire anyway. Val only survived because of Atlan.

"Alright, team! We should get going before those two wake up." Atlan pointed a thumb behind him - causing the group to actually get a look at where they had just escaped from.

A massive, metal fortress with multiple floors towered above them. Bars were covering what little windows could be seen and a small keypad was next to the door they had just walked out of.

"Looks like it can only be opened without a passcode from the inside..." Val muttered under her breathe.

"Let's quit staring and get out of here. I don't know how many guards are in there and I don't want to know." Zeke began walking away from the prison and the others followed without any hesitation.

Atlan wandered over to Lyra. "Do you want to talk?"

"About what?" the ginger shrugged.

"You know that 'play dumb' thing doesn't work on me..."

Lyra sighed.

"Fine. What do you want to talk about?" The woman's demeanour wasn't usually this cold towards her friends. They mostly saw her as the type to crack a joke when everyone needs it or even when they don't - energetic at any moment. 

"Lyra... We haven't talked about your parents in years until we were in there. Remember? I said you had it rough before us?"

"Yeah, I remember. But why do you want to talk about it. I've been with you since I was 14 - I thought it didn't matter anymore." She looked down; trying to avoid having to speak any longer.

"It doesn't matter how long ago it happened. What does matter is that you have never once opened up to anyone about it."

She looked up. "What about you-"

"Properly,"

Before Lyra could respond, Celeste called them to the front of the group.

"We've seen a port just past the forest. It's a trading route to demon territory - should keep us safe for a while."

"Congrats, Theo. First boat trip with the gang." Zeke set Theo on his feet after he muttered that he was feeling better.

"Why didn't I get a congratulations?" Val nudged him.

Zeke rolled his eyes, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Your Majesty. Next time I'll take a break from running from angry centaurs and wait for you to get back on the boat so that I can give you a proper welcome to the water."

"Really? Welcome me to the water?" she teased.

"Shut up. Lets get moving."