Arika: The legend of the lost jewel

chapter 16

As the night deepened, Ellen couldn't help but notice her sister's uneasiness. Eva shifted restlessly on the top bunk, sighing heavily. Ellen whispered, careful not to disturb the others. "What's wrong? You’ve seemed preoccupied lately. Is everything okay?"
Eva sat up, her expression conflicted. "It's just... ever since that day on the mountain, something's been bothering me. I saw a woman. She was beautiful, with long black hair, and she wore a red gemstone around her neck. “Ellen’s eyes widened slightly, though she didn’t seem surprised. "You saw her too, huh? That woman... that’s Midora, or at least what’s left of her. The red gemstone is the stone the king is after."
Eva’s voice was soft, laced with disbelief. "So that was Midora…"
"Yes," Ellen continued. "I’ve been seeing her since I was five. The old man told me that the reason we have these abilities is because part of Midora's energy was passed down to us. But we haven’t learned how to fully harness it yet."
Eva looked away, her voice tinged with doubt. "You seem to know how to use it. But me? I don’t know. I can’t do anything… at least, I haven’t figured out how."

Ellen smiled gently. "You’re just as capable as I am. Your abilities haven't fully awakened yet. What we did on the mountain? I transferred some of my energy to you, and you amplified it. That's why we were able to freeze the attackers. But don’t worry. As your sister, I’ll help you unlock your powers permanently. We’ll figure it out together."

Morning came swiftly, the rising sun painting the sky in soft hues of pink and gold. Kyle’s voice echoed across the ship. "We’re approaching land!" he shouted. Ellen and Eva hurried to the deck, followed by the excited villagers. As the ship neared the shore, everyone gazed in awe at the lush landscape ahead. It was a striking contrast to their previous home—vibrant green trees, rolling hills, and a shimmering waterfall that cascaded down into a crystal-clear pool.

Eva turned to address the villagers, her voice warm and reassuring. "Welcome to your new home. It’s not as big as our old village, but it’s more beautiful than anything we could have imagined."
The villagers murmured among themselves, admiring the untouched beauty of the land. Unlike their former home, this place had never seen snow. It was a paradise.
Ellen stepped forward, her tone more serious now. "Unfortunately, we cannot stay. The king is still pursuing us, and we must find the stone before they do. But rest assured, we will leave protection measures in place for you all."

As the ship anchored, people began to disembark. Young men carried food and equipment from the ship, ensuring the villagers would be well-provisioned. Meanwhile, Ellen, Eva, Kyle, Zayn, and Xavier prepared to set off again.
Their mother embraced them all, her voice filled with both pride and worry. "Please take care of yourselves, and be safe."
Kyle hugged his father tightly. "Look after our people, Father."

His father nodded, his eyes glistening with emotion as he embraced his children one last time. "I will. Be careful out there."
With farewells exchanged, the ship set off once more. The villagers waved from the shore, their faces a mix of hope and gratitude. As the ship sailed away, Ellen, Eva, and the others stood on deck, watching the land they had left behind grow smaller in the distance. They were headed toward an uncertain future, but together, they would face whatever lay ahead.

The royal ship glided smoothly across the water, its sails billowing as it approached the smaller vessel carrying the young lady. The prince, standing at the helm, squinted at the figure on the deck of the approaching ship. “Father, she’s here,” he called, turning to face his father, who was deep in thought, penning a note.

The king looked up, his expression sharp. “Good, let’s greet our guest.”
As the young woman’s ship docked alongside theirs, she gracefully stepped aboard, her dark hair catching the light of the morning sun. “Your Majesty,” she bowed respectfully.

The king regarded her with a measured gaze before offering a nod of approval. “Welcome aboard, madam.”
“Thank you for the honour,” she replied with a slight smile. Her demeanour was calm, though her eyes flickered with determination.
The prince stepped forward. “I  requested a shipment of weapons from Amina’s people,” he explained. “Her men are bringing them on board as we speak.”

The group moved toward the deck, where they could see a handful of men transferring crates from the smaller vessel to the royal ship. Once the crates were opened, the contents were revealed—bows and arrows, each quiver filled with sleek, finely crafted arrows.

“My father has suggested these,” the young lady said, gesturing toward the weapons. “The arrows are laced with a potent poison, one that acts quickly and leaves no trace. It will be more effective in battle.”

The king approached the crates, his eyes gleaming as he inspected the arrows. He lifted one delicately, examining the craftsmanship before nodding approvingly. “This is most excellent,” he said with a smirk. “With these, we will have the upper hand.”
Anima eyes glinted with ambition as she watched the king’s satisfaction.
The prince met her gaze briefly, a silent understanding passing between them.